Let's Ride, Sonny Barger's Guide to Motorcycling - Book Review
Maverick - Jun 18, 2010

Barger is founding member of the Oakland Chapter of the Hell’s Angels. He is author of the New York Times bestselling memoir Hell’s Angels and four other books. He is currently a member of the Cave Creek Chapter of the Hell’s Angels.

Darwin Holmstrom is the author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Motorcycles, and Harley-Davidson Motor Co. Archive Collection. He has written for Motorcyclist magazine and is currently editor at Motorbooks publisher.

Let’s Ride is an interesting book suitable for any motorcyclist, primarily because the author provides a broad spectrum of information. Sometimes the information is informative, sometimes instructive, and sometimes entertaining, but there is something for everyone. 

Throughout Let’s Ride, Barger communicates his respect for motorcycles, motorcycling, and motorcyclists. His presentation is succinct and provides readers with a frame of reference for understanding all that goes along with motorcycling.

Barger’s sense of humor finds its way into his presentation and it is both refreshing and enlightening. His humor is subtle…the best kind. His presentation is fun!

                                      

Let’s Ride is a motorcyclist’s Guide to Motorcycling.

Much of what motorcyclists learn about motorcycling is, at least initially, hearsay. It is information picked up along the way by trial and error, and by word of mouth from well-intentioned fellow riders, mixed in with what little experience we have riding a two-wheeler. 

Sonny Barger draws on his lifetime of experience, as a motorcycle rider immersed in the culture of motorcycling, to give his description and perspective on seven broad areas:

• Anatomy of a motorcycle (parts and systems)
• Types of bikes
• Fundamentals of Riding
• Evaluating a used motorcycle
• Buying a used motorcycle
• Advanced riding strategies
• Living with a motorcycle

Barger ends each chapter with a synopsis of “What You Should Know.”

1957 Harley Stroker...Sonny no longer rides an H-D...

Barger has ridden a variety of motorcycles for many years and many miles.  He knows motorcycles inside and out, and he has had many conversations with dealers, manufacturers, mechanics, and others at every level of the motorcycle industry. He cuts through the “bull____!!” and weaves factual and practical information into the book in a way the reader can integrate into his or her own experience.  

For individuals interested in purchasing their first motorcycle, Barger reviews the various types and brands of bikes and creates a context for choosing which would be most suitable. He describes the various components of a motorcycle and provides basic terminology, which facilitates communication between the potential motorcyclist and dealer, sales staff, and service technician.

Once you’ve become a “motorcyclist,” Sonny answers frequently asked questions and candidly addresses common concerns shared by many new riders: e.g. preparation before taking the highway, protective clothing and gear, training classes, routine safety checks and maintenance, and survival as a rider.

For expert riders, he provides valuable tips garnered from real life on the road. He explains how a careful rider pays attention and remains alert to dangers while enjoying the thrill and exhilaration of riding a motorcycle.

LET’S RIDE, SONNY BARGER’S GUIDE TO MOTORCYCLING, is published by William Morrow/an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. 

The book is on sale after June 8^th, 2010 for $23.99.