We often hear about the dangers of riding a bike, but there’s a reason we’re willing to take the risk. Riding a motorcycle can create some of the best memories of a lifetime, or some of the worst if we’re not prepared!
Check out these 12 motorcycle books to add to your collection. You’ll learn about amazing rides, life-saving tips, essential motorcycle repair, and might even be inspired to plan your next big motorcycle trip. Check it out!
You are reading: Best books about motorcycles
the 12 best motorcycle books you should buy
competent motorcycling by david l. though
Described as “the definitive guide to riding well,” Competent Motorcycling is one of the best-selling motorcycle training books on the market. journalist and horsemanship expert david l. hough provides a detailed manual for experts and novices alike. This is the perfect book to read if you’re planning a motorcycle trip, trying to improve your training, or just brushing up on crucial skills.
Total Control: Lee Parks High Performance Urban Driving
Building your motorcycle library should start with a solid foundation of educational books, and Lee Parks Total Control is the perfect way to do it! Total control is the next step in street riding skills and helps riders navigate the ins and outs of high-performance street riding.
why we travel by mark barnes, phd
“a psychologist explains the mind of the motorcyclist and the love story between the cyclist, the bicycle and the road”. Why We Ride is one of the most unique motorcycle books you can buy. in it, dr. barns explores both sports psychology and the psychoanalysis of the horseback riding experience. a master storyteller, dr. barns uses his 20+ years of experience as a motorcycle consumer news columnist to create compelling stories and actionable insights.
peter egan leanings
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Peter Egan is possibly one of the most iconic motorcycle storytellers of all time. Leanings, and its sequels Leanings 2 and Leanings 3, present the best of Peter Egan’s stories from his time at Cycle World magazine (which started in 1977!).
a twist of the wrist by keith code
This book is considered by many motorcyclists to be the “ultimate riding manual”. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, or ride a sport or touring bike, this book is guaranteed to help you be a better, faster, more educated, and safer rider.
matt stone mcqueen motorcycles
“races and rides with the king of cool.” If you are a fan of Steve McQueen, you will love this book! mcqueen was once quoted as saying “racing is life. anything before or after is awaiting.” and his adventures on a motorcycle prove that he believed it. He travels back in time to witness this race of Hollywood stars, the Baja 1000, the Elsinore Grand Prix, Mint 400 and more.
the essential guide to motorcycle maintenance by mark zimmerman
Any cyclist should have a book like this in their library! This handy maintenance guide covers all makes, styles, makes, and models of motorcycles and features easy-to-follow instructions for even complex tasks. This book is designed to help all riders learn how to repair and maintain their motorcycle.
discover the motorcycle by armand ensanian
discovering the motorcycle: the story. culture. The Machines is a comprehensive history of motorcycling from 1867 to the present. This massive book features over 1,000 photographs and illustrations dedicated to the incredible history of the motorcycle.
classic motorcycles: the art of speed by pat hahn
Motorcycles are sometimes called “rolling art,” and this book dives into the beautiful and complex story of their history. Classic Motorcycles: The Art of Speed uses beautiful imagery to cover “motorcycling history told through the most significant and iconic classic motorcycles of all time, with both vintage photography and modern portraiture.”
ride out!: motorcycle road trips and adventures through gestalten
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edited by gestalten, ride! is a collection of driving experiences and tips from around the world. Readers will learn about motorcycling in California, South Africa, Japan, China, Patagonia, and more when they purchase this book. perfect for planning your next big trip!
zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance by robert m. pirsig
No list of motorcycle books would be complete without this cult classic! This book is the narration of a motorcycle trip between father and son. Despite the title, this fascinating book is more about life philosophy than motorcycle maintenance.
the voyages of jupiter by ted simon
Last but not least, Jupiter’s Journeys: Four Years Around the World in One Triumph is another book about amazing motorcycle adventures. Follows the story of Ted Simon, who traveled around the world during the 1970s, covering 78,000 miles (125,529 km) and visiting 45 countries. This book is sure to inspire you to plan your next great motorcycle trip!
Motorcycle books can inspire us, teach us and take us to different worlds. they are the perfect choice for further education, planning a trip, or disappearing into a story.
We hope you’ve chosen some of these awesome picks to add to your motorcycle library, because stories like these are not only fun, they’re also important for future safe riding.
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