1 comments about To Dakar and Back: 21 Days Across North Africa by Motorcycle.

1. The author shows his gutsy determination to finish the Dakar. A great read for all of us Walter Mitty's .

1 comments about Scala Rider Cardo-Rider Team Set.

1. The ONLY gripe I have is the somewhat hard to remember different buttons to push for different periods. Anyway, I am happy with it, although it does not automatically connect with my Siemens phone when a call comes in, but that is more an issue of the phone than the headset. Other than that: Good sound. Kinda hard to get it under flip-up chin helmet though. Still a good product I would recommend.
   Afterthought:
   I have now used the headset with a Garmin Streetpilot 2820 - which I can only recommend - and it works great. No longer doe I need to keep my eyes on the GPS, but can hear where to go. From my point of view: The money was well spent on the teamset.

5 comments about Hells Angels Motorcycle Club.

1. Photographer Andrew Shaylor was given unique access to the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club and sought to provide an excellent representation of the group: available in paper for the first time is a set of images captured at their important events, worldwide. The Hells Angels Club is a huge part of California culture in addition to being worldwide, so this color-photo-packed representation is a top pick for any California general-interest lending library strong in California alternative culture.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



2. Since I own the hardcover of this book, I knew what to expect. I was not disappointed like some others were. I really really liked the new photos that are in this version of the book. I love the images and the insight into the bigger world of the HAMC, that it is a worldwide organization and that, like anything imported from anywhere, there is a local spin put on it by each culture. Here in the states we think everything is about us. American Idol is not an American show, we've just put our spin on it. I think the publishers (an English company) wanted to get the book to cross the pond by making the title so broad. They should have called it, "Riding With The Hells Angels in Wankerland" or something like that. Any other ideas? It's still a great visual glimpse into a world I missed out on growing up.



3. A very interresting book, or I better say whitness of who aree these persons (ie all different), and what's their kind of life as Hells Angels, as the author took his time to know some of them, and be known by them.
   
   The photographs are stunning and very important to help the reader understanding what this club is and is not.
   
   Buy it, put it on a wishlist, but find a way to have it ! It's not the kind of book you read only once: You'll be back in it from times to time...
   
   Laurent



4. If you want to look at pictures of bikers, and their families, many just like olan mills portrait style, then buy this book. Not much narrative. Forward by Sonny.



5. This book is not what you think! Great photo's, great stories, but come on, not a SINGLE photo or info on the original and FAR better known US based Hells Angels. The entire book cover to cover is ONLY UK BASED ANGELS!. No disrespect to them and if you are from the UK, the book is great. But to those in the US who want to see pictures of the legends and hear about the dozens of stories of the original Angels, this book is a major letdown. NOTHING on the cover of the book nor in the book description mention the fact the book is 100% UK based Hells Angels. That, in my opinion was done on purpose because they know the book will not sell anywhere near as well. I assure you, when the vast majority of people WORLDWIDE hear the name "Hells Angels", they are thinking of the original California and the Legendary New York City chapters and the dozens of stories that go with them, NOT London, Wolverhampton, etc (Again, no disrespect). Great photo's, great text, but overall dissapointed.

5 comments about Ultimate Sheet Metal Fabrication Book.

1. This book and the author not only answered the questions that no other books on metal shaping could, but it also draws upon interviews and information from renowned masters. It touches the heart and soul of the revival that is occurring in metal shaping and discusses all (English Wheel, air/power hammers, etc.) of the fancy and wonderful tools while showing you how these techniques can all be done with nothing more than patience, skill, a hammer or two and a tree stump. For the price, this book can't be beat! The only improvement I would ask for in the next printing is a more complete index but I plan to read this book enough times that I won't even need it.



2. This book should have been titled "Interviews with the masters of sheet metal fabrication" instead. Very little content to show the uninitiated how to achieve a particular goal or effect in sheet metal-work. It consists predominantly of interviews with different practitioners of particular approaches to sheet metal shaping, with the bottom line being: "You could do this w/ hammer & dolly, or any of several other methods, but this is the faster approach I prefer..." It was an interested read, but not something worth keeping as a reference. I wish I had saved my money.



3. about metal working than this terribly mis-titled book. Read the other low rated reviews. They cover the problems well enough. Only thing I can figure is all the 5 star reviews are friends of the author or something.
   
   One guy mentions how much he learns about metal shrinking. My question is how? It is mentioned many times. In one place they have a photo caption saying heat shrinking works by heating a spot and then blasting with air to quick cool it. As for mechanical shrinkers, they never tell you how they work. Or give any info on how to figure out how much or how to really shrink metal. You will learn it can be shrunk and pretty much nothing else.
   
   For someone wanting to learn metal work, it isn't useless. It is pretty close to it. You honestly can learn more by watching some Biker Build Offs as metal is worked in the background. I haven't been this disappointed in a book in many years.



4. Very good for the novice sheet metal worker. Good explanations on the how's and why's of sheet metal work. Great interviews with professional mechanics. Pictures also help alot, as the task is explained the reader can see the before and after of a given project. Looking forward to my first project.



5. If you've bought a few metalworking books you don't need this one.
   
   I was disappointed -- expected more than was given, especially on the english wheel topic.
   
   This book read more like a press release than a how to.
   

4 comments about AMA Ride Guide to America: Favorite Motorcycle Tours in the USA (American Motorcyclist Association Ride Guide).

1. this is a good reference book.. lots of information.. would buy again..



2. The only tours in the book close to the central US are in Colorado and Texas. There could have been less concentration of tours along the east and west coasts. Buy this book if you ride on the east or west coasts. There are other resources free on the Internet for Texas and Colorado. Arkansas State's web site promotes motorcycle tours with routes and attractions for free. Also this book's tours seem to be from the publisher's collection of the Motorcycle Journeys thought the same regions.



3. This is a high-quality guide with color pictures and/or color maps on every page and a good balance of great road descriptions with turn-by-turn instructions, commingled with information on the places you may wish to look or stay at along the way. Nearly all of the rides that are described look great. As useful a work as this book is, though, it is severely limited by it's size. A ride book covering France could be this short, but one covering a country the size of the USA should describe much more than 31 rides; possibly coming in several volumes. However, you could still be a bug-toothed rider for several years just riding the great roads they have listed so I still recommend it.



4. Just used it this weekend to navigate around VT....worked great! Can't wait to try even more rides!

5 comments about Motorcycle: Evolution, Design, Passion.

1. This is an excellent book , a must have for all historians or collectors. I highly recommend this book to all.



2. I purchased this as a gift for someone who's interested in dirt bikes and recently street bikes. He loved it!



3. Many nice examples of motorcycling inventions. Fine selection of pictures, covering examples of major breakthroughs in designing motorcycles. In my opinion the book lacks a little more dephs in the individual sections. Overall an ok buy for the price for the one who loves motorcycling.



4. Why are some folks passionate about motorcycles? Hell, I don't know. Maybe because they're exciting, sleek, powerful, open air, sexy, unique, not for the everyman, thrilling, sweat producing, demanding, resonant, and just so attractive. We need more books like this so others may be tempted to be 'just looking, honey'



5. If you're either a motorcycle enthusiast or a librarian catering to such, make it a point to consider MOTORCYCLE: EVOLUTION, DESIGN, PASSION. It's an oversized, definitive guide to motorbike design and goes beyond the usual showcase of bikes to tap into the wellspring of knowledge and life experience of motorcycle racer and historian Mike Walker. Motorcycle history and evolution are covered in a particularly notable set of vintage photos and historical review, making for a unique and valuable collection addition.

5 comments about Smooth Riding the Pridmore Way.

1. Just too much personal history. If Reg is your hero this is for you. If you are trying to learn to or improve your riding... There are some useful tips and techniques and things to think about in this book. Nothing I had not come across elsewhere though. Some things I would question. Just worth it.



2. You will enjoy this book whatever your experience in motorcycles. To say be smooth is the same as to say be fast but author does have some helpful advices to share.



3. I've read a lot of motorcycle rider books. Several are riding strategies and training related. This book is very well written. The progression and explanation of the riding tips are such that you immediately understand what and why he's recommending a certain skill. Its also structured in a way that you can use it as a reference and progressively master each technique.
   
   Was I impressed? I registered for a CLASS day with Reg and will be riding almost 1,000 to get there for it.
   
   Recommend the book? Absolutely. Read it, add the techniques to your riding, and you come to appreciate the lessons almost immediately.



4. I'm sure Reg wrote this book for the good rider that wants to raise his skill level. He does go into valuable points for downshifting and braking that are applicable to all riders. For the new track day rider, I found two areas that other books don't cover as well, or at all: 1) Keeping tight lines, not using the whole road (or track) and why, 2) his four-step method to learning how to hang-off a bike is certainly the best and safest approach to this topic I have read anywhere. He has other valuable insights to offer after you've mastered the basic riding skills. The best sources for those are (depending on your experience) "Motorcycling Excellence" (best for a first-time rider) by the MSF, David Hough's "Proficient Motorcycling" combo(I personally prefer his second book, "More Proficient Motorcycling.") and Nick Ienatsch's "Sport Bike Riding Techniques." As far as I'm concerned, Hough's and Ienatsch's are "must-reads" for all riders from the first-time newbie to highly skilled rider. If you really want to hone your track riding or racing skills, latch onto Andy Ibbott's "Performance Riding Techniques: The MotoGP Manual of Track Riding Skills." Definitely a "must-read" for those that are track bound. Lastly, to have a complete library of riding skills & techniques, buy Lee Parks' "Total Control," last on my personal list but still worthwhile. If you ride, I guarantee these seven books will be the best investment you ever made. They cover it all, no need to invest any further.



5. Let me begin by saying that I was slightly disappointed by this purchase. I had hoped for an in-depth discussion of riding technique, providing useful insight on bike control and operation.
   
   What I got, however, was page after page of misty eyed reminiscences about the "good old days" of motorcycle racing. While interesting, this is not what I was hoping for in a book about riding skills.
   
   Actual technique sections were rather light on detail, and provided no more information than even the most basic of motorcycle instruction courses. Essentially the book could be summed up by just writing in big letters "DO EVERYTHING SMOOTHLY", and leaving it at that.
   
   On the other hand, this book might be useful for people who have just begun riding a bike, and have not undergone any instruction.

5 comments about Motorcycle Journeys Through the Pacific Northwest (Motorcycle Journeys).

1. For a book so full of excellent detail on cities, roads, scenery, plus excellent photography, the reader's focus is systematically derailed due to chapter after chapter of oddly applied analogies.
   
   If only the author had stayed on task, (in writing a tour guide) and tossed out the truly weak references to area rides that he says: are like smorgasbords-don't go straight for the beef; national parks are like big fair rides-ferris wheels; touring roads that are like the rooms of a house; likening historic homes in coastal towns to homely sisters, and a host of other remarks that make the reader go, "Huh?". Can't tell you how many times it forced a re-read to see what 'must' have been missed. Every time, it turned out it was just plain goofy.
   
   One example? Pg. 94., 3rd para. the author talks of a river gorge and water cutting through it. "You can look at the dramatic torrent of water- a flow twice that of Niagara Falls-and wonder how a blind cow ever made it through alive."
   
   Huh?
   
   If there is a historical, regional, mythological, or folklore "cow" tale that the average reader might be too young, sheltered, or untraveled to know of, it behooves (not behoofs) the author to go the extra mile and explain. Otherwise it's goofy.
   
   It would have been a considerably better offering without the introduction of the numerous and curious distractions. And probably easier to write (although shorter). The effort would have garnered a strong four, perhaps more, but for the wasted ink. But due to goofy asides, and the dozen or more candy coated uses of: I love it, you'll love it, bikers will love, love this road/this ride; the multiple uses of romantic/romance, picnic, ice cream, and my honey, your honey..
   
   I can tell you Honey, a 3.5 is a fair (if not generous) call.
   
   It's a book about the Pacific NW motorcycle rides. The reader should not be distracted by the presence of the author. Not unless he's a whole lot funnier.



2. This is a great resource for anyone new to the area, new riders or for anyone just looking for some new rides. Most of the pages are devoted to major attraction, there are many great rides that are not mentioned, but there are only so many pages in a book. A great job of covering the Northwest area. Directions, distance and travel times have been pretty accurate. Accomidations mentioned are fairly current and up to date. I have used this book for inspiration on many occasions and have never been disapointed.
   If you are from outside the area and planning a scooter trip thru the great northwest, this book is a must! If you are from the area and just looking for some new ideas, this book probably isn't it, but it is still worth the read. Bruce has obviously put in a lot of miles on his bike in this area.



3. I am impressed with the book - lots of new roads to discover, many of which I would not tend to take on my own. Good book, worth the cost - also check out Destination Highways Washington (expensive but excellent)



4. Bruce Hansen has written a great travel guide for the motorcycle enthusiast. It doesn't have as much about the roads as it does the places to see and visit. My wife and I have read it cover to cover and Bruce's writing style is easy to read and entertaining. I recommend it for anyone looking to find some out of the way places to visit in our fine state.
   
   If you're looking for the best and most challenging roads for motorcycles in Washington, look no further than "Destination Highways Washington: A Motorcycle Enthusiast's Guide to the Best 346 Roads in Washington State". This is a very comprehensive collection of the curviest, most scenic, and best engineered roads, and has the best road specific details available.
   
   Between these two books, you can't go wrong. Both are well worth reading.



5. One of the few books dedicated to motorcyclists. Great pictures, and insightful content.
   The organization of the book makes it a little confusing or difficult to find something you are looking for. But once you find the content, the information is great.
   I just came back last week from riding in California, Oregon, and Washington, and I read this book just before leaving. I tried portions of the rides suggested and was very pleased. Most of the rides are loop oriented, meaning they bring you back to where you started from, while we were riding through those States. But I just picked interesting legs of his trips and included them in our path.

2 comments about 101 Road Tales (The Faces of Motorcycling).

1. I've been reading Clements articles in Rider magazine for years. With this book I don't have to wait for the next issue! Great stories for the motorcycle rider.



2. If you liked his columns in Rider magazine, you will like this book. Every page is to be enjoyed. Just plain good reading.

5 comments about Angels of Death: Inside the Biker Gangs' Crime Empire.

1. If this is your kinda subject matter, you'll dig it! I couldn't put it down, eventhough there's alotta names and dates, and this baby is global in coverage, it'll captivate ya. Exciting and in-depth, it's a ride from cover to cover. On par with the other Canadian OMG authors, both in depth of content, and their tendency to believe in known fallacies with mythical proportion, eh! I woulda thrown up a firm five, but they hadta print the rubbish. Still pretty damn good though.



2. This is a great book - -there are a lot of facts so it isn't an easy read but very interesting just the same!



3. good account of the Hells Angels activity, related in an entertaining manner.



4. The Angels of Death is riveting book about the Hells Angels quest for global domination. Reads like a thriller where the most exciting part is about ATF's undercover operation. Well recommended and hard to put down.



5. Written as if it were being put together for the History channel. I would put this just above "Under and Alone".