2 comments about Royal Enfield Big Twins 1953-1970 Limited Edition Extra.

1. I wasn't sure what to expect when I ordered this book, but as a 1970 Series II Interceptor owner, my curiousity pushed me into the purchase. It turns out that the book is a collection of articles and advertisements that appeared in the British and American motorcycle press "back in the day." A few of the last articles in the compilation were published recently in magazines devoted to classic bikes, but the vast majority of the material was written and published at the time the bikes were offered new for sale. I remember reading some of the articles when they were first published, but there was enough material I hadn't seen before to make the book worthwhile in my case.
   
   Most of the articles and advertisements were reproduced at a decent quality level. Figures and tables were generally OK. There was one table on "carburretor" adjustment that was so dark that it was unreadable. The reproduction is faithful to the original, so errors in the original manuscripts are carried over into the compilation.
   
   I thought the coverage was quite balanced. Both good and bad reviews were included. Positive and negative marks were shared. It was interesting to see the evolution of the Interceptors from 1962 until the end in 1970. It was also interesting to watch the evolution of the defense of the marque against the speculation about its demise. As you undoubtedly know, Enfield's motorcycle manufacturing in England ceased in 1970. Manufacturing of single cylinder 1955 model Royal Enfield's in India began in 1955, and continues to this very day.
   
   If you have an interest in the Royal Enfield twin cyclinder motorcycles, I think you'll find this book to be well worth its modest cost. I was disappointed when I first saw that it was just a collection of articles, but as I read it, I really enjoyed it.



2. This book is a collection of articles published about the RE big twins (500 - 750). I had expected a comprehensive history, written by a knolwedgeable person, rather than a compendium of reproduced period articles. What is missing as any overall insights into the bikes, from which models or years had what kind of problems and strenths, to selecting a big twin and making it into a reliable modern-day daily rider, to any type of aggressive riding comparsion between it and any of its popular contemporaries (Norton twins, especially the 750/850 isolastic series, the later unit Triumph 650, unit BSA twins, etc.). It was enjoyable for what it was, but I felt the lack of any insight provided by an expert in 50s-60s British twins.

2 comments about Motorcycle Rider Basics.

1. This book was beyond what I expected. Excellent work. I would recommend to all levels of riders...



2. For a long time I contemplated purchasing a bike (my dream Harley) and getting on the road, but really felt that I was much too inexperienced and unknowledgeable. So, I bought this book to see if it may sway me in one direction or the other (before I went out and spent a huge chunk of change on a bike that I could possibly lay down in the first few minutes). After reading this book I knew what I needed EXACTLY - it gave me complete insider knowledge - the basics--on anything and everything from helmet info to what gear is needed from head to toe. Not only did I get a better understanding of what gear I needed, but where to buy it and how to prioritize safety (always at number one). I took the recommended course and practiced, practiced, practiced in a parking lot near my house. I feel like this book gave me what I needed to start riding. It was easy and simple and not some big complicated wordy book- it was completely real. The author seems to just be another guy on the road- very down to earth and real-he gives it to you like it is- very honest-he doesn't "fluff" anything. It gave me what I needed and that was that. I wouldn't have started riding without this book. I highly recommend this for anybody interesting in the basics of riding.

1 comments about Harley-Davidson 1903-1941 (Enthusiast Color Series).

1. This 1903-1941 color-history narrative, is the equal collabration of H.Wagners' writing and Mark Mitchells' photography. (My favorites being the close-up pewter-hued detail of the JD,Twin Cam, and 8-valve exo-skeleton motors.) Have you ever seen a JD at idle? The beast just chuffs, with those exposed external (exhaust) push rods moving up and down - it's an animal.

No comments about Haynes Yamaha Trail Bikes Owners Workshop Manual: 1981-2000 (Owners Workshop Manual).

No comments about Clymer Yamaha: Timberwolf . 1989-2000 (Clymer Motorcycle Repair) (Clymer Motorcycle Repair).

No comments about El ratoncito de la moto / The Mouse And the Motorcycle.

2 comments about Honda 250-350cc, 1964-1974: Service, Repair, Performance.

1. This book is very cursory in coverage. It's too bad that honda will not release their shop book and parts manuals directly to the public. I rebuilt a 1969 CB 350 using this book and I was always going to the local dealer for help. Look elsewhere.



2. I have both the new book and the old one - the new one is better, but I agree with the other reviewer above that it misses the mark. It lacks full specifications, forcing you to go to the dealer or surf the web. I do recommend it (its cheap), but buy it as a thin reference guide only.

No comments about Motorcycle Classics.

5 comments about Pontiac Firebird -The Auto-Biography (Car & Motorcycle Marque/Model).

1. I first heard about this book in Smoke Signals early last year. There was a small description saying it would be out later in the year. It had slipped my mind until I was checking through this site for Pontiac listings and came across it once again.
   It's heartening to see such a fine book on the Firebird that really is new. It isn't a rehashed version of an earlier edition, and you get to see new pictures of these great cars. The factual detail in matters such as SLP/Firehawk and 20th Ann TT/A shows that great care has been taken.
   Probably the best Firebird book since Michael Lamm's "The Fabulous Firebird" and certainly one of the better muscle car books around.



2. I will go with what the others have said and add that this Firebird book shows the kind of treatment normally given to the mighty Corvette super car. The quality of the binding, paper is higher than you would normally get in a Firebird/Trans Am book. IMO this is the closest you are going to get to the Firebird equivalent of the Corvette Fifty Years book.



3. This is a fun book with some great lines like "Fast cars didn't die out in 1973, they just started wearing the 'Screamin Chicken' on their hoods!" I had a slight problem following the musclecar/GM terminology or shorthand in the detailed sections, and the author really favors domestic car design. Domestic V8 supporters will be pleased.



4. Even though there is a 455 HO Trans Am on the cover, there are good pics of late model LT1, LS1 Formulas & T/As. The gas guzzling 400/455 powered models are the ones I like the most, and are well covered. Finally got a copy after seeing it recommended in Car & Driver, good value on Amazon.



5. Many books offer so little information when dealing with the 3rd generation Firbird. What I like about this book is it not only covered the Firbird line, it pulled from other GM lines like Corvette, Fiero and Buick Gran National. When a reference was made about another car, he would share some good info about that car as well, taking up a couple of pages in some instances.
   
   The Pictures of the cars are not the most "Stock" appearing models, however Cranswick uses the full range of the firebird line to make the book very entertaining.
   
   A must have.

1 comments about Honda 600 Hurricane, 1987-1990 (Clymer Motorcycle Repair Series/M439) (Clymer Motorcycle Repair Series/M439).

1. This is a must for any one who have the bike. Much better than Chilton. step by step instruction from maintance to complete rebuilt