With school back in session across the nation, it seems only fitting for MPN to roundup top titles that you and your customers should add to your 2010 fall reading lists. Not so much into reading? Don’t worry, we’ve got a picture book or two on the list, and we’ve already written the book report for you!
Motorcycle Dream Garages
by Lee Klancher
distributed by Motorbooks
excerpted from Spare Parts, January 2010
These guys got it bad — the motorcycle itch, I mean. The heroes profiled in MPN"s own Lee Klancher’s latest book, Motorcycle Dream Garages, are text-book motorcycle junkies. The book includes stories on uber-rich junkies like "jack" — a Hoillywood tycoonwith a MTT Turbine Superbike in his collection — and Jay Leno, who resorted to keeping an Excel spreadsheet on his collection. And there there are the stories about the tragic mechanics, restorers and one-off parts builders who keep bikes as in-home centerpieces or who keep parts in permanant storage on the lawn, people like SoCal’s George Hood or New York City’s Hugh Mackie. With the help of other contributors, Klancher has assembled a phenomenal collection of words and photos on the machines and one-off personalities that make this industry so appealing.
Indian Larry: Chopper Shaman
by Dave Nichols and Andrea "Bambi" Cambridge with photos by Michael Lichter
distributed by Motorbooks
excerpted from Spare Parts, May 2010
Motorbooks brings Indian Larry to the masses with its 2010 paperback release of Indian Larry: Chopper Shaman. The book retails for $19.99 and features an array of spectacular photography centering on the life of the famed custom builder, who tragically passed away in 2004 during a taping of Biker Build-Off. As MPN said when the book was first published in 2006, it offers "A great glimpse into the life of a legend."
Modern Motorcycle Technology
by Massimo Clarke
distributed by Motorbooks
excerpted from Spare Parts, June 2010
When Modern Motorcycle Technology came across my desk, I got excited — no longer would I be forced to troll the Internet for credible resources to explain Ducati’s desmodromic valvetrain or BMW’s Telelever suspension — the information is all right here and it’s all up-to-date. The work provides an overview of the latest technology used in all of a motorcycle’s systems, including the engine, suspension, electronic, transmission and fuel delivery systems. It actually reads more like a manual than a book, and it has a rigid paperback cover, so storing it in the shop is convenient. What’s more, the book has a section called, "Engines and Pollution," which acknolwedges the powersports industry has a responsibility to follow environmental regulations and embrace engine technologies that reduce emissions. Get copies for your curious customers, salesmen and even your technicians who need a quick reference.
The Lean Machine
by Dantar P. Oosterwal
distributed by Amacom Books
excerpted from Spare Parts, August 2010
In The Lean Machine: How Harley-Davidson Drove Top-Line Growth and Profitability with Revolutionary Lean Product Development, former Harley-Davidson executive Dantar P. Oosterwal reveals the mindset and system behind the enduring success of his iconic former employer. When he came to work at H-D, he was impressed to still find executives not only rode to work in jeans and boots, but also bonded with customers at motorcycle rallies and was amazed to find that his colleagues truly followed the credo of “values, issues, stakeholders” instilled during the turnaround years. Building on the Motor Company’s unique culture of collaboration and respect for the individual, he led his team as director of product development to embrace a fresh approach to innovation through lean principles. This book shares Oosterwal’s journey of discovery at Harley-Davidson, along with the evolution of knowledge-based product development. Using actual data and true stories played out at the Motor Company’s Milwaukee, Wis., headquarters, he gives every business leader an edge on supporting innovation and continuous improvement through creating a learning organization.
this title is a great read for dealership personnel and an excellent offering for your customers who brave the boardroom from 9 to 5.
Motorcycle Suspension Bible
by Paul Thede and Lee Parks
distributed by Motorbooks
excerpted from Spare Parts, September 2010
Race Tech has released its Motorcycle Suspension Bible based on Paul Thede’s wildly popular Race Tech Suspension Seminars taught around the world. This step-by-step guide shows anyone how to tune a suspension like the pros. The book includes Paul Thede’s personal stories of famous dirt and road racers who were able to overcome suspension problems with his help and win races and even championships. The book provides step-by-step photos of suspension disassembly and assembly as well as detailed troubleshooting guides for dirt, street and supermoto.
