5 comments about Ultimate V-Twin Motorcycle Chassis: Forks, Shocks, Brakes, Wheels and Tires.

1. I have been contemplating building my dream bike and picked up this book to learn more on about the chassis of a bike. This book provides some good basic information, namely the different manufacturers. However, I think it could have went into more detail on things like the geometry of the frame or effects of swing arm length. In alot of instances, instead of going into detail the writer points you towards your local shop for info. There were plenty of pictures but overall not much text. It felt like a lot of the pictures where there just to make the book longer.



2. THEAIR were some good info like what rake and strech was and diffrent metals other then that it was a no-brainer with about as much excitment as picking the lint out of your belly button



3. I have read this book only once time, it tooks me about 1 hour, It is very basic, have not any important info, else that you can get from a free catalog



4. Pretty pictures, but in all a very shallow book about the basics of creating a bike by bolting together purchased componenents. Just one page devoted to discussing trail, and only a vague sentence or two on how it effects handling. Then, a complete chapter on how a pro shop fabricates a frame. Interesting, but anyone with the ability to actually make a frame won't be impressed by the knowledge presented, and anyone without the ability will be no closer to it by reading. The book seems thrown together; too much info here, not nearly enough there.



5. If you are like me, and have never built a chopper, only riden rice burners, it has good information. Perhaps, I could have gotten all of this knowledge from the internet, but I wanted a place to start. That's what this book is, a start. You could probably sum the book up in 20 pages and saved some trees, but the book in whole was worth the 13 or so dollars I spent on it.

4 comments about Haynes Maintenance and Repair Manual for BMW R850 & 1100 4-Valve Twins, 1993-1997.

1. Let me start by saying that I've got a 1999 R1100RT and this manual is applicable to my bike as well. I'm not the most mechanically-minded bike owner out there, but this book has great pictures and descriptions that have helped me ease my fears and tackle a few basic tasks (so far). Individual operations are rated on a 1 - 5 scale of difficulty, and tool requirements are clearly spelled out. I regularly check several BMW-related web sites, and they strongly recommend this book also (which is how I found it).

   Given that the BMW Shop Manual is over $100, I figured that I'd try this one first. Now that I've received and read it, I see no need to spend the extra $$$ - this manual covers all the stuff I'm likely to attempt on my bike (and a lot more).




2. No manual can be all things to all home mechanics, but the Haynes manual comes close. A five-scale degree-of-difficulty rating for every task tells the reader if their reach is greater than their grasp. So even if your not going to install new pistons, or just change the engine oil, the Haynes book makes great reading for the rider who wants to understand more about that shiny new Beemer in their driveway. For whatever tasks you choose, read thoroughly before opening your toolbox. To do something as straighforward as changing front brake pads requires reading sections from two different chapters, plus a listing of torque settings at yet another page. It saves ink and paper, but not your time.



3. This book is a must have for BMW boxer owner, even if you don't plan on doing a lot of maintenance on yourself. It goes into complete tear-down and rebuild (God forbid I would attempt such a thing on my own!) so you can look through what your local dealer will be doing to your machine and you don't: 1. look like a dork when they talk to you about some maintenance procedures 2. get embezzeled by one of those crook-type mechanics.

   Don't get me wrong - there is some stuff even the most unexperienced mechanic can take care of in this book. It covers the steps of all recommended maintenance schedules and a lot of these steps anybody can do. But it goes into much more detail also.




4. No a very good choice. The book is clutered with many differnt models. Hard to find anything. Would not recommend it.

3 comments about Mario Andretti: A Driving Passion.

1. Mario Andretti was the best race car driver of 20th century - bar none! Gordon Kirby is one of the best auto racing authors. When you get Gordon Kirby writing about Mario Andretti, you get an excellent book. The photographs in this book are "awesome!!!". Your money will not be wasted when you buy this book.



2. A totally comprehensive account of Mario Andretti's racing career and the machinery that took him to the top of world-wide motorsport. Completely unvarnished and truthful about the ups and downs of a racing driver's life, this is a must-have book for the boomer-generation racing fan.



3. This book is awesome in every way. The text is entertaining and informative. The photos are first rate, as well as abundant. This is my favorite book! Mario Andretti is the man, and this book gives a clear and very close-up look at his life and career.

No comments about Honda XL-XR 80, 100, 125, 185 and 200 Owners Workshop Manual, No. M566: 1978-1987 (Owners Workshop Manual).

2 comments about Suzuki Gs 750 [1976-1979] and Gs 550 [1977-1982] Owners Workshop Manual.

1. I received my copy of the copy of the GS 750 and GS 550 Owners Workshop Manual 1976 -1982. The book does not contain any information on GS 750 models later than 1979, (16 valve TSCC engines) as the book title would indicate. However the book contains many good illustrations and technical information in general. The illustrations on CV carburator repair and adjustment are very good. The book could use some updates and some better troubleshooting tips,but don't hold your breath.



2. I'm the original owner of an '82 GS750E. I've always had a copy of this in my shop. Step by step instructions on nearly every possible procedure. Extremely useful.

3 comments about BMW Motorcycles: The Evolution of Excellence.

1. That and many other historical events mentioned by the author make this book interesting. I like the format, the pictures and the style.Unfortunately the book is not up to speed when it comes to the latest ( not even 06 models ) products of the BMW motorcycle line.
   However, it makes a beautiful gift.



2. This book waxes enthusiastically about how wonderful BMW's quality was/is. I bought this book expecting a focus on BMW's specific innovations and their development. Instead, it just gushed about the company being the epitome of quality on every other page with virtually no reference to innovations, designs, standards, etc. Although I agree that BMW's quality was once very good, I don't feel that they've continued to maintain high standards. Now, it's easier for them to charge a premium simply to maintain the "illusion of quality."



3. Other than that, it reads like a BMW brochure; the pictures are really cool, however. The text gushes enthusiastic about how great BMW is. It's a good read about a historical overview of the company. A good coffee table book for motorcycle lovers.

3 comments about Monks and Motorcycles: From Laos to London by the Seat of my Pants 1956-1958.

1. This book captivates a sense of adventure and transformation from the `every day' life into the enchantment of what can be. Each chapter fits as almost complete stories, which allows the power of events to happen at a timely pace. Normally, I read several hundred pages, for this type of genre, in a few hours. Monk's and Motorcycles is the sort of book that lends itself to reading a chapter at time. The author's ideas leave `food for thought.' This book reflects a sincere person who's able to convey how his life is today as it stands, partly, on the `shoulders of the lessons learned in the time that this story takes place.



2. When I finished reading Franklin Huffman's travelogue--with a whole section of interesting pictures, albeit a bit faded and just black-and-white--the first thought that came to my mind was: It is hard these days to conceive of a young American traveling as freely through the world, particularly in Asia, as this author (also well-known linguist and accomplished diplomat) did in the fifties. All the more reason to do it vicariously, by reading it, chapter by chapter, one more interestig than the other, and enjoying funny happenings, cross-cultural misunderstandings, lessons in ethnolinguistics, and lots of geography--the last maybe more needed now than ever. The style is direct and highly accessible; the lessons are far-ranging and memorable. For the impatient reader: Each chapter can be read separately, like a short-story taking place in a different place.



3. Monks and Motorcycles is unlike any other book I've read, before or since. A fascinating account of an unforgettable adventure across Southeast Asia and beyond, Monks and Motorcycles challenges readers to think that breath taking experiences the world over are just a motor cycle ride away. Masterfully written and powerfully affecting, Monks and Motorcycles is a gift to dreamers and travelers alike! Don't let it pass you by.

1 comments about Clymer Yamaha Raptor 660r 2001-2005 (Clymer Motorcycle Repair, Vendor Id M280-2) (Clymer Motorcycle Repair, Vendor Id M280-2).

1. We used this book to replace the pads on the brakes. It looked real plain spoken and informative until we used the book.
   
   It did not tell us that the parking brake had to be removed from the back brake caliper assembly! We figured that out on our own by many phone calls to the dealer service techs.
   
   Most of the book is an easy read and should help in your repair or maintence projects. Better having this book than running to the dealer every day.

1 comments about Riding South: Motorcycling in Mexico, Central America and South America.

1. Great book if you want to go to South America by motorcycle. The author shares his preparation and findings. It is a few years old but still seems useful. It is not a novel but a good adventure guide.

1 comments about Ice Cream Man From Hell Biography You're Next.

1. Mr. Trotta gave an excellent glimpse into his life. It was revealing in that he overcame many obstacles seldomly experienced by others. His story I believe gives hope to others striving to live life on their own terms. I want to thank him for his candor and wish him the best of success in the future. I have had the opportunity to met his wife and him in person. They are very unique people and the biography does them justice.