Q1 2010 Book Reviews
 Maximum
Control by Pat Hahn (Motorbooks Int)
Looking at the cover of this new
book, I have to admit I had rather low expectations for its
application for experienced riders. With a title reminiscent of
another popular book, a picture of a rider on a large touring
cruiser in jeans and a half helmet, I was expecting this to be
mediocre at best. But what the heck, I was getting a free book so I
had nothing to lose.
The
intent of this book is to target riders of big bikes like Harley
Davidsons, touring bikes and cruisers which handle different than
smaller lighter bikes. These heavyweights carry substantially more
weight; they steer more slowly, taking longer to stop; and require a
different level of skill to ride well. This book is aimed at
helping owners of these large motorcycles packed with pounds and
long wheelbases. Maximum Control spans a full spectrum of
information for riding large motorcycles--steering, body
positioning, braking and carrying a passenger or heavy loads. Hahn
even covers many differences in equipment--brakes, engine, drive
system, even tires.
If you ride a big bike - get it.
Bret Tkacs
Available through
PugetSoundSafety.com
 Riding
America's Backroads by various authors (Fox Chapel)
I was excited when the review copy of this book arrived, as I
always am when we get new touring books in. As a resident of the
Northwest, I was hoping for some new riding ideas. Unfortunately the
book fell short by providing only two rides in the region.
Those two rides, however, were authored up by one of my favorite
writers and photographers, Robert Smith (who lives in B.C.). and
indeed Smith showed me a few new ways to get around Eastern Oregon
and Kalispell, Montana.
But if you're looking to travel far and wide across the US, the
book is worthy of owning. The ride descriptions are done well, maps
are easily read and the photography is great.
Patrick Thomas
Available through Amazon.com and BarnesandNobel.com
 Motorcycle
Camping Made Easy by Bob Woofter (Whitehorse Press)
When the original version of this book came out in 2002, I must
admit, I wasn't too impressed. Much of the content labored over old
school car camping concepts and did little to note the advancements
of gear and modern day possibilities. With the new edition I'd hoped
for more - but...
Mama always says 'if you don't have anything nice to say, don't
say anything at all', but I can't hold back. With the exception of a
few gear innovations featured sporadically throughout, Woofter
tromps through the dark ages again covering less than likely skills
needed on the road such as knot tying, knife sharpening and
utilizing a loaded camp rifle in the event of a predator showing up.
Nine pages of the book are dedicated to trailer usage, while only
one deals with GPS usage. And don't look for many space savings tips
here, as Woofter recommends carrying 6 changes of underwear, socks
and shirts (is washing clothes every other day a bad idea or
something?) and one pair each of sneakers and hiking boots.
There's plenty more that's laughable to a pragmatic seasoned touring
rider from hat recommendations to axemanship.
Save your money and spend it on something more worthwhile - like
some compact shower sandals.
Ted Knecht
Available though Amazon.com and BarnesandNobel.com |
