Motorcycles Books

GOTTA HAVE IT.A MUST FOR DIEHARD ENTHUSIAST

First, allow me to level-set. Although I've had Ron Wright's manual only one day now, I see it'll provide years of helpful technical detail, plus I can hardly put the book down! You see, I've enjoyed the privilege of owning, and thus maintaining/repairing and even restoring about two dozen motor vehicles in my lifetime: cars, street and dirt bikes, and Personal Watercraft. Plus I've before worked 7 years in basic auto service.

I can see Wright's book will be a favorite manual, nearly up there with a personal favorite: Robert Bentley's phone-book-sized repair manuals for British cars. Already, I see Wright is more thorough than the factory service manuals for my 1965 Corvette!

I bought the '97 XT-350 with missing owner's manual a month ago; I've searched for a decent manual ever since. The dealer could order the small owner's manual, but could not locate the factory Yamaha service manuals. I later located both Ron Wright's and the factory Yamaha service manuals on the web. The two factory manuals required by Yamaha gave me sticker shock!! In contrast, Wright's manual appeared a bargain. I just hoped it was not similar to some after-market repair manuals, which leave me baffled, for example, I've read a section of a car repair manual under "A/C" which basically says "Charge it. If still inoperative take car to an A/C mechanic." Real helpful!

My XT came in superb condition with low mileage, except it became apparent the bike was never serviced (yes, I mean *NEVER*). Anxious to take out the bike for a thrashing in the dirt, I had to service it by a mix of memory of repairing my ex-1981 XT-250, combined with plain old instinct. (Heh, it's a simple bike after all.) Fluids, filters, lube, new battery, carb. clean, etc. I procrastinated the rest, waiting for specs and procedures from a decent manual.

Now, Ron Wright's manual arrived and it has everything I'd been looking for, and MUCH more. There are so many extensive, detailed photos (black-and-white), hints, and plain-language explanations of each step, part and tool. It appears nothing is left out.

Bravo!

Andy DiSario

Perfect for keeping your mind on Harley's when the weather is not perfect. If you read for pleaseure you will like a Harley Novel "THE SECOND COMING OF AGE" by: Curtiss De Vedrine

This is just the calendar I was wanting for my Son-in-law. He is involved with moto gp and is serving in Iraq. This made the perfect gift for him.

This review will be short and sweet. I have read all of Werner's books. I have also read about 30 other motorcycle travelogues, including the classics such as Jupiter's Travels and One Man Caravan. Werner Bausenhart's books top them all, and they are the only ones (with the exception of One Man Caravan) that I think are worthy of reading a second time. His travels were fantastic, his writing superb, and his wit sharp.

A thick, fat little book with all information you could ever want about the Moto Guzzi history of the first 80 years.
Rare pictures of pre-production models or models that never made it into the showrooms. Also military models are well covered. Racing gets it seperate attention as well.
A very nice book and a must-have if you decide to own one book about Guzzi, 'cause it'll cover all your needs.
I would have liked even more pictures, but you can't have it all.

This os an useful book for ALFA owner. Actually,I'm a crazy ALFA fan(I had 1989 Spider & 2000 156). It's cleaer to know the history of ALFA. You'll know more about the spirit of ALFA and Italian car. It really worthy.

If you are interested in the hottest custom bikes around (1993 and before), this book showcases the top Harley customs and their builders. The book gives a builder profile (bio) & then discusses their bikes and how they began building, in detail. Bikes styles range from outrageous to classy. All photos are in color and many are full page or double page spreads. Each chapter in the book highlights a well-respected custom bike builder. These men are truly artists in their fields, bridging mechanical know-how with aesthetic artistry. These are not just stock bikes with a few add-on, after market accessories! Bike artists include Donnie Smith, Al Reichenbach, Arlen & Cory Ness, Dave Perewitz, Bob Bauder & Pete Chapouris, and Don Hotop.

This is an awesome book. If you went to a supercross or an outdoor national this book will bring back memories. If you didnt get to see one this is the book that brings it all to you.
Simon is a great photographer. The first book was A++++. This one is even better. The photos are awesome. I just got the book and eveyone that check its out says it is awesome.
I recommed this book to everyone that rides

..pacing, time, and distance. I focus on the starter, centered on his moves, I open the throttle..full. My motor launches, as from a catapult, almost ripping loose from my hold. My timing is of the essence, I see it, a flash from the starters gun, perfect timing. Cutting a hole through the pack of my competitors we have the lead. Full open throttle, and our speed is still increasing. We climb the boards, centrifical force pushing, I use the 62% banking as ammo, in my fight against force, and speed. Wreck ahead, I see both riders going down. Their machines wobble, ones going over the top, the other hits the boards hard. Splinters are flying, I partially close the throttle, and pick my path to avoid hitting downed riders, debris, and the broke-up motorcycle. Having no brakes, transmission, or other means of slowing down quickly I jockey clear of all...

To me, reading this book is like transporting in time. I become there. The year, 1912. The track, St.Louis, Missouri. The sport; Board track racing. Motorcycle racing, performed on tracks of wood. From 1/16mile in length, to 2 miles. Speeds reached in 1912? Lee Humiston, on Dec.30, 1912, at a 1mile board track in Los Angeles, became the first American motorcyclist to travel at 100mph(Excelsior).
This book to me, is a key. This key unlocks many, many, whys.

'American Racer' by Steven Wright is the most comprehensive and thorough book about motorcycle racing available.The text is accurate and very educated. The photographs are both stunning and rare. We had to recently replace our copy (due to mindless lending!) and we searched relentlessly until we found a way to order this book. It is well worth it, especially if you or someone you care about loves American Motorcycles as much as Steven Wright!