Rating: 
Summary: Fun to read *and* very educational
Review: This book has been a real treat to read. Similar to fellow Motorcycle Consumer News writer David Hough, Lee Parks uses a lighthearted writing style coupled with clear diagrams and pictures to get his points across. The result is an instructional book that's so fun to read that you barely notice that you're learning things.Learn, however, you will. Parks covers motorcycling from every angle: chassis dynamics, mental dynamics, body dynamics, machine setup, rider setup. Even though the book is ostensibly for "high performance street riders", the illustrations use all sorts of motorcycles, from a Hayabusa to a GoldWing to a fully dressed Harley -- emphasizing that the skills learned in this book can be applied to any street rider, anywhere, on any bike. A lot of points that I learned originally from David Hough's Proficient Motorcycling are repeated in Total Control, which I think is wonderful. Hough, and now Parks, make superb -- and very accessible -- suggestions. It's really the book's well-rounded attitude that puts it towards the top of my list. While I'm always on the lookout for more ways to improve my lines and quicken my turns, I really appreciate a book which tells me flat out that attitude is just as important as lap times. Even my personal favorite non-motorcycling motorcycle topics, fitness and ergonomics, are covered in Total Control. Though now I have even fewer excuses for procrastinating those sit-ups...
Rating:
Summary: Read 'em All, and...
Review: This book is among the best. As background, I've been riding street/sport bikes for 18 years now, and have read nearly everything out there on the subject. Mr Park's book goes beyond Keith Code's (excellent) techniques list, exploring more diverse and usable territory like basic suspension tuning, body positioning, basic mental and physical conditioning, riding gear selection, and why racers do "X" as opposed to a street rider who should perhaps approach the same issue in a modified manner. He also does an excellent job covering more advanced matter, such as how to prep your bike for, and what to expect when you head for a day at a racetrack. I got a lot out of this book. It's one of a select few I'll read again to brush up on my riding skills.
Rating:
Summary: Total Control
Review: To be frank when I saw the title "Total Control" my first thought was "what an ego this guy has." But as an avid reader of Motorcycle Consumer News and skills books in general I decided to taken the plunge. Am I glad I did. The book is a very entertaining read filled with clear descriptions and advice on how to improve one's riding skills. "Total Control" covers all the aspects of machine and rider dynamics in a clear, concise style. Unique to this book are its drills the reader can try in an appropriate location. For reference, I have read everything Code, Hough, Ienatsch and Roberts have published. All are very good texts with their own point of view. In my view "Total Control" is one of the better values for street riders. If you are serious about your riding I would highly recommend adding this book to your library.
Rating:
Summary: Total Control
Review: To be frank when I saw the title "Total Control" my first thought was "what an ego this guy has." But as an avid reader of Motorcycle Consumer News and skills books in general I decided to taken the plunge. Am I glad I did. The book is a very entertaining read filled with clear descriptions and advice on how to improve one's riding skills. "Total Control" covers all the aspects of machine and rider dynamics in a clear, concise style. Unique to this book are its drills the reader can try in an appropriate location. For reference, I have read everything Code, Hough, Ienatsch and Roberts have published. All are very good texts with their own point of view. In my view "Total Control" is one of the better values for street riders. If you are serious about your riding I would highly recommend adding this book to your library.
Rating:
Summary: The more you know the better it gets.
Review: Total control is a very informative book. I've been riding motorcycles for 12 years and the tips that Lee gave me in this book really helped my riding. I've took the MSF ERC and they don't even mention some of the helpful ideas in the class that Lee gives in his book. Corners use to be a hurdle I had to overcome but after reading Total control they are so much easier and More FUN! Thanks Lee. I've read Sport Riding techniques by Nick Ienatsch also and Total control is a little easier to read. Both are must reads for all motorcyclist.
Rating:
Summary: A must for every rider
Review: Well explained topics, full of graphics and photographs, this book is a perfect aid for those riders wanting to get the most of their bikes. It deals with technical subjects like suspension set-up and aerodynamics, as well as human topics like attitude, fear and fitness. Don't get misled by the title, since the techniques taught there apply to every bike type, not only to hi-performance superbikes. Written in a plain understandable language and including just the right and needed math formulae, Mr. Parks leads the reader through the entire book without much pain even for the complete novice rider. He even adds the right amount of subtle humour also.
Great book, highly recommendable.
Rating:
Summary: Written for me
Review: When I first started reading this, I was concerned it was a bit over my head.... directed to hotdogs and racers. They will like it too, but Parks has carefully related track experiences to "road smarts" without suggesting you go beyond your limits. Well written so experienced riders can improve their weak areas, at their own pace.
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