No comments about The Pioneer Zephyr: America's First Diesel-electric Stainless Steel Streamliner.

No comments about AJS and Matchless Gold Portfolio 1945-1966.

1 comments about Harley-Davidson Shovelhead (Motorcycle Color History).

1. I read this book a few years ago when it first appeared.Shortly thereafter I wrote some notes on it and here they are.Keep in mind that I rode Shovelhead powered bikes for several years and I,for lack of a better word loved them.I learned all I could about them and looked forward to reading this book because it was a "tribute" to something I felt so strongly about.The book has some wonderful pictures of some beautiful bikes.That is its strong point.Much of the captions accompanying the photos leave a lot to be desired.The author attempts to explain things in his tongue-in-cheek manner and fails to explain anything.There's a lot of "ooohing and ahhing"over the bikes without telling the reader much.The author lists model designations and production figures yet doesn't even bother to explain what all those designations mean.Some models(the belt drive FLH for example) are left out entirely.The book is basically divided into two parts,"The FL series" and "The FX series",of Shovelheads.Much of the book is devoted to the FL series.Yet for all the space used on FLs,it could've been more informative.Basically,the FX series of HD bikes(Superglide,Low Rider,etc.)helped turn Harley Davidson's fortunes around from financial ruin to where they are today.But the author mentions little of this and less still on these bikes that had so much to do with HD's sucess.What he does say is filled with misinformation.He presents us with photos of "stock" motorcycles that have been obviously modified.He states certain model changes occurred certain years and he's wrong.Not only that but in one photo he states the "boattail-looking"rear fender on a 1971 Superglide was a one year only deal.The photo is of an original Superglide with said fender at a bike show.In plain view on the display card in front of said bike it describes it as a 1972 model.This among other things is why I found this book so disappointing,almost offensive.For such an exciting period in Harley Davidson's history,this book severely lacks in content,accuracy and presentation.A final thought.The author waxes warmly on his personal bike,a Shovelhead powered FXRS.He talks it up as such a smooth riding machine by HD standards(and they are).He says he'll always keep it.He then goes on to say that he regrets he may have to sell it to finance a new "dresser" for those long trips!What of the smoothness and rideability he just mentioned?From my personal experience,an FXR is every bit the equal of a full dressed HD and more so.The author falls between praising his bike then backhandedly slighting it causing one to not only wonder about his dedication to his bike but in the context of this book,the subject at hand,Shovelheads. To see something that I had consciously "studied" for so long misrepresented,while having been passionately involved with it pained me then(and still does now.)In advertisements for the book,it stated the author's involvement with Shovelheads goes back to 1969.If that's true,he should've payed more attention to what was going on.By the way,I hear the author now rides a Buell...

5 comments about Kawasaki Klr650: 1987-2003 (Clymer Motorcycle Repair).

1. I found this service manual to be a valuable tool in mantaining and repairing the KLR 650.
   Very detailed, step by step instructions for valve clearance adjustment and many other tasks that cost a small fortune to have completed at the repair facility.
   This manual is the best tool you could invest in for repairing your KLR 650



2. The Clymer's Kawasaki KLR650 service manual is certainly very good for the money spent. It has lots of pictures making service procedures clear. Amazon will save you $10 off motorcycle shop prices easily. Amazon shipping got it here quick also. Kawasaki dealer manuals would have cost me at least $75 for the operators manual and service manual package. It was well worth it to order this book from Amazon. I did a successful clutch service job by this book.



3. I'm not a fan of Clymer manuals in general, but this one seems better than most. It's better than the factory manual (which I also have).
   
   As far as I can tell, it has all the info you'll need to work on your KLR, and it's less than $20. If the book helps you fix one thing and avoid the dealership, you'll save way more than the price of the book.



4. Much better than most manuals i've seen. Sufficient details and illustrations so that you don't have to scratch your head about some stupid little detail.



5. The Amazon book description says 450 pages, but there are actually 331. Nevertheless, I have found this repair manual to be invaluable. I have been able to successfully do a tune-up, change radiator fluid, oil change, air and oil filter replacements, valve clearance measurements and then swapping out shims to adjust, replacing the cam chain tensioner (duhicky) and then adjusting (big job), upgrade the fork springs to Progessive springs, replace the front brake line, AND a myriad of other tweaks and adjustments thanks to this thorough user-friendly manual.
   
   There are a plethora of clear photographs that include graphic arrows and are numbered and then referenced in the detailed how-to sections of the book. Exploded diagrams are large and clear with parts numbered and then listed by name. Trouble-shooting diagnostic steps are well illustrated in tables. And there are dedicated pages about special tools for specific jobs, metric conversion tables for specs, fasteners & torque, as well as four pages of colored wiring diagrams.
   
   But besides just being thorough, the main thing I like about this manual is how easy it is to use. It provides a "Quick Reference Data" page containing all the info that you always need to know but can't ever remember -- oil capacities, spark plug gap and torque, tire pressure, drive chain play, serial numbers and more -- all on one page that you can copy and tack to the wall. Also, the routine maintenance procedures for the entire bike are covered in a single place, Chapter 3, so you don't have to waste time jumping around to other chapters that are dedicated to the details of each system.
   
   Servicing, repairing and maintaining a bike is a challenge for me, but with the right information quickly available, I have found that most jobs can actually be enjoyable. This Clymer manual for the KLR has helped make that possible.

No comments about Triumph Triples & Fours (carburettor engines) '91 to '99 (Haynes Service & Repair Manual).

2 comments about Clymer Vintage Dirt Bikes: Bultaco, 125-370Cc Singles, Through 1977, Montesa, 123-360Cc Singles, 1965-1975, Ossa, 125-250Cc Singles, 1971-1978 (Clymer Coll) (Clymer Coll).

1. As a owner of an older Bultaco Matador SD Mark 5 in need of major repair, I purchased this book in hope of finding enough information to augment my knowledge of the workings and technical specifications of the two cycle engine of such great fame and repoir. Within this publication was found a great wealth of information that was unknown to me. I found that much of this information was invaluable, carburetor breakdowns, bore specifications, and overall model specfications. Unfortunately, as time would eventually expose, the information included in this "technical manual" is marred by typographical errors and one horrendous job of editing. In my experience with this manual, I found it very helpful...and it will force you to to understand what went wrong with what you just fixed. Although the book may not be the answer to every problem that an old Bull has, it will at least give one direction in what may be happening. Spend the bucks and get out of it what you may.



2. strictly on bultacos, ossa montesa, etc an in debth history of each bikes definative histories with many pics and descriptions, its been needed a long time now! definative {most complete} histories on each dirt bike, trials bikes and bultaco rider jim pomeroy and photos of him his bikes, etc to finally close bultacos much deserving great history. bultacos will never die! they deserve the credit and recognition; along with the other spanish dirt/tials bikes etc that go along with bultacos.

1 comments about Lambretta (Color Family Album).

1. In my opinion the Lambretta was the best motorscooter ever made. This book does a great job of introducing one to the Lambretta. Wonderful for all..even envious vespa owners.

No comments about How to Modify Your Metric Cruiser (Motorbooks Workshop).

No comments about Mega Book of Motorcycles (Mega Books Series).

3 comments about Great Escapes : A Guide To Motorcycle Touring in New Zealand.

1. Peter Mitchell, in his GREAT ESCAPES, motorcycle touring guide to New Zealand has raised the bar in the domain of motorcycle tour guides. I should know.

   It was 1995, I got sucked into a bet and the next thing I knew I was riding a Buell S-2 Thunderbolt or a leisurely tour of 37 of the United States. Sure, I saw a lot. But, I also learned alot and if I had a book like Peter Mitchell's GREAT ESCAPES, the fantasy trip of a lifetime would have been much more graceful.

   The first thing that strikes one about GREAT ESCAPES is that Peter KNOWS of what he speaks. This is revealed, not in words, but in the physical construction of the book. We'll get to content in a moment, but those of you who ride (and who among us has not dreamt of riding New Zealand) will appreciate the 6"wx8"t size of the book, coupled with the spiral binding. Ever tried to fit a "normal" book in the top of a tank bag? Mitchell makes it easy, in fact convenient.

   In the book, New Zealand is divided into the North Island and the South Island. Mitchell does a neat transition between the two by, you guessed it, by turning page 90 into a primer on "Crossing Cook Straight". Frankly, this book threatens to make even the most unseasoned motorcycle tourer look like a pro.

   The rides (23 North Island / 22 South Island) are described in precisely the kind of detail I want and need. Where to start, distance, time, when and where to plan fuel stops, suggested diversions, safety considerations weather, hotels, and the one item that makes motorcycling so special to me. . . FOOD. This is not book, this is a valuable tool that I hope Mitchell comes to the US (like so many of my riding makes from his Homeland) and replicates the book.

   To insure you've little else to pack when headed to New Zealand, GREAT ESCAPES is packed full of information on "What makes a motorcyclist", basic riding skills , accommodations (lodging for you Yanks)and enough weather information to qualify you for a job at the Channel 4 Meteorologist here in New York City.

   The book has imbued me with a list of 3 things I must do:

   1) Learn more about the fabulous country of New Zealand 2) Ride more 3) Consider a tip to New Zealand to explain to Peter Mitchell what we call "stock effluent" in the United States.

   Bottom line: Don't even think about leaving the USA without reading GREAT ESCAPES cover to cover.

   Courtney L. Canfield New York City

   I've got hundreds of motorcycle books, this one goes on top.




2. Three trips to New Zealand on a motorcycle. First two without "Great Escapes" and 15,000km, saw a lot. Using an American authors book was just barely ok. The third trip this last time for 10 weeks, did 12000km. Using the "Great Escapes" book I experienced New Zealand up close and personal. It's a GREAT book and an absolute must in order to get "inside" what I consider one of the great countries of the world!!



3. A plug for the "local talent" !! I just took a couple of weeks off to travel from Auckland down to and around the South Island, using Peter Mitchell's book "Great Escapes" as part of my routing.
   
   I had put together a general itinerary and then incorporated excerts from about a dozen of his rides into my travels so that, instead of just going directly from Point "A" to Point "B", I would purposely detour to take advantage of recommended roads from the book and, when time permitted, would take off altogether on some of his suggested "diversions". Worked out terrifically !! The descriptions and directions are "spot on" (particularly his description of the Takaka Hill as "tortuous"), and the information and suggestions provided were fabulous for an impressionable immigrant such as myself.
   
   If you're heading off into an area that you're not that familiar with, and want to really enjoy the ride like the locals might, pick up a copy of this super little book and stick it in the tankbag. If you don't get your money back in grins, then shame on you!
   
   Victor Solomon
   K75RT with substantially less tire tread than before it left!