Honda's V-Force: The four-stroke V4's on road and track [Hardcover]

J. Ryder (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 8, 1999

The fascinating story of the Honda RS and RVF racers along with the VFR streetbike. Detailed coverage includes the introduction of Honda's V-motor in 1982 and initial disappointments, the competition successes of Joey Dunlop, the launch of the VFR to world-wide acclaim and the legend of the Honda France pit crew, the NR500/750 and the myths of the oval-piston motor, the launch of Superbike regulations and the introduction of the RC45. Contains detailed specs and competition results.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Julian Ryder is an accomplished motorcycle journalist who also commentates on the World Superbike Championship for British television. His previous books are Carl Fogarty: The Complete Racer and World Superbikes: The First Ten Years.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Haynes Publishing (May 8, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1859604218
• ISBN-13: 978-1859604212
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 7.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,542,796 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent racing history, weak engineering and road reviews., July 17, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Honda's V-Force: The four-stroke V4's on road and track (Hardcover)

Ryder's book is a detailed read, mostly to be enjoyed by the historical racing fan. I was looking for content on the Honda V-4 engineering, development, and rider impressions over its history and was dissappointed at the light coverage. That's not to say that the racing history is well-written and enjoyable, just not my principle goal. The chapters are mostly split between racing and production V-4s. Once I realized this my second read was more enjoyable. I still would have appreciated more engineering analysis/discussion/diagrams.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tour de Force for the V-Force!, October 7, 1999

By 

Warren Vandiver (Dallas, Texas) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Honda's V-Force: The four-stroke V4's on road and track (Hardcover)

Excuse me for gushing a little but this is an absolutely wonderful book. Sometimes an author, even if he's a Brit, gets it all right and Mr. Ryder has done himself proud with this one. Engrossing story of the V4 and how its creation exemplifies the Honda culture. Great research and writing with beautiful, crisp pictures. Honda's history unfolds as you follow the V4's development from a humble beginning to the pinnacle of motorcycling . The first book I read of Mr. Ryder's was his "World Superbikes the First Ten Years" and it was very good. As good as that book was this one is a level up. He's on a roll. Do yourself a favor and get this one. You won't be sorry!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars If you own a Honda V4, this is a "must have"., September 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Honda's V-Force: The four-stroke V4's on road and track (Hardcover)

This book was fantastic. Let me explain. I own a 1985 V65 Sabre. Right smack in the middle of this engine's development and controversy. This book gave me more details, more background, more meat,,, than I have been able to garnish from all other sources combined. I've read it twice, so far...