The Complete Motorcycle Book: A Consumer's Guide [Paperback]

Jim Bennett (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1999

An authoritative source for essential and practical information about motorcycle mechanics, road skills, and more, the book gives every cyclistnovice or expert, first-time buyer or long-time ownerfacts and advice. Readers will find comprehensive coverage on a wide variety of topics, such as dealing with a loved one who wants to ride, making the decision to ride or not, special concerns for women riders, and the rules of the road for all motorists.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

YA?How to select and purchase the right bike, basic mechanics and maintenance, and safe riding techniques are covered in this sourcebook for prospective buyers and riders.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Motorcycle riding is invariably an affair of the spirit, one that too frequently allows passion to dictate decisions. Bennett (Cheapwheels, Pocket, 1989) who covers virtually all aspects of buying, maintaining, and riding a motorcycle, cautions that knowledge and reason, not passion, must be the underpinnings of any motorcycling decision. He encourages riders to learn about mechanical operations, dealers' business practices, and the practical aspects of riding so that they may select the right bike, make it last longer, and save money. Bennett exhibits a sound knowledge of various kinds of bikes and riding and provides specific and usable information in a number of areas. His chapters on used bikes and safe riding are especially good. Thorough and well written, this book should appeal to beginning riders. Recommended for public libraries but suitable for academic libraries as well.
David Van de Streek, Pennsylvania State Univ. Libs., York
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Facts on File; 2nd edition (March 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0816038546
• ISBN-13: 978-0816038541
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,477,597 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars a decent introduction to the world of motorcycles, September 14, 2000

By 

Jason Baer - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Motorcycle Book: A Consumer's Guide (Paperback)

For someone who brings nothing more than enthusiasm to the art of motorcycle riding (in other words, you don't know the first thing about motorcycle parts and you have no idea what "countersteering" means), this book is a fairly good introduction. The author takes you through all aspects of motorcycle ownership, from deciding whether riding is right for you to the mechanics behind the combustible engine to making high speed turns. The information is reasonably detailed and well written, and all topics are covered.

My only complaints are: 1) many introductory books to motorcycles, such as The Idiot's Guide, give a more detailed breakdown of all bikes currently on the market... this book only covers a handful of bikes available (although it does have a section on used bikes), 2) there could have been more illustrations to accompany the explanations of motorcycle parts and functionality, and 3) certain sections use terms that the author never takes the time to define (at one point he makes numerous references to the "gasket" without telling the uninitiated where a gasket is, what it looks like, what it's function is, etc.).

But in the long run, my complaints are minor. This book is relatively comprehensive, and covers some issues that other books don't (such as the section on female riders). The author is well informed, clearly cares a great deal about the subject matter, and stresses safety. Anyone who is considering buying their first motorcycle would do well to buy this book (and maybe one or two others as well).

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A BestBuy, June 4, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The Complete Motorcycle Book: A Consumer's Guide (Paperback)

This "really" is a complete guide to motorcycles. It helps you to decide if this sport is for you, describes the various types of motorcycles and advises on the purchase of new and used bikes. Maintenance and safe riding practices are discussed in enough detail to be helpful. There is a very useful section for women riders. Every rider or wannabe should have this book

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Rife with dated and incorrect information, May 6, 1998

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Complete Motorcycle Book: A Consumer's Guide (Paperback)

Save your money and buy the Motorcycle Owner's Manual by Hugo Wilson. The Complete Motorcycle Book is full of dated and factually incorrect information, and isn't a particularly good guide to anything. There are much better (and more current) resources available to new (and old!) riders.