N Sperlo
N Sperlo MegaDork
10/18/13 9:21 a.m.

As it appears, Turn Left, my radio program is pulling in more two wheel fans. I want to learn more about general two wheel in all areas of the spectrum (mechanics all the way to sports). Can you suggest where I can find the best material to do so? I guess I can make a run by the book store.

MadScientistMatt
MadScientistMatt UltraDork
10/18/13 10:33 a.m.

David Hough's Proficient Motorcycling is a good book, although not a substitute for getting out there and riding. Do you currently have a motorcycle license?

N Sperlo
N Sperlo MegaDork
10/18/13 10:40 a.m.

I do not. I have friends who can probably hook me up with a cheap class that will get me my license. I'm kind of paranoid about two wheels, but the knowledge would be good for my radio show. I'll check the book out tonight. It may be just what I need. Thanks.

Giant Purple Snorklewacker
Giant Purple Snorklewacker MegaDork
10/18/13 10:45 a.m.

Step 1: Purchase motorcycle
Step 2: Discuss your experiences riding same

OSULemon
OSULemon New Reader
10/18/13 10:54 a.m.

Are you looking to get into it? The Twist of the Wrist books are excellent reading material for HOW to ride, but not necessarily everything else.

N Sperlo
N Sperlo MegaDork
10/18/13 11:00 a.m.

I need a good base before I get into it. I want to sound... Not stupid.

GPS, if I had the money, I would. I guess I could get my MIL's 100cc dirt bike licensed... I've already crashed it a least three times.

Still trying to pull enough cash together to drop a new engine in the Ranger.

Xceler8x
Xceler8x GRM+ Memberand UltraDork
10/18/13 12:43 p.m.

Read stuff by Peter Egan. Specifically the "Leanings" books. They do a good job of conveying the sport of motorcycling for fun in the U.S. European guys have a great take on the sport. I always enjoyed reading magazines like "Bike" or "Performance Bikes" more than the dry as dirt American motorcycle magazines. Read one of those cover to cover when you're in Barnes and Nobles next time.

If you want to talk about touring:

~ Read about the Iron Butt competitors.

~ Go read threads at advrider.com

~ Rent a bike and ride Skyline drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway, or The Cherohola Skyway.

~ Watch the series "Long Way Round" about Ewan McGregor and his friend Charlie riding around the world.

~ Either travel to or read about The Elephant Rally in Germany.

~ You could learn about any number of cruiser style motorcycle events like Daytona, Sturgis, etc. Keep in mind most of these also have a counterpart minority event happening at the same time or a different time depending on the event.

If you want to learn about racing motorcycles:

~ Watch "Faster" as narrated by Ewan McGregor.

~ Watch the documentary "Dust to Glory" about the Baja 1000. They have some really good stuff on off road riders in there. You could also watch "On Any Given Sunday" but I like D2G better.

~ Read about legendary MotoGP riders like Eddie Lawson, Wayne Rainey, Kenny Roberts, and Kevin Schwantz. Then go read a bout Barry Sheene, Mike Hailwood, and Mick Doohan. Pay special attention to Doohan's injuries, recovery, and racing while recovering from bone shattering accidents.

~ Go to a motorcycle track day or AMA race.

That should do for a start. Feel free to message me or whatever.

OH SH!T! I can't believe I forgot to mention The Isle of Mann TT! Read all about that. When you read about the TT be sure to check out Mike Hailwood's win in 1978. Keep in mind that he'd retired from racing 11 f'ing YEARS earlier. Hard as nails...

Grtechguy
Grtechguy UltimaDork
10/18/13 12:57 p.m.
Giant Purple Snorklewacker wrote: Step 1: Purchase motorcycle Step 2: Discuss your experiences riding same

Read ride stories on ADVRider as mentioned.

Start with this one: http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=265019 (Zen and the art of motorcycle negligence)

Then this: http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=716516 (Across the Country on a Honda C70 Super Cub)

SlickDizzy
SlickDizzy GRM+ Memberand UberDork
10/18/13 1:01 p.m.

Kenny Roberts has an awesome book called "Motorcycle Road Racing Techniques" or something, really bridges the gap well if you are thinking about going from four wheels to two. It's old, but has lots of awesome info and anecdotes. I just moved, I think my copy is in a box somewhere or else I'd dig it out.

carbon
carbon Reader
10/18/13 2:12 p.m.

I was going to say check out ADVrider, but Grtechguy beat me to it, awesome community there. Diverse and knowledgeable.

44Dwarf
44Dwarf SuperDork
10/18/13 2:25 p.m.

no ones said watch "On any Sunday"! Watch it like 400 times then you too can sing to your self Ba bada ba babada ba.....

MadScientistMatt
MadScientistMatt UltraDork
10/18/13 3:10 p.m.
N Sperlo wrote: I do not. I have friends who can probably hook me up with a cheap class that will get me my license.

The class is a great starting point. They're around $250 here in Georgia, but I thought it was quite worth it. You'll pick up a lot of the unwritten rules of motorcycling as well as the techniques of riding.

Bumboclot
Bumboclot Reader
10/18/13 3:47 p.m.
Xceler8x wrote: ~ Watch the series "Long Way Round" about Ewan McGregor and his friend Charlie riding around the world.

Also see: "Long Way Down", which is Ewan and Charlie riding from Scotland to South Africa.

carbon
carbon Reader
10/18/13 4:24 p.m.

This looks like it might be good: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxGNIN4pzL4&sns=em

Also check out the MOTONOMAD trailer on youtube.

Xceler8x
Xceler8x GRM+ Memberand UltraDork
10/18/13 8:48 p.m.
carbon wrote: I was going to say check out ADVrider, but Grtechguy beat me to it, awesome community there. Diverse and knowledgeable.
Xceler8x wrote: ~ Go read threads at advrider.com
44Dwarf wrote: no ones said watch "On any Sunday"! Watch it like 400 times then you too can sing to your self Ba bada ba babada ba.....
Xceler8x wrote: ~ Watch the documentary "Dust to Glory" about the Baja 1000. They have some really good stuff on off road riders in there. You could also watch "On Any Given Sunday" but I like D2G better.

moparman76_69
moparman76_69 Dork
10/18/13 9:10 p.m.

i've been curious about how many people listen live and how many download the show. Do you mind sharing your stats? you can PM me if you prefer.

kanaric
kanaric Reader
10/19/13 1:23 a.m.

make sure if you want to buy a motorcycle you like motorcycling before you buy anything expensive. I found as an auto enthusiast motorcycle enthusiasm doesn't directly translate. I bought an expensive bike once I learned and realized within a year that I hated motorcycling.

What's weird is I liked the bikes themselves and I liked the idea of them how they sounded and rode, etc. I just HATED riding them for anything more than 15 minutes.

mdshaw
mdshaw New Reader
10/19/13 5:43 a.m.

I don't think anyone mentioned the #1 best motorcycle movie of all time, the mostly true movie about Burt Monroe - The Worlds Fastest Indian. One of my top 5 favorite movies. By the end of the movie, you'll be ready to sell your house, buy just a shop to live in with your bike, making your own pistons & planting a lemon tree to pee on. I love that movie.

Curmudgeon
Curmudgeon MegaDork
10/19/13 8:05 a.m.
44Dwarf wrote: no ones said watch "On any Sunday"! Watch it like 400 times then you too can sing to your self Ba bada ba babada ba.....

This! Watch the original even though the bikes etc are horribly outdated. Don't bother with the remakes. 'World's Fastest Indian' is a real positive uplifting motorcycle movie too.

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