Do read the reviews before buying   March 17, 2001

If you already know something about bikes, this book will teach you little new (although it was nice to finally learn what a desmodromic valve was :)


An Excellent Reference   September 7, 2000
  34 out of 35 found this review helpful

I was delighted with this book for two reasons: one, it answered all the random questions I had from talking to bike owners or mechanics (What IS a desmodromic valve? How does a clutch work, exactly? Why is the exhaust pipe length critical to tuning a 2-stroke?). Two, I love illustrations, and these technical illustrations are top-notch. There are beautiful section and cutaway views of engines and subsystems, all properly detailled and labeled.

Don't expect this book to allow you to fix your bike. But expect to gain a better understanding of how things work, motorcycle design trends and influences (often from a historical perspective), and why things break and wear out. And that will pay off the next time you're talking to your mechanic, or the guy at the auto parts store.


Great intermediate-level book on motorcycle mechanics   August 28, 1999
  26 out of 27 found this review helpful

This is a good buy. Plenty of technical detail on all aspects of a motorcycle. No padding (just information). The book also discusses variations on the models described. The only complaint I can think of (and its minor) is that it would have been nice to see some troubleshooting information on the topics discussed.


I love this book...   August 27, 1999
  9 out of 9 found this review helpful

Few books ever go into details like this one. Let alone so clearly. This book explains how engines/carbs/exhaust/tires/suspension work, some of the history behind the developments...

Sportbike Performance Handbook is similar but more geared towards performance/racing.


An easy to understand yet in depth theory manual.   June 29, 1999
  16 out of 16 found this review helpful

This is an excellent introduction to the theory of motorcycle mechanics. It explains in great detail with clear and precise line drawings how the various parts of a motorcycle work, their function, and design evolution. If you want to learn to understand motorcycles in detail, start with this book!