Derek Minter is one of the gretest-ever motorcycle racing stars. After becoming double British Champion in 1958, he became the first man to lap the Isle of Man TT circuit at over 100mph on a single-cylinder bike. During 1962 he not only became triple British Champion, but he also won the 250cc TT on a privately entered Honda - beating the might of the Honda works team in the process. By 1965 he held the lap record for virtually every British short circuit, and by the time he retired at the end of 1967 he had ridden for many manufacturers, including MZ, Moto Morini, Bianchi, REG, EMC, Honda and Norton. Derek Minter: King of Brands is a fitting tribute to one of racing's heroes.

This book covers the present-day motorcyclist subculture in America in a serious and scholarly fashion. It combines more than 45 years of the author's riding experiences with data collected over five years of systematic observation and extensive ethnographic interviews with over 200 male and female riders. Much has been written about hardcore bikers, the one-percenters, but there has been little scholarly research on the much larger segment of the population more aptly called motorcycle enthusiasts, or simply motorcyclists, than bikers. This book focuses on them--the hard working plumbers, construction workers, truck drivers, and other blue collar workers as well as the white collar executives, teachers, doctors, lawyers and other professionals who are mostly married, have mortgages, pay their bills, obey the law, and on weekends and holidays participate in a favorite pastime, riding motorcycles.

‘You don’t get to be six-time British Superbike Champion without having talent and desire’ – Wayne Rainey, three-time 500cc World Champion

Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne knows what it is like to live on the edge. The most successful rider in British Superbike history, he is the only person to have won the championship six times. Shakey is a living motorbike legend, with legions of fans across the country.

For the first time Shakey tells his life story, from being abandoned as a newborn baby in a London hospital, to multiple brushes with the law and working night shifts on the London Underground to fund his early racing career. Whether it was on his BMX or joyriding through Kent, the only thing Shakey ever wanted to do was race motorbikes.

Once he had got his break, Shakey quickly developed a reputation as one of the most exciting riders of his generation, and the thrill of every victory, every chicane and every overtake, as well as the hospital visits and painstaking recovery, is relived in heart-pumping detail.

Unshakeable is an incredible story of winning and risk-taking, of horrendous crashes in which he nearly lost his life, of Ducatis and monster motorhomes, and of hard-fought glory in one of the most exciting and dangerous sports on the planet. Told with breathless exhilaration, Shakey’s story is one of inspiration, break-neck speed and a life lived truly on, and over, the limit.

The Story of Harley-Davidson is a compact and dynamic exploration of the legendary motorcycle manufacturer.

There are few silhouettes on the world's roads as instantly recognizable as that of the Harley-Davidson. The iconic motorcycle brand is synonymous with myth, adventure and excitement, and its story is no different. From a small Milwaukee machine shop at the start of the 20th century to global renown, The Story of Harley-Davidson charts the turbulent history of the most famous and infamous of the motorbike-making heavyweights.

From the Touring to the Softail, the Chopper to their first electric motorbike the LiveWire, Harley-Davidson's relentless innovation and creativity has ensured its place at the pinnacle of the motorcycle industry for more than a century. Though its ascent has never been plain-sailing, Harley has balanced mechanical reliability and power, with delicate developments and restructurings, protecting the idiosyncrasies that have made the brand as popular worldwide as it is today.

Combining stunning imagery and astute commentary, The Story of Harley-Davidson follows the illustrious brand through its peaks and troughs, across more than 100 years of revving and stylish cruising.

Graham Jarvis has been at the peak of off-road motorcycling for the best part of twenty-five years and has won the fabled and ridiculously perilous Erzberg Rodeo a record-equalling five times. Since moving into the high-octane world of Hard Enduro in 2011, Graham has won its five major races - the Erzberg Rodeo, the Red Bull Sea to Sky, the Red Bull Romaniacs, the Tough One and Hell's Gate - no fewer than twenty-six times. It has made him one of motorsport's most successful riders. In CONQUERING THE IRON GIANT, Graham takes us from his early years in Canterbury, where he started out on an old BMX bike that his dad had rescued from the tip, to competing against up to 1,800 riders in races where dozens are often airlifted to hospital, and only three or four finish . . . with Graham usually at the head of the field.

The official Superbike World Championship book has always tried to transmit this important fact through its pictures. From the 2010 edition, that message is further developed and goes even deeper into the technical aspects of the sport, so extremely interesting to the most competent fans. But as well as the bikes, the men of the category are able to maintain close contact with their public. That is why champions and their colleagues recount their human side as well as their sports career, aspects to which ample space has been given in the Superbike annual. There is no lack of chapters devoted to other categories (Supersport, Superstock 1000, Superstock 600), which complete the world championship programme. All highlighted by the most spectacular pictures of the season.

Jeremy McGrath has been called 'the Michael Jordan of Supercross' by the Los Angeles Times, and in this revealing autobiography fans not only get his personal story, but also a detailed guide on how everyone can become a Supercross racer. The No 1 Supercross racer in the world - who has over 20 sponsors, his own film company, a toy line, Nintendo and Playstation games, and a signature shoe by Vans - talks about his life and the sport. Supercross started out as a redneck '70s sideshow, but thanks largely to Jeremy McGrath it has become a massive extreme sport. Over the last three years, AMA Supercross attendance has mushroomed from 700,000 spectators a year to 1.5 million. This book will satisfy even the most hardcore fans, as it not only gives you the life and times of Jeremy McGrath, but acts as the calling card to the entire sport by including unique sections on how to become a Supercross racer, the workout regimes, fixing common bike problems, and more.

Run over the every-day roads of the Isle of Man for over 100 years, the world-famous Tourist Trophy races have gripped the imaginations of successive generations of motorcyclists. From the earliest days of single-speed, belt-driven machines delivering 5 bhp, to the highly developed projectiles of today offering a fearsome 200 bhp, race fans have thronged the roadside banks and watched in awe as the best racing motorcyclists in the world rode the fastest machines of their day around the twists, turns and climbs of the 374 mile Mountain Course, all in pursuit of a coveted Tourist Trophy. This new updated edition covering the 2007 - 2012 races, reveals the event's colourful history through the high-speed activities of great riders such as the Collier brothers, Geoff Duke, Mike Hailwood, Giacomo Agostini, Steve Hislop, Joey Dunlop, John McGuinness and many others. It also looks at the machines and mechanical developments and race organisation, plus the financial rewards and commercial interests; setting them all in the context of the triumphs and tragedies of a great sporting event that has seen average lap speeds rise from 40 mph to over 130 mph.

The Isle of Man TT - the world's most dangerous race - as seen through the eyes of Cummins, Martin, McGuinness and Dunlop. THAT NEAR DEATH THING is a life-affirming journey to the heart of the world's most dangerous race. The Isle of Man TT is a throwback to a maverick era that existed before PR platitudes and PC attitudes. WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR-shortlisted author Rick Broadbent gets inside the helmets of four leading motorcycle racers as they battle fear, fire and family tragedy for a gritty sort of glory. Guy Martin is a tea-drinking truck mechanic and TV eccentric who 'sucks the rabbits out of hedges', but must now deal with the flipside of fame; Conor Cummins is the local hero facing a race against time as he battles depression and a broken body after falling down the mountain; John McGuinness is the living legend fending off the ravages of middle-age for one last hurrah; Michael Dunlop is the wild child living with one of the most remarkable legacies in sport. They tell their astonishing stories in a book that provides the most rounded, intimate, behind-the-scenes account yet of the last great race. Rick Broadbent has delivered the final word on the Isle of Man TT, one that really gets to grips with an event that continually pulls unsung riders and fans back year after year to witness That Near Death Thing.

Slow Burn tells how the superbike racing motorcycle developed out of the roadgoing sports-tourer to become one of the most successful competitions in all forms of motorcycle sport. As well as offering world championship class competition in its own right, superbike racing has been a highly competitive training ground for grand prix riders as well as helping manufacturers, distributors and dealers develop and improve their motorcycles. Superbike racing is to the motorcycle industry what touring car or NASCAR competition is to the car world - race on Sunday, sell on Monday. All the big names were drawn into the sport during its formative years and have been there ever since - Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, Ducati and Aprilia have all used superbike racing to test their street bike designs. And some of the biggest riders in the sport - Wayne Gardner, Wayne Rainey, Kevin Schwantz and Eddie Lawson all started out on big, unruly superbikes, learning how to power slide their way around the world's toughest tracks. It's all in superbike - and it's all in Slow Burn.

"Hey mom, I think I might be good at writing. One day, I think I'll write a book." --John Marshall Foster, 2015 In her second book Inside His locked Box: The Marshall Racing Project 33, Susan E Foster gives voice to her late son, John Marshall Foster, who committed suicide following a miraculous recovery from a harrowing motorcycle accident. It was not the accident that led him to end his life. It goes much deeper. Marshall was battling thoughts of suicide long before the crash. Now through a series of revealing conversations, text messages and essays written by her son, Susan shares an in-depth and profound look inside his life. From his own written words, readers will learn what triggered Marshall's journey while also highlighting what his mother and siblings endured during a very difficult and tumultuous time in their lives. What followed piloted the launch of The Marshall Racing Project 33 (MRP33), a special event created in Marshall's honor benefitting Mental Health Awareness. The special event involved the surprise unveiling of Marshall's wrecked motorcycle completely refurbished by the founder of Marshall Racing Project 33, Ever Gomez, who played an important role in Marshall's life. Painted in Marshall's favorite color green and numbered 33 for Marshall's birthday (March 3rd), Ever continues to race Marshall's bike delivering the important message that when you feel most hopeless, you are positioned for your coming breakthrough, there is always a reason for hope and life matters. Your life matters. *A portion of sale net proceeds go to: The Marshall Racing Project 33 (MRP33) benefiting Mental Health Awareness

Injury. Adrenaline. Addiction. These are the things that fuelled one man's race to international stardom as he pushed boundaries and took life on and off the bike to the limits. Starting out as a talented youth riding the desert tracks of California, his reckless nature and incredible talent earned him a position in the rarefied world of professional motorcycle racing. Despite the success in his professional life, his personal life was crumbling around him - John was battling with depression and temptation, which began to threaten his career, health and marriage, ultimately bringing him to a life of alcoholism, addiction and even smuggling. In his remarkable memoir, one of the world's most renowned riders takes us on a raw and unique journey to the extremes of fast living. John 'Hopper' Hopkins is an icon for motorsport fans worldwide. He won't let anything hold him back. He has broken almost every bone in his body (twice), suffered a bleed on the brain, and had a finger amputated... yet he continued to race. Finally, at the age of 35 - with his latest crash at Brands Hatch in 2017 putting him in rehab for two years - he decided to hang up his helmet. Leathered tells the incredible story of an unparalleled career. From bone-crunching injuries and alcohol-fuelled antics to the breakdown of his marriage, it unveils the true stories behind the lurid headlines.

The Spanish rider Carlos Checa triumphed in the 2011 World Superbike Championship aboard the Italian Ducati. Second and third places in the standings went to the excellent Marco Melandri, in his first year in the SBK series, and to Max Biaggi, winner of the 2010 edition. The 2012 season opened at Philip Island in Australia, inaugurating a championship that will also see a race in Russia at the brand-new Moscow Raceway. Once again, this edition of the Superbike World Championship Official Book is intended as the reference volume for the world of production-derived" racers, the bikes that have for many years now represented the beating heart of motorcycle sport, combining fierce competition with high technology, without neglecting the close ties with road-going machinery. Race by race, the book describes the 2012 season, above all through the spectacular photos taken by Fabrizio Porrozzi, complemented by the ever-pertinent texts of his brother Claudio. As well as reporting on the major championship, the book also features chapters devoted to the other categories (Supersport, Superstock 1000, Superstock 600) completing the packed World Championship programme.

'If I had to lose my record to anyone, I couldn't be happier that it was Jonathan. Family connections aside, there is nobody more talented, more determined or more deserving.' - Carl Fogarty Within the staggeringly dangerous and high-pressure sport of professional motorcycling, Jonathan Rea's achievements are unprecedented. A legendary World Superbike Champion with more race wins than any rider in history, Rea's trailblazing success shows no sign of slowing down. Now, for the first time, this remarkable sportsman tracks his life and career. Seemingly destined for the racing world, Jonathan grew up in the paddocks - his grandfather was the first sponsor of five-times World Champion Joey Dunlop and his dad was a former Isle of Man TT winner. He owned his first bike before his hands were big enough to reach the brakes. But while racing may be in his blood, it is through sheer determination and relentless perseverance that Rea has gained huge victories in this ultra-competitive world. Topping several of the most prestigious motorcycling championships, he rules the sport - so much so that regulations are being introduced to curb his dominance. The fact that Rea has endured several potentially career-ending scrapes - including smashing his femur at the age of seventeen and being told that he would never race again - makes his achievements even more incredible. 'Dream. Believe. Achieve,' is Rea's mantra and in this gripping autobiography, we go behind the visor and into the mind of a man who has risen to the top of one of the most skilled and dangerous sports in the world.

Following the retirement of the legendary Carl Fogarty, Chris Walker has become Britain's most popular motorcycle racer. Incredibly brave, outspoken and with talent to burn, Chris is frank about his hell-raising exploits on and off track, his legion of fans and his action-packed career in World and British superbikes. Chris Walker's first book recreates his zest for life, passion for bikes, but most-of-all, his unique sense of humour. It includes not only the inside story of his racing, but revelations of his and fellow riders' more 'racy' exploits. Chris will also expose some of the inner demons that are rarely shown to the public. Major storylines include: A childhood surrounded by bikes, and his first girlfriend: 'She was 13 going on 21 and had the biggest boobs I have ever seen.' A catalogue of broken bones: just weeks after spending four months in plaster following a serious road bike accident, he almost severed his other leg when motocrossing. The inevitable attention of the opposite sex: 'Girls would not have been knocking on my motorhome door offering a blow-job if I hadn't been racing bikes...' The classic season-long ding-dong battle with arch-rival Neil Hodgson, which went to the courts over disputed points. The loyal support, and exploits, of his five-strong 18-stone posse of mates known as the 'Big Lads' and the less-welcome attentions of a fully-fledged stalker. A switch to Carl Fogarty's race team: 'The bike caught fire during practice at Silverstone and I jumped off to avoid serious injury - but not before all my pubic hair had burnt off!' His battles with the debilitating Bell's Palsy. His long-awaited first World Superbike win from the back of the grid at Assen in 2006. Updated and told in Chris's inimitably self-deprecating style - and with all the drama of the opening races of the 2008 World Supersport series - the book breaks the mould of recent motorcycling autobiographies.

The definitive life story of the seventies world 500cc motorcycle champion Barry Sheene - the Brit whose death-defying crashes and playboy lifestyle made him the most famous bike racer on the planet. Written by the only journalist to have ridden on the roads with him, and featuring interviews with closest friends, team mates and former rivals. Born in London's East End in 1950, Sheene was introduced to motor sport at the age of five, with his father Frank building him his first ever motorbike. His story traces his humble beginnings as a maverick opposed to every educational influence, through an apprenticeship as a part-time rider and full-time mechanic, to a works team racer, with a host of diversions in pursuit of the opposite sex. It charts his success between 1975 and 1982, a golden period during which Sheene won more international 500cc and 750cc Grand Prix titles than anyone, including the world 500cc title in 1976 and 1977. This despite the horrendous carnage from a series of near-fatal crashes from which Sheene miraculously survived and overcame, against all odds. Outside the sport, Sheene discovered an acting talent, appearing in the ITV show Just Amazing and in numerous TV commercials, making him a household name. On his retirement, he found fulfilment (and a friendlier climate for his battered body) in Brisbane as an expert motor sport commentator and an accomplished businessman. After being diagnosed with cancer in 2002 he shunned conventional treatments, preferring natural remedies, but died early in 2003. This is the complete portrait of perhaps the greatest circuit racer of them all.

Niall has come a long way from Denny where he would regularly get into trouble for racing round the streets, as well as in and out of the local chip shops, to impress the girls.

As an amateur it was recognized he had an abundance of talent, especially after winning his first race at Knockhill, but he also had a wild side and looks back on a time when chasing girls and getting drunk were as important as winning races.

After moving up through the amateur ranks and securing his first factory 500cc rides on a Suzuki, Niall notched up a host of 500cc GP podium finishes before moving to Superbikes. He proved unbeatable between 1996 and 1998 when he claimed a hat-trick of British Superbike titles. On each occasion he beat big-name team-mates such as Jamie Whitham, Chris Walker and Steve Hislop.

This fascinating look into the British GP and Superbike scene through the eyes of one of its legends, has now been fully updated with Mackenzie?s latest adventures in his career off the track in 2003.

He begins by describing how he started out in bike racing by going to race schools. Advice is given on how to get started in the sport before Carl explores all the key techniques which the novice rider will need in their repertoire.He goes on to talk about preparation for race riding, how you gear yourself physically through fitness, diet and teamwork for the demands of each race. Mental strength is just as important – how to block out danger, the different approach required for qualifying and racing, and how to treat the opposition.Then we take to the track, as Carl explores the essential components of competitive racing. With expert advice from Ducati’s top technicians, Carl stresses the importance of testing and set-up; race strategy is also covered – how and when should a rider overtake? There is Carl’s own insight into track management as he talks the reader round the Superbike circuits in Britain and the rest of the world. There is also a full review of other types of racing, such as Enduro and Motocross and a look at leisure road riding.The book combines personal experiences and anecdotes from Carl’s glittering career, with advice on how to improve their techniques.

Joey Dunlop, ‘Yer Man’, as he was affectionately known, was a racing legend, adored by the Irish people. Born and raised in Ballymoney, Co. Antrim, Dunlop started racing in 1969 on a 199cc Tiger Cub for which he paid £50. It was the beginning of a passion that would rule and ultimately take his life.He was never more at home than competing in the famous Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (TT) races. His mastery of this treacherous course was total, and his passion for success mirrored that of his fans. In 1998 he arrived having crashed in the 100-mile Tandragree road race, breaking his pelvis and collarbone. Still, there was a race to be won and Dunlop duly took the lightweight TT by a margin of 47 seconds. His first two TT victories came on Yamahas, but Honda would be the ally from 1983, the plain yellow helmet a beacon to the supporters who idolised the Irishman. In all he took the chequered flag in 26 TT races, until his tragic death on 2 July 2000 while racing in Estonia.There were honours off the bike too. In 1986 he was awarded an MBE for services to motorcycling. That was followed 10 years later by an OBE in recognition of his efforts transporting food and medical supplies to Romanian orphanages.The Author has blended archive material and freshly conducted interviews with Joey’s friends, family and racing peers like Steve Hislop, Carl Fogarty and Roger Marshall to produce this book. The result is a balanced, revealing and passionate account of a genuine sporting hero.

Why would anyone want to do something as dangerous as motorcycling? For those who love to ride, no explanation is necessary. For everyone else, there’s Why We Ride. Designed as both an explanation for outsiders and an anthem for those within the fold, this new book presents the insights of Mark Barnes, PhD, a motorcycling clinical psychologist. As a popular columnist at Motorcycle Consumer News for more than 20 years, Dr. Barnes articulates the elusive physical, emotional and interpersonal elements that make the world of the motorcyclist such a rich and exciting place. His wide-ranging text covers both sports psychology and the psychoanalysis of common riding experiences, including the results of Dr. Barnes’ own empirical research. Heartfelt and thought provoking, here is a straightforward account of what makes real motorcyclists tick.

This title is reprinted for 2011 - back due to popular demand. Mick Walker - leading authority on all forms of motorcycle sport - examines the long career of the quickest and most determined competitors of all time in this enthralling biography. In the late 1950's John Surtees was the dominant rider in top-level British and European motorcycle racing. A precocious talent, he began riding competitively on Vincents in the early 1950's, then REGs and NSUs and Nortons. He swiftly established himself as one of the quickest and most determined competitors. He confirmed his outstanding qualities as a rider when he won his first 500cc title for MV Agusta in 1956, and this triumph was followed by six more titles, three at 350cc and three at 500cc. From 1958 to 1960, he won by a huge margin. In this fully illustrated and in-depth new study, Mick Walker reassesses Surtees' remarkable record and explores the background to his achievement. He recalls Surtee's early introduction to the sport, his rapid development as a rider and his years of dominance. The technical side of Surtees' career - the bikes he rode and his considerable skills as a mechanic and engineer - is covered in detail. The book gives a fascinating insight into the intense motivation that often gave Surtees the edge over his rivals and laid the foundation for the success that followed. As a rider Surtees was not only exceptionally fast, safe and consistent, but he was also technically adept and innovative. His race preparation was meticulous and single-minded, and this professional attitude to the sport marked him out from his contemporaries.

Bill Ivy had a steely determination to succeed, an almost fearless courage, which meant he never backed away from a challenge, and a love of fashion and fast cars. In this fascinating biography of Ivy, Mick Walker highlights that Ivy was certainly not only a great rider, but also a unique personality. Walker documents a fitting tribute to Ivy's life that will interest any motorcycle enthusiast. When Bill Ivy was fatally injured while practising for the East German Grand Prix in July 1969, motorcycle racing lost one of its greatest-ever competitors. As a tribute to Bill, leading motorcycle historian Mick Walker has written "Bill Ivy: The Will to Win". Bill Ivy was certainly not only a great rider, but also a unique personality. He had a steely determination to succeed, an almost fearless courage, which meant he never backed away from a challenge, and a love of fashion and fast cars. Although only 5ft 2in tall, he more than made up for his lack of stature by his immense upper body strength, which meant he could cope with any size of motorcycle from a 50cc Itom to a 750cc Norton-engined Matchless G15 CSR. It was as a member of the Yamaha factory team that he not only became World Champion, but also set the first 100mph TT lap record on a 125cc machine - only a decade after Bob McIntyre had first achieved this feat on a machine with an engine size four times larger! "Bill Ivy: The Will to Win" is a fitting tribute to one of the world's greatest-ever motorcycle racing stars.