5 comments about How to Build a Cheap Chopper.

1. This book describes the technicalities of a chopper bike in laymen's terms such as angles, engines, etc. The difference between buying frames and making up your own frames, and what is good and bad as a rule of thumb. Book is great if you just want to know about choppers or actually thinking of building your own from parts or from scratch. I now understand what questions to ask about kit parts and handling/power considerations.



2. This book is great it has lots for full color photos on 5 builds. One thing that I didnt like is the fact that it is more of a basic how to do a basic chop. Dont think that you will get this book and have a $5000.00 chopper in a week. The guys in the book are all pros and get hooked up alot easier than I could ever do. I cant go in the shop and bang out a tank for the cost of the sheet metal. But it gives you a general idea of where to start. IF you have never done a project like this and just want to know where to get started, its is worth the money.



3. This book is filled with some good ideas, but rather limited on the space allowed (the flaw with all books). I would have liked to see a little more depth on the metrics with a little less of the kit bike ads, but section on the 'Redneck' choppers was worth the price. I was disappointed with the photos of the finished products (especially the metrics) but overall a good book for ideas.



4. Very good book, so much so I plan to use the advice to build a bike similar to one in the book.
   A good alternative to spending large sums on other types of bikes.



5. Not the best book on the subject. Lots of nice photos though.

5 comments about The Longest Ride: My Ten-Year 500,000 Mile Motorcycle Journey.

1. very nice expept the last 50 pages from there its as he was trying to just finish it.



2. The book starts off in tremedous detail and gives an insight into how someone unprepared for the journey ahead can meet and conquer unforeseen obstacles both figuratively and physically. As with other road trip books, as it nears the end, large chunks of the trip are missing as the book races towards completion. I felt very dissappointed at the end of the book to have missed so much of the journey compared to the start.



3. This book started off really well with lots of interesting narrative and great pictures. Although it was obviously written in spanish and translated to English, the strange wordings add to the fun of the book.
   
   But as time goes on, he writes less and less and relies on pictures to tell the story - whole countries pass with barely more than "then I went to...". By the time he gets married, there is almost no narrative at all, so it seems that he lost interest in the book and had a publisher's deadline to meet.
   
   The first half of the book is 5 star, the last half 1-2 star, so I give it a 3 star rating overall.



4. This book is an absolute must read for any serious motorcycle adventure rider. It is a testament to one man's courage and determination to follow your dream whatever it may be.



5. Words can not give this book justice. I bought it to read about a ride and I was given an in-depth geography and political lesson. This is a fun book but with tremendous insight and humor. One of the few books about motorcycle travel I could not put down. It is real and revealing not only about the man but the peoples and human nature of the world. If you can't take a trip like this, this is one book you can read and almost experience the ride yourself. I plan to buy two more, one for friends to read and one for my college Library. This book will always be on my personal bookshelf, Thank you Emilio Scotto.

5 comments about Motorcycle Basics Techbook (Haynes Manuals)(2nd Edition).

1. This book is not and does not try to be a shop manual. What it is, is a well-done primer on the theory behind the various systems in a motorcycle. The chapter on engines was fascinating to me. It explains, in rough historical/chronological order, the development of various engine designs, and how each was a reponse to weaknesses in previous designs and how each one introduced it own problems (while at the same time older designs were tweaked in various ways to minimize problems). The design variations include number of cyllinders, number of crankshafts, orientation of cyllinders with respect to each other, orientation of the crankshaft with respect to the motorcycle, ratio of bore diameter to stroke length, various arrangements of valve trains, etc. Two stroke engines are also covered. Illustrations are extensive, but tend to be pulled from other books or from manufacturers manuals, so sometimes include unnecessary detail, especially in the carburation chapter (which was very complex and a little over my head). Some chapters (e.g., exhaust systems) were not as detailed as the engine chapter and were slightly disappointing.

   I followed this book up with Keith Cameron's Sportbike Performance Hankbook, which explains some systems in more detail. Cameron's book is ostensibly a book for souping up your motorcycle, but in the end managed to convince me that I want to keep my bike stock unless I don't plan to use it on the street: the manufacturers generally know what they are doing.

   One caveat about Motorcycle Basics Manual: the book was authored in England and uses U.K. terminology. A glossary at the end gives U.S. equivalents, but a few things are left out.




2. 
   
   I'm a young(ish) woman who is absolutely new to the world of motorcycles. I bought this book from Amazon after reading through the posted reviews, and am pleased to say that it was an excellent purchase.
   
   
   I really don't have anything to compare this book to, but I can say that it has been a wonderful introduction to the nuts and bolts of motorcycles. I never really understood what constituted an engine before picking up this book, but now I can talk intelligently on many mechanical matters with my grease-monkey mates. It's also a great reference when you're struck by a killer question about the intricacies of gear shifting, or whatever.
   
   
   The book's only drawback, from my point of view, is that the text is rather dense, which makes it slightly daunting to sit down with. All in all though, my thanks and congratulations go out to the author.



3. Aside from the occasional spelling differences (tyre instead of tire, etc.) this serves as the perfect introduction to the inner workings of your bike. It's not too complicated, nor does it treat its readers as idiots; rather it's a great blend of information and photos that allow you to learn the core ideas behind the metal and plastic. What I really liked was the build up of old to new styles of all the various systems it covers. As the title plainly states this is a basics book, and it won't get you to the point of being a mechanic, but after reading this you should be able to begin a study of motorcycle repair without a problem. This is money worth spending if you aren't already educated about engine systems.



4. I found this book an extremely interesting read and a great introduction to the basics of motorcycles. A must read for motorcycle enthusiasts looking to get a grip of the basics!



5. For Begineers who want to understand the basiscs of their machine..
   
   I found it very easy to follow in the most part, not to use on a certain bike, but with a bike manual it will be great help.
   
   It covers a wide variety, but I sensed speceific hostility to my baby (Harley Davidson), but oh well, Loved by few, respected by many :).

1 comments about Bike, Scooter, and Chopper Projects for the Evil Genius.

1. I purchased this book and also the Bicycle Builder's Bonanza by the same author because I wanted ideas on how to build my own recumbent bike or trike. The plans and details are awesome, and Brad often explains why certain design decisions were made. I think the best thing about the book is that it inspires me to go out and build something. My mind is already cranking on how to modify the designs presented in the book. Now, my only problem is deciding between the Delta Wolf and the Street Fox!

5 comments about One Percenter: The Legend of the Outlaw Biker.

1. 
   This book was a very in general book, no real insight
   
   into what makes a brotherhood of one percenters tic. more
   
   like a history lesson about motorcycling in general.



2. This is a great book that explains the history of the 1%ers, and give a great insight on the culture.



3. I started to read this book then put it down. Having read most books based around and written by noted authors about the 1% lifestyle, and from both sides of the fence (one of the best being "Freedom, Credos from the Road" - Sonny Barger) and goings on within it for the past 60 years maybe I have been 1%ed out as far as books are concerned.
   
   No way, you really do need to read this book and then take a view on how the next 60 years will turn out. if you also read "Freedom" from an outsiders point of view and then taking both books into consideration you should form a view. The ending came as a bit of a shock really, making the reader sit up and take notice of what is around him/her and what may lay ahead in the future. Altogether a great read and well recommended. Thanks Dave and see you on the right side I hope!!



4. Whether you're a tatted-up hippy killer or a suburban weekend doofus, you will enjoy Dave Nichols' history of life under the one percenter patch.
   Dave actually takes us back, way back, to a time before motorcycles even, (is there really such a time?) to find the seeds of Our Thing sprouting all through history. All along there have been guys that found themselves outside normal society and the law, gnarly bros like Huns, Mongols, Vikings, mercenary knights, cowboys, gunslingers and pirates who lived a hard life, lived by their own rules, carved out with sweat, gristle and violence.
   Then, of course, you get the whole history of bikerdom from the wild ride of the guys that came back from World War II itching for action--booze and broads--to the truth behind the Hollister "riot" and the explosion of the outlaw biker lifestyle around the globe, with an inside peek inside some of the baddest clubs around, and the lowdown on rules and codes behind their rise to worldwide stature. With all the snitch books currently festering on the shelves out there, it's refreshing to read something that tells it like it really is. The book is illustrated throughout with the outstanding biker lifestyle photography of lensman Kim Peterson of In The Wind magazine. They say reading is good for you. There is so much cool bathroom reading here that your butt will get encrusted with dried dingleberries that your ol' lady will have to remove with a kitchen spatula and a Dremel tool.



5. One Percenter - The Legend Of The Outlaw Biker
   By Dave Nichols
   
   I have just finished reading the book One Percenter - the Legend of the Outlaw Biker - by Dave Nichols
   I will start off by saying it is not what I expected but that is "My Bad" because I did not pay attention to the Legend part of the title.
   Having ridden for over 56 years, been the president of a large motorcycle club and even a one percenter for a period of time there is not much I haven't been involved in concerning motorcycles. That is why I can say the following.
   The author did a real good job of informing the reader of the history that lead up to the Biker Lifestyle as we know it today.
   I DID ENJOY THE BOOK! It is informative and factual.
   If you are a long time rider you will enjoy rememberances referred to in the book.
   If you are a new motorcyclist or just interested in motorcycling the book is something you should Definitely Read.
   The more you know about the lifestyle will help you fit in and enjoy it.

5 comments about Guidebook to Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.

1. Very profound. Not many books make you think like "Zen ..." does. Heightens the pleasure of reading by adding the dimension of thought to it. 'Phaedrus' leaps off the pages of the book to stay with you for the rest of your life...and perhaps beyond too. Keeps up to its own high quality values. If you liked "Zen ..." I would recommend "LILA" by Robert Pirsig which is another masterpiece.



2. Additional background material, both philosophical and historical, really illuminates the original Pirsig book. The bonus is sometimes startling insights, and new questions (often unanswered for the reader to work out). Think of it as an informal but well-written textbook by teachers who care both about the material and the student. It lures the reader into further self-study in epistemology, metaphysics, aesthetics, and ethics. Contains valuable passages that were edited out of the original Pirsig book.



3. For fans of ZMM, this is an incredible book that summarizes various aspects of the ZMM book. First and foremost, it gives you the necessary background on philosophy to get a better understanding of where the Pirsig is coming from.

   Secondly, it is great studying material for those of us who're interested in getting deeper into the issues that Pirsig gets to in the ZMM. Particularly, I liked the section in this book that relates Quality with Taoist principles.

   A must have!

   It can be read without reading ZMM, BTW.




4. For fans of ZMM, this is an incredible book that summarizes various aspects of the ZMM book. First and foremost, it gives you the necessary background on philosophy to get a better understanding of where the Pirsig is coming from.

   Secondly, it is great studying material for those of us who're interested in getting deeper into the issues that Pirsig gets to in the ZMM. Particularly, I liked the section in this book that relates Quality with Taoist principles.

   A must have!

   It can be read without reading ZMM, BTW.




5. The inclusion of edited material from ZAMM was welcome. I found I was distracted when I was actually reading ZAMM andreferencing the guidebook. My suggestion - read ZAMM completely then refer to the guidebook to explore a section more deeply. The reviews of ZAMM were of passing interest, from the early reviews published after the book's release to later ones and their criticism.
   I'm not a deeply devout person of any given persuasion, so the religious comparisons and references were of lesser importance. I think they would be helpful if one were looking to delve deeper into Buddhism or other philosophy. This Guidebook DID ADD to my overall understanding and enjoyment of ZAMM.

4 comments about Clymer Honda Twinstar, Rebel 250 & Nighthawk 250: 1978-2003 (Clymer Motorcycle Repair) (Clymer Motorcycle Repair).

1. Having a slightly flakey Honda Rebel it became very important to me to be able to find my way around the bike. This manual is extremely informative and extremely accurate. It does detail just about everything you need to know.

   However for a relative neophyte such as myself it has some significant deficiencies:
   1) The photographs are black and white and quite low contrast, you cannot always quite see what they are pointing at and thus finding it on the bike is tough
   2) I think these manuals are designed for a motorcycle repair shop, they often assume too much. 'Quickly check the compression before reseting the timing' is not detailed enough for someone that is proud he found the ignition switch ...
   3) They were only half updated for the newer model. The 199x model rebels are different to the older ones but all the differences are contained in a seperate chapter

   As I say, I don't think there is anything any better ... but this manual will be a little intimidating for a newbie ...




2. Top quality routine maintenance and repair manual. The pictures with the text and the step by step format is a home mechanic's "right hand" tech manual.
   
   This is just one of many Clymer manuals I've had over many years. Always top shelf material.



3. I ordered this book to help trouble shoot starting problems I was having with the bike. It gave me very precise instructions, and easy to follow illustrations.
   
   I was able to find and fix the problem in no time. I recommend it if you have this bike.
   
   Shima.



4. Great packaging, fast shipping, and really was brand new with the correct item sent! Would buy from again!

5 comments about How to Restore and Maintain Your Vespa Motorscooter (Motorbooks Workshop) (Motorbooks Workshop).

1. Great little book with lots of great info: from the history of Vespa scooters to tips about choosing the right model to (of course) information about restoring and maintaining the scooter, the book has it all!
   
   Pictures are all in b&w and the look is a little old-fashioned, but I don't think that is necessarily a big problem.
   
   If you really have to own ONE book about Vespa scooters, this should be it!



2. I have the Hanes manual which is good, but it slightly intimidating if you know nothing about engines or are not mechanically inclined. This book is more friendly and actually gives me hope that I can learn and work on my own Vespa. If you or not a grease monkey by trade, this is a good book for a weekend grease monkey. And I'm not throwing poo, this book is for real.



3. How to Restore and Maintain Your Vespa Motorscooter (Motorbooks Workshop) (Motorbooks Workshop)
   
   written mainly for american market but very informative and detailed,it should be noted that some models such as the T5 were not imported into the USA and are therefore not covered otherwise lots of tips and guides on restoration



4. Although unless you actually own a Vespa, or really like to learn all you can about them, you may find it a little boring.



5. This book was obviously written to teach the novice Vespa enthusiast the nitty-gritty details of scooter repair and restoration, through the eyes of someone who mastered the art! Bob Darnell's take on both simple and complicated tasks gives any reader invaluable insight into how to do it right! I would recommend this to anyone.

5 comments about Long Way Round: Chasing Shadows Across the World.

1. This book is about a fully planned, fully prepped, fully sponsored long-distance bike trip with a movie star in tow. It is not like `Jupiter's Travels' or `One-Man Caravan', two excellent books about solo motorcycle travel...
   
   I starting reading this book, hoping that by the end, Ewan and I would be 'friends' via his words and I would identify with his journey, as I am a solo motorcylist myself, having done a lot of long-distance touring. I found that his trip relates to me on virtually no levels.
   
   Ewan and crew have local fixer, chase vehicles, and assistance every step of the way. There's no sense of danger or adventure. It's all a money making vehicle for them. All of the risk and spontaneity has been removed from their trip.
   
   In the book, Ewan basically pees himself everytime he sees someone with a gun, as guns offend his narrow English sensibility. There's a lot of whispering and then they decide they need to leave there right away, as peril is imminent! Doesn't he realize in the real world, outside of the U.K., people use guns on a daily basis both as tools AND to defend themselves and their families.
   
   And he does take basically any chance he can to speak down about America and what this country is about. He dedicates hundreds of pages to the rest of the world, but just a few about his 3,000 miles across the U.S. If you take Route 66 across the U.S., you can see things and meet people that would allow you to fill a 1,000 pages. He just dismisses the whole country as one big strip mall.
   
   In short, this book is about a spoiled movie star, on a fully-prepped trip, basically riding a motorcycle with no sense of adventure or spontaneity. This book is for Ewan McGregor fans, not motorcyclists.
   
   No offense to Ewan or Charley Boorman here, just giving my opinion.



2. adventure travel to expctic places has always facinated me. This book is a diary written by two men wh took an adventure tour. The descriptions of the landscape and the people they meet are intriguing. The expression of the feelings they experienced gives some idea of what it might be like to take on such an adventure. I highly reccommend this book it is entertaining and facinating.



3. One of the great things about the best travel writing is that it not only makes you want to travel, you actually want to be there with the author.
   
   Not only did I not want to travel after this book, I have decided to avoid Ewan and Charley and give most of Asia a wide berth. They are miserable characters and you actually wish something bad would happen to them.



4. This was an amazing book. Both men tell compelling stories and convey their sense of wonder about what they see and hear.



5. I only watched one episode of the TV series as it was yet another "adventure TV" with full supporting cast. Spotted the book in local library so decided to give it a go, BIG MISTAKE. Why oh why are not books clasified for content as are movies? Where do these two apparently well educated authers get off with their constant use of four letter expletives? They will no doubt say it is a reflection of the real world, I find it insulting and uncalled for. I gave up half way through what was in fact a good read as I could not put up with the filth that they presumably believe to be clever.
   
   Roger
   Spokane, Washington

5 comments about 100 Years of Harley Davidson.

1. My son has been a "biking enthusiast" and rider for years. He is currently rebuilding an old Harley w/restored parts. I'm scared of cycles and just stay away from them, but I even have to admit that this bike is beautiful !! He had a heart atack a few months ago and I ordered the 100 Years of Harley Davidson because I knew he would enjoy it while recouperating. He DEFINITELY did !! He's back at work -- but says he is still picking it up and re-reading or just flipping through it. It is such a nice book !! If you have a "biker" in your life or you are one yourself, either give it for a gift or enjoy it yourself !!



2. This book is very informative for the avid Harley lover!! This book would help you make an informative decision on which bike fits your lifestyle!! It is a great book to just pick up and flip thru the pages over and over again!!
   
   Billy Wannyn



3. Perhaps Harley is going to publish an after-market book to correct all of the flaws in this book. Probably in chrome. I originally bought the book hoping to do some resarch on historic color schemes for a new bike, and in that quest I found the book to be quite valuable. Beyond that I found it to be curious that the book was a square format and all of Harley's bike are a horizontal format, so that every beauty shot of the bikes is printed across a gutter. You never get to see a bike in full. It's maddening. That being said, the history of the company and the culture is wonderful and inspiring. The shots from the archives are very well done and the tone of voice is very engaging. I just wanted to see the bikes. It's just like Harley's seats, good looking but kind of uncomfortable.



4. This was a gift for my Harley riding son-in-law to be. He loved it and made points as mother-in-law of the year!



5. I bought this for my dad for his birthday, the cover is leather bound and the pictures and stories within are in full color and very interesting! This gift is sure to be appreciated by any fan of the Harley legacy, be they simple enthusiasts or hardcore gear heads, they're sure to get something out of it.
   
   My dad loved it, and he's really hard to buy for, recommend highly!