The Complete Motorcycle Book: A Consumer's Guide (Paperback)

by Jim Bennett (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
YA?How to select and purchase the right bike, basic mechanics and maintenance, and safe riding techniques are covered in this sourcebook for prospective buyers and riders.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal
Motorcycle riding is invariably an affair of the spirit, one that too frequently allows passion to dictate decisions. Bennett (Cheapwheels, Pocket, 1989) who covers virtually all aspects of buying, maintaining, and riding a motorcycle, cautions that knowledge and reason, not passion, must be the underpinnings of any motorcycling decision. He encourages riders to learn about mechanical operations, dealers' business practices, and the practical aspects of riding so that they may select the right bike, make it last longer, and save money. Bennett exhibits a sound knowledge of various kinds of bikes and riding and provides specific and usable information in a number of areas. His chapters on used bikes and safe riding are especially good. Thorough and well written, this book should appeal to beginning riders. Recommended for public libraries but suitable for academic libraries as well.
David Van de Streek, Pennsylvania State Univ. Libs., York
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Facts on File (January 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0816031819
• ISBN-13: 978-0816031818
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #368,769 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars a decent introduction to the world of motorcycles, September 14, 2000

By	Jason Baer (Brooklyn, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Motorcycle Book: A Consumer's Guide (Paperback)

For someone who brings nothing more than enthusiasm to the art of motorcycle riding (in other words, you don't know the first thing about motorcycle parts and you have no idea what "countersteering" means), this book is a fairly good introduction. The author takes you through all aspects of motorcycle ownership, from deciding whether riding is right for you to the mechanics behind the combustible engine to making high speed turns. The information is reasonably detailed and well written, and all topics are covered.

My only complaints are: 1) many introductory books to motorcycles, such as The Idiot's Guide, give a more detailed breakdown of all bikes currently on the market... this book only covers a handful of bikes available (although it does have a section on used bikes), 2) there could have been more illustrations to accompany the explanations of motorcycle parts and functionality, and 3) certain sections use terms that the author never takes the time to define (at one point he makes numerous references to the "gasket" without telling the uninitiated where a gasket is, what it looks like, what it's function is, etc.).

But in the long run, my complaints are minor. This book is relatively comprehensive, and covers some issues that other books don't (such as the section on female riders). The author is well informed, clearly cares a great deal about the subject matter, and stresses safety. Anyone who is considering buying their first motorcycle would do well to buy this book (and maybe one or two others as well).

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Rife with dated and incorrect information, May 6, 1998

By A Customer

Save your money and buy the Motorcycle Owner's Manual by Hugo Wilson. The Complete Motorcycle Book is full of dated and factually incorrect information, and isn't a particularly good guide to anything. There are much better (and more current) resources available to new (and old!) riders.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Good Book for Beginners, April 14, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Complete Motorcycle Book: A Consumer's Guide (Paperback)

A really good book for beginners and a not to bad book for experienced riders. I recommend this book to anyone who is thinking about buying a bike or whose love one is about to buy a bike. This book is chock full of information, starting out with trying to answer the question ride or not ride and then going on to explain how to pick the right bike; how to buy a used or new bike; basic motorcycle maintenance; and safety tips.