Motorcycle 101

This is a gem of a book. It's not without flaws (there are a couple of minor production issues, and we disagree about the primacy of leather gear), but it's still excellent. Let me tell you why.The first thing you'll notice about this book is how small it is. It's only 132 pages long, and the type is not dense. Nonetheless, there's a lot of good information in here, certainly enough so that the aspiring motorcyclist can come to some intelligent decisions about gear, learning to ride, what bike to choose, and so on. And that's another thing I like about the book: it is manifestly clear throughout that Preston is encouraging riders to make their own choices, and he's not interested in influencing them one way or the other......except with regard to safety. The message of safe riding is woven throughout, without being as scary as Hough's "Proficient Motorcycling" can be to the newbie (although Preston does discuss accidents in some detail). After some initial consideration of types of motorcycles and riding, the next 40 pages have to do with choosing and using safety gear. And there is also discussion of the psychological side of riding, both for the individual ride, and for the rider's lifetime.Preston is an engaging writer, and his easy style and self-deprecating humor come through in the book (it's almost worth the $19.99 price just for the picture of him washing the bike, with the hose held in an inopportune location... but I'm a sucker for easy humor). This is an engaging read. I suspect that seasoned riders could benefit from it, too.

Mr. Preston's motorcycling experiences provide sage advice for new and returning riders. The chapter on buying insurance is a prime example of putting a chore we all dislike under a microscope and makes some valid points for shopping wisely. There are several chapters about buying riding apparel. If you have any friends who ride in tennis shoes and shorts, this would be an appropriate gift indeed. The photos in each chapter are comical and go right along with Preston's spirt. Best shot - Preston washing a V-Rod (you'll have to see it for yourself). My other favorite is a salesman with Preston in an headlock. Most uf us have felt this way at one time or another.Much like David Hough (Proficient Motorcycling), Preston shares his experiences in a way that enriches other riders lives. I'd like to see more books by him in the future.