2 comments about Faces of Korea: The Foreign Experience in the Land of the Morning Calm.

1. The wealth of diversity in Faces of Korea is second to none. The author has well-researched and documented the experiences of foreigners living in Korea. From men and women to young adults and elder citizens, from migrant laborers and corporate professionals to teachers and writers, the interesting diversity in this book adds to its authentic credibility.



2. This is a collection of accounts of a number of people who live, or had lived, in South Korea. The occupations of the people whose stories are relayed in this volume are varied, and range from those working as office workers, those who are students or who are serving in the US military, and of course those working as the obligatory ESL teacher. The nationalities are as diverse as the occupations - as well as people of Korean descent, there are also Americans, Japanese, Filipinos, and New Zealanders, all of whom have interesting stories to tell about various aspects of their lives in Korea.
   
   The book is split into 6 main sections, each dealing with a particular general aspect of life in Korea. One section is about working in Korea, another discusses social relations in Korea. People of Korean descent share their experiences in one section, and students in Korea get another section. A particularly interesting section is dedicated to those people who have formally made Korea their home, including one white US male who renounced his American citizenship to become a Korea. The final section, which I suspect will be the cause of most people's interest in this book is teaching in Korea. This is hardly surprising since ESL teaching is a relatively high profile and popular occupation for many young foreigners in Korea.
   
   All but one of the contributors to the teaching section have taught in Hagwons, the most common employer of ESL teachers in Korea. The sole exception was the contributor who had only taught as an university instructor, although a number of the Hagwon teachers also went on to teach at a university - again hardly surprising, since it is quite a popular gig, usually teaching 15 hours or so a week, for nearly twice the pay of a Hagwon teacher. This section will be of most use to those readers who plan on teaching in Korea, as a number of the contributors discuss the common pitfalls for a novice in this field, and tips to help get by. This isn't to say the other sections aren't of interest. Many of the contributors give interesting insights into life, love, work and play in the Land of the Morning Calm. Recommended reading for those wanting insights into life in modern Korea, as well as those considering teaching in Korea.
   

3 comments about Encyclopedia of the Motorcycle.

1. This is an excellent reference for someone who wants to know about any brand of motorcycle. There's something in there on all of them!

   I like everything about the book. The photography is great and there's some really good background information, too. My criticism of the book lies in the selection of the particular bikes that have any meaningful coverage devoted to them. Certain marques are overly represented where others are ignored or get very light coverage. Too many Ducatis, for example, and not enough early Kawasakis. Too many Ariels and not enough bikes from companies like Benelli, a company that sold zillions of lightweights. The other thing is the specific bikes chosen to represent certain companies. I would like to have seen a little more thought given to those that were the most significant models.

   That's my only real criticism. The authors' interests were reflected in this book.

   But again, in summary, it's the most complete work of its type I have ever seen, and I have spent many hours enjoying it. It's also nice to have whenever anyone talks about a particular bike-- you can look it up in the book and in many cases, find a picture.




2. This book is an unbeatable resource for tracing the history of motorcycle and scooter brands and models. Over 1000 are photographically illustrated with notes, and a directory covers every known motorcycle brand and model, listed alphabetically under country of origin. Whether your interest is in classic models, racing motorcycles, or stylish new machines, you will find them all here.

   "Before the automobile there was the motorcycle. And even after . . . the motorcycle put the world on wheels." Automobiles were made for the rich until Henry Ford came along. For everyone else, the motorcycle was the thing.

   The first part of the book features wonderful photographs (always a side view, and sometimes front and back as well; for racing machines there are usually racing views; and mechanical views where innovations occur) along with brief descriptions of the manufacturer and model. Here are some of the motorcycles featured: Adler MB200; AJS Model D; Aprilia RSV 250; Ardie TM500; Ariel Square-Four; Armstrong MT 500; Ascott-Pullin 500cc; and Autoped (a motorized child's scooter) -- and those are just in the A's.

   Motorcycles with two pages of coverage include the Bimota TESI 1D; BMW R32; Harley-Davidson JD28; Henderson; Hilderbrand & Wolfmuller; Honda CB750; Indian Scout; Kawasaki ZZ-R 1100; Norton Manx; and Triumph Speed Twin.

   My favorite profile was of a reconstruction of the original Daimer Einspur, the first motorcycle.

   Other motorcycles that received one page of coverage included: ABC, Ace, Adler MB200, Ariel Square-Four, BMW Rennsport, BMW R1100GS, Brough Superior Dream, BSA Bantam, BSA Gold Star DBD34, Buell S2-Thunderbolt, DKW SS250, Excelsior Auto-Cycle Model K, Honda 50 Super Cub, Indian Single, Kawasaki Z1, Laverda Jota, Megola Racing Model, MV Agusta 350 GP, MZ RE125, Ner-a-Car Model C, NSU Kompressor, Pope, Rokon Trail-Breaker, Scott 3 3/4, Sunbeam Model 90, Suzuki GT 750, Triumph 3TA, Vespa 150, Vincent-HRD Series C Black Shadow, and Werner.

   Just to show you the kind of detail available to you, let me share the one-quarter page listing for the Zundapp GS125. This machine had a capacity of 124cc, and power output of 18bhp@7,900 rpm. It weighed 100 kg, and the estimated top speed was 65 mph. "The letters GS stand for Gelande Sport -- Gelande meaning 'terrains.'" This bike was a favorite in Enduro-type events in the U.S. in the 1970s. This machine had good off-road capabilities with fair speed when necessary, in a form that was legal for on the road as well. Enhanced versions of the 1972 bike photographed "won the world 125cc Motocross Championship in 1973 and 1974." The photograph notes that the Zundapp engine was also sold to other manufacturers, and points out the high-level exhaust system and the head lights.

   The directory is a real treasure trove of information. Did you know that Bulgaria, Ireland, Israel, Romania, South Africa, and South Korea have each had one motorcycle brand?

   Here is a listing for an early U.K. bike: "Silva 1919-20 Early scooter with front-wheel drive provided by a 118 cc atmospheric-inlet-valve Wall Auto Wheel." Also, if a designer left one manufacturer for another, that is noted. So you can see the development of one person's work, as well as that of a firm.

   Clearly, a limitation of any work like this one is the availability of models to photograph. Mr. Wilson was fortunate to have the assistance of The Motorcycle Heritage Museum in Westerville, Ohio for this purpose. But you may be disappointed because your favorite model is not here. That is an unavoidable weakness. You don't see all the old automobile models when you visit the Henry Ford Museum in Greenfield Village either.

   I am very impressed with what has been accomplished in this book. It is hard to imagine doing more in a volume of this size, and at this price level. I encourage you to give the book to your friends who love motorcycles.

   After you have finished enjoying the book for the first of many times, I suggest that you review the development of motorcycles. Has your own riding taken advantage of all of those advances? Perhaps you need more than one motorcycle so you can engage in a fuller range of activities. Here's a good place to start thinking about what your next motorcycle will be.

   If you love Harley-Davidsons, I also recommend Mr. Wilson's outstanding book, The Ultimate Harley-Davidson.

   Enjoy the freedom of the open road!




3. The photos and content is very good but in several instances the most relevant models are not mentioned or illustrated. i.e. Matchless G50,M.V. Agusta 750s. Ducati 750SS roundcase. It seems that the authors preferences, easy of access to a machine (for photos) or conveniences are sometimes sacrificed for the important item. In general it is a very good general info book. Shows some really strange machines.

2 comments about Extreme Motorcycle Art.

1. We are extremely honored to be included in this awesome collection of very talented artists and bike builders. Hope you all enjoy.
   Jim & Eric
   Lotten Boyz Customz



2. This book is professionally presented with beautiful photographs and well written articles. Having the book dedicated to the legend of custom motorcycle art, Indian Larry, makes it more of an honor and pleasure to be featured in this book. Thank you very much we are very proud to be apart of this piece of work. COUNTY LINE CHOPPPERS INC. Phoenix. NY

5 comments about Jupiter's Travels : Four Years Around the World on a Triumph.

1. This book is about Ted Simon's experince of riding around the world. Not only does he write about his actual experinces, but he also writes about how he feels. Some parts of the trip are glossed over in just a paragraph while others take pages and pages. It was very interesting to see hwo he felt the trip changed his life. I would have given the book five stars, but it bogs down in places. This book is more about an adventure around the world than it is about motorcycling. Overall, it is a great story and worth reading.



2. I purchased this book after reading about it in a motorcycle article. I found it to be a pretty good read, although I find it hard to believe someone in the 1970's would choose a triumph motorcycle to do this trip on, knowing their history and reputation during the 70's! I thoroughly enjoyed Ted Simons' writing about his experiences and would recommend this book.



3. This is an excellent read, well written and immensely interesting. Ted Simon dips into his experiences of a four year journey around the world on his Triumph motorcycle. This is not just of interest to motorcycle fanatics or travel adventure junkies but can be accessed by anyone as you share in Teds experiences. The only draw back is that it is just a sample of his many adventures as space would not provide enough room for him to divulge more of his adventures. I need to check out the sequel "Riding high" with further stories to pass on to those of us who would enjoy sharing his adventures. Well worth a read, what an experience to have achieved, an inspiration to many.Riding High



4. I did not read this book. It was a gift for my son who enjoys motorcycles.



5. I ate this book up with rapt joy! And halfway through i realized i knew the author - from France in 1970! It is just the most poetic, honest, juicy, deep-swimming book - I recommend it to anyone who loves the call of the open road!

5 comments about Honda Vt500, 1983 1988.

1. This is an outstanding manual. Clear photos show every step for every maintenance and repair task the home mechanic is likely to undertake. Tells you in a few instances when you are better off taking your bike to the shop for repairs. Has helpful hints on how to accomplish difficult or tricky tasks.

   It really makes working on my old Shadow fun.




2. A very good manual. Not as detailed as the rare and much more expensive Honda factory service manual. Very easy to understand and covers all the basics as well as some of the more advanced repairs. A must have if you own one of these vintage Honda motorcycles.



3. detailed description of the parts and the method to dismantel and reassemble the motorcycle.



4. Not as detailed as the factory manual but more than good enough for DIY. Compare the price to the factory manual, It's definite a good buy.



5. I purchased a 1983 VT500C and was having difficulty with it. When I bought it engine performance was poor. Thinking it was just a matter of cleaning carbs as a result of long periods of storage, I cleaned the carbs, but the matter was still not resolved. Because I enjoy problem solving I bought the book to work out the problem myself. The book is an excellent resource and led me to the solution. It's a different bike, and I'm enjoying it very much thanks to Clymer's manual.

1 comments about Clymer Honda CRF250R, CRF250X, CRF450R & CRF450X 2002-2005 (Clymer Motorcycle Repair) (Clymer Motorcycle Repair).

1. liked the detail and very helpful for the home mechanic to maintain our own bikes.

2 comments about Classic Japanese Motorcycle Guide: The complete handbook for buyers and owners.

1. As an eighties motorcycle fanatic, I love the information on the bikes of that era and this book delivers.



2. This book is a history of a very signification period in motorcycle history. I recommend it to history buffs in general and motorcycle fans in particular.

No comments about Honda Motorcycles Workshop Manual 250-305 Twins 1960-1969.

No comments about Yamaha YZ400F 98-99, YZ426F 00-02, WR400F 98-00, WR426F 01-02 (Clymer Motorcycle Repair) (Clymer Motorcycle Repair).

1 comments about Honda 700-1100Cc V-Fours 1982-1988: Service, Repair, Maintenance.

1. Really had a hard time to remove carbs...took longer to remove than to replace after I got this manual...was gonna get a oem manual but this really did the trick .....
   would not hesitate to sell to anyone else a "must buy" for this bike series !!!!