Menu:

hint: move the cursor over a book cover to display purchase details (when available)


motorcycle literature — folks

This is the book to read if you want to learn the full story of Burt Munro, subject of the popular 2005 film The World's Fastest Indian (starring Anthony Hopkins). Written by a close friend (and sometimes competitor) of Munro, it's full of information on — and photographs of — the single-minded New Zealander who in his later years became a legend on the Bonneville salt flats with his highly modified 1920 Indian motorcycle.

This book is currently out of print, and may be difficult/expensive to acquire. Another (slightly fictionalized) version of the Munro story can be found in Tim Hanna's derivative but entertaining One Good Run.

For the first time, the life of one of Britain’s most talented motorcycle designers is revealed in full, so this is much more than just another book about Triumph motorcycles. His hugely successful sales campaign after World War II stunned America’s manufacturers, and had lasting repercussions on their own home market. Turner was an inventive genius, who had a flair for pleasing shapes plus an uncanny ability to perceive what the buying public would readily accept, and produce it at the right price. No one will deny the impact made at the annual Motor Cycle Show by his aerial Square Four in 1931, his superbly-styled single-cylinder Tiger models in 1936, and his revolutionary Speed Twin that dominated the Show in 1937. Even more was to follow, with his post-war Thunderbird and Bonneville twins. Winning the AMA 250cc Supercross Championship requires speed, strength, consistency, determination, and skill. Winning it seven times in eleven seasons is the stuff of fantasy — unless you're Jeremy McGrath, hailed as the world's greatest supercross competitor. His style and charisma helped bring supercross to the attention of the mainstream media. This book uses spectacular photography from the archives of Dirt Rider magazine to trace McGrath's rapid-fire racing career, from his early days in BMX through to his retirement and beyond. Author Ken Faught, McGrath's lifetime friend and motorjournalist, includes fresh details on McGrath's rocky relationship with Honda, an insider's take on the deal that put him on a Suzuki for 1997, and the story of how the Chaparral Yamaha team was assembled. The amazing story of Kiwi motorcycling legend, backyard engineering genius, and land speed record holder Burt Munro. The archetypal eccentric inventor, Munro modified a 1920 Indian motorcycle to become capable of extreme speeds. From small town New Zealand in the 1920s to heroic accomplishments in the USA, Munro was still inventing up until his death in 1978. This is very much a "little guy beats the odds" story (Munro still holds several records in the US); as a mark of respect, his racing category was "frozen" for all time. His 1967 Bonneville feat was immortalized in the 2005 film The World's Fastest Indian (starring Anthony Hopkins).

A more authoritative version of the Munro story can be found in George Begg's biography Burt Munro: Indian Legend of Speed.

"Hayes puts real human faces with, and lends authentic human voices to, the legends, myths, and lore of those early biker days ... The narrative is helped along considerably by the many vintage photographs, most of them black-and-white snaps, that show clearly the youthful glint in the eyes of then-young-men. There is little tough-guy posturing in those old pictures. Most of the guys are smiling, happy to be alive and happy to be on their bikes ... Frozen in time, they have no idea that they’re about to ride straight into the history books. And that’s what makes them so appealing and what makes The Original Wild Ones worth reading." —RoadBike

Tales of days sadly past, when "outlaw" biker culture was much different from today's. A truly entertaining look at the beginnings of biker culture in America.

"Hilliard traces Trevor Deeley's life from his birth in 1920, through an evidently neglected childhood, into his adolescence as a motorcycle racer, through young adulthood, working his way through the company ranks, and finally through the successive waves of the post-World War II motorcycle industry as the chief executive of [his family's] highly successful firm ... Trevor Deeley's greatest impacts on the industry happened after World War II, when he used his acumen to ride the crests of the British bike wave, followed by the Japanese wave, and finally the still-current Harley-Davidson wave. Hilliard describes these activities in great detail, leaving the reader without a feel for how Trevor amassed his personal fortune of 20 million dollars." —Motorcycle.com The autobiography of one of the great chopper designers/builders, with plenty of full-coloured photos of his love and art (including his astonishing — and reputation-making — hubless rear wheel). Unlike some, Billy has remained a nice guy, despite the television fame ( from the Discovery Channel's Monster Garage).

Pretty much a "must read" for chopper devotees.

When Joey Dunlop, undisputed master of the Isle of Man TT, was killed in July 2000, some 50,000 well-wishers attended the funeral, which was broadcast live on Irish television; for the mourning motorcycle road race fans, he was akin to royalty. Mac McDiarmid's biography about the modest Ulsterman is packed with anecdotes, photographs, and race information. It takes a special combination of talent and guts to excel [in supercross], and McGrath, supercross' winningest competitor, has both. Fans of this relatively new sport and of its living legend will flock to this new autobiography ... that captures the public image of the sport — wild living, high octane, guts 'n' glory — while also promoting the notions of safety, common sense, and dedication. Parents of young racers will enjoy the book for its subtle message (even when it looks like fun and games, success is a lot of hard work), while younger readers will thrill to its stories of a racer's adventurous lifestyle. McGrath has had an interesting ride, from obscurity to top of the supercross ladder, and his story will be relished by anyone with an interest in this unusual sport." —Booklist

"McGrath wastes no opportunity to settle scores and gloat over vanquished enemies. Targets include his former Yamaha sponsors ("how quickly people can turn their back on you"), Supercross rivals Damon Bradshaw ("failed to win a single pro championship") and Jeff Emig ("always felt he was above everyone else") and "spoiled diva" actress Alyssa Milano ("she was a little bit out of shape and her butt was kind of big.")" —Publishers Weekly

"Although Nichols employs a style common to most biographies (e.g., from birth to death), catchy chapter titles like 'Rebel Without a Pause' and 'Media Magician' draw the reader in. He evokes a hint of sensationalism by throwing out tantalizing bits about what can be found in later chapters, making it difficult to put the book down." —Thunder Press

"As you page through Michael Lichter’s photos in Indian Larry, you’ll feel like he’s still with us — or at least wish he was." —IronWorks

"It’s an unusual womb-to-tomb ... a fitting tribute to a revered character." —American Iron Magazine

A stunt man and side show performer made famous by television's Discovery Channel, "Indian" (early in his career, he ceaselessly rode his Indian motorcycles through the streets of New York City) Larry Desmedt is best remembered for his remarkable custom motorcycles, his wild tattoos, and his love for building and riding rolling art. This book, by those who knew him best, offers a closer look at the life that made Larry into the chopper shaman so many admired.

"Tells the whole story." —The Daily Telegraph

When Mick Doohan crashed at Jerez in 1999, the world held its breath. Could one of the most accomplished Grand Prix racers in all of history, with limbs horribly shattered, manage to ever race again, or would he finally have to hang up his leathers? The second edition of this best-selling, all color, official biography describes the entire career of the teak-tough Aussie, from wild youngster to five-time 500cc World Champion, to his heroic struggle and return to his sport. This book is packed with action, anecdotes, and excellent photographs, plus detailed career statistics.

The latest edition of this best-selling book adds coverage of the 2005 season, and Rossi’s fifth consecutive World Championship title. After quitting the dominant Honda factory at the end of 2003 for the unfancied Yamaha outfit, Rossi proved that he could still quell his MotoGP opposition. Beating off the Honda hordes, the popular Italian left his former bosses with seriously red faces. Rossi’s achievements on the Yamaha have stunned even the sport’s most cynical observers, convincing them that he's the greatest bike rider ever.

The author of this excellent biography is a former motorcycle racer, Isle of Man TT winner, and bike racing author for more than two decades.

Be aware that there are several previous editions of this book, with differing covers and titles.

John Britten, the New Zealand legend whose distinctive, hand-built, pink-and-blue racing motorcycle broke four world speed records and reached iconic status worldwide, died of cancer at an all-too-young 45. This book tells the inside story of his incredibly innovative motorbike, and the man, family, and friends who made his dreams come true. Profusely illustrated with photographs from the Britten Motorcycle Company archives and family albums. "With his huge celebrity status, there have been the inevitable countless rumors and suppositions on Rossi and what makes him tick. This autobiography basically allows you to cut through most of that and see all sides of him ... an entertaining read for any racing fan." —Sport Rider

Rossi is arguably this century's greatest motorcycle road racing champion, with five consecutive World Championships. He has become the 21st Century face of motorcycle road racing, and this is his personal story (to date) ... a "must" for his legions of fans.

A more impartial — and more skilfully witten — biography is Mat Oxley's Valentino Rossi: MotoGenius

Wayne Rainey was one of the greatest Grand Prix racers ... many would say the best American racer ever. With three consecutive world championships under his belt, he had his fourth wrapped up when tragedy struck in the form of a terrible spill that left him paralyzed from the chest down, cutting his career short and beginning a new chapter in this champion's life. A great, sad story.

This book is currently out of print, and may be difficult/expensive to acquire.

Barry Sheene was one of history's great motorcycle racers, with 19 Grand Prix wins and two World Championships. The addition of ambition, intelligence, and vision to his Cockney charm made him formidable. No other rider had seen the big picture so clearly. Starring in high-profile ad campaigns, and London's fast social set, he played the media to charm the public, and his personal courage in facing serious injuries made them love him more. Even following retirement, Sheene remained famous — racing's first two-wheel superstar.

Scott's biography tells Sheene's complete story, including his heroic (and ultimately unsuccessful) fight against cancer.

"Thompson has presented us with a close view of a world most of us would never encounter. His language is brilliant, his eye remarkable." —The New York Times Book Review

"Superb and terrifying." —Studs Terkel, Chicago Tribune

"For all its uninhibited tone and its sardonic humor, Thompson's book is a thoughtful piece of work ... He was not gulled by their self-conscious shock tactics or the mountebank obscenities they practice in public." —The New Yorker

A brilliant and accomplished look at motorcycling's dark side.

A biography of popular motorcycle racing champion "Mike-the-Bike" Hailwood, written almost 25 years after Mike’s untimely death, examining his long career, from his first race (at age 17) at Oulton Park in April 1957, to his final race at Mallory Park in June 1979. During his competitive career, Mike rode in more races than any other rider, and he could ride any bike, in his time straddling everything from a 49cc Itom single-cylinder two-stroke to a 1000cc Dunstall-Suzuki GS1000 four-cylinder superbike. He could switch sizes and makes at the same meeting on the same day, and still give breathtaking winning performances. His many achievements include 12 TT victories, 10 World titles, and 76 Grand Prix wins. Not really a biography of the man (dare I say "legend"?), more a pictorial presentation of the life of this legendary chopper artist. But given that, it's definitely something that Indian Larry fans will both enjoy and appreciate.

For a true biography, see Dave Nichols' book.