The Fastest Motorcycles on Earth by Tom Murphy |
 |
 This Whitehorse Press book is as you would expect very American biased, given they have the Salt Flats, but none the less a fascinating insight into those who chase the mistress of outright top speed on two wheels.Author Tom Murphy admits it is an addiction that takes both time and money in unequal doses compared to the very short adrenalin rush. An addiction that turns expensive machinery into scrap metal at times, but despite all its downsides has more speed junkies than you would imagine. In just over 100 pages he gives a brief history of Land Speed Record motorcycles up to the end of the 20th century and some of the people involved. At the rear is a breakdown of potential costs, which should stop you getting carried away after reading the book. If not then the various classes are listed along with sanctioning bodies. If you like engineering, like reading about people’s endeavours, you will like this soft-bound book and it makes quite good general read. If you want real anorak detail because you want to be, or are already involved, it is perhaps a little lightweight and too focused on the US scene. However, it is still worth having a look at due to its very reasonable £16.99 price tag. ISBN 1 884313 17 5 Available from all good bookshops or direct from the UK agent Gazelle Books 01524 68765 sales@gazellebooks.co.uk Review by Ian Kerr
|
