The Motorbike Book

An action-packed ride through the history of the motorbike The Motorbike Book is all about the men, machines and landmark technology behind the most iconic bikes from ACE to Zündapp. Featuring over 1,000 of the latest and greatest motorbikes in the world this is an amazing visual guide tracing their evolution from the 1910s right up to the superbikes of today. All about the grit and the glory, The Motorbike Book takes a truly international view from Italy's Ducati to Japan's Suzuki and tells you just how famous marques like Honda and Harley-Davidson became household names. Plus, go on a virtual tour inside the engines of some of these legendary bikes to see just what powers their performance. If you're born to be wild then The Motorbike Book is the ultimate ride for you.

An action-packed ride through the history of the motorbike, this book is all about the men, machines and landmark technology behind the most iconic bikes from ACE to Zundapp. Featuring over 1,000 of the latest and greatest motorbikes in the world this is an amazing visual guide tracing their evolution from the 1910s right up to the superbikes of today. All about the grit and the glory, this book takes a truly international view from Italy's Ducati to Japan's Suzuki and tells you just how famous marques like Honda and Harley-Davidson became household names. Plus, go on a virtual tour inside the engines of some of these legendary bikes to see just what powers their performance. If you're born to be wild then this book is the ultimate ride for you.

Discover the gripping, action-packed history of the motorcycle, from the earliest petrol-powered two-wheelers to the blistering superbikes of today. Tracing the history and allure of the motorcycle, this book illustrates the diverse spectrum of bikes from the earliest prototypes to battery-powered machines of the modern age. It showcases motorcycles in all their forms, from humble scooters that offer mobility to the masses, the scrabblers and racers that delight enthusiasts, to the iconic choppers and cruisers that can cross continents. The Motorbike Book tells the fascinating stories behind the world's leading manufacturers, the roles played by their influential designers and engineers, and their milestone models. It not only charts the technological developments of motorcycles, but also the cultural backdrop against which the various models arose and their impact on society - as objects of curiosity, affordable means of transport, symbols of rebellion, or the first choice for full-throttle action on the road, trail, or track. Fully updated to include the latest models from around the world and cutting-edge innovations, this new edition features over 1,000 must-see machines, with models from ACE to Zündapp. It is the ideal read for motorcycle and motorsport enthusiasts, whether they're a biker themselves or an armchair devotee.

'The Motorbike Book' is all about the men, machines and landmark technology behind the most iconic bikes from ACE to Zundapp. Featuring over 1,000 of the latest and greatest motorbikes in the world this is an amazing visual guide tracing their evolution from the 1910s right up to the superbikes of today.

It's cold, wet and dangerous, so why do we do it? Richard Hammond's A SHORT HISTORY OF THE MOTORCYCLE attempts to explain what it is about bikes and biking that calls to some people, leaving them powerless to resist. This entertaining guide charts the history of the bike from its origins as a cheap and modest means of transport for the masses to its modern incarnations: a terrifying symbol of rebellion and menace, a high-tech racing machine and the rich kid's plaything. We look at the bikes that have propelled people across the world to work, to school and to their doom. As for the bikers ... Edwardian ladies did it, though not in large numbers. Young bucks desperate to prove their manhood did it, because it was the cheapest speed available. Hammond examines bikers of every type, from the happy farmer trundling through fields on their Honda Cub to the Hell's Angel terrorising Californian towns on their hog. Wittily written and lavishly illustrated, A SHORT HISTORY OF THE MOTORCYCLE is a thrilling ride for bikers and non-bikers alike.

A one-of-a-kind compendium of motorcycles for the veteran, mid-level rider, or rank beginner with major dreams. Over 100 classic, celebrity, and experimental bikes are showcased, from those of Lawrence of Arabia to the world's fastest production bike. Over 850 full-color photos.