Customer Reviews

Sport Riding Techniques: How To Develop Real World Skills for Speed, Safety, and Confidence on the Street and Track

5 star:		(60)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Keith Code's popular books Twist of the Wrist I & II came out long before Ienatsch's book, and are ubiquitous partly due to that, and partly because they are available everywhere and discounted even on Amazon. One of the reasons I was hesitant about buying Sport Riding Techniques was because of the price. However, it's worth every penny.

Code's books are written in an aphoristic style that is eminently quotable, but low on detailed explanation. Although Ienatsch's book is filled with gorgeous colour photos, his writing dispenses with flashiness and instead goes into detailed but down-to-earth explanations. I bought both of Code's books before Ienatsch's, and Sport Riding Techniques helped fill in a lot of holes left by the Twist of the Wrist series, in addition to being significantly more up-to-date.

Why exactly does the rear brake lock more easily than the front? At exactly which point do you get off the brakes and on the throttle? Exactly how do you balance lean angle and acceleration? Notice the key word "exactly"; you aren't left guessing.

There is also a clear distinction between track-only techniques and street techniques, which is necessary although some people may not like to hear it.

This is one of those books that rewards first-time reads, yet will keep rewarding re-reads for years to come. This book definitely deserves to be more widely read, especially outside the US.

When a rider and writer of Nick Ienatsch's stature puts all his wisdom, knowledge and experience into a book, it's time to sit up and listen carefully, especially these days when 100-HP 600s and 140-HP 1,000s are ripping 10-second quarter miles at 140+ (G-SXR 1000 tests) and are available to anyone with $ whether or not they have a clue.
Nick is among the very best writers about motorcycling, ever, up there with Don Canet and Kevin Cameron (no point in ranking them subjectively, because all three are excellent). He is also a champion racer, primarily on 250s. Having ridden on the road with him, I attest to his smooth, skilled way of proceeding, and his concern for safety.
This book should be required reading for every rider who puts a wheel on road or track. Once read, it should be memorized and used as the core belief set that will make a rider quicker and safer, and every ride more enjoyable, including anyone else who is along for the pleasure of it. No one should dare suggest that he or she is 'above it,' knows better and 'doesn't need' the lessons Ienatsch teaches. We all do. This book will, among other things, keep a rider alive to ride again and enjoy one of the most interesting and pleasurable ways to get down the road devised by Man.
Don't argue with me. Get it.
PS One of life's ironies is that Ienatsch, one of the best writers on motorcycling who ever puts finger to keyboard, doesn't have a regular gig and is only read intermittently in CYCLE WORLD. Let's hope that changes, soon.

It starts off with the basics even a rookie rider would know but then it grows into more detail with every chapter. I bought it because I liked Nick's article "The Pace." For the novice rider, you'll know most of the content but I'm sure there are some things you'll learn from it. The way he describes limits on cornering and braking with the tire point system is a nice fresh approach. It will be a great book for someone who is new to Sport Bikes. It's also good for those who have been riding because you can never stop learning or looking for ways to improve on your riding. It's worth the money in my opinion.

This book shows basics for performance street riding always keeping security in first place. It's not for those who are looking to improve their track techniques. It's definetly not for racers, but if your're a beginner here you can find how to ride fast and in safety. You'll learn the correct body position while cornering, how to chose the best line, how to use throttle and brakes properly and especially how to make turns.
Everything is explained pretty clear but i've felt the lack of some exercise to practice what's explained.
I'd definetly suggest it to beginners who want to improve their knowledge about performance riding or security while on the road, but if you've already read Total Control (Lee Parks) or Twist of the Wrist I and II (Keith Code), this book won't add much more to your riding skills and knowledge.

Nick Ienatsch's SPORT RIDING TECHNIQUES is easily the most beautifully produced and clearly and consumately written book on motorcycle racing and street riding, whatever your level of competence. I would recommend it to anyone who has completed a basic motorcycle safety course, whether their goal is to more safely and thourghly enjoy their street riding or to sharpen their technique for racing or track days. This, unlike most instructional books, is a pleasure to read. Ienatsch rides--I've seen him--and writes with equal skill. I've read it twice now and keep going back to it to practice the the techniques he limns so beautifully.

As a novice rider I purchased this book with the hope of gaining some expert advice. It was the perfect choice. The writing and advice is clear, concise, and easy to understand. Topics such as traction, throttle control, and turning techniques all helped me in gaining confidence on the road. This book should be required reading for all sport bike owners.

Excellent tips and techniques. Some pretty basic, but all worthwhile. Definite off season reading. Quality binding.

Unlike Keith Code's books which tend to be written in a very simplistic childlike style this is another book that gives you some credit and is actually relavent to street riders of all sorts.

Mr. Ienatsch has achieved a comprehensive book that puts in the reader's hands all his experience in riding. From the very basic to the most advanced techniques to apply on track, every chapter goes deep into the fundamental principle of riding: smooth control. Illustrations are excellent, full of pictures and graphics that makes reading a pleasure. Highly recommendable.

This is a great book. The high quality of the presentation, including paper, binding, photos and organization make for an excellent coffee table browser. However, the real value is in the succinctly written nuggets of sport riding wisdom. If you're fairly new to motorcycles as I was when I picked this up, then I strongly recommend it. Start with a quick cover to cover read to get the general idea. Then go back and re-read each section very carefully, with a couple of rides in between to practice and understand everything explained. I feel that I improved significantly and that others in a similar situation will too.

This is probably one of, if not the best motorcycle book to be written in the last decade. I have given this book to countless individuals that are either just learning to ride or are simply trying to become better riders.

As someone who instructs people professionally on the racetrack and who has also taught numerous people how to ride from scratch on the street, this book covers so much material in an easy to read and understand format while not getting over anyones head. This is an awesome book for guys, girls or anyone who is looking to learn about sport riding and what these bikes (as well as what we) are capable of. For a while, this was the only book I sold or reccomended to anyone.

Pick up a copy. You'll finsh it in two days and give it to your best friend or end up reading it again. This book is that good.
-Eric Sampson, Instructor, [...]