Books

Hundreds of trips along the same stretch of common road—Interstate 94 between Fargo, ND and Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN—would for most be a long, tedious and all-too-familiar boring journey. These nine stories were written over eighteen years and reveal the value of riding more deeply and truly than common ‘I rode there’ memoirs. For this rider, traveling forth and back was an opportunity for meditation, contemplation, ideas—and a venue for making life’s greatest decisions. Softly inspiring stories that read as true as the endless Midwestern prairie itself. Stories about piloting a road and a life, accompanied closely by the thrum of a BMW r 65 and the essential feelings and experiences of pure motorcycling. By Rand Rassmussen. Softbound, 6"×9", 64 pp., b/w illus. USA.

Land travel in remote areas is not for the unprepared and this comprehensive book will go a long way to making the reader aware of the factors involved in such trips. Because of the expense and potential danger of such voyages, the years of experience gathered by the author and his contributing world riders is invaluable information for those contemplating an undertaking of such magnitude. Bike mods, what to bring, as well as paperwork and riding techniques are all covered in this well-written and authoritative book. Revised 6th edition with added content. By Chris Scott (who actually was the inventor of term “adventure motorcycling”).

Fixing Santa's Cycle, A Christmas Adventure

From 1928 to 1955 Vincent motorcycles were made in Stevenage, England. All over the world riders still cherish these bikes for their beauty and speed.

When Santa needs help fixing his Vincent, two young mechanics come to his rescue in this charming holiday tale.

This is rare thing: An actual inspiring overview-of-motorcycling ‘coffee table’ book. Its images will completely transport you into a world-spanning journey with riders of every kind from over thirty different countries. All of the photographs are by the wonderful Argentinian photographer Henry Von Wartenberg and span decades of his explorations, travels, and efforts to present the world’s entire spectrum of riders and places. This book is subdivided into five themed sections. Punctuating the electric quality of the images are captivating section-introducing essays from several thoughtful emissaries of motorcycling, including Peter Egan, Paul d’Orleans, Andy Goldfine and Dave Nichols. This is truly a wonderful gift for any rider. Hardcover. 192 pages. Color photos. 9.5”x11”.

Sneak Peek: Read Andy's essay on our blog »

Adventure Motorcyclist: Frazier Shrugged is a 21st century reflection of more than 120 years of adventure motorcycling and overlanding, a compendium of nearly 350 pages separating the wheat from the chaff in the world of adventure-seekers using motorcycles as the tool.

Motorcycle adventure and what an adventure is – defined! “If one has no regrets, but also would not want to do it a second time, one probably experienced an adventure.” (Mr. Subjective from the Aerostich Company)

Frazier, America’s best extreme motorcycle adventurer, possibly the world’s best, who coined the term “Motorcycle Adventurism,” laughed and shrugged in this definitive book when asked what is a motorcycle adventure or rider. He said, “Like pornography, I know a motorcycle adventure experience and an adventure motorcyclist when I see or meet one.”

Adventure Motorcyclist: Frazier Shrugged includes professional adventure motorcycle tips, tricks, survival techniques and failures, with the jaded and humorous worldly slant of a motorcycle journalist who has circumnavigated the world six times and ridden motorcycles for over 1,000,000 miles, literally to the ends of the earth.

For the dreamer wannabe, newbie, or advanced adventure rider, it’s an esoteric tome that some ADV riders will not have the mental bandwidth to wrap their head around, while motorheads and travelers alike will have the “Ahhhaaa” moments of recognition. Required reading for academics, historians, researchers and students of adventuring motorcycling. 6"x9" paperback, 358 pages.

The cover makes it look like every other Fitness/Diet/Self-Improvement book...but inside is an entirely different kind of fitness and health guide explaining how we eat, live and exercise…and why much of what we do is not good. The premise is simple: Humans evolved over 500,000 years and our eating + exercising practices are from only the last 30,000 years of post-agriculture civilization. Mis-match.

The inspirational, irreverent and often humorous text is fun and mind opening. There’s a lot of really great help here, and if you follow it you’ll probably be stronger, feel better, get sick less, and live longer…By Mark Sisson. Hardbound, 7.25"×9.5", 283 pp., b/w illus.

Drive head-on into the magnificent, maddening, mysterious world of transportation. Thousands, even millions, of miles are embedded in everything we do and touch. We live in a door-to-door universe that works so well most Americans are scarcely aware of it. And yet, everyday we suffer grinding commutes, a violent death every fifteen minutes, a dire injury every twelve seconds, and crumbling infrastructure. Now, the way we move ourselves and our stuff is on the brink of great change, as a new mobility revolution upends the car culture that, for better and worse, built modern America. A fascinating detective story, investigating the worldwide cast of supporting characters and technologies that have enabled us to move from here to there—past, present, and future. By Edward Humes. Hardbound. 6”x9”, 372 pp.

This is a collection of true stores and adventures that began in the 1950’s and continues to the present day. The tales are both hair-raising and hilarious, spanning many countries. During these journeys, the author traveled on planes, trains and automobiles, as well as on-foot, bicycle, motorbike and by boat (usually as crew or as captain). He had fun with explosives, and skirted armed conflicts. By Den Kaill. Softbound, 6”×9”, 226 pp., b/w photos.

Unbelievable feats of transportation are an everyday occurrence on the streets of Cambodia. Tuk tuks, cyclos, cars, trucks, motorbikes and bicycles transport loads that defy your wildest imagination. Photographers Hans Kemp and Conor Wall documented this unique street culture resulting in this amazing 144 page book loaded with incredible photographs that will forever change your definition of "packed."By Hans Kemp, Hardbound, 7.8"×7.8", 144 pp., color photos.

It has been forty years since Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance was first published. Since then, it’s become a modern—and influential—classic. “Zen” is, at its core, about our human and cultural relationships with technology. Part travelogue, part philosophic inquiry and part personal memoir, it is so multi-layered that for its fortieth anniversary, Mark Richardson re-traced the ride, on the same bike, and produced a thoughtful and powerfully enlightening look at the incredible life of the reclusive author, and at the kaleidoscope of elements which make up this extraordinarily complicated work. Here is the stunningly compelling human story behind and within this classic. An amazing, compelling book. By Mark Richardson. Softbound, 6.5"×9.3", 288 pp., no illus.

No rider’s library should be without this classic account of one rider’s search for a philosophy of value and his quest for meaning in life. Beautifully written. Filled with ideas about sanity, quality and values. An amazing story.Seriously meditative. Justifiably famous. Most literate literature. By Robert M. Pirsig. Softbound, 4"×7", 430 pp., no illus.

In the long hot 'Summer of 88', the author packed up his motorcycle and pulled out of the garage with no destination or return date in mind. Oblivious to world events, he hit the road and never looked back. That trip would consume the entire summer, logging over twelve thousand miles from sea to sea and back. This is the account of that trip, with pictures, maps, historical and geographical notes, and rolling narrative. By Charles Schiereck. Softbound, 5.5”×8.5”, 222 pp., color & b/w illus.

This one is FUN! Several really neat short stories, and believe-it-or not a bunch of straightforward well-crafted poetry that will make you smile even if you’ve never ever-ever met a poem you’ve liked before. This is real, authentic moto-life from the inside, humbly written in a no-apologies, kick-ass bluntly funny style, by a long-time racer, mechanic and motorcycle shop business guy from the Bay Area. He’s literate as hell and calls them all just as they are, from cycle-bums, bikes and racers encountered, to the everyday moto-life experiences you’ll absolutely recognize.

A self-published little gem, filled with memories of working on and racing motorcycles at Daytona and a plethora of people and moto-related musings along the way. A great cover-to-cover bedtime, road trip or (…ahem) bathroom read. By Ed Milich. Softbound. 5.5"×8.25", 92 pp., b/w illus.

An evocative exploration of women motorcyclists, unveiled in an alluring layout of words ‘n pics, resulting in unconventional eradication of stereotypes about female riders. This is a stunning visual celebration of the varied cultures, lifestyles and passion for motorcycles and riding...from the sassy young racer girls to wind-roughened seniors, leather-clad outlaws to chic corporate climbers. The beautiful collection of photographs is complimented by intensely personal prose, offering a glimpse into the inspirations that guide women riders. One of those rare books that energizes the spirit and really is hard to put down. By Christina Shook. Hardbound, 8.25"×8.25", 154 pp., color & b/w photos.

In person John was simply and quietly outstanding and force-of-nature unstoppable. He was gentle, funny, strong, humble, kind, generous, self-aware, mischievous and absolutely indomitable. He was also — and by far — the very strongest, best and most accomplished long-distance endurance motorcycle rider in the world. He challenged himself to accomplish the impossible and did, again and again. His untimely death in a motorcycle accident on a clear, sunny Sunday morning (October 13th, 2013) was devastating to his family, his friends and the endurance riding community. This booklet contains some of Jonh's own writing about riding exploits, and a few of his many friends rememberances. It was created to help you get to know him a little. We sure miss him. By John Ryan and a few of his friends. Softbound. 6”x9”, color illus. 76pp.

Can an electric motorcycle be used for everyday commuting during the harsh Winter conditions experienced in Duluth, MN? Equipped with a tire studded Zero FX electric motorcycle five brave (or foolish) Aerostich test commuters chronicle the challenges, triumphs and everyday riding experiences while seeking the answer to that question. A fun read, with each ride account told by the test riders in their own words. More than just a test of machines, gear and riders in extreme conditions, this unique experiment proved that riding for everyday personal transportation in awful conditions is not only possible and can be done safely, it’s also is more fun than getting thru winter in conventional ways. By Kyle Allen, Randy Brody, Andy Goldfine, Rod Hafner, Gail Marshik and Bruce Truebenbach. Softcover. 6"×9", 136 pp., color & b&w photos.

Editorial Review, And You Thought Riding In The Rain Was Hardcore, City Bike

The definitive bible on the best ways to have a better riding and handling machine. Troubleshooting instructions for dirt, street and supermoto provide a solution for virtually every handling problem. In a short time you’ll have a terrific understanding of one of the most misunderstood aspects of motorcycle performance. Will inspire you to make your bike handle like a pro’s. By Paul Thede and Lee Parks. Softbound, 8.25"×10.5", 256 pp., color illus.

If you’d like to get more ‘hands on’, but are unsure where to start, this book provides a terrific amount of information on standard techniques used when repairing, overhauling, and fabricating parts. This excellent publication clearly demystifies the processes and methods used by mechanics. Stop reaching for that bigger hammer and see how it’s done properly. By John Fidell and Pete Shoemark. Hardbound, 8.25"×11", 143 pp., b/w illus.

Explains in plain English the principles behind electrical systems and how they work – and how to test, evalu ate, and troubleshoot your gremlins. A very helpful, detailed, well-written and concise guide for the weekend mechanic and experienced professional alike. By Tracy Martin. Softbound, 8.25"×10.5", 151 pp., b/w & color illus.

From the first Honda Cubs to the sophisticated technology of more modern bikes, this encyclopedic guide offers a bounty of useful and interesting information, including stunning photos, of more than 400 uniquely different Honda motorcycles. A detailed guide that includes specs, machine evaluations, riding impressions and unique collectible highlights of Honda motorcycles from 1958-1990. Riders, collectors and restoration enthusiasts alike will gain a deeper sense of the beauty, function, and evolution (as well as other useful tidbits) about this iconic collection of machines. By Bill Silver. Softbound, 6"×9", 224 pp., b/w illus.

Detailed writing with a dash of humor results in a very readable and informative book packed with tips on living outdoors. Lots of information here on stuff you might not even think of but is good practical knowledge. By Cliff Jacobson. Softbound, 5.5"×8.5", 288 pp., b/w illus.

A no-nonsense primer on heading out on the scoot to camp. Valuable tips and practical techniques will point you in the right direction if you are interested in going to rally events or perhaps heading out on your own for a bit of solitude. Real-life issues like assessing your current bike for load-carrying ability and space, packing what you’ll need, camp skill basics like starting a fire and cooking, as well as info on finding motorcycle-friendly campsites, along with all the rest you’ll want to know. By Bob Woofter. Second Edition. Softbound, 7"×8.5", 256 pp., b/w illus.

An MIT student proposes a simple question: Do humans really need this much technology? Furthermore, can we live without it? Have we gone so far that we’ve become dependent on it? Hmmm... By odd chance, he accidentally stumbles upon a Mennonite village and decides…hey, what the heck, let’s give this a shot for 10 months. No cell phone, no computer, no internet, no electricity, no TV, no radio, no running water, no motorized transport, no nothing. Not even a newspaper. So, our fearless author heads to the village with his wife, after being married for only one week (!) and together, they give it their best try. Do they make it? Do they run away screaming? Do they go crazy and murder each other? You’ll have to see for yourself. By Eric Brende. Softbound, 5.25"×8", 234 pp., no illus.

A positive read that explains how to simplify your life. This is a classic about living with balance and outlines ways to change the way you live to have a happier, healthier lifestyle. It may just change your life. By Duane Elgin. Softbound, 8.5"×6", 240 pp., no illus.

As motorcyclists, we all know the social and psychological benefits of opting for two-wheeled transport instead of four. This book highlights the many reasons for fully adopting the carless lifestyle. A great gift for the loved ones in your life who still haven’t quite grasped the big picture. By Chris Balish. Softbound, 8"×5", 216 pp., b/w illus. Fun cartoons.

Educational and fun to read, this interesting little tome of transportation propaganda uses pictographics, history and insightful common-sense to drive straight to the heart of America’s dependence on cars.

While not specifically advocating motorcycling, the author does make a concisely narrated argument in support of the adoption of alternative forms of transportation, while outlining the conspiracy, politics and collusion that have shaped our current system of congestion, urban sprawl and cyclical dependence on ever expanding roadways.

An inspirational and insightful examination of American transportation. Worth a read, pass it on… By Andy Singer. Softbound. B&W ills. 160 pp. 5"×7".

Whether you are out for a day-trip or preparing to span the globe, this is your guide to planning, outfitting and accessorizing your bike. A useful collection of how-to tips, tricks and advice from seasoned travelers and experts in the motorcycling community.Filled with easy to read text, illustrated charts and sidebars and loaded with color photos. By Dale Coyner. Softbound, 8.5”x10.5”, 189 pp., color illus.

Tried-and-true tips and tricks to make the most out of your motorcycle, from navigating city streets on the daily commute, to on-the-fly emergency roadside repairs, maintenance advice and choosing proper riding gear, this comprehensive guide covers 291 essential moto related skills.

Assembled by the experts at Cycle World magazine and filled with insider knowledge and real-world advice intended to get the most out of every ride. Covers gear, riding, maintenance and repair for commuters, touring riders, off-road dirt fiends and all riders in-between. We could write a book like this…but, since we haven’t (yet), this is a solid collection, worth adding to the library. By Mark Lindemann. Softbound, 256 pp., color illus.

There is no better way to learn physics than by having a problem to solve. As a gearhead, you have a secret advantage when it comes to understanding physics: you see it at work every time you solve a problem with your bike or watch a motorsports event. The experience you already have tuning cars or motorcycles is your virtual physics lab. Physics for Gearheads will show you that if you can learn about motorcycles or cars, you can learn about physics. Whether your interest is in increasing your engine's horsepower, getting more miles per gallon, or shaving tenths off your lap time on track day, you can use physics to gain insight into the problem and formulate a solution. Physics for Gearheads not only explains physics principles in language you can understand, it demonstrates how to use physics to your advantage. By Randy Beikmann. Softbound, 9.9”x7.8”. 608 pp., .347 color illus. and diagrams.

Here is a book about hard-core, non-stop, record-crushing, subversive, all-weather, bad-ass motorcycle endurance riders—and in particular the peeled-back story of John Ryan, a living legend motorcyclist made of resolve, discipline, toughness and brains. Along the road you’ll meet an impressive range of other extreme riding obsessives, and gain a deeply informed understanding of motorcycling. A captivating read, impossible to put down. By Melissa Holbrook Pierson. Hardbound, 5.5”×8.3”, 208 pp.

How about riding out your own back door for high adventure and long distances on just an average smallish bike and with some simple luggage and gear? Is it possible to travel unsupported and independently in such a manner? Yes, and the experience of traveling this way captures the most time-honored essences of motorcycling.

This book consists of 14 pages of summary text, with the balance arranged into appendices that cover such topics as food, improvised repairs, helpful resources for further information, useful websites, state-by-state listings of good roads, and bike-friendly hangouts.

Detailed examples of gear and its organization are based on real-life experience and offered as a starting point for your own trips. It fits readily in a pocket or tank bag and contains a distillation of experience, and information that will be a useful starting point for the beginning lightweight motorcycle tourist as well as a handy reference for an experienced rider. Saddle-stitched, 4"×6", 84 pp., b/w illus.

Like Ron Davis' first book, Shiny Side Up, Rubber Side Down is a compilation of stories with a connection to motorcycle life. Also includes new motorcycling stories, reviews, personality profiles, and a few memoirs. Ron said, "One of the most gratifying responses I heard to Shiny Side Up was that you didn't have to be a motorcyclist to enjoy it. I hope that's even more true with this second volume." By Ron Davis with Molly Milroy (Mrs. Subjective). 252 pp. 5.5"x8.6".

An adventure eight years in the making about not only navigating 6000 miles across America on dirt roads, but also navigating a divorce, career changes, addiction, and a mental disorder. A deeply personal and often humorous look at phobias, spirituality, and getting along with others. This book has numerous cringe-worthy moments from the highest mountain passes to claustrophobic caves and the path is often bumpy. By Mathew Sturtevant. Softbound, 6”×9”, 220 pp. color illus.

About bicycles with lots of stuff motorcyclists will enjoy. A revolutionary gust of common sense brought to everyday bicycle riding, composed by a reformed racer who's commuted by bike everyday since 1980. Forget the ultralight, uncomfortable bikes, flashy jerseys, clunky shoes that clip onto tiny pedals, the grinding out miles. Instead, ride like you did when you were a kid—just get on your bike and discover the pure joy of riding it. Fun to read inspiring and entertaining two-to-three page chapters. Filled with tidbits about being an 'unracer,' and useful experiences equally applicable to motorcycling. By Grant Petersen. Softbound. 9"×4.4". 256 pp.

What actually makes us healthy? This upends the last 30 years of conventional health wisdom to offer a clear path to weight loss and fitness. In more than 100 short, compelling essays, Eat Bacon, Don’t Jog shows why we should drop the carbs, embrace fat, and hang up our running shoes, with the latest science to back up its claims. Diet and Exercise make up the bulk of the book, along with a healthy dose of common sense and conventional wisdom. Softbound, 4.5”x9”, 226 pp., b/w illus.

Get off the beaten path and explore over 700 of the world’s strangest and most curious places with this one-of-a-kind explorer’s guide to hidden wonders. Whether you are an armchair traveller or die-hard adventurer, every page of this unique book will expand your sense of the strange, weird, overlooked and unexpected to reveal just how mysterious and marvelous the world really is. Filled with compelling descriptions, hundreds of photographs, surprising charts and maps for every region of the world. Investigate natural wonders, architectural marvels, mind-boggling events and other oddities that need to be seen to believe. A fun read that is equally hard to put down as it is inspiring to get out and really see the world. By Joshua Foer, Dylan Thuras an Ella Morton. Hardcover. 480 pp., 7”x10.5”, color illus.