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Summary: Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well
Review: I read this book before taking a motorcycle safely course. It allowed me the benefit of understanding an otherwise poor oral presentation given by the instructor. I put to use the information I had read during the riding portion of the safety course.Mr.Hough did a great job of keeping me interested when what I really wanted to do is ride like the wind. I could not imagine riding without first reading his book, cover to cover. I have also gone back on more than one occasion to better understand things like the contact patch. Read this book and stay safe.
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Summary: If you ride, you should own it.
Review: This is the best general introduction to safe street riding techniques on the market -- even better than the MSF's "Motorcycling Excellence," though new riders should read that too. Based on the long running "Proficient Motorcycling" column that appeared first in "Road Rider" and then in its spinoff "Motorcycle Consumer News," the book covers everything from the physics to the gear to the protocols of group riding. The author is a much better writer than the typical bike scribe. The information is sound throughout. It should be on every biker's bookshelf, and I strongly recommend reviewing it at the beginning of each riding season. This man's advice has undoubtedly saved lives. Make one of them yours.
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Summary: Outstanding wealth of motorcycling knowledge
Review: Outstanding wealth of motorcycling knowledge. Teaches you way more than the MSF class (but not a substitute for it). Pretty easy read and entertaining too.
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Summary: Very helpful for a newbie rider like me.
Review: Until recently, I've never had the desire to ride a motorcycle, mainly because I was afraid of becoming an organ donor. However, that suddenly changed a couple of months back, probably due to turning 37 and sitting through a marathon viewing session of "American Chopper" episodes. So, I began to shop around for a bike that would fit me, and at the same time I tapped into all the informational sources I could find about motorcycling (friends, the Web, etc.). "Proficient Motorcycling" was one of the first books I read, and I bought it based on the good reviews I saw on Amazon.com. It was my desire to arm myself with as much knowledge and hands-on riding skills as possible before swinging a leg over the motorcycle I finally settled upon (a Harley-Davidson Fat Boy). I signed up at a local Harley-Davidson dealer for a "Rider's Edge" class, and "Proficient Motorcycling" was an excellent supplement to the MSF course materials. Indeed, Mr. Hough recommends taking an MSF course, and frankly I can't imagine a novice trying to ride without formal instruction. The techniques that Mr. Hough advocates in "Proficient Motorcycling" have made me a better AND safer rider. I feel more confident riding my new H-D, and therefore I'm able to enjoy my road-time that much more. I've already started reading the book's sequel "More Proficient Motorcycling: Mastering the Ride" to build upon what I've learned so far. If you want to be a good motorcyclist (and not a "donor-cyclist"), then by all means dive into "Proficient Motorcycling."
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Summary: Experienced riders will have their eyes opened...
Review: ...by the insight of a rider who's put more seat-time on various bikes in the last 30 years than most 5 people do in a lifetime of riding! I've ridden for 40 years and found content in the book that made me understand what I (fortunately) had been doing right for many years - but didn't know why. If you are a newer rider, this book will help you learn to gain in proficiency. If you are an experienced rider, IT MAY HELP SAVE YOUR LIFE! Simple as that: There are techniques that you've used and habits you've picked up that will DO YOU IN! Mr. Hough helps you understand some of the impact of your habits (that you probably don't realize are dangerous) and motivates you to work at being a safer rider. His writing style makes what is essentially a textbook seem like a series of short articles that guide the reader through the complicated process (Yes, not everyone has the mental skills to do it well) of safely operating a motorcycle on the streets and highways. The source for most of this information is a series of articles he wrote for Motorcycle Consumer News over the years and addresses most of the important (and misunderstood) dynamics of turns and braking - along with thorough discussions of various types of road hazards and dangerous traffic situations. In a friendly and often blunt style, he will help you realize that you are the captain of your two (or three)-wheeled ship and need to take responsibility for compentent operation - thinking well ahead of your speed and sight picture. You will not regret buying this book and will likely be delighted with feeling that you are making a conscious effort to give yourself (and your passenger) a safely edge. Buy it!!!
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Summary: Mind over Machine
Review: Before I bought this book I had completed an MSF motrocycling course but the paperwork required to get my license took nearly 3 months. I lacked someone to ride with and was concerned about going out on my own. The book was a gamble on a tool that might refresh what I had previously learned and help me ease out onto the road The gamble paid off. This book transfers a state of mind from the author to the reader. It forces you to take safety seriously and to focus on what you are doing when you are on a bike. Beyond the compelling (and sometime humorous) stories, the clearly described techniques for avoiding danger and the excellent graphics, this book teaches you how to think when riding a motorcycle. The author creates scenarios you might encounter on the road and transports you to those places. He puts you on the bike, he explains what you should be paying attention too and what you should be preparing to do. Its now been several months since I read the book and got back out on the road. I've put nearly 1000 miles on the bike and will commute to work in good weather. The lessons from the book resonate in my head every time I get on the bike. I have encountered many of the situations covered in the book (railroad tracks, deer, edge traps). Rather than being surprised, confused or panicked by these situations I knew what I was seeing, knew at least some of the options available to me and could plan and react in a cool and controlled fashion. If your new to riding ( and probably if you ridden for years) this book is worth it.
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Summary: Very easy to read and very informative.
Review: Very easy to read and very informative. Each of the chapters can be read on their own but you may want to read the first chapter on the first reading. I recommend this book with out hesitation for all riders but especially for beginning riders. The chapter on low speed maneuvers will on it's own be worthwhile to beginners. Of course, the best way to continuously learn new riding techniques is to continuously consider yourself a beginner (in the mind of a beginner their are many possibilities, in the mind of an expert, few).
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Summary: Required reading for all Bikers !
Review: New to biking, this book is a must read. Veteran biker, this is the definitive reference. The author leverages his extensive world wide riding experience of 20+ years against his career as a trainer and puts together what I describe as the Real World MSF Handbook.
If you have taken the MSF course, then this book will build upon those skills. The author covers all aspects of motoring around on two wheels, such as Managing Risk, Motorcycle Dynamics, Urban Traffic Skills, Traps, and Special Situations.
The chapters are well organized and balanced with the right amount of theory, riding experience, graphics, pictures and diagrams.
I constantly find myself thumbing through the book after a ride that I had difficulty with, or needed to confirm I used the right maneuver.
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Summary: Finally some good teaching !
Review: Many of us learn to ride on our own.
That's why you have to read this book to understand how to enjoy safely for the rest of your life good bike riding. Share the safety tips with all your mates!
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Summary: A must for every rider -novice or expert-
Review: This is one of those books any interested in a matter must have. Perhaps one can't call it The Bible of motorcycling. But it runs very close to it. It deals with every aspect of riding always from the safe point of view. By reading it many riders -me included- finally understood why we move this or that way during cornering, for example, or why it is safer to gradually apply front brake before leaning the bike, even after having done that for years unaware and in a natural manner.
Mr. Hough's experienced translated into words and graphics in this volume is essential for anyone interested in two-wheeled safe fun. For the price of a couple of tanks full of gas you may encounter with the very best of motorcycle riding techniques.
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