Ultimate Harley-Davidson [Hardcover]

Hugo Wilson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2000

A Harley-Davidson motorcycle is no mere means of transportation. Celebrated on screen, in song, and in story, these thundering two-wheeled titans are national icons, regarded worldwide as symbols of the American love of freedom and the open road. In Ultimate Harley-Davidson, renowned "Harleyologist" Hugo Wilson profiles 50 classic models-from the E-heads of the early 1900s to the 1999 Twin Cams-with glorious color photos, specially-commissioned cutaway diagrams, and complete technical specifics. The profiles include not only the company's racing, sporting, and touring bikes, but also examples of dressed and custom Harleys and rarities like the 1965 Topper scooter and 1969's three-wheeled Servi-Car. And there's much more, including an authoritative history of the Harley-Davidson company; interviews with veteran Harley-Davidson employees; a guide to the people, places, and phrases of the Harley world; even a dictionary of "Harleyspeak."

Editorial Reviews

Review

A superb companion for any true fan. Boys Toys --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Hugo Wilson is the author of Ultimate Motorcycle Book, Encyclopedia of the Motorcycle, and the Classic Motorcycle series-all published by DK-He is also the feature editor for Bike magazine. Acknowledged as one of the worlds' leading authorities on motorcycles, he started riding at the age of 11 and has since owned, ridden, repaired, and fallen off a vast number of machines.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: DK ADULT; 1st edition (April 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789451654
• ISBN-13: 978-0789451651
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 9.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #644,731 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 50 Lush Color Photos Are Worth More Than 50,000 Words, November 9, 2000

By 

Donald Mitchell "Jesus Loves You!" (Thanks for Providing My Reviews over 109,000 Helpful Votes Globally) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Ultimate Harley-Davidson (Hardcover)

Although this book has many elements, its core is the Harley-Davidson as a design. The photographs are mostly of 50 different models, focused on the motorcycle alone, done with remarkable lighting to create exquisite detail and color. You will feel like you are visiting a museum of mint Harleys as you "stroll" from page to page while sitting comfortably in your favorite chair. The book is strengthened by some classic Harley photos that you have seen before, such as from Easy Rider. There is also a good overview of the development of the company, key technologies, and a timeline of when different bikes were introduced. For those who don't know about Harleys, you also have a glossary to help you interpret, and a list of contacts to help you get even more information.

"People remember their first Harley-Davidson." As Hugo Wilson points out, that's because "Harleys look different, sound different and certainly ride different to other motorcycles." One of the strengths of the book is that it provides many helpful details about the bases of those differences. I could literally "hear" a Harley every time I looked at one of the images. And now I know why they sound that way. You will, too, when you read this exciting book.

"Their extraordinary appeal makes small boys dream and grown men save." Harley-Davidsons clearly draw on our sense of adventure, our desire for freedom, and our need to be different. Mothers, if you don't want your children to grow up to be bikers, keep this book and all Harleys away! The lure of the open road will be irresistible after enjoying this volume.

I am not an expert on motorcycles but have spent many happy hours on them. I could feel the thundering power in my legs as I looked at the Harley in Terminator II, the 74FLHB Electra Glide in blue from 1965, the FLHS Electra Glide from 1988, the FLSTF Fat Boy from 1999, and especially the Buell X1 Lightning from 1999.

To me the best page was 184 where there is a cutaway of the famous V-twin engine, along with a good description of each element. This is the heart of what makes a Harley a Harley, and I was glad to learn more about this wonderful design.

After you have finished enjoying this book and taken a ride on your Harley to celebrate (don't have one yet? . . . well, start dreaming and saving . . .), I suggest that you think about other ways you can enjoy your spirit of adventure and desire for the open road. Riding a Harley doesn't get you all the exercise you could use. Are there any hiking trails that you could ride your Harley to? In that way, you could have a double adventure. Plus, you can have even more enjoyment with your family and friends while you hike. If you haven't hiked the Grand Canyon yet down to the Colorado River, that would make a great ride/hike combination. Just do it! -- (but do plan ahead, you'll enjoy it more if you do).

Be different and better!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful!, April 30, 2003

By 

Michael (Charleston, SC, United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Ultimate Harley-Davidson (Hardcover)

This really is a beautiful book. Lots of great pictures and the explanations to back them up. If you want a good introduction to learning the world of Harley, this is a great place to start.

30 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars if looks could kill., June 13, 2000

By 

jeffrey (I'm in Flowery Branch, Ga.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ultimate Harley-Davidson (Hardcover)

if looks could kill you'd be dead after looking at this book. the photo's are superior to most. I 'm tired of the same old shots of bikes. Worse there is NOTHING worse then a bike with a woman in a bikini on it. Don't get me wrong I love women but the harley davidson can sell itself without the porn. this book doesn't offer a lot of new theories but it's still rather interesting. I think that after you read this book it would make a fine collection to your coffee table.