Discovering the Motorcycle is a highly acclaimed comprehensive, never-before completed history and cultural evaluation of motorcycling from 1867 to the present. Based on over fifty years of the author's personal experience, this textbook introduces readers to the vast world of motorcycling, its history, social impact, and how these machines are built and function. If you ride or have always wanted to ride and crave to know everything about the world of motorcycles, this 510 page book is now your bible. ¿ Each individual chapter is devoted to a major aspect of motorcycling; ranging from historical discussions of the machines that lead the way to our modern sportbikes, vintage classics, choppers and bobbers, off-road machines, touring rigs, and electric motorcycles. Chapters include the history of motorcycle racing, bike events, museums, and clubs. The book honors motorcycling's great marques, with representation in each chapter. Technical sections explore engineering matters, while the captions beneath over 1,000 color photographs and illustrations add detail about the makes and their mechanical attributes. The chapter on the engine is unique in that it offers a glimpse into the four hundred year evolution of the internal-combustion engine. ¿ Many years of experience, research, and sharing of information between credible resources in the motorcycling world have resulted in an unprecedented biography of the sport. Discovering the Motorcycle will make a perfect gift for those who dream of cruising through the wind on two (or three) wheels, and for the casual weekend rider who just wishes to know more about this amazing world.