By Steven Garrett

BMW R100RS; Motorcycle Collector Series.

Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well

Street Strategies: A Survival Guide for Motorcyclists

During this fall I’ve acquired-thanks to a thoughtful and patient wife-a number of books on my favorite past time; riding motorcycles and preparing to ride.  Some of you, I’m sure own and/or have read these books.  However, I will forge forward for those that have not and to create discussion with those that have.  My favorite new book is: 

(1)       Stermer, Bill.  BMW R100RS; Motorcycle Collector Series.  Whitehorse Press, North Conway, New Hampshire, 2002.

Stermer is an acknowledged admirer of both the early edition R100RS, 1977-1984, and the later monoshock version, 1988-1993.  He noted in the first pages that he put over 100,000 miles on his 1981 R100RS and 26,000 miles on his 1992.  Therefore he ought to know something about his subject.  Most of us are familiar with Stermer’s work in “Rider” magazine or his Motorcycle Touring & Travel, see below, and Motorcycling Excellence. 

Within the eighty pages of this little book, BMW R100RS, are numerous pictures of a truly beautiful and innovative motorcycle that looks good today, but was a groundbreaker when it was released in 1977.  This was the first R100 and the flagship of BMW’s motorcycle offerings when it was introduced.  It was, also, the most expensive production motorcycle you could buy.  H-D hadn’t figured the life style marketing niche at that time.  It was the first production motorcycle with a frame mounted fairing as standard equipment and the first with a wind tunnel tested and refined fairing to be offered.  Stermer begins with a history of BMW motorcycle division to prepare the reader for the issues and challenges facing BMW.  We know the challenge from Japan was taking over the motorcycle market place with more and more advanced machines.  BMW responded with the R100RS. 

Stermer then moves to tracing the evolution of the R100RS from year to year.  All airhead riders know the complexity of understanding changes in their rides as BMW made changes as parts bins were depleted prior to changes going into effect.  Stermer reviews many of the aftermarket parts that were popular to enhance the R100RS; i.e. fork brace, upper triple clamp, shocks and fork springs, frame braces, taller windscreen, krauser bags, barbacks, carburetors, and many internal trick parts. The list was long as the owners tailored their bikes to match their riding style.

Therefore, if you are an owner or just an admirer of this BMW get yourself a copy and have a good read when you have your ride put away for the winter.

 Now that I have the left side of the brain satisfied let me tell you about the two most important and informative books that I have recently purchased:

(2)        Hough, David L.  Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well.  Bowtie Press, A Division of Fancy Publications; Irvine, California, 2000.

(3)               Hough, David L.  Street Strategies: A Survival Guide for Motorcyclists. Bowtie Press, A Division of Fancy Publications; Irvine, California, 2001.   

Dave Hough is well known for his column “Proficient Motorcycling” in “Motorcycle Consumer News” (MCN) and his work on motorcycle safety in general.  After sitting in on Dave holding court at a breakfast chat and attending one of his seminars at the MOA international in Trenton, I knew I had to get a copy of his book.  I will review these two books together as Street Strategies is in response to  “…motorcyclists seem to appreciate the shorter versions that can be read on their morning breaks or while waiting for their club breakfasts to begin.”   This book is a shorter version that can be taken along as a tips reminder, based upon the longer Proficient Motorcycling.  Both volumes are extractions and elaboration on Dave Hough’s columns from MCN.

 These books are exceptional in their detail and description of how to be proficient and how to survive in an environment where you have many disadvantages.  Hough even warns the reader that reading them at one setting can be very disturbing as it could create the impression that our past-time is more dangerous than it really is.  But, all the information is based upon Hough’s observations when commuting twenty-five miles one way to and from work and histories of accidents or near accidents. 

Hough begins Proficient Motorcycling by discussing RISK.  Then he goes on to Motorcycle Dynamics, Dynamics, Urban Traffic Survival, Booby Traps, Special Situations and finishes with a chapter on Sharing the Ride.  In other words, he discusses what are the risks, the basic skills and lessons learned from many experienced motorcyclists including how to modify your riding when Mother Nature doesn’t co-operate or you are riding in a group.  In short, this is the most thorough single volume on riding on the street available.  There are numerous books on skills, but most are based upon racing skills that may not be transferable to street riding.  Hough’s books are written for the street rider; commuter, cruiser, sport rider and touring rider.

I really admire the sketches and diagrams used to explain and describe the subjects throughout the books.  They leave little to image what is being discussed. 

After last weekends rider to the Larz Anderson ride quick read of “Urban Survival” may have been in order.  What is especially noteworthy about these books is that we recognize so many of the issues discussed within its covers and have seen or participated in most of them at one time or another.  Secondly, Hough describes what you should do and explains why.  This is the premier volume for street riders interested in safe riding and skills necessary to become a proficient rider.

 Hough does not write as a novelist, but is a good factual storyteller.  Each chapter can be read alone with value, but there is logic to the structure of the book as it builds upon facts, skills and application of those skills to prevent or minimize accidents.  Data and facts are intertwined into all the chapters to support the position and arguments.  Being one of the first to development a street riders informational book supports Hough’s work.  He has provided a service with both of these volumes.

 All of these books can be purchased from Whitehorse Press in North Conway, New Hampshire.  Check their web site for your wintertime reading and consider these books to stay in touch with your riding passions when winter forces you indoors.

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