I just finished reading the new book by Marc Cook titled “Ducati 1098/1198: The Super Bike Redefined“. It is a large hardcover publication that explores in detail the development of the latest Ducati Superbike, the 1198, from it’s roots in the original 851, through the various models. Here is the description:
Ducati 1098/1198: The Superbike Redefined tells the story of the development of the most powerful and charismatic Ducati Superbikes from the perspective of the designers, stylists, engineers, and managers. Every stage in the 1098, 1198, and 848′s planning, development, and manufacturing is covered in impressive detail, and accompanied by hundreds of photos and illustrations.
Working with the full cooperation of Ducati management, author Marc Cook went behind the scenes at Ducati in Bologna and extensively interviewed designers, engineers, fabricators, and other personnel who describe the extraordinarily sophisticated and complex process of bringing out this new model.
Previously unpublished design renderings and CAD drawings reveal styling directions and technologies that were explored but not adopted. Riding impressions from international moto-journalist Alan Cathcart and Cycle World’s road test editor Don Canet provide insights about the characteristics of these motorcycles with comparisons to the bikes that preceded them. The book also takes you everywhere from the off-limits prototype development areas to the assembly line. Think of this as the ultimate motorcycle factory tour. The interviews, photographs, and drawings combine to capture the tremendous excitement of being on site at Ducati.
In the end, Ducati 1098/1198: The Superbike Redefined is as much about the people of Ducati – their intelligence, humor, passion, and dedication to excellence – as it is the bikes themselves. This book will take you deep into the heart and soul of these revolutionary motorcycles and the remarkable company that created them.
If you are a Ducati fan you owe it to yourself to get it, read it, and read it again. Can’t say enough, awesome. $39.95 from Amazon.
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MotoGP and Superbike seasons, it is a highly collectable resource respected by all within the industry. The annual is bought by many teams and riders and is widely recognized as the leading annual in this exciting sport. Motocourse is packed with detailed race reports, in-depth analysis, rider profiles and outstanding photography that bring to life the excitement of this massively popular sport.
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A moving description of an average motorcyclist’s dream of participating in the world’s greatest motorcycle race. For 100 years, the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy races have been the world’s most dangerous organized sporting event. Mark Gardiner was just another one of the 30,000 fans who attended the annual spectacle. Except that he went home, quit his job, and sold everything he owned. He moved to the Island determined to race in the TT himself. If you’re a dreamer, the lesson in this book is that the pursuit of any worthwhile goal involves risks, rewards and regrets. If you’re not a dreamer, the lesson is more important: the deepest regrets are always over risks not taken.
Amazon has it for $9.99 in digital format for your iPad or iPhone.
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Ring of Fire is an insider’s account of the acclaim, heroism and pressures of being a MotoGP racer. This is a world where manufacturers invest millions, and where a rider will emerge from a coma with shattered bones to get back on his bike to save his job and race again for the checkered flag.
This covers the whole of the modern MotoGP era, at the center of which is the phenomenal Valentino Rossi. Ring of Firecharts his rise, fall and rebirth, detailing the dark side of his infamous rivalries with Max Biaggi and Sete Gibernau as well as his battles with the tax man and the media. This warts-and-all tale offers an insightful, behind-the-scenes look at what makes these riders tick, from double World Superbike champion James Toseland to warring Spanish heroes Jorge Lorenzo and Dani Pedrosa.
Rick Broadbent introduces us, not just to the stars, but also to the officials, parents, doctors, team owners and fans who make up this white-knuckle sport.
By turns funny, sad, shocking and uplifting, Ring of Fire brings us face to face with all those who are bonded by a shared love of risking it all at 200 mph.
Ring of Fire: The Inside Story of Valentino Rossi and MotoGP intertwines the stories of two of the sport’s greatest riders—current megastar Valentino Rossi and 1960s legend Mike Hailwood—painting a revealing portrait of the racers, personalities, and behind-the-scenes intrigue from both eras. Packed with engaging character studies and unforgettable anecdotes, this book takes the reader into the world of MotoGP like never before.