This best-selling book is also “#1 book in motorcycle safety” (Nielsen BookScan) and essential reading for all motorcyclists regardless of their years of experience. Author David L. Hough, a revered motorcycle author, columnist, and riding-safety consultant, lays out a clear course for all riders who want to sharpen their handling skills and improve their rides. This second edition, expanded and now in full color, offers new riders and road warriors the exact kind of advice they need to be prepared for anything when on the road, how to avoid accidents, and how to handle the unexpected. Hough, who began motorcycling in the 1960s, tackles every imaginable topic—from the mechanics of the bike, selection of the right-sized bike, and basic riding skills to night riding, group outings, and advanced survival tactics. In the chapter called “Motorcycle Dynamics,” Hough spells out the equipment needed and basic skills required to control a bike, and specifically keeping the rider’s safety and ability to avoid potentially injurious or fatal crashes. The author is outspoken and direct when it comes to safety, and he emphasizes the importance of the rider’s braking abilities and spells out how to improve them. The chapter offers six tried-and-true techniques for quick-stop tactics, critical for every rider to understand and master. He also addresses other vital skills that riders need to evaluate and improve, such as turning, maintaining balance and stability, and steering. He defines, compares, and analyzes the ins and outs of steering and control: direct steering, countersteering, push steering, out-tracking, coning, u-turns, and directional control. The chapter called “Cornering Habits” is a virtual master class in acceleration, deceleration, use of weight, throttle, leaning, and handling challenging terrain. Hough’s skill as a photographer and illustrator adds a graphic element to his books that leads to immediate understanding of the concepts he explains. The detail offered in each section of the book can only come from decades on the road, and the author is the consummate instructor, assigning homework to the readers in the form of exercises to practice and improve specific techniques that he outlines and illustrates in the text. Any rider who would venture out on the road without David Hough’s voice in his head takes an unnecessary risk with his own life. Proficient Motorcycling takes riders from long, snaking country roads right into the traffic of the big city, and Hough offers the best advice for riders dealing with the most challenging conditions, whether it’s road construction, snap-jawed intersections, skateboarders, or suddenly slippery road surfaces. A critical section of the book offers riders advice on how to deal with automobiles, including aggressive car drivers, oblivious SUV drivers, or “blind” truck drivers. The book offers the kind of first-hand experience that can literally save riders’ lives, as illustrated in the chapters “Booby Traps” and “Special Situations,” which offer evasive tactics and advice to avoid and handle everything from slick surfaces, curbs, and construction plates to ferocious dogs, hazardous wildlife, and difficult weather conditions. The final chapter of the book, “Sharing the Ride,” is geared toward experienced riders who travel together in groups or who travel with a second passenger on the bike. Topics covered are formation, packing for trips, communication between riders, sidecars, trikes, and more. The book concludes with a resources section of organizations, training schools, educational tools, and websites; a glossary of 80+ terms; and a complete index.
This book is written to help adventuresome motorcyclists buy, ride, and enjoy dual sport motorcycles, those versatile machines that are equally at home on the street and in the dirt. It is organized into four sections covering motorcycle selection, setup, riding technique, and specialized activities such as off-road touring and rallies. Several chapters include exercises designed to improve riding and impart new skills. Over 250 full-color photographs illustrate the many options for gear, clothing, and aftermarket accessories which can add comfort, safety, and convenience to any motorcycle adventure. The book also contains many references and sources to orient enthusiasts to the sometimes overwhelming sea of information that is available. New riders will benefit from the clear explanations of dual sport gear, accessories, and techniques, while experienced riders coming to dual sport from a street riding background will find chapters covering advanced dirt riding skills, GPS navigation, and preparing for multi-day trips. Riders at all levels will gain a broader perspective of the dual sport experience, from which they can begin their journey to new motorcycle adventures.
Going beyond a standard 72-hour bug out bag, this book shows you how to outfit escape vehicles and retreats in order to be able to survive for days, weeks or even months without civilization. Projects include outfitting a stationwagon, converting an RV and building secure shelters from shipping containers.
Popular motorcycle journalist and author Mark Zimmerman brings a comfortable, conversational tone to his easy-to-understand explanations of how motorcycles work and how to maintain them and fix them when they don't. This practical tutorial covers all brands and styles of bikes, making it a perfect companion to the owner's service manual whether you need to use the step-by-step instructions for basic maintenance techniques to wrench on your bike yourself or just want to learn enough to become an informed customer at your local motorcycle service department. This book includes more than 500 color photos and a thorough index to make it an especially user-friendly reference for home motorcycle mechanics of all skill levels.
This exciting book is an essential guide to more than 30 of the world’s best journeys for the adventure motorcyclist. The coverage for each route includes a first-hand account from someone who has made the trip together with comprehensive information on what to expect in terms of riding conditions, the best time to travel, choice of motorcycle, the history of the route, sights along the way, climate information and all kinds of other practical advice, all accompanied by top-class photography and detailed maps. This latest book in Haynes’ adventure motorcycling series will both inspire and inform.
Whether considering an ocean-to-ocean cross-country journey, a vacation ride through the Canadian Rockies, a full-length tour of the Blue Ridge Parkway, or an ambitious Four-Corners ride, Motorcycle Journeys Through North America provides the "big-idea" guidance every rider needs to plan fun-filled motorcycle tours throughout the continental United States and Canada. Emphasis is placed on the very best roads, with expert advice on: When to go Which routes to select Areas to avoid Must-see attractions along the way Places to stay and eat You'll also find plenty of first-hand stories and hard-earned lessons from expert touring riders. The only question that will remain is, What are you waiting for?
"There's something about motorcycles, and the lure of freedom and the open road that they promise. If you've ever wanted to take a motorcycling holiday, you've been before and are looking for new ideas for places to go, or you just want to do something completely different, then this book will inspire you. Featuring 38 spectacular routes from the snowy passes of Patagonia to Australia's Red Centre, Awesome Motorcycle Journeys of the World is the perfect inspiration for your next big motorcycling adventure. All the featured journeys can be taken as part of a 2-3 week vacation, or linked to form a longer trip. You can choose to take your own bike, hire one on arrival, or pick up a bike as part of an organized tour. Whether you are an experienced overlander looking for a quick adventure fix, or a novice rider seeking inspiration these journeys will open up a whole new world of motorcycling possibilities. Inside Awesome Motorcycle Journeys of the World The perfect book for anyone who has ever dreamt of taking off on a bike and exploring the globe. Presents 40 awe-inspiring routes taking in the best of Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the Americas. All the featured journeys can be taken as part of a 2-3 week vacation, or linked to form a longer trip. Options for taking your own bike into the country, renting a machine there, or booking a bike-inclusive tour. Includes stunning photography and route maps showing points of interest on the way. Each journey is accessible for everyone regardless of level of expertise on the bike. "