An absolute MUST for new riders, and a highly recommended read for all riders that have not had the chance to take the MSF course. Teaches you things that you just dont learn riding around and practicing on your own. Many lessons on slow speed maneuvering and in town riding were most accidents and problems arise.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation does great work in training new riders and aiding experienced riders to maintain their skills. This book covers the "how to" of safe motorcycle operation and riding. It goes into much greater depth than the MSF's Basic Rider Course and the course materials. It well supplements and fleshes out the topics covered in MSF's courses with well written and useful information. I highly recommend it for every biker.

This is a good book for entry level riders. Covers all concerns a new rider should be aware of.

After being off a motorcycle for several years I wanted a guide to review basic riding and safety techniques while waiting to get into the the MSF Basic Riders Course. This filled the bill and also helped review for the MVD test. Good level of detail and style of writing. Definitely recommend.
RLH

This is The One! One of the best safety books ever created for riders. Pretty sure that reading this book will save your life. The book you must have it has simple clear diagram, honest explanations of possible troubles and avoidance of them.

Let me start off by saying that this book does not bypass taking the MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) riding class in anyway for a budding motorcycle rider. If you want to ride a motorcycle then the MSF course is a must period. The MSF class teaches you so much while allowing you to practice in a safe and calm riding environment with trained instructors at your side to ask questions and get help from. Not to mention that some insurance companies will give you a policy discount on your monthly insurance payments for taking and passing the MSF course. You also don't have to do the DMV riding test if you pass the MSF course. So in the end the MSF course is more then worth what you paid to take the course for on top of the safety and riding training you get.

Outside of the MSF course this book is a good primer to mentally prepare you for the key ideas on how to ride a motorcycle and what forces are at work while riding. Ideas like counter steering, smooth control inputs, avoiding target fixation, and a light over view of potential road hazards you might face and many more other topics are all discussed in this book. It also goes on to talk about other areas some people might not think about such as how to select a proper helmet and what to look for in riding gear. It also talks about the effects of lack of sleep, drugs and alcohol all have on a rider. I would recommend this book to anyone who has signed up for the MSF course but has not taken it or who is just interested in the idea of riding a motorcycle. In the end this is a very good primer book if not a refresher for those who have just finished the MSF course and need to brush up a little on some key concepts.

This is an excellent beginners guide to motorcycling. It covers almost all the bases, and is written in an easy to read and concise manner with lots of helpful illustrations and pictures. Furthermore, the 2nd edition is fairly current... other books have pictures taken in the 60's or 70's, not this one. The book is coated with high quality laminate pages which makes it a very heavy duty book.

I highly recommend it for any future/beginner motorcyclist! In fact, it is a must have for new riders period!!!

This book is excellent, and covers all you need to know as a first time motorcyclist. The one thing I cannot stress enough: Read it before you take the class (and be sure to take the MSF class, it will save your life!) The first section of the book is identical to the class in many ways, and, although I read through all of it again, it really is exactly the same. If you read this ahead of time, it will have you ready for the written test in the classroom, so that the class itself becomes review, and you can focus more on the hands-on part of the course while you are there, instead of trying to remember all of the new info in your head.

This book is essentially the expanded version of the booklet they give you at the MSF Basic Rider's Course. As such, I found nothing useful in it. It would be a great book to read before you take the class, though. I was looking for strategies on braking and cornering in various conditions, but what I got was just a listing of road conditions, not what to do about them. It mentions the different types of skids, but not how to recover from them. I guess they want us to have to take their Advanced class...

This book is excellent for the novice and I am sure it is a nice refresher for all. A newbie would be foolish not to take the course and reading the book in advance of the course is extremely helpful.

In contrast with some popular motorcycle riding books, this is well-written without gimmicks. If you learn what's in this book, you stand a far better chance of surviving on the streets and driving well for fun.

Very well written, easy to read and understand . Alltough I have been riding for many years, I learned a lot from the book. I highly recommend esp. to novice riders. Buy it if you want to do better.

A very good book for the beginner rider or for those who have absent from riding for several years. It covers most topics for becoming a/resuming as an safe rider without taking the fun out of the ride.

For beginners riders is the book to start.

We are living in Brazil and because distance, we couldn't make the courses.
I think they could prepare a REAL COURSE using videos (may be throght YOUTUBE)and evaluate the candidates by internet-based courses or pupils could send them videos showing how they are driving. Only was out-of-the-box idea!

The book overall is good there are areas on braking and road position that should be questioned by all level of rider who ride on the road and not a race track

This is a good beginning book for someone starting out motorcycling. Not the best, but a good book and from a good organization.

I was pleased with the book and thought it had a lot of information that I needed.

A casual remark about motorcycles from my wife sparked an ember of interest in both of us. Soon I was looking for more information on the Internet. Many website kept referring newbie riders to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. I figured that their motorcycle primer would be a good place to start.
The book thoroughly covers the basics - parts of a motorcycle, controls, how to ride, and how to stay safe. Lots of illustrations and photographs make visualization easy and the text is written expressly for those of us with absolutely no experience on a bike.
Further chapters try to explain traction dynamics, countersteering, cornering, and street smarts. None of these chapters became too bogged down by the abstract concepts. Again, some nice illustrations did wonders toward explaining traction and center of gravity.
Excellent book! I have my bike permit and can't wait to attend an MSF Safety Class and get my license!

I am experienced rider (10 years) and I did a lot of riding courses like
Safe Riding,Advanced riding etc. In spite of this I have found so much new info in this book which saved my life several times that i can say:
"Highly recommended"

I've debating buying a motorcycle for several years, and now with gas prices so high I finally took the plunge. I bought a used Suzuki GS500F, which I really do enjoy! I've been commuting to work most sunny days, and the gas savings is amazing. Okay, now to this reference book: First, I took my motorcycle license exam and aced it! This books is an amazing primer for anyone who would like to ride a motorcycle. It covers just about everything you could think of for a new owner, and it's the resource that allowed me to pass my motorcycle exam with a perfect score. I'd recommend this book to anyone who's thinking about or has newly purchased their first motorcycle.

From what I've read so far, this new edition seems to cover all the important concepts with modern photos and diagrams. Several descriptions seem much improved over the 1995 edition, which was ready for this welcome update. In addition to the standard text, it's nicely peppered with relevant sidebar articles, many from famous/knowlegeable people in the field. The book promotes taking a hands-on Motorcycle Safety Foundation course(s) from its parent/author organization, the MSF. Fortunately this is more than self-promotion: It's a sincere interest in your safety. This is easily the most balanced and authoritative "how-to" motorcycle literature I've read. I was hoping that it came free with the basic MSF course; however, they issue a separate booklet (sigh).

After scanning the book, you definitly find that the book is the result of years and years of experience, Done evidently by the Motorcycling Safety Foundation. For me its just the definitive guide of anyone who whants to learn not only the basics, but a lot more about riding safe over the tarmac.

The book provides lots of good reference information. However, most of it was covered in the materials I received when I took the Motorcycle Ohio class to get my license. The materials were included in the class fee, so the book was sort of unnecessary. Still and all, it does contain some good information that benefits novice and experienced riders alike.

Of the riding instruction books I have read (basically everything Amazon has) this would be my first pick to recommend to a beginner. All the basic info needed to go from having no idea how to turn or even shift is layed out in a mostly easy to understand manner. Strangely though, the chapters are organized in such a fashion that you are actually taught about group riding before learning how to turn. Be sure to read the whole book before venturing out. While designed, and most helpful, for the beginner, even intermediate to advanced riders should strongly consider reading through this. You will learn less, but if you learn one thing, it might be the thing that saves your life.
As a curious side note; there appears every so often strange statements of opinion that I found fairly humorous, though I don't believe they were intended to be humorous. Did you know that what sort of group rides you go on tells a lot about what sort of person you are?! Yeah, me neither.

Great book for the beginner to intermediate rider. It has tons of valuable tips and information. Great resource for building up your skills. Definetly a 5 star book !

If, like me, you are returning to motor bikes after a very long absence, or are new to motorbikes, this book can help you to arrive alive and enjoy the ride. It's is an easy read and goes into some depth on why motor bikes act the way they do and what you can do to stay out of trouble. I particularly liked the sections on how to approach intersections (many strategies provided), counter steering (I now understand it much better) and traction (you need to ride so that you always have traction in reserve). Worthwhile book regardless if you ride on the left (as in Australia) or right side of the road.

This book is great for beginners as well as more advanced riders as a great foundation. It is basically the MSF Riders Course handbook in an elaborated, more detailed form. Most every aspect of motorcycling is included and the color pictures and diagrams are well done. One can't go wrong with the handbook from the experts who bring the courses to riders of all levels.

Excellent book for Motorcycle safety information for beginning and experienced riders. Would highly recommend it for all interested riders that want to catch up on the latest rider safety information.

This book is very informative for new riders. There are many more things that a motorcycle rider should know to protect themselves while on the road. Most people do not even consider that there are motorcycles on the rode. It is up to the rider to be informed on aspects of safe riding and to protect themselves from inattentive car drivers. This book outlines some of the hazards and proper riding technics.

Great book for absolute beginers who has never ridden a bike before.
Only teaches basic skills and helps you pick out a first bike, gear etc.
Also points out what to look for in city trafic, in turns , or passing cars, objects.

Having taken the State of Ohio's Motorcycle Safety Course, based on an abbreviated version of this book, I was eager to read the entire book. It was every bit as good as I thought it would be. Well written, and chocked with excellent background information. It was the first book in my growing motorcycle library.

This is a great book!!! Any one riding a motorcycle, or thinking of starting, needs to pick this book up.

This is a must for any motorcycle rider either beginner or an advanced rider. Great for beginners to understand the principles of riding, great for advanced rider just to remind the basic rules and principles.

The text and accompanying diagrams and pictures do a great job explaining motorcycle safe riding techniques. The book is well organized and is applicable for riders of all skill levels.

Throughout the book, you are constantly encouraged to take the MSF course, which I would recommend as well, but if you have already taken the course, there's not much new information presented. At times, the book can be a bit repetative with captions right next to text that state the exact same thing word for word.

I bought this book a little earlier because I am interested in all the in and outs of motorcycling.
In this book I did find much useful tips and examples. I gave a specimen on my son-in-law.
He is very happy over this book because he after long time is go engine driving again. He found this book an useful repetition to now. Securely engine driving he may again.

G.A. van Laere
Netherlands.

This is a comprehensive manual for the new rider as well as for the seasoned rider. There are some aspects that apply to anyone who rides----cruising, touring, and street riding. It is well written and the ideas are logically presented.

I have many of the how-to books for motorcycle riding. This is by far the best one.

This book is a must have for anyone considering on buying or riding on a motorcycle for the first time. This book is not a story book, and it not just another motorcycle book. This book has everything you ever wanted to know about motorcyle riding techniques. It is not only a very good how to ride book, but it also puts the reader in the mindset of the rider. You are not wasting your money on this book!

MB

I found this book to be an excellent source of safety info and real-world road strategies that may just save your life. Great pictures and diagrams. Read this before you take your MSF class and you'll have a huge head start.

Hey! Want to know how to ride a bike and never been there? This is the book for you. I was one of those that the only thing I knew about motorcycles was they have two wheels. Nothing else. Boy, I was so lost! I am satisfied that I read this book before buying my very first bike. There are so many things to know about motorcycling, and i think reading this book is the best way to get into it. The book starts from the beginning (that doesn't sound nice but I can't think of other way to explain it), choosing a bike, controls, etc. and go on to strategies, protective gear, group riding, etc. Really really helpful. Also, they encourage You to take any of the courses of the MSF, which I am sure it should be nice (i can't take one of those because I don't live in the USA). And remember, what will make you a great rider is a LOT of practice. Happy Ride!

If you are one of the thousands of new (and older) bike riders out there, do yourself a BIG favor and read this book! It is hands-down the best on motorcycle safety. It describes, in detail, situations in which you'll find yourself in city traffic or open roads where you will need to make split-second decisions to save your butt! I have ridden bikes for 40 years and I have learned things in this book that I hope will allow me to ride another 40! Buy it, read it, and follow the great tips on riding safely.

I am an intermediate motorcycle rider. I was hoping this book would provide a great deal of useful information for someone at my level.

The book was well written and obviously professionally produced. But as someone once said about one of Mozart's Operas...."too many" notes (words in this case). I believe the book could be "slimmed down" considerably, maybe to a pocket book size.

I learned some things. I particularly liked the explanation of the scinetific whys and hows of steering a motorcycle. I obviously had been living with a misconception for more years than I would like to admit.

I recommend this book, but with reservations. To my taste, too many words and not enough content. Kudos to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation for its work regardless.

An invaluable tool for the beginner; an excellent review for the seasoned rider. Full of useful tips; phenominal safe-riding resource. I srongly recommend this book.

MOTORCYCLING EXCELLENCE is perhaps the best nuts-and-bolts primer on motorcycle riding yet published. It covers the subject thoroughly, a single source for knowledge and wisdom in the basics. It addresses attitude, basic skills, controls, gear, safety inspections, night and group riding, streetb strategies, off-road techniques . . . the gamut of essentials. Plus the basics of training, from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, official authors of the book.
Most people, perhaps 90% of road users, consider motorcycles as 'just other vehicles.' They aren't. Motorcycles are as different from four-and-more wheelers as swimming is from walking, as reading is from watching TV. Learning to operate a motorcycle safely and well is as difficult, but as challenging and rewarding as, say, learning to fly, scuba dive or climb mountains--and survive. Like those other unforgiving pursuits, do it right or risk serious consequences. Motorcycling is an honest trade: incompetence, inattention or bad luck can kill or maim in seconds. That's where this book shines, in identifying and hammering home the essentials.
Expert contributors--a 'who's-who' of experience: Nick Ienatsch on picking the right bike, World MotoGP champion on safety gear and bike control, Paul Thede on suspension, AMA 250 champion Rich Oliver on stopping, Erik Buell on bike geometry, Reg Pridmore on the need for smoothness, Keith Code on counter-steering, World MotoGP champion Freddie Spencer on trail braking.
Why read this book? Complex, high-risk activities demand study and practice at all experience levels. In an era in which school-student driver training has been discontinued and the road IQ of most car drivers is at flat-worm level, riders are at risk and must defend themselves. Every ride is a learning experience. This book will enhance the first, high-risk 50,000 miles in every rider's life (thus it's an ideal gift for offspring). And the next 250,000 miles for experienced riders.
The illustrations and photographs are lavish and excellent. The appendices--MSF training, proper bike inspection, and a glossary--are thorough and well done. There are omissions, though, whence the loss of a review 'star:' e.g. tire compromise between wear and stiction (which is not yet intuitive for many riders), the availability of waterproof linings such as Goretex for gear. The editing, too, lacks polish--too many passages are prolix and rambling instead of being tight and tough. The message gets through, anyway.