Rating: 
Summary: Poorly writen by someone who does not know motorcycles
Review: After struggling through Mr Haefele memoir I have no reason to try his other books. I can see why it had taken him so long to sell. The book does not flow making it even harder for an old time gear-head to generate any feeling for Mr Haefele. Sorry to say that I own a copy, ah-well thats why there are used book stores. As to his "builders" skill I can only say, there is no substitute for cubic money. For a much better read in this same vein try "Truck" by John Jerome
Rating: 
Summary: A fun book to read.
Review: As a veteran motorcycle builder, I was able to identify with many of the situations that Fred ran into while building his Indian. This book was great reading, even though we had a pretty good idea of the final outcome. Hey Fred, why don't you build a Knucklehead next time.
Rating:
Summary: a project finally finished
Review: Being a person who has started many a "project" I can truly appreciate the pride and satisfaction found in completion. This book demonstrates the value of lessons learned from the little things in life. So often I forget that life is a journey and not a destination. This book reminded me of that reality.The book's descriptions are honest and accurate regarding the frustrations of dealing with the relationships of both human and machine. It is somewhat simplistic in its language, but then again so is life in the "real" west. I enjoyed this book and I highly recommend this book for the man who is seeking his "claim" in life and (due to its short length) doesn't want to spend a lifetime finding it.
Rating:
Summary: a project finally finished
Review: Being a person who has started many a "project" I can truly appreciate the pride and satisfaction found in completion. This book demonstrates the value of lessons learned from the little things in life. So often I forget that life is a journey and not a destination. This book reminded me of that reality. The book's descriptions are honest and accurate regarding the frustrations of dealing with the relationships of both human and machine. It is somewhat simplistic in its language, but then again so is life in the "real" west. I enjoyed this book and I highly recommend this book for the man who is seeking his "claim" in life and (due to its short length) doesn't want to spend a lifetime finding it.
Rating: 
Summary: Haefele's writing makes this the year's best ride
Review: Clear-sighted, affecting and funny, Haefele's memoir is written with an elegant, high-horsepower prose that kept me turning the pages. I envied him the Indian, but I envied even more the nifty balance he's achieved here: a poignant, witty, and informative book that touches on some of life's bigger questions (parenthood, commitment, craftsmanship, the meaning of success) without becoming self-important, cynical or maudlin. I knew, from the get-go, I was in good hands, and with each page the ride just got sweeter.
Rating:
Summary: Haefele restores his Chief and my faith in writers.
Review: Even for those who have never even thought of pulling a vehicle from the scrap yard and barns of America this book holds great promise. It is about the restoration of an old Indian Chief, but on a greater level it is the story of the restoration of life and the constant struggle to survive in a world of divorce, anger, war, and rust. I am an old restorer and rider, but I think that my enjoyment of the book came from more profound issues than honing pistons and sanding paint.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent-- will appeal to a wide range of readers!
Review: Fred Haefele did a wonderful job on this book. He bared his soul for the world to see and I felt like Fred was an old friend by the time I finished. Couldn't put it down, myself. Well written. As someone who has restored a number of bikes myself I could really identify with Haefele's struggles to find parts and service providers. To the reviewers who said Haefele didn't restore the bike, that he just sub-contracted it out to others, I say "humbug." Very few restorers do everything themselves. This is no less a restoration just because other experts were brought in. That's the way most people do it! I'm looking forward anxiously to Haefele's next work.
Rating:
Summary: Pursuing a dream he didn't even know he had
Review: Fred Haefele does a wonderful job of describing the unpredictable fraternity that surrounds his restoration project. By accepting these people for who they are, he gains a greater understanding of himself. I can't help but think of the amazing array of people that my grandfather came to know while he restored a 1921 Indian, a project that took 7 years. One word of advice for would-be readers: Try to leave your own baggage behind. Is this a deep philosophical book? No. Is this a how-to manual on how to rebuild an Indian motorcycle? Definitely not. Is "Rebuilding the Indian" an enjoyable adventure? Indeed yes. I can't wait to get started on my own "basket case" (as soon as I finish the '66 Mustang and the '58 outboard...).
Rating:
Summary: you will like this book
Review: Haefele's book is beautiful and eminently readable. It came in the mail at 9:30 in the morning and twelve hours later I closed it, having read it cover-to-cover. I can't remember the last time I did that. It seems to be about not just a motorcycle rebuild, although it most certainly is about that, but about America and Americans. Haefele, a man running from consumerism and the artificiality of the modern world, finds himself in a community of stragglers all orbiting about the pursuit of the art of the motorcycle. It is a touching and insightful tale, mostly because of Haefele's artistry and honesty. I highly recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: Entertaining, easy to read story of a brief point in life.
Review: I couldn't put the book down. The focal point, the Indian Motorcycle, deals with a subjet I can relate to, along with the daily aspects of life. If you like "people" stories, without the fancy backdrops, you may just enjoy reading Freds, Rebuilding The Indian. It centers around a subject the brings the author in contact with people he would normaly not build a relationship with. If you're looking for a complex story, with suspence and action, look for a fiction book! If you want a real look at a brief slice of life of regular people, and you approach life with an open mind... you'll like this book a lot.
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