Motorcyle Tuning: Chassis, 2nd Edition (Paperback)

~ (Author) "While engine performance can be quite clearly defined and measured, the properties of handling, roadholding and ride comfort are not so easy to deal with..." (more)
Key Phrases: required spring force, coastdown tests, steer axis, Gold Wing, Performance Bikes, Automotive Products (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This third edition, in the same tradition as the second, is a vital servicing tool containing information covering virtually every motorcycle over 50cc sold in the UK since 1980. The author is technical editor of `Performance Bikes' and author of the
well known `Motorcycle Tuning' books.


The book provides access to the most frequently used data for dealers, mechanics and enthusiasts who have to deal with a wide variety of machines and wish to compare the features of different models. A seperate section lists conversion tables, standard torque settings for threaded fasteners, tyre size codes, tyre speed and load schedules and addersses of importers. Machines are listed alphabetically by manufacturer and then in order of capacity or model number.

Product Details

• Paperback: 259 pages
• Publisher: Butterworth-Heinemann; 2 edition (April 15, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 075061840X
• ISBN-13: 978-0750618403
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #943,377 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A 'must-have' reference book., November 7, 2000

By	Nicholas Gomez "www.bikervoodoo.com" (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is intended primarily for motorcyclist but almost any enthusiast who likes cars and bikes will enjoy reading it. The book covers chassis, tyres, suspension, brakes and development. Most of the information here is theoretical but beginners would probably find it very useful. There are lots of useful formulas, (e.g. how to drill brake discs properly). It ends with some useful programs written in BASIC which is quite dated since everyone is using C++ these days. I refer to this book and its companion book on 4 stroke engine tuning regularly for information and would feel lost without them. Don't expect a lot of nuts-and-bolts info, however, it's mostly theoretical, but VERY useful.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars a comprehensive technical manual on Motorcycle suspensions., March 8, 2007

By	Mr. Science - Craig (Minneapolis, Minnesota) - See all my reviews

This is a well thought out book! It is a valuable tool for anyone who wants to understand the dynamics of suspensions and how to design modifications that may improve handling.
The relevance of the information is from the 1980's to the present. The author has included important formulas and diagrams that will help you think through your modifications and calculate the consequences of any changes to your Motorcycle.
Some chapters were very enjoyable to read,(braking systems),because I am familiar with those concepts. Others, (Caster,Camber,wheelbase), require a lot of thought and calculation and require a lot of re-reading to absorb.
This book is not for the novice and is not a "how to do it" manual. It requires real effort to put this information to work in improving your motorcycle's handling.
John Robinson gives the layman enough information to understand why and how much a change in suspension will effect handling. It's up to us to evaluate the result and incorporate it into our tuning..
C.J.

4.0 out of 5 stars Motorcycle Tuning, August 8, 2008

By	W. Weideman - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The author knows a lot about the subject, but lacks ability in getting the information across in a easy to follow manner. It is more like a rambling on of good thoughts. It would be great if each chapter was dedicated to one subject. There are lots of formula in the book that seem to go nowhere. The Racing Motorcycle, a technical guide for constructors by John Bradley, is excellent. After reading several other books on the subject, this is a nice fill in and would buy it again but I would get Bradley first.