Whether you've never ridden before or are getting back into it after some time off, a little knowledge can make motorcycling on public roads a lot more enjoyable. From the kind of bike you buy to the kind of helmet to wear, from the type of motor oil to use to what you'll need to pack for a thousand mile ride, long-time motorcycle journalist Bill Stermer answers your questions in StreetBikes: Everything You Need To Know. It's like downloading 25 years of riding experience directly to your brain. Nowhere else will you find such a broad spectrum of information about street motorcycles. Stermer begins with the kinds of bikes available, from major manufacturers down to custom builders. He also discusses the various types of engines, features, and accessories available. Once you have the information you need to choose the perfect bike, he teaches you how to maintain it. Then, Stermer goes over the modifications you can make to your bike so it truly becomes yours. Finally, he discusses things to do with your bike, from touring to track days, rallies to road strategies. All in all, this is the most complete book on streetbikes available today.
Table of Contents
Preface
CHAPTER 1: CHOOSING YOUR STREET MOTORCYCLE
Types of street motorcycles CHAPTER 2: ENGINE FACTORS
Displacement, number of cylinders, and engine configuration CHAPTER 3: CHASSIS STUFF
Frames | Types of frames | Other bits of frame info | Brakes | Final drive CHAPTER 4: BRANDS of STREET MOTORCYCLES
Established brands | Alternative V-Twin manufacturers | Custom motorcycles CHAPTER 5: FEATURES and OPTIONS
Adjustable ergonomics | Braking options | Cruise control | Hard luggage | Sound systems | Other niceities CHAPTER 6: MOTORCYCLE ACCESSORIES
Electrical accessories | Seats, pegs, and bars | Touring accessories | Wind protection | Fairings | Bike protection | Wheels CHAPTER 7: SIDECARS, TRAILERS, and TRIKES
Sidecars | Trailers | Trailers for hauling motorcycles | Trikes CHAPTER 8: APPAREL
Helmets | Types of helmets | Other helmet considerations | Motorcycle clothing | What makes a good riding jacket | Women's apparel | The lower half | Full riding suits | Rain suits | Electric clothing | Boots | Gloves CHAPTER 9: PERFORMANCE CONSIDERATIONS
Adding power | Suspension upgrades | Lowering a motorcycle | Brakes CHAPTER 10: MAINTENANCE
Oil and lubricants | Tires | Batteries | Picking up a fallen bike | Pre-ride inspection CHAPTER 11: LET'S RIDE!
Where to ride | Road strategies | Mechanical | Passengers | Women who ride | Commuting | Motorcycle events, rides, and rallies | Camping by motorcycle | Organized tours | The tourer's packing list | Track days | Racing
Types of street motorcycles CHAPTER 2: ENGINE FACTORS
Displacement, number of cylinders, and engine configuration CHAPTER 3: CHASSIS STUFF
Frames | Types of frames | Other bits of frame info | Brakes | Final drive CHAPTER 4: BRANDS of STREET MOTORCYCLES
Established brands | Alternative V-Twin manufacturers | Custom motorcycles CHAPTER 5: FEATURES and OPTIONS
Adjustable ergonomics | Braking options | Cruise control | Hard luggage | Sound systems | Other niceities CHAPTER 6: MOTORCYCLE ACCESSORIES
Electrical accessories | Seats, pegs, and bars | Touring accessories | Wind protection | Fairings | Bike protection | Wheels CHAPTER 7: SIDECARS, TRAILERS, and TRIKES
Sidecars | Trailers | Trailers for hauling motorcycles | Trikes CHAPTER 8: APPAREL
Helmets | Types of helmets | Other helmet considerations | Motorcycle clothing | What makes a good riding jacket | Women's apparel | The lower half | Full riding suits | Rain suits | Electric clothing | Boots | Gloves CHAPTER 9: PERFORMANCE CONSIDERATIONS
Adding power | Suspension upgrades | Lowering a motorcycle | Brakes CHAPTER 10: MAINTENANCE
Oil and lubricants | Tires | Batteries | Picking up a fallen bike | Pre-ride inspection CHAPTER 11: LET'S RIDE!
Where to ride | Road strategies | Mechanical | Passengers | Women who ride | Commuting | Motorcycle events, rides, and rallies | Camping by motorcycle | Organized tours | The tourer's packing list | Track days | Racing
Appendix: Motorcycle terms | Index
