Customer Reviews

Sportbike Performance Handbook (Motorbooks Workshop)

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Sportbike enthusiasts have been waiting for years for this book. Exceedingly well written, with clear and concise diagrams and explanations on every type of performance modification available. From aftermarket pipes to big-bore kits, from nitrous cannisters to titanium fasteners and magnesium wheels, this text answers all the definitive questions on how to upgrade your motorcycle, and more importantly, which upgrades are actually helpful rather than mere gimmicks. I was impressed with Cameron's depth of knowledge in regards to motorcycle physics and engineering--he is careful to explain how motorcycles work, and the physics behind performance-enhancing modifications, yet he does so in a fashion that any non-engineer or mechanic can understand. I highly recommend this book for all motorcycle owners contemplating any of the host of aftermarket upgrades for their bike, or for the beginning or experienced racer who wants to know how to obtain maximum engine performance. Not to mention that this book is an enjoyable read for any motorcycle enthusiast who wants to know more about the science and development of the motorcycle.

For fans of Kevin Cameron's "TDC" column in Cycle World magazine, this is your book! Kevin possesses a unique ability to take the most complex topics related to motorcycle technology and make them not only understandable but also *enjoyable* to read. Even if you're not a fan of race replica machines, don't let the title, "Sportbike Performance Handbook" keep you from considering it. Kevin covers every major motorcycle system, in most cases without regard for the genre. So whether you ride the latest Yamaha YZF1000-R1 or a Honda GL1500 Gold Wing, if you're interested in maximum performance there's something here for you.

Kevin doesn't take the approach, "for this bike, use these components and settings." Instead, he uses thorough explanations to educate the reader about how and why things work. Then the reader can choose performance modifications that match his riding style, pocketbook and maintenance tolerance. Throughout the book he encourages the reader to be realistic about his expectations and to match the mechanical changes with improvements to his riding ability.

With the information in this book you'll be able to make your bike exactly the way you want it, and more importantly understand how and why you made it that way.

This is the book we all hoped Kevin would write someday...

I have never let anybody touch one of my bikes and I have been working on others for 8 yrs or so and this book still taught me a great deal on information in a easy to read format,,, this is a must for beginners and advanced mechanics or do-it-you selfers

This a book that nearly all riders can benefit from whether considering racing, street performance, maintenance, or just wondering about how all that machinery underneath us works. Kevin Cameron approaches each aspect of motorcycle performance with an explanation how that system works and how it interacts with you and the rest of the bike. This understanding of your bike's systems makes performance choices clearer and easier. Any mechanical modification or upgrade has its tradeoffs which Cameron make clear for every subject. But even without the need for "superbike" performance, understanding the inner workings of what you ride adds greatly to the experience. In reading this text it is clear that Mr. Cameron has considerable experience, education, training, enthusiam, and intuition into the workings of motorcycles. He is able to bring all of this into words for the enthusiast - without the need for an engineering degree.

Despite the misleading cover, this is a wonderfully compiled book of all things related to how a motorcycle handles. I passed over this book several times because the cover made me think it was a book on how to do wheelies and stupid sportbike stunts. I could not have been more wrong. This is a must have book for anybody who likes to wrench on their motorcycle in the garage and wants to improve upon the design without making things worse. Cameron is brilliant at explaining the physics of how and why a motorcycle behaves the way it does without having to delve into the intricate mathematical equations so commonly found in books of this nature.

This book is very informative and simple to read. Cameron easily educates you without getting too technical. In about 15 minutes he had me understanding the operation of a turbo system without boring me with scientific jargon. He covers all aspects of the bike. Good for people who want to know about exhaust, jetting your carbs, suspension setup, etc. Loved it.

The book cuts through the ridiculous claims made by many aftermarket parts companies. It covers pratically every performance modification you can make to your bike, listing the advantages and disadvantages of each. By far, the best part of the book is that it explains the "why?" behind the modifications so that you can make the best decision based on your individual riding skills/style. Firestone and Ford should read the section on tire pressure!

This book really changed everything for me with regard to motorcycle performance. Before reading this book I (like most other people) thought that motorcycle tuning was just a question of upgrading say airfilter, jetting and a louder pipe and of you go. What this book teaches is that the world is not that simple. A bike is a system of interrelated parts and you can't just change one of the parts and expect good results. Even if you do the tuning right there is still a price to be paid in performance. You want top end? Be prepared to sacrifice the lower end and the reliability. It's all about what you want from your bike.

In the end the book changed my focus from engine tuning to suspension and brakes and I really love the result. The above-mentioned mods was what I originally intended and would have destroyed the trait of my bike that I love the most. A killer torque straight from the bottom and up.

To give this book only five stars is an understatement; it deserves ten. Kevins deep rooted knowledge of motorcycles and skillful writing ability to explain why and how the systems and components work or don't work is truly amazing. This is a book that will be read, re-read, and referred to for years to come. I would recommend this book to the novice rider or another forty year veteran.

Excellent descriptions of how engines and suspensions work, and is very relevant to both motorcycles and cars. In fact, I think the book should be called something like "everything you wanted to know about internal combustion and motor vehicles but were afraid to ask". The hand drawn illustrations are very good; the book is easy to read; and it has an enormous amount of information. You couldn't really use the book to hop up your sportbike, but it is essential background information. Slightly dated due to the publication date, but an excellent source nevertheless.