Customer Reviews (1)

Just a pamphlet ?
This book is little more than a brochure. More information is available by just browsing the Net for "Enduro". The book contains information like "riders may even have to ride over rocks and hills", and sentences like "The suspension system is the system of springs and shocks on a motorcycle". You won't learn much by buying this book. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (4)

Superb
The photos & in-depth descriptions were far beyond what I expected.I'm hoping for a sequel.

The damage to the book was worse than the description
The damage to the book was worse than the description

Know a motorhead?Get them this book!
Wow.

I own hundreds of automotive books, but "Class Racing Engines" is the one that I read over and over.It combines deep technical information, fantastic photos, rare blueprints, and most important of all, Ludvigsen's unique ability to place things within a historical context.

What I like most about this book is how it puts you right in the shoes of the engine designer.What should the valve angle be?Hemispherical combustion chamber?Materials?Number of bearings?You get the picture... this book gets you deep into motor design and then wallows around in it.It's almost a sinful delight to read.

Classic Racing Engines reviewed byaKansasRancher
I'm a Kansas Rancher who works with technology based at best in the 1970's.Bailing wire and duct tape can fix most of my problems.Ludvigsen writes for my understanding level; no high math or esoteric physics, just how the engine was designed; what new, different, or improved insights were polished to make a winner out of the raw product. From the individual product of the designer of the Kuchen 2-liter of 1952 to products of cubic money and scores of engineering departments of major manufactures like the Honda V-12 of 1992, Ludvigsen explains the reasons the design worked, why problems happened, and how the engine contributed to the evolution of mechanical knowledge. I enjoyed reading and using it as a frame of reference. ... Read more

Book Description
This award-winning guide helps motorcyclists spend their two-wheeled vacation on only the best rides. From the rocky New England coast to the glorious, wide-open West, Gary McKechnie provides information on side trips, scenic spots, bike shops, and more. You'll find photographs, maps, and expert advice on the country's top rides with hundreds of new website listings, new lodging options, current prices, and new side trip suggestions. This book is the winner of the Ben Franklin Award sponsored by the Publisher's Marketing Association and the Lowell Thomas Silver Award sponsored by the Society of American Travel Writers. "One of the most original and useful motorcycle touring guides on the market." -- Motorcycle Product News "If you ... plan a serious road trip in the lower 48 ... grab a copy of Great American Motorcycle Tours." -- Backroads ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

A wide variety of suggested motorcycle tours
Now in an updated and expanded second edition, Great American Motorcycle Tours by Gary McKechnie offers the reader a wide variety of suggested motorcycle tours ideal for vacationers and cyclists looking for history, excitement, and the joy of the open road. Different tours appeal to different tastes, such an Amish Country Run stretching from New Hope to Intercourse, Pennsylvania, or a Wild West Run from Livingston, Montana to Jackson, Wyoming. Each individual tour has numerous historic stops, and any attraction can be easily looked up in the index for "user friendly" cross-referencing. Overall, Great American Motorcycle Tours is an enjoyable, practical, and very highly recommended guide.

Good Beginnings
I recently purchased Gary's book in the Spring of '02 for my trips to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Sturgis.It provided an excellent primer for stopping points of interest and quality local eateries.I wasn't hung up on his allowing four days to cover 200 miles, however, I looked at is a buffet in which you can pick and choose the events of interest to you.His advice on packing warmer clothing in the dead of Summer for the elevation changes was dead on.Some may call it 'common sense', but if you see reported temperatures in Asheville at 90 degrees, you may not realize you'll need a jacket and light gloves by the time you hit Mt. Mitchell.I appreciated his advice and considered it money well spent.

Great Ways to Avoid Motorcycling
The foreword of the book is written by Peter Fonda. I personally fail to make the connection why the endorsement of a Hollywood actor who happened to shoot a motorcycling movie should prove the value of a touring guide. But as I tried out some of the journeys, I started to see how the whole experience, which these suggested trips cater to, is concentrated around the image of motorcycling rather than the actual experience of riding. I wasted a couple of weekends diligently following directions through Pennsylvania and up the Hudson. The book led me through numerous towns and it reserved a lot of pages for information on all the things, which you could do to avoid riding your bike - you could find listings on every thrift store, restaurant, rafting company, and even bicycle tour! available on your way. Another interesting (and related) point was the fact that the author estimated coverage of about 50 miles per day i.e. if the suggested trip was 200 miles total, you were supposed to need 4 to 5 days to cover the distance. While very concentrated on all the entertainment that could be bought along the trip, the book was not especially concerned with the quality of the selected riding. Gorgeous scenic ways were followed by long stretches of banal suburban motifs and while stuck in the stop-and-go traffic I was wondering what part of the motorcycling experience I was supposed to be exercising at the time.
This is my rendering of the qualities, which the reader needs to possess in order to enjoy the recommendations in the book: 1. Your name must be Peter Fonda 2. You must be independently wealthy since you can't both hold a job and go to all these 4-5 days trips. 3. You must be versatile in the outdoors' activities to take full advantage of all the fun that awaits you out there. 4. You need friends who would like to hear about stuff like " When I flew in that helicopter over the Grand Canyon...", and "Here is a picture of me next to an Amish farmer..." 5. You only need basic riding skills and moderate motorcycling enthusiasm.
My advice is - get a map, look for the small roads, use your common sense, and explore. Good luck out there, maybe we'll meet on the road.
{This review refers to an out-of-print edition.}

cross-country
This is a fantastic book! I wanted to take a cross-country tour and this was the only book I found that covered more than one region.Second, the humor is prevalent but it never gets in the way of describing some killer back roads and great historic towns I might have missed. Third, I never feltthe lodgings he recommended were that expensive because A) I am a solo rider so the rates are lower for me anyway, and B) if I don't want to stay at a place he lists, I have the option of finding a chain hotel. That's another thing -- at the end of each chapter he lists campgrounds and state parks (for even cheaper camping). Finally, the reason I like this book and would strongly recommend it is for its great references. There are listings for state tourism boards where I can get free detailed maps, a listing of motorcycle shops within a few miles of each place he visits, and websites for motorcycle corporations, rentals, and tours.This is a solid, essential, and ultimately extremely valuable source of information for ALL riders. Buy it.
{This review refers to an out-of-print edition.}

Ivan
The foreword of the book is written by Peter Fonda.I personally fail to make the connection why the endorsement of a Hollywood actor who happened to shoot a motorcycling movie should prove the value of a touring guide.But as I tried out some of the journeys, I started to see how the whole experience, which these suggested trips cater to, is concentrated around the image of motorcycling rather than the actual experience of riding. I wasted a couple of weekends diligently following directions through Pennsylvania and up the Hudson.The book led me through numerous towns and it reserved a lot of pages for information on all the things, which you could do to avoid riding your bike - you could find listings on every thrift store, restaurant, rafting company, and even bicycle tour! available on your way.Another interesting (and related) point was the fact that the author estimated coverage of about 50 miles per day i.e. if the suggested trip was 200 miles total, you were supposed to need 4 to 5 days to cover the distance.While very concentrated on all the entertainment that could be bought along the trip, the book was not especially concerned with the quality of the selected riding.Gorgeous scenic ways were followed by long stretches of banal suburban motifs and while stuck in the stop-and-go traffic I was wondering what part of the motorcycling experience I was supposed to be exercising at the time.
This is my rendering of the qualities, which the reader needs to possess in order to enjoy the recommendations in the book: 1. Your name must be Peter Fonda 2. You must be independently wealthy since you can't both hold a job and go to all these 4-5 days trips. 3. You must be versatile in the outdoors' activities to take full advantage of all the fun that awaits you out there.4. You need friends who would like to hear about stuff like " When I flew in that helicopter over the Grand Canyon...", and "Here is a picture of me next to an Amish farmer..." 5. You only need basic riding skills and moderate motorcycling enthusiasm.
My advice is - get a map, look for the small roads, use your common sense, and explore.Good luck out there, maybe we'll meet on the road.
{This review refers to an out-of-print edition.} ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

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 (3)

Very good but biased
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. Showssome really strange machines.

Tremendous Standard Reference for Motorcycles and Scooters
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 1919-20Early 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!

Best book of its type
This is an excellent reference for someone who wants to know about anybrand of motorcycle.There's something in there on all of them!

I likeeverything about the book.The photography is great and there's somereally good background information, too. My criticism of the book lies inthe selection of the particular bikes that have any meaningful coveragedevoted to them.Certain marques are overly represented where others areignored or get very light coverage.Too many Ducatis, for example, and notenough early Kawasakis.Too many Ariels and not enough bikes fromcompanies like Benelli, a company that sold zillions of lightweights.Theother thing is the specific bikes chosen to represent certain companies.Iwould like to have seen a little more thought given to those that were themost significant models.

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

But again, in summary, it's themost complete work of its type I have ever seen, and I have spent manyhours enjoying it.It's also nice to have whenever anyone talks about aparticular bike-- you can look it up in the book and in many cases, find apicture. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Racings Jet Set Superstar
Michael Scott's contributions to the world of motorcycle journalism has been well proven and this latest offering is an equally great piece of work.This book serves as a fine tribute to the late Barry Sheene and is well worth reading. Wonderful photographs (many of which have never been released before) makes for a rich tapestry of Britains last world champion motorcycle racer. The book provides a good look at his family life, his competitors, the bikes, the races and, of course, the accidents... A great book and well worth the money. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

NOT worthy of the title...
How do I know this book is not as good as it should be?
Well, I have a very similar DK "ultimate" book for bicycles. That one covers everything from all the different bikes & accesories to the skills & techniques required for good riding, as well as general maintenance.

THIS motorcycle book has none of that. 90% of the book covers various motorcycles, most of them old cruisers, with just a few points on each one. It has only about 18 brief pages at the end to discuss the workings of a motorcycle and other things such as tyres, clothes, etc. That is just not enough.

This book is simply a summary of various motorycles from a historical perspective (with hardly any included from the "sports-bike" category). Not only that - all the bikes are old ones starting from 100 years ago. None of the newer sports bikes are covered in any sort of real detail. But aren't they one of the most popular [if not THE most popular] types of bikes? (I don't know, because I'm new to this) Any book worthy of using the word "ultimate" is the title must be both well-balanced and very thorough. This book is neither.

If you want my opinion, do not buy this book if you have not seen it. I can't believe everyone else rated it so highly, unless of course they're the sort who get nostalgic reading all about a bunch of old cruisers!

Deeply Cool
This book has great photos, no dark areas or confining borders to the photos, and intelligent text that always complements the main features--the motorcycle photos. Though mainly an exposition of the many types of motocycles in the world, this is also a history book touching on vintage bikes, famous racers, and facts about changing technology that have made certain bikes pathbreaking achievements of engineering. There is only a two-page section on motocross, the same volume of pages allocated to scooters. No elaboration into the sub-phyla--or sub-classes--of arena cross or supercross. But that's not a big deal, because what you have here is well worth it on its own. Wilson includes a great layout of "Electrics and instruments" which is reminiscent of Gray's Anatomy, in that it looks like a dissection scene from biology class. He lays out the electrical system of a motorcycle (street bike), looking like nerves branching out of a spinal cord. This is an innovative way to present this, with the amber, red, and white light covers and the battery cell covers still on. Only someone obsessed with this subject matter could have done this, which has the benefit of rubbing off on less-devoted adherents of the sport and the products who still need to be motivated by reading this book. And by simply studying it. Way more than words here. This is the lifetime achievement superstar reception room table favorite book in our law firm. Amazingly, no client has stolen it yet.

The One Motorcycle Book to Have If You're Only to Have One!
"The best spin-off from the invention of the wheel is, without any doubt, the motorcycle."

Whether you are a rider, someone who likes to admire motorcycles, or are curious to learn more, this book is for you.The book balances the "lure of the open road" mystique of motorcycles, with solid history, and gorgeous photographs of important and well-known models.

The first few pages look at how Gottlieb Daimler developed the first motorcycle.You will also see impressive photographs of a replica made from the original drawings.From there, Mr. Wilson teaches us about how engines developed, and where they were located in the design.Then, the issues of other needed technologies are explored (like brakes, suspension, and safety features).Original black-and-white photographs vie with color advertisements and beautiful color side views of motorcycles for your attention.

The main section of the book looks at the history of the world's motorcycles, by geography.Each page is crammed with views of motorcyles from ever angle, photographs of riders, and lots of specifications and other interesting details.Major parts of this section cover the United States (Harley-Davidson, Police Motorcycles, Henderson, Custom Bikes, Indian, and Other Classics), Germany (BMW, DKW, Sidecars, MZ, Munch, NSU, and Other Classics), Great Britain (AJS, Brough-Superior, BSA, Norton, Triumph, Speed Records, Velocette, Vincent HRD, and Other Classics), Italy (Benelli, Ducati, Gilera, Scooters, Moto Guzzi, MV Agusta, and Other Classics), Japan (Honda, Touring Motorcycles, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha), and a few bikes from Austria, Czechosloakia, France, Scandinavia, and Spain.The strength of this section is that many brands are covered.The corresponding weakness is that not very many models can be displayed for each brand.

The most exciting part of the book for me was the section on Motorcycle sports.These include Grand Prix racing, Superbikes, endurance racing, T T racing, Motocross, trials, speedway, desert racing, American racing, drag racing, and sidecar racing.Just looking at these exciting bikes is enough to make you wake up, and sit and stand up taller.

The final section displays key points about how the various parts of a motorcycle work.

Mr. Wilson is lucky to have been able to draw upon the Motorcycle Heritage Museum in Westerville, Ohio for models to illustrate the book.We are fortunate to be able to see them also.

If you just want to see Harleys, you will prefer Mr. Wilson's outstanding book, The Ultimate Harley-Davidson.

Looking at these marvelous machines made me think about other ways we can enjoy the wind in our hair and a feeling of freedom.If you like those experiences, have you ever tried other means to enjoy them?How many can you find?Which ones are even more fun than motorcyles?For me, a small boat on a choppy ocean going full throttle racing to get close enough to identify a humpback whale is an even better joy.

Now, consider what experiences are even more enjoyable than "wind in the hair" and "feeling free" in the form you like best . . . and are safer.How can you enjoy them more often?Can you enjoy any of them just by looking at a book?

Exercise your imagination to open up more possibilities for seizing all the juice life has to offer!

GNOME ET RHONE
POUR MON PERE QUI EST TRES MALADE ET HOSPITALISE, JE RECHERCHE DES ARTICLES ET/OU PHOTOS DE LA MOTO SUIVANTE : GNOME ET RHONE / 500CC / FLATWIND / BI-CYLINDRES / TRANSMISSION A ACATENE / BOITE 3 VITESSES /MOTEUR ENCASTRE DANS LE CADRE / CADRE EN TOLE ONDULEE POUVEZ-VOUS M'AIDER ?MERCI - CHRISTINE ... Read more

Book Description
This is the story of how a motorcycle daredevil and aspiring writer named Rocky Robinson broke one of the toughest records in the world, the motorcycle land speed record. In a tale that takes us from Camel Pro Series flat tracks to the salt flats of Australia and Bonneville. Robinson recounts his epic decade-long quest to be the fastest motorcycle rider on earth. His is a compulsively readable account that captures the hard work, sacrifice, and dedication that go into being the world's best, as well as the sheer terror of riding these two-wheeled rockets nearly six miles per minute. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Great read from anon-racing fan
I am not a motorcycle enthusiast nor am I a race fan but I thoroughlyenjoyed this book and learned a lot about land speed racing.Rocky is a very good writer and made me feel like I was right there in the seat experiencing the thrill of traveling 300 plus mph on two wheels.Afterreading Flat Out I have a great desire to make the trek to the Bonneville Salt Flats and witness first hand Rocky's next attempt to regain the title "fastest man on two wheels."

Flat Out brings flat out speed to your heart
After watching Rocky race speedway bikes without brakes I got a real chuckle of him describing in great detail the need for real brakes on the streamliner.His details and descriptions made me feel like I was right there in the pits with him.I really enjoyed reading his story and appreciate what he has accomplished.Little does the non racer understand the consequences of great speed and I think that Rocky has described it very eloquently.

I can hardly wait for Rocky to hit the salt, set some more records and start writing about it all over again.In the meantime, maybe he could write about his speedway days.

Cheers
RC Jones

Great Read
Although I must say that I know the writer from a close and mutual friend, I am an avid reader and although I do not have much knowledge in the field of racing, even I get it! The detail of events that he gives in the book of his very personal experience puts the reader in the driver seat as if you are really sitting beside him on his journey, if not behind the wheel yourself!

Enjoy this great read!

Diane

Larry Bliss, Pleasant Hill, CA
I have been fortunate in that I have experienced the attempts to break the land speed record in a Streamliner at Bonneville as a spectator.

Rocky takes the often long periods of down time due to bad salt, wind, breakage and repairs, and various other delays and relays it to the reader as if the events are hapenning in rapid sucession and that you have become a part of a hair raising, white knuckled world that few people can relate to.

Rocky's ability to bring the technical side of Bonneville racing along with the characters and humor that is part of the adventure to the reader make this book a winner.

Making a Dream Come True
You don't need to be a gear head to enjoy the drama of explosive hot engines, aerodynamics, and adrenaline, as well as life's lessons and innocence lost.Rocky Robinson's writing style kept the pages turning as I envisioned myself strapped in the cockpit and careening down the glistening white salt, heart pounding and fingers embedded into the steering mechanism!
Rocky shares it all, sacrifice, triumph, humor, and despair, while giving praise to the entourage it took to make his dream come true. His love of family makes it read as though he is the boy next door you've watched grow up. A fantastic daredevil of a journey - leaves you waiting for September and another next chance to claim the record!
... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Complete record of Motorcycle Road Racing in 2006
The primary focus of this annual are the three MotoGP World Championship classes of road-racing: 125cc, 250cc and MotoGP (990cc).

The book begins with a small feature article on Michelin tires used in motorcycle road-racing and an editorial by the authors.

The first major section of the book details all the Teams in seperate subsections for each class. Each subsection starts with a "class photo" spread showing all riders at the opening race. The following pages detail each of the teams and each rider on those teams. This is done with a page of text on the left and photos of the riders on their bikes on the right. This section spans pages 12-57.

Pages 58-71 detail each of the three major series champions, with a double-page photo of the three on their bikes at the end of the season, followed by four pages devoted to each rider.

The meat of the book runs from pages 58-171. Six pages are devoted to each race, starting with a double-page photo spread, a page describing the race overall, and a page for each of the three classes. The class pages include the starting grid with qualifying times, the final race positions and times, fastest lap times, and a chart showing the championship points after the race. Additionally, a small paragraph or sentence described the pre-race outlook, the qualifying, the start and a short description of the action in each lap of the race. The US round is 2 pages shorter as there was no 125 or 250 racing in the US.

The next 6 pages show the final season standings for each of the three classes.

Finally, the book ends with the results of other major road-racing championships around the world in pages 180-192. The results are less comprehensive and consist of a paragraph list of the finish order and final race times for each rider at each race in each classification, followed by final points standings for the top ten riders and points standings for each manufacturer.

The other racing championships covered in this final section include:
World Superbike
World Supersport
World Endurance
FIM Superstock
World Side-Cars
125cc European Championship
250cc European Championship
Supersport 600cc European Championship
Superstock 600cc European Championship
AMA Supersport
AMA Superstock
AMA Superbike
AMA Formula Xtreme
125cc German
German Supersport
German Superbike
German Side-Cars
Spanish 125cc
Spanish Supersport
Spanish Formula Xtreme
French 125cc
French Supersport
French Superproduction/Supersport
French Side-Cars
British 125cc
British Supersport
British Superstock
British Superbike
Italian 125cc
Italian Supersport
Italian Superstock 1000 Under 30
Italian Superbike
Swiss Superstock 600
Swiss Superstock 1000
Swiss Supermotard (7 classes)

While it contains a lot of stats, it isn't anything like a baseball encyclopedia. The book is designed with a lot of white-space, which gives it a more "art" appeal than the standard encyclopedia or reference. The photo are all in brilliant color and contain close-up action shots as well as a few small "cheesecake" shots of paddock and umbrella girls.

The primary appeal of this book over other MotoGP annuals is that it covers the 125cc and 250cc classes. Secondarily, the descriptions of action on a lap-by-lap basis gives it data not found in the other major MotoGP review annual. Third, it is complete in that it includes the results of the other major road-racing championships, such as the Superbike and Superstock classes, which feature riders that may be in MotoGP in a few years. Finally, the price is awesome, especially the current Amazon price on this-year's edition ($14). While older editions of the other annual cost $35 each, this one can be had back to 2002 for $20 each (current pricing). ... Read more

Book Description
The sole published expose of one of racing's most famous secret activities. Originally published in 1972, Chevrolet-Racing? reveals the inside story of Chevrolet's early surreptitious involvement in racing, from 1957-1970.

This re-issue of the collector's classic tells the fascinating story of how, from 1957 to 1970, Chevrolet probably acquired more successes and more technical knowledge of high performance than any other company in the world. Ironically, they never built a complete, running, race-ready vehicle; nor were ever officially represented at a race, and they never claimed credit for any Chevy products in racing wins, or promoted them in advertising for all that time. How did they accomplish what they did? This book reveals the untold story. It all started in 1953 - not an extraordinarily significant year in automobile racing. That's when Chevrolet announced that the company was going into production with an all-American sports car called the Corvette. Chevrolet - Racing? tells how the company began actively developing, sponsoring, and racing its cars - until the 1957 Automobile Manufacturers Association's ban on manufacturer involvement in auto racing. The book goes on to describe how the underground program started, and for the next fourteen years, how Chevrolet was secretly developing, testing, and supporting the activities of some of the biggest names in motorsports.

Covering Chevrolet's engineering developments as well as the struggle to keep their activities secret, this book reveals the program's major accomplishments, including:

The behind-the-scenes research and development of significant technical advancements, including the Chevrolet aluminum small block engine, automatic racing transmissions, aluminum and fiberglass chassis development, overhead cam V-8 engines, and vacuum traction.

Chevrolet's successful experiments with computer simulation of vehicle dynamics, computerized track simulation, real-time data telemetry, and driver performance recording - 28 years ago!

The designs of 74 cars engineered and developed during 1957-1970, including Chaparral Cars, Corvette SS, Trans-Am, Can-Am, Chevelle, Camaro, Corvair, plus many other prototypes that never made it into commercial production.

Chevrolet's silent support and involvement with many big-name race drivers designers and teams, including: Roger Penske and Mark Donohue, Bruce McLaren, Smokey Yunick, Jim Hall and other semi-independent racing teams. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A great racing read!
A great book for every Chevrolet racing fan.Full of secret items and true stories of Chevrolet's behind the scenes involvement in racing when the AMA ban on manufacturer involvement was in place.Plenty of amusing characters from the early days of racing.Highly recommended. ... Read more

Book Description
Pro tips and step-by-step photos on jumping, cornering, braking, starting, training and more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Room for improvement
I'm having a hard time reading this book.I think the gems of information are in there, but I'm having work pretty hard to get them out.Why?Formatting: low contrast color choices.In some places, dark text on a dark background makes for difficult reading in low light.Clarity: the author(s) repeatedly fail to define terms precisely.I'm left to guess what they mean.A how-to book shouldn't leave the reader wondering.Ego: they seem to worship Jeremy McGrath.Call him infallible.It feels like a primary school clique to me.Bad science:For example, pg.41, tip #5: "Carry most of your weight on the footpegs to lower your center of gravity."Based on my understanding of basic physics, changing the position of where the rider's weight is supported has nothing to do with where the rider's center of gravity is.Sure it's good advice, carrying the rider's weight on the footpegs drastically improves the bike's handling, but the authors' explanation of the physics is complete nonsense.It leads me to question all other explanations.I imagine the authors know their stuff, but they've got a lot of room for improvement to communicate their ideas in print.

Book Full of Great Riding Tips
This proved to be a very useful book to me.The authors of this book broke down the various aspects that are required to ride a dirtbike efficiently and safely.After I read through this book, I could critique my riding technique and make corrections.I immediately noticed results the first weekend out in the woods.My speed was increase and my comfort levels went up.At the conclusion of that ride, I noticed that I was less tired than usual and could have went back out for more.I've become a better rider as result of reading this book.I would recommend it to anybody wanting to become a better rider.

AWESOME!
This is just a gorgeous book, I had the old Gary Semics manual, it was black and white photocopy stuff, this new book has all the Gary Semics stuff with updates and many sections covering different terrains, bikes and setups. The pictures are outstanding, I showed it to my dirtbike buddies and everyone wanted to buy their own copy. They usually copy the stuff so that says a lot about the quality. The information is of the highest quality, Gary Semics is maybe the top motocross teacher in the world, and his "47 absolute techniques of motocross" WILL make you a better rider even if you just ride for fun with your friends. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!

Worth every penny!
This is an excellent book for improving your skills and preventing the spills. The pictures and instructions are so well written that anybody can understand and apply the techniques. A huge variety of topics for both trail riders and motocross racers, this book has plenty to offer all riders at any experience level. The chapters and subjects are well organized and easy to read. You will not be disappointed..

Best off-road motorcycle book around
My husband and I both ride... but he's the one who rides on the dirt as well as the road. He's been looking for a book like this for ages, and was elated when I presented it to him as a birthday gift. It's packed with information and pictures on off-road riding, which requires techinques that no-one seems to write about - but it's all here in this book. A must buy. ... Read more

Book Description
While the history of European competition motorcycles has been largely dominated by Italian, British, and German marques, other builders around the continent have also played significant roles from the turn of the century to present. Arranged by nation, this book examines more than two dozen important marques, including Bultaco, CZ, Elf, Husqvarna, KTM, Ossa, Peugeot, and many others. A wealth of rare photography, including a special color section, includes candid shots of the top personalities and the bikes both at rest and at speed. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Not merely "also rans"
While there's no shortage of books chronicling the contributions that the motorcycle industries of Britain, Italy, Germany and Japan made to Grand Prix racing, the smaller European nations seem to have been overlooked.

With this book, Mick Walker goes a long way to righting that wrong and reminds us that without the likes of Jawa and Bultaco, the racing landscape of the 50s and 60s would have been much poorer. Mick combines just the right amount of technical information with interesting biographical information on those who designed them and those who rode them. The photographs are excellent and the layout is easy on the eye. If you felt your racing library was incomplete, this could be the one that fills an important void. ... Read more

Book Description

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

Book Description
Today's super high-performance bikes are the most potent vehicles ever sold to the public and they demand advanced riding skills. This is the perfect book for riders who want to take their street riding skills to a higher level. Total Control explains the ins and outs of high-performance street riding. Lee Parks, one of the most accomplished riders, racers, authors and instructors in the world, helps riders master the awe-inspiring performance potential of modern motorcycles. This book gives riders everything they need to develop the techniques and survival skills necessary to become a proficient, accomplished, and safer street rider. High quality photos, detailed instructions, and professional diagrams highlight the intricacies and proper techniques of street riding. Readers will come away with a better understanding of everything from braking and cornering to proper throttle control, resulting in a more exciting yet safer ride. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (50)

good for beginners, boring for advance

This book may be a good read for someone that is new to riding a sport bike, with only a very basic idea of how to ride.It does go into some good fundemental tips and techniques, he also reviews some riding gear, and setting up your ergo's.So, if this is the first motorcycle book you have ever purchased, and you have only been riding for a little while, and dont plan on being a hard-core knee dragger, then sure buy this book.

However, if you are an experienced rider, this book is flat out boring.I even caught myself shaking my head in disbelief at some of this guys points of view and advice.Plus this guy is just straight up a dork, he try's to be funny, but he really gets on my nerves.

Improve your riding skills
Total Control: High Performance Street Riding Techniques is one of the best books I have read on the subject of performance motorcycle riding.It covers the subjects both from the technical as well as the practical.It is well illustrated with photographs and graphics and is written with some humor included as to not make the material covered as dry as it could have been!

The book breaks the wide subject of performance motorcycling down into small "bite size" chapters that fully cover the subject material without become overwhelming.The book contains many practical exercises that allow the reader to safely explore practicing riding skills basics.It uses examples of how riding is done on the race track to explain how to get the most enjoyment, safety, and performance out of a motorcycle on the street.

I have practiced and applied the techniques described in the book and found that the information is real-world and actually works.I found from reading the book that I was not looking far enough into turns.I practiced the method for taking turns that was described in the book and gained not only faster speed though the turns but also a better and more stable line through the turns.I now find myself riding faster and much more smoothly than before.Another thing I picked up from the book was shifting.I never thought too much about the importance of shifting gears quickly.With a little practice of the technique described in the book I am now shifting faster and smoother than ever.The results are, the bike stays under power more, my shifts are quick and precise, and again I am smoother and quicker than ever.

This book is well written and illustrated and provides practical and useful information that can improve your riding skills and safety.I highly recommend Total Control: High Performance Street Riding Techniques for anyone who rides and wants to improve their skills, safety and enjoyment of the sport!

Lee Parks knows his stuff!
I bought this book for my boyfriend. I read it,too. We met Lee Parks at the motorcycle show during thewinter and got to personally thank him for a really useful/helpful book. He writes with a sense of humour.That comes in handy for a slightly jumpy beginner motorcyclist like myself. Get this book. You'll refer to it again and again!

Total Control - High Performance Street Riding Techniques
Book covers a wide range of subjects including suspension set-up, rider attitude and fitness, conquering riding fear, motorcycle/rider aerodynamics.It concentrates on traction management, different ways a rider can conserve traction as curves are negotiated - places where many motorcyclists crash.Techniques are well described and diagrammed, and are applicable on the track as well as the street.Practice guides are included and parallel Lee's Advanced Riding Clinic course.Book makes a good supplement to the course.Both novice and experienced riders can gain valuable information from reading this book.

Top marks
Top marks for a book well written. Being only new to the motorbike riding scene, this easy to read and understand book is great for the beginner.Has lots of hints and tips to take on board. I hightly recommend it for anyone wanting to learn the ride. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Sky Rockets in Flight
I would recommend the bood Land Speed Racing to any young child who is infatuated with high speed racing. The purpose of the book is to inform people on facts and statistics about the book. Inside it also tells broken speed records, but at the same time it tries to send a message that no matter how fast you are going, you should always take safety precautions.
Kody C.

speed!!!
Land speed racing is a race that sees whos motorcycle or strem liner car can go the fastest. There has been several records set for the fastes times and the cleanest bikes etc. There are also different clases depinding on the size of the motor and durability of the frame of the bike. The engine sizes range from 50cc to 3000cc!
Lance M.

Land Speed Racing
The purpose of this book is land racing. I would recomend this book to any body who likes racing motorcycle's, and landliners. This book is good for all ages to read or even have someone read it to you. They travel up to 200(MPH). When traveling at high rates of spee you have to waer special gear.

John M

Need for Speed
I would recomend this book to all who like to race, especially motorcycles.It is meant to inform you about racing motorcycles.I tells you all of the places to race like "el mirage."It tells you the records of the fastest speeds.It tells you about the kinds of bikes and the types of engines there are that you can use.It is a great book to read if you want to learn about racing with motorcycles for top speeds.It is very informative.
Michael L

land speed racing
The book explains the rules to land speed racing, to make it safer.It also list the types of engins the bikes use. The book also tells where they race. Also how the trackes were established. It also tells about the saftey procaution to racing.
Seth C ... Read more