The Fastest Motorcycles On Earth

Rating:
Summary: A Feast of Fast
Review: Anybody fascinated with going fast on two wheels will find it hard not to like this book. The Fastest Motorcycles on Earth is essentially a history, focusing primarily the period from 1960 onward. In addition to an awesome collection of period photos (lots of color) that you probably won't see in any other book, the writer's folksy style gives the whole book a sort of "behind-the-scenes" authentic feel to describing what it's like to go out and try to set a Land Speed Record from the point of view of the guys who've actually done it. Be careful, though...there's enough "how-it's-done" detail in this book that you might be tempted to sell the house and start building your own LSR bike...

Rating:
Summary: The Fastest Motorcycles On Earth
Review: I bought this book originally from the publisher because I couldn't wait to get my hands on it.The subject,Land Speed Record motorcycles,is exciting and fascinating.However,after reading it I was very disappointed.It IS filled with some really wonderful photographs.That is perhaps its one redeeming quality.The book lacks direction.It appears the author can't decide what he wants his book to be;a history or a how to book.Either would be interesting but the book is too short to be all things to all people.The biggest problem I had with this book is the historical inaccuracies contained within.Example:The author's explanation of how the Harley Davidson factory motorcycle racing team got its nickname,"The Wrecking Crew" is unlike any other description I've read.It came from their dominance in racing,not the hijinks he describes.His sidebar history of S&S Cycle and their longstanding involvement with Record setting motorcycles is filled with inaccuracies as well.These are not arcane aspects of history that were hard to document.I found the information readily available in books,magazines,etc.The very worst thing is the story of the current world record holder.When I read it I immediately recalled a similiar presentation of the same story told in a magazine many years earlier.It appears to be almost lifted verbatim from that magazine("In The Wind" March 1991).I shudder at the implication but it was glaringly obvious to me.I found it insulting that no one took the time to verify some of these facts.It makes the book appear to be slapped together and makes one wonder what other inaccuracies lurk within.The author has a tendancy to handle a lot of information tongue-in-cheek rather than state simple facts in an entertaining manner.I've noticed this in other books I've read by him.I'd say the book's worth buying if for nothing else than the rich photography included,but don't expect much more.

Rating:
Summary: This book delivers what it promises
Review: The title of the book says it all. This book is a very good account of the men and machines that have attained the goal of fastest motorycle. From the early days, Bert Le Vack and Brough, Ernst Henne and BMW, through William Herz and NSU, all the way to the streamliners of Triumph, Don Vesco, and Harley-Davidsons, there is a wealth of information and photographs. You really get a feel for the dedication and effort involved in building a machine capable of going over 300 MPH, pushing tires and engines up to and past their limits. The day by day account of the setting of the current record, by Dave Campos and the EasyRiders HD in 1990, is a wonderful climax to the story. 16 days of runs, crashes, worn out tires, transmission overhauls, engine swaps; even the nitrous powered push truck burned a hole in a piston. A most welcome addition to any motorcycle or land speed enthusiast's library.