The Complete Idiot's Guide to Motorcycles, by The Editors of Motorcyclist Magazine with Darwin Holmstrom. 1998. Alpha Books. Paperback. 395 pages
You either love the Idiot series or you hate it. I find them valuable as introductions to new subjects. By necessity, they are very basic. But that's a good thing. Worth the read.
Dream Rider: Roadmap to an Adventurous Life, by Rosemary Carstens. 2003. Blacklightning Press. Paperback. 115 pages
This is a fun book of Rosemary Carstens adventures after she takes up motorcycle riding at age fifty-six. It is a quick read, but lots of fun. Inspirational. And it is set in colorful Colorado. I got my copy at Tattered Cover bookstore in Denver.
Against the Wind: A Rider's Account of the Incredible Iron Butt Rally, by Ron Ayres. 1997. Whitehorse Press. Paperback. 237 pages
The Everything Motorcycle Book, by A.J. Drew. 2002. Adams Media Corporation. Paperback. 307 pages
This is a great introductory book. The writing style is very readable. I'm not sure it covers everything, but it sure touches on most of the things someone new to motorcycles would want to know. This is a good "first book."
Going the Extra Mile, by Ron Ayres. 2002. Whitehorse Press. Paperback. 141 pages.
Ron Ayres writes about Iron Butt riding. If you have ever considered entering one of these long-distance endurance races, this is a great book. However, even if you aren't inclined to ride one thousand miles in a day, this book is absolutely filled with all kinds of tips to make riding easier and safer. His tips on what to take on a trip and how to modify your bike for long-distance riding, alone are worth the cost of this book. Specifics are there. Exactly what to look for in a tire repair kit, what kind of seats are most comfortable, how to avoid flat tires, what to do about deer--it's all in here. Get this book.
Harley-Davidson: History & Mystique, by Randy Leffingwell. 1995,2003. Crestline. Paperback. 192 pages.
Outlaw Machine: Harley-Davidson and the Search for the American Soul, by Brock Yates. 1999. Little Brown. Hardback. 249 pages
Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well, by David L. Hough. 2000. Bowtie Press. Paperback. 256 pages
This book is fantastic. Hough has detailed knowledge, and he takes you through proficient riding with a thoroughness that should ease many anxieties. Don't try to read this one in one setting. For beginners and experienced riders. Highest recommendation.
More Proficient Motorcycling: Mastering the Ride, by David L. Hough. 2003. Bowtie Press. Paperback. 256 pages
Motorcycle Consumer News: Street Strategies: A Survival Guide for Motorcyclists, by David L. Hough. 2001. Bowtie Press. Paperback. 157 pages
Ride Hard, Ride Smart: Ultimate Street Strategies for Advanced Motorcyclists, by Pat Hahn. 2004. Motorbooks. Paperback. 143 pages
Stayin' Safe:The Art and Science of Riding Really Well, by Lawrence Grodsky. 2008. Whitehorse Press. Hardback. 352 pages
Total Control: High Performance Street Riding Techniques, by Lee Parks. 2003. Motorbooks. Paperback. 159 pages