Motorcycles Books

This book has been out of print for years and it is hands down the best book out there on roadracing a motorcycle. Code's books are obtuse and difficult to read and this is simple and direct from one of the most talented roadracers ever. It covers set-up, training, bike prep, testing and more. All more from the perspective of what Roberts did when he raced rather than a step by step process of "how to". The book is ghost written in the first person and is a little cocky (which you'd expect) and dated (since it was written in the 80's) but none of this really detracts as it's a fantastic insight into one of the greatest racers of our time. If you race motorcycles you must have this in your library.

Apparently this nifty book has not received sufficient attention yet or been noticed among the dozens of tomes about Harley this year, but in my estimation it is the most coherent and certainly the most wall-worthy. The clever publishers have made the 100 year history into a 15 page fold-out suitable for display on walls in gearhead garages worldwide. On the reverse, the Harley models are summarized. My highest recommendation as an inexpensive yet comprehensive guide to all things Harley. Even the facts and dates about the Hells Angels are correct!

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

I have in the past read and made use of many of the Haynes manuals for a variety of motorcycles, both domestic and foreign, and, without much doubt ,this is one of the best ones. It reaches to over two hundred pages in length and unusualy for them has no serious omisions or errors and manages to cover all aspects of the unit heavyweight Triumph twins practically and comprehensivley for the home maintenance enthusiast. This being one of the manuals which has been regularly updated over the years the coverage of the late Harris models and the advice on parts availability is far more usable than other titles they have put out in the past, it even manages to be a good read if you are less practically interested. Perhaps the standard here is higher because of the competition in the market but it still manages to be a highly reccomended buy - well I bought one so it must be your turn next - what are you waiting for?

In 1971 in England I was lucky to take over ownership of one of the last pre-unit BSAs (my brother's 1961 Superocket - much the equivalent to the Bonnie of its day but with only one carb - easier to keep in tune). Shame the unit BSAs (A50 & A65) were never so good

I then went 'japanese'(not that there was anything wrong with that), though am now lucky to own a BMW (my dream bike - I got left some $$$).

I did own a (used) Bonnie - around 1977, I think - but it was unfortunately one of the least revered types - the oil in the frame (below the seat) models. Still, at least I was able to work on the engine (I bought it with a loused up engine), unlike modern machines.

I collect books on BMWs, though I have some books on other makes. I found this book to be excellent & on par with many of the best BMW books - great pictures & as far as I know an accurate history. It certainly is easy to read.

My only fault with it is maybe the price - maybe a bit steep for a relatively slim volume - though I'm very happy/fortunate to have snagged an almost as new one via Amazon for only $6 + $3.49 shipping - a great deal!

I would love to own a(nother) Bonnie - this time one of the classic models. It would be light enough for my wife to ride (why did bikes get heavier despite the use of modern materials?) and a joy to throw around curves (no, not scraping the footrests - I'm too old to risk breaking a leg after almost 40 years riding with no broken bones!) It would however have to be in a restored state so I guess, not being able to afford it, that will never happen.

Ah well, maybe one day someone will give me the $$$ to go & buy either a new one (which look great in the dealer's showrooms) or a restored old one. In the meantime, this book will more than do.

Mr. Brooke's Triumph Motorcycles a Century of Passion and Power is a must have. You will get a thorough history of Triumph and get the stories that have made the Triumph marque a ledgend and it's bikes icons in the motorcycle world. I like the cut outs of the engines through out this book and it has some incredible photos. If your a stat geek you will not find any spec sheets in this book but in my opinion it's not needed. I'm am a Triumph man to the core and found that this book was worth every penny

An Illustrated Workshop Manual Covering Triumph Twin And Single-Cylinder Motorcycles From 1937 To 1951....This is a faithful reproduction of the Floyd Clymer (A. St. J. Masters) Workshop Manual originally published in the US in 1951. Possibly the most comprehensive Workshop Manual available for pre swing-arm Triumph motorcycles....This manual was given Triumph Corporation blessing and distributed by their dealers in the US....It includes repair and maintenance data for both rigid frame and sprung hub single cylinder SV & OHV and twin cylinder OHV pre-war, military, and post-war Triumph motorcycles from 1937 to 1951....Much more detailed than the owner's handbook, this manual provides the information necessary for the overhaul of engines, gear boxes, frames, wheels, sprung hubs, forks - both girder & telescopic, carburetors, electrics, etc., essential information for the enthusiast, owner or restorer of these classic motorcycles....224 pages and 107 illustrations, includes 10 pages of detailed technical specification charts and a comprehensive index....Applicable To The Following Models: 2H, Tiger 70, Tiger 70C, 3S, 3H, Tiger 80, Tiger 80C, 5H, Tiger 90, Tiger 90C, 6S, 2HC, 3SC, 5T Speed Twin, 5S, T100 Tiger 100, 3HW, 3SW, 5SW, 3T, Grand Prix, TR5 Trophy and 6T Thunderbird....Includes Maintenance And Repair Data On The Following Engines - Single Cylinder: 250cc OHV, 350cc SV, 350cc OHV, 500cc SV, 500cc OHV and 600cc SV - Twin Cylinder: 350cc OHV, 500cc OHV and 650cc OHV.

This is an excellent book. It is well written, thorough, and well illustrated. Definitely worth the price to anyone interested in Triumph motorcyles or motorcycles in general. The author takes you on a historical tour of Triumph motorcycles from day one and brings you up to date (1997-publish date). There is a focus on the new generation Triumphs that are being built at John Bloor's Hinkley factory. You are given a 'virtual' tour of this factory and is processes, even introduced to special people that work there. You soon become aware that something very special is going on at this factory in England. And if you happen to own one of these new Triumphs, like myself, this book just re-enforces what you already know -- The Empire is Striking Back -- from Hinkley !

When people see me on my Triumph Bonneville Special or 825cc Tiger they say things like:

"Great bike, must be hard to find parts for..."

or sometimes you'll get:

"I used to have one of those..."

Which is really the more appropriate response since Triumph and American motorcycling go hand in hand. This book really made it clear to me why I love Triumphs. It gives detailed descriptions of models which were constructed specifically for the American market. There are great pictures of cross country races in the California desert and road races at Daytona. The author really captures the competative relationship between the East coast and West coast Triumph dealers (who had seperate race teams) with biographies of the riders, mechanics and team managers who made motorcycle racing from the 40's to the 70's so exciting. I learned as much about the racers as I did about the modifications they made to their bikes (and now I can make to mine).

Great book for anyone who races vintage bikes or just loves the sound of a parallel twin!

This has to be the definitive reference for restoration of Speedtwins and Thunderbirds. From the careful dating and engine number cataloging of upgrades and new features on these bikes to colour matching with modern paint systems this one has it all. Also included are many photographs and articles from original publications. A great read too!