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Customer Reviews (14)

good deal
for racing fun this won't be bad. for a rookie like me this is little more proffesional that i wanted. but this is my problem and i would say that book is quite good. you can finde very usefull information about what to insert in racing formula motorcycle engine or auto and why. woy will finde very interesting about turning geometry and others...

Fails where it really should not
This book falls short exactly where it should be at its best - how to adapt a motorcycle engine to a car.
The writer tries too hard to touch many of the aspects of racecar building and leaves you asking "why?".
There are so many better books about chassis engineering, design and construction, suspension and pretty much everything else but no books about how to make a bike engine work properly in a car.
With Staniforth, Smith and many others covering these areas so well, there is no need to spend so many pages on it...

Very good overview of the subject
The book is very well organized and give some very good specific details about what needs to be done.It also gives lots of good information on different construction techniques, but you will need to get more information on the specific methods you choose to use for construction.

Needs expansion in the engine - drive train section
Overal, I continue enjoying this book very much.

Good sharp pictures (although many would benefit from being larger), good writing and well-organized.

But I'm surprised that more emphasis wasn't placed on the specific issues of utilizing a motorcycle engine; and the challenges of mating these engines to a suitable differential. How; for example, does one provide & retain lubrication for the diffentials' internals?

Although GOOGLE makes finding "contacts" easier than ever, supplying website addresses for those contact mentioned would be a boon.

Don Roger
Ottawa Canada

Biggest disappointment for me in 2009.
The book is not at all what I expected.It has very basic explanations of what is involved when building a motorcycle engine powered race car.I am a well versed mechanic, fabricator, racer and the explanations and illustrations are poor to describe what it will really take from a hands on approach to building anything, let alone a race car.The author tries to describe what kind of software and suppliers may be needed to get this type of project off the ground, but fails miserably at it as well.The illustrations of important components are presented in small picture boxes less that 2"x2" which makes it even more difficult to try to duplicate any of the technology used in the subject race car.I apologize to the group of people who put the book together, but I personally have stacks of various type of car magazines that have provided me with more detailed and functional information on bits and pieces of different topics discussed in this book.The biggest disappointment was in the actual mechanics involved with mating a motorcycle engine to a rear wheel drive differential.Had I at least got a clear picture of how to do that from this book, I would have felt I got my money's worth, It doesn't do that either. This book is a big waste of money.These are just my opinions, so don't let me sway your decision making.I could be some type of nub-skull that doesn't know how to read and wants a lot of pictures in a how to book or then again this book might just really suck. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Best source on the subject...but where is Vol 2?
Easily the best source on the subject of motorcycle chassis design.Its too bad that it is painful to obtain (guessing not readily kept in stock...delay in shipping).This pain isn't made any better by the artificial shipping delay induced by Amazon if the buyer elects to use the "super saver" shipping option.Also, for some unknown bureaucratic reason, Amazon US will not make available Vol 2 even though many customers have requested it.Everyone I know who has bought Vol 1 through Amazon has requested Vol 2.

So, if your motorcycle interest is serious, buy the book...it is well worth the price and the wait.And be sure to make a formal request to Amazon for Vol 2.Who knows...maybe customer service will do something about it?

If you need answers!!!!!!!!!!!
I've "only" read half the book, but, you see, I'll be reading this book over and over for a "LONG, LONG" time. This is NOT a "How Too", read through, put it on the shelf type book. Not for the weak minded, mathmatically challenged, engineering phobic types. This is serious stuff that needs your full attention, a good calculator, and more importantly, time. If your serious about racing motorcycle engineering or want a thorough understanding of motorcycle engineering, this is it. Very well written, easily understandable and a "METRIC TON" of information. Everything given in Metric and Imperial. By the way, if you need/want, volume 2, you'll have to order it from "Amazon UK". These two volumes are undervalued in my opinion! Two Excellent Books!

any motorcyclist will be unable to put this book down
when this book arrived at my house, i sat down & read it for 5 hrs straight. i didn't move from my chair. when i took it to my friend's house he sat for 3 hrs buried in it while i fidgeted quietly nearby - he never looked up. he straight away ordered himself a copy, as did most motorcyclists i knew.

this book will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about how bikes work. that is, the why's of frame design, how gears work, types of suspension & what they do... and all as clear as day. this is the best book every made - bar none- about motorcycles. the title sounds dry & perhaps niche-like, but if you care at all about how motorbikes do what they do, you will be totally absorbed by this book.

we are all still waiting for volume 2... please John Bradley!!!


---edit... you can get vol 2 from amazon.co.uk, and i just ordered it. Its a damn shame i didn't know it was available for the past 3 years.. i guess i was stupid to think amazon US would sell it just cos they sell vol 1 (???) ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (11)

Great riding book
Keiths books are all great but need updating and better photos. Thay all make you wish for more practice track time.

If your serious about Road Racing
I was getting serious about road racing and this book was a great reference for someone who likes to read and study the ways to improve your riding.

Best analisys
Soft Science is one of the most analitical books in motorcycle riding. You bet your skills will improve a lot. We have a riding school and I put some ideas in discussion out there to see the results. It's awesome! I recomend it after more than 40 years of sportbikes ride.

Keith strikes again
This book is desirable, as is anything written by Keith Code on the art of motorcycling. However, get twist... 1 and 2 first. This book tackles those trying to race. I'm not a racer and this book was still useful, but I could not take full advantage of this book unless I start racing :-)

A very good book
I think Twist of the Wrist 2 is a superior book, but the Soft Science is also a decent read. The concepts are fairly intuitive, but there are many good artifacts of infomation.I recommend only purchasing this book AFTER Twist of the Wrist 2.The concepts aren't cummulative, but Twist of the Wrist 2 is simply a better textbook - in my opinion. ... Read more

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Product Description
This book contains a huge amount of information and helpful tips for those who want to get into motorcycle drag racing. If you're just getting started, author Tom Murphy's seasoned advice will help you avoid expensive mistakes and pitfalls.

Murphy leads you step-by-step through a racer's typical day at the drags, then steps you up to the staging area to get the basics of racing motorcycles a quarter-mile at a time. He shows you how to train and condition yourself, how to prepare your street bike for racing, how to build an all-out bike for racing, and even how to find a sponsor when you find yourself close to pro racing status.

Along the way, Murphy covers timing and starting line systems, engine modifications, fuels, induction systems, ignition and other electronics, turbo- and supercharging, nitrous oxide systems, transmissions and clutches, frame modifications, and typical costs for competitive drag racing motorcycles. All this is accomplished with Tom Murphy's unique brand of humor which makes this book an entertaining read as well. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A must for any aspiring drag racer
This is an amazing book.It literally covers everything you've ever wanted to know but might have been reluctant to ask.

While there is tons of information, it's still easy to follow and will prove to be a major asset to anyone considering drag racing.I continue to recommend this book to anyone who is considering going racing.

Buy it.You won't regret it. ... Read more

Product Description
Heres everything you need to successfully improve your riding, novice or veteran, cruiser to sportbike rider. This book contains the very foundation skills for any rider looking for more confidence when cornering a motorcycle. Notes and comments by Eddie Lawson. Foreword by Wayne Rainey. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (42)

"Must" reading for anyone wanting to race sportbikes
Keith Code is "The Man!" No doubt.If you can afford his California Superbike School, do it!!!But in the meantime, this book details more of why you crash and why you settle for bad riding habits.It has great commentary from Keith as he re-lives his successes and failures while becoming a racing great (and for some of us, it has pictures, hahaha)! If you are interested in racing sportbikes, get this, as well as, Twist of the Wrist II (which is more for street riding and canyon carving).

A Twist Of The Wrist, best book you can buy if you ride.
I recall buying this book back when it came out back in 1984.I was doing some road racing then, and found the book very beneficial.Now, some twenty odd years later I am picking up a bike again, and thought I should refresh my memory of what the book is about.It will not teach you how to ride, but will give good pointers to make you a better rider, not just a better racer.If you are intimidated that the book will be just for racers, don't be.Anyone who rides can benefit from this.

Not as bad as the second book in the series
Back when this book came out I thought it was great.Since then there have been many writers who have SKILL WRITING as well as riding/racing which makes this book not worth it.Don't waste your money on this book, buy a Moto-skills book by Nick Ienatsch, Lee Parks, David Hough, or even the MSF Guide to Motorcycle Excellence over this book any day.Only if you have all the others would I advise getting this one.Even then, it's only as a curiosity or to laugh at how bad it is written.

Code is an excellent rider and former racer, and his class is pretty decent.His teaching style and knowledge are well-grounded (if a little bit tainted by Scientology Voodoo).But this book is starting to really show its age, and Code made his career racing and later teaching hands-on.As a writer he is "not so good."

Twist of the Wrist: The Motorcycle Roadracers Handbook (Vol 1)
i am very happy with this seller. my order was delivered promtly and was just as described. i would gladdly purchase from this seller again.

not all its cracked up to be
I have read, in forum discussions, that this book is helpful for improved riding technique whether track or street. I saw no street application at all. And I don't think there was any profound information about riding on a track. This is a text book ment to be used when taking a beginner's racing course. ... Read more

Product Description
Racing has always been at the forefront of motorbike technology and Classic Racing Motorcycles profiles the all-time best of the breed. It features the bikes that were Grand Prix championship winners and major contenders across more than six decades of racing from the 1930s to the 1980s. Among the new technology which these machines pioneered are: overhead and double-overhead camshafts, telescopic forks, swingarm and monoshock rear suspension, two-stroke disc-valves, four-valve cylinder heads, liquid cooling, four and even six-cylinder engines and aerodynamic fairings. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

A must have for a Kawasaki owner
Lots of great photos of your favorite motorcyle mark. Has alot of excellent information on the history of Kawasaki motorcycles. ... Read more

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Product Description
Until the 1970s, North America was considered a backwater with respect to world championship-level motorcycle road racing. European racers viewed American riders as being less talented and rode around in circles on tracks made of dirt. That all changed when Kenny Roberts exploded onto the Grand Prix racing scene and became the first American to win the world championship in motorcycle road racing's premier class. Roberts' success launched an era of American dominance that lasted for nearly 20 years and still echoes through the annals of the sport. This is the story of the legendary American riders who beat the Europeans at their own game, including Freddie Spencer, Eddie Lawson, Wayne Rainey, Kevin Schwantz, Kenny Roberts Jr., and the most recent American world champion, Nicky Hayden. With additional chapters about the American World Superbike champions and those Americans who competed for the World Championship, this is the story road racing fans have been waiting decades to read. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Dirt Track Racing
Aimed towards children who express an interest in Dirt Track racing.Adults will be disappointed in the content.

Dirt track for kids.
Nice book about a fantastically exciting sport, great closeup photos of riders, but not designed for adults. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Flat Track(Motorcycle Racing the Flat Track)
This is the first boojk from Amazon I have been truly disapointed in. I should have read the other reviews first. The photos are good, though with only 24 pages, not numerius.More a childrens book then of any interest to an adult. The "glossery" is comical." I'll read reviews more closley in the future.

Gordon, Sonoma
I ordered this book for my hubby.It is a joke.It isn't even as big as a child's Golden Book.The picture is deceiving.It is only 24 pages (double sided = 12).Shame on you guys, you should advertise this as a child's book.

Motorcycle racing ,The fast track
This is definitely aimed for the younger generation.Adults will find this lacks depth, and is for children who express an interest in dirt track racing. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

flat track racing
wow
...saw this title on the sideburn blog and knowin gary, and his passion for flattracking.... i knew it would be in my collection soon, after reading.. the book it is no doubt a must have for any..vintage flattrack fan. git it. send it to your friends who love motorcycles.. it a true treasure. a "on any sunday" classic!
kk#38

True coverage of a Flat Track Era
This book is an accurate overview of Flat Track Racing. Flat Track racing in the 1970's was at its most popular and was a true community of people who all had the same passion for this sport.I am thankful I was able to be a racing spectator during those years, attending races at race tracks all over the country - but I definitely enjoyed reading about it and remembering. I have read several other books on Flat Track racing but Gerald Foster has done a great job of presenting the history of this motorsport. ... Read more

Product Description
The first and only book for female motorcycle enthusiasts is back in print with an updated resource directory of websites, periodicals, aftermarket suppliers, and club contacts. In addition, there's an illustrated history of pioneering women in motorcycling-from the turn of the century to the high-tech drag racers, stuntwomen, and motocrossers of today-a reference section with safety information, and advice on choosing the a motorcycle and gear. In compiling the book, the author rode more than 30,000 solo miles to interview hundreds of women. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A history of past and present riders and safety information
Hear Me Roar is a fascinating chronicle of the lives of past and present female motorcycle riders.The inspiring riders date from the early 1900's to the present, street and race drivers, young and old. Any female motorcycle rider who reads this book will feel proud to be a part of this ongoing history.

The practical sections in Hear Me Roar regard safety and risk management, rally information, clubs, and advice on choosing a first bike.This is a great addition for a person's personal library as well as for a club lending library.The information in the practical sections is "must reading" for new riders.

"Why do I really love this book? Not only because I respect the hard work and sacrifice required to produce it, but because I want a copy for my grandchildren.I want them to know that I was a participant in the middle years of the struggle to gain acceptance for women in motorcycling. I want them to be proud to know that their grandmother cared about motorcycling and women and that she joined not a group of scuzbags, but a group of interesting, exciting, energetic, on-the-edge women who ventured into a man's world and made it a world for all.What a concept!"

A book that gives women wings
This is the first book of which I am aware that identifies and follows--literally "on the road"--a group of women who have found a sport that is at once an exhilarating physical activity, a mode of transportation, and a recreation that makes its own political statement: I can do it myself! I don't need to cling to the back of a man while he guides the machine through the traffic of the world. I love the way the author, Ann Ferrar, has shown the multi-class, multi-cultural, multi-spirit of the women described here. I love her spirited prose and the photographs she (mostly) made herself. I love the fact that she--a tiny, curly-haired intellectual woman--committed herself to this idea and this project to show the rest of us what we are missing. Read this book, women, then try your wings!

Empowerment for Life from a Two-Wheeled Thrill
When we see a woman on a motorcycle, we can't help but wonder who she is, what her life must be like, and what makes her ride.Author Ann Ferrar traveled across the country on her own motorcycle to answer those questions for us.And the answer vibrates as resolutely as an American V-Twin, crosses boundaries in dual-sport fashion, and powers motorcross style over life's bumps and potholes. Ms. Ferrar has documented the history, heritage, and heart of women motorcyclists from California to New York.Not content for this to be merely a lesson of the past, she has captured the essence of current female motorcyclists.Her final reference chapters regarding choosing motorcycles, gear, training, and camraderie, light a high-powered halogen headlight for our future women riders. ... Read more

Product Description
Due to the demand from motorcycle enthusiasts, Mick Walker has teamed up with Redline Books to reprint his series of six Racing Motorcycle books. Mick Walker's Italian Racing Motorcycles is the second to be published. This new edition is a high quality, 256 page book, which has been extensively updated with more than twice the length of the original text, and completely redesigned in the style of the first book in the series, which broke the mould of motorcycle marque history book design. The text is typical of Mick Walker's detailed, yet entertaining style, and with over 800 photographs in colour and black and white, the book offers a wealth of information. It is both a work of reference and an enjoyable read. Marques covered include the Moto Guzzi, Ducati, Laverda, Aermacchi, Bimota, MV Agusta and many more. Other titles will cover German, European, Japanese and American. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

From The Italy Con Brio: The Story of Italian Racing Motorcycles
The Italians love their motorcycles, and from Gilera, Moto Guzzi and Bianchi in the 1920s to Ducati and MV Agusta today, they have long excelled at motorcycle competition.In Italian Racing Motorcycles, the prolific motorcycle journalist Mick Walker covers the history of competition motorcycles built in Italy from A to Z, beginning with Aermacchi and concluding with the little-known Rumi marquee which began in the 1920s and ceased production in 1962.

Walker writes with brevity and clarity, which is necessary because he has a lot of ground to cover.This book is a revision of an earlier one that was first published back in the 1980s, and it has been greatly expanded with a revised lay-out that makes it easy to read.After a brief introduction to motorcycle sport on the Italian peninsula, Walker has an entry on each Italian manufacturer who was active in racing summarizing the technical development of the motorcycles and their racing results.The graphics are nice, with logos of each marquee and period photographs of the most important motorcycles.

Part of a series of six volumes, Italian Racing Motorcycles is not for the casual motorcycle fan who is looking for a glossy coffee-table book with lots of images of concours bikes and short essays.This reasonably priced, well-produced softcover volume is a reference work for the serious enthusiast who really wants to know his bikes.

excellent
My husband loves all things Italian--especially when it comes to motorcycles and cars.I bought him this book as an xmas gift and was really happy with it, he's always browsing through it.Great gift for any guy who is into Italian design and bikes.

Esstential Reading For Any Motorcycle Enthusiast
Mick Walker's "Italian Racing Motorcycles" is one of a series of books that covers the evolution of the road racing motorcycle by the nation of which the machine originates from.As the title indicates, this book discusses the motorcycles of Italy.

What I enjoy most about this series of books is the format.I find them easy to read, and a valuable resource to add to my library due to the abundance of information that Mick has compiled on a multitude of manufacturers.From Aermacchi to Rumi, everything you could ever wish to know about Italian road racing motorcycles is covered.While the Ducati section is large due to that marque's racing history, Mick does an incredible job at showcasing some of the manufacturers that exploded onto the road racing scene with much promise, only to be cast aside for one reason or another as time went by.The racing efforts of manufacturers such as Morbidelli, Bianchi, and Paton are covered in-depth.Mick does a fantastic job at not only talking about the machines, but also of talking about the riders, the engineers, and the mechanics that all helped to achieve some of the most incredible goals that anyone could dream of in the realm of motorcycle road racing.The pictures that Mick provides to accompany his writing are spectacular as well.

I also own a copy of Mick's "European Racing Motorcycles", and I am setting my sights on more of his work.You cannot go wrong with any book in this series.These books can be hard to get, but once you have your hands on a copy, you'll never let it go.I highly recommend this title to any motorcycle and road racing enthusiast.

Mick Walker Italian Racing Motorcycles
This is a tour de force of Italian motorcycles written with the same level of passion that created them... Salute Mick!
This book digs deep into the the developement and history with photograhy and factory literature to match. Written in a livey fashion that makes a great read.
David

A penetrating look at Italian Motorcycles of the classic era
Before the Japanese decided to take over the motorcycle business, England and Italy ruled the roost, with the Italians leading the way in terms of race wins, style and innovation.
This book covers the field in a comprehensive and most knowledgeable manner.
When I saw my old 1960's Moto Rumi Junior in this book, I knew I had to have it, and I must say, I have savored every single page.
A must have for every serious motorcycle enthusiast. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (102)

The Everest of Motorcycle teachings!
I purchased this book after reading an article by the author in a magazine having nothing to do with his own work.He was giving tips to riders to help improve their abilities.When I did a serch for him on-line I came across his work with Motorcycle teaching and his school in California.After reaserching him more and finding his teachings I fell in love with his knowledge and way of expressing it.

Sad to say I actually purchased his dvd before I got his book but both are excellent.The dvd is a great way to visualize exactly what he is teaching in this book and I think the two should go hand in hand.I have found both are great ways to help understand the simple and sometimes complex reasonings expressed, but the book is a more "user friendly" way of reviewing the steps needed for any given situation.Less memorization like an open book test.

If you have any interest in Motorcycle riding or racing this is the bible you need.Each idea is clearly laid out with step by step explination given for why it works and what is wrong with the other way.

This book won't only make your daily riding more fun but could also save your life.I highly recommend the purchase and sharing of its ideas.

Twist of the Wrist II
Keith Code has a few ideas that every rider would be advised to adhere to, but the majority of the book is a snooze. Yes, the book is a fast read and has lots of illustrations, but not many earth shattering techniques that will drastically improve your riding.

I was hoping to pick up a few ideas that would assist me in cornering and hanging off. What I did pick up was the 40/60 rule about rolling on the throttle to distribute more weight to the rear wheel and track the rear wheel through a turn more efficiently, but was confused by what he meant by outside peg pressure. Many of the ideas the author attempts to explore will leave you scratching your head asking what did he mean by that??

I will add this book to my riding library and revist a few of the chapters, but glad I bought the book used vs. new. Other books I have read do a better job of explaining racing, cornering and braking far better than ToTW II.

If you ride a sportbike, you should already own this book
You. Sportbike. Riding. Canyons. Track days. This book is your bible, your guide, and holds the answers to your sportbike riding questions. What do you mean your don't have it yet?Buy it!!!

Great for any serious motorcycle rider
Great for any serious motorcycle rider.Even if you do not plan on racing or riding hard, has some VERY IMPORTANT principals to understand and implement in your every day or racing riding

Twist of the Wrist 2 - Great book, but for best results...
The book was great, but having just done the California Superbike School (Day 1) which is based on the book. I thoroughly recommend you enroll and do the course.
It is the best money you will ever spend on your bike.

Ken Nightingale
New Zealand ... Read more

Product Description
Motorcycle racing is a sport that takes man and machine to extremes. These hard roads demand everything - total commitment, total faith - from those who race on them. So what makes these men race? In Hard Roads, Stephen Davison - the world's number one road-racing photographer and a man who has unparalleled access to the riders - answers that question. In his incredible photographs and accompanying text, he captures the essence of the sport - the all-consuming passion; the incredible skill and speed; and, the sense of the ordinary and the extraordinary that is the essence of road racing. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The Ultimate
IF you like motorcycle road racing our even if you hate it you must buy this book. The photography is ABSOLUTELY SPECTACULR !!! ... Read more

Product Description
For years track days have been popular activities for European motorcyclists. In recent years it has become a very popular activity in the U.S. as well. As traffic laws become increasingly draconian, roads become increasingly congested, and motorcycles become increasingly capable, more people are taking their bikes to race tracks. Currently there are a number of organizations catering to people who attend track days. But many people who want to ride on racetracks don't attend track days because they don't know how to prepare themselves or their motorcycles for the racetrack. This book will provide tell them everything they need to know to hit the racetrack: how to prepare their motorcycles, how to find organizations that sponsor track days, where to attend track days, information on track schools around the country, and much, much more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Excellent
I found this book to be a great help with preparing to ride on the track.It goes over all of the basics (safety wire, suspension, protective equipment, etc.).Also, the author's writing style was humorous and kept me entertained.

My only complaint was the section on entering roadracing on a small budget.He talked of so many add-ons that, in my opinion, it was not low budget.He did say that you can race a stock bike, but did not discuss what you would need to do to prepare the bike for racing.

The author's level of riding also seemed pretty high before he started riding on the track.This gave him higher expectations of his abilities than I believe most people should have.

Again, I thought this book was excellent.

not a handbook,
From the title of this book I expected a coherent, step by step guide to track days. What you get instead is a personal journal of his riding experiences with some VERY BASIC, guide to track days. This book is only for the true beginning rider, anyone with any experience will find little new or useful.

This book is excellent!!
I'm a WERA racer and also put on a couple track days for our local club, The Floribama Riders, at Barber and Talladega GP.This book is excellent for guys wanting to do their first track day all the way to the beginning racer.Covers prep, suspension, gear, etc.This book has been needed for a long time. ... Read more