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Motorcycle Views Newsletter for 03/27/2016

By Walter F. Kern

 Motorcycle Views Newsletter

Vol. 10, No. 7, March 27, 2016

Articles of Interest on Motorcycle Views:

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1. Recent Additions to the Motorcycle Views Website:

2. 56 Motorcycle Books That You Should Own:

The following 56 motorcycle books are personally owned by me and recommended to any motorcycle rider who wants to know more about motorcycles.

Some motorcycle books have also been personally reviewed.

I have provided links so you can look at and buy the books on Amazon, if you so choose. I receive no remuneration from Amazon for providing these links.

My own books are listed first as a convenience:

Motorcycle Kick-Starts: Getting Started, Stories, Tips, and How-Tos by Walter F. Kern
This book gives a condensed view of motorcycling for new and returning riders. It's designed to whet your appetite for more while sticking to basic motorcycle information without overpowering you with details. The book is based on articles Walter F. Kern published on the Motorcycle Views Website. The book starts out telling you what motorcycles are and showing you how you might learn to become an active, safe rider. Then ten short motorcycle stories, written by actual motorcyclists, are presented. These stories allow you to observe some unusual things that happen to people who ride motorcycles. Between stories, some practical advice about motorcycles is given in the form of ten motorcycle How-Tos and ten motorcycle Tips that you will need to know to become a proficient rider. This book is available in a paperback edition, a Kindle edition, and an audiobook (Audible) edition from Amazon.com. The audiobook is also available for download from Audible or iTunes. You can listen to a 5-minute sample of the audiobook on Amazon.
Read a Page from the Book

50 Wild Motorcycle Tales: An Anthology of Motorcycle Stories by Walter F. Kern
This book is an anthology of motorcycle stories. These 50 tales were submitted to the Motorcycle Views Website over a 13-year period. The individual authors tell their own personal stories of what happened to them as they rode their motorcycles. You'll find humor, risk-taking, adventures, 2-up excursions, stupid tricks on bikes, lessons learned, hazards while riding, and stories told by returning riders. This book is available in a paperback edition, a Kindle edition, and an audiobook (Audible) edition from Amazon.com. The audiobook is also available for download from Audible or iTunes. You can listen to a 5-minute sample of the audiobook on Amazon.
Read a Page from the Book

Getting Started Riding a Motorcycle by Walter F. Kern
This book provides introductory motorcycling information for new riders to help push them into being safer riders. It's also intended for returning riders who have been away from motorcycling for many years. Paperback and Kindle Edition
Read a Page from the Book

Motorcycle Haiku Poetry: An Anthology of Haiku Poems About Motorcycles by Walter F. Kern
This book is an anthology of motorcycle haiku poems. These poems were submitted to the Motorcycle Views Website over a 10-year period. The authors are motorcyclists from all walks of life. They have created short 3-line, 17-syllable haiku poems that reflect their love of riding motorcycles. Each poem has been paired up either with a motorcycle picture or a motorcycle tattoo. Each bike or tattoo picture is described, and then linked together to the poem. Some safety or riding tips and philosophy may also be included in the narrative. Paperback and Kindle Edition
Read a Page from the Book


50 Wild Motorcycle Tales: An Anthology of Motorcycle Stories by Walter F. Kern
This book is an anthology of motorcycle stories. These 50 tales were submitted to the Motorcycle Views Website over a 13-year period. The individual authors tell their own personal stories of what happened to them as they rode their motorcycles. You'll find humor, risk-taking, adventures, 2-up excursions, stupid tricks on bikes, lessons learned, hazards while riding, and stories told by returning riders. This book is available in a paperback edition, a Kindle edition, and an audiobook (Audible) edition from Amazon.com. The audiobook is also available for download from Audible or iTunes. You can listen to a 5-minute sample of the audiobook on Amazon.
Read a Page from the Book

The Adventures of Olive Pearl and Hammy Davidson by Michael DeRosa
This book, aimed at the 9-12 age group of young readers, follows the exploits of two people, two motorcycles, and a stuffed animal, a pig, as they seek to learn more about each other, the world around them, the people they encounter, and most especially, how their choice of travel -- motorcycles -- makes them thankful that they have freedom and live in a free country. Paperback
Walter's Review

The Art of the Motorcycle by Thomas Krens and the Guggenheim Museum Staff
This book has over 400 pages of color pictures, essays, and descriptions about motorcycling over its first 100 years. The book was published in conjunction with the 1998 exhibit at the Guggenheim Museum where over 100 motorcycles were displayed. Hardcover
Walter's Review

Biker Billy Cooks with Fire: Robust Recipes from America's Most Outrageous Television Chef by Bill Hufnagle
Biker Billy mixes motorcycles and cooking. He puts hot peppers in recipes like "Drop-Dead Cornbread" and "Yellow Bowl of Fire." He lives his motto: Eat Hot, Ride Safe, and Cook with Fire. You'll enjoy Billy's stories. Paperback
Walter's Review

The Biker Code: Wisdom for the Ride by Stuart Miller and Geoffrey Moss
Bikers are interviewed for their thoughts about biking that they express in short verse. Photos of the riders are shown next to their compositions. Some bikers you may have heard of. Others will be unknown. Regardless, you'll gain much from the wisdom imparted. Paperback

Biker Billy's Freeway-A-Fire Cookbook: Life's Too Short to Eat Dull Food by Bill Hufnagle
Biker Billy continues with his recipes that are guaranteed not to be dull. Hardcover

Bikerlady: Living and Riding Free!: Living & Riding Free! by Sasha Mullins
This is an important book following in the tradition of Pierson's, "The Perfect Vehicle" and Ferrar's, "Hear Me Roar." Over 160 personal stories of women riders are given showing how the motorcycle changed their lives. Paperback
Walter's Review

Coming and Going on Bikes: Essaying the Motorcycle by Jack Lewis
This series of motorcycle essays, presented in Kindle format, showcases the literary talents of Jack Lewis as he relates his previously published essays in their original length. Jack talks of his experiences riding home from the war, gives a review of a Ural sidecar rig, discusses sidecar/trike training methods, provides an insight into a typical BMW moto-journalist junket to test an enduro model, and gets serious with the dangers inherent in riding super-powered bikes by returning soldiers. Kindle Edition
Walter's Review

Complete Harley Davidson: A Model-by-Model History of the American Motorcycle by Tod Rafferty
This is a large book, 11X17 inches, containing 160 pages. It gives a chronological listing of the major H-D models from 1903 to 1996. Large pictures of each model are shown along with the associated description. Company history is sprinkled in as well as the evolution of the H-D marque is described. Hardcopy

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Motorcycles, Third Edition by Editors of Motorcyclist Magazine
This is a book that should be required reading by all motorcyclists, especially new people to the passion. It covers every aspect of motorcycling including history, training, buying, street survival, maintenance, and the various aspects of the motorcycling community. It includes many tips, resources, and cycle terms in its 395 pages. Has an intro by motorcyclist Jay Leno. Paperback

Cowboys with Chrome Horses: A Historical Explanation of America's Most Popular and Unique Phenomenons by William G. (Lad) Carrington
This book presents the historian's approach to motorcycling. The author is an historian as well as a seasoned rider himself having put over 115,000 miles on his 1988 H-D FXR. He gives the reader a good, well referenced, history lesson of the building of America using excerpts from 49 reference books. He then intertwines the development of motorcycling into this narrative. The result makes for interesting reading. Paperback
Walter's Review

Dream Rider: Roadmap to an Adventurous Life by Rosemary Carstens
Ms. Carsten was determined to learn to ride a motorcycle even though she was already in her fifty-sixth year. This book traces her life as she gets the motorcycle bug, learns how to ride, gets her first bike, and sets out -- sometimes with friends and eventually alone -- to match wits with the elements on various roadtrips through the western states. Paperback
Walter's Review

Now, look at the complete list of recommended motorcycle books.

3. My Motorcycle Recalls Database:

Everyone assumes that the new motorcycle they buy will be trouble-free. In fact, many riders only buy new bikes to eliminate some of the repair problems associated with used bikes. However, motorcycles do develop problems and some are serious enough that they have to be fixed using a motorcycle recall program.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) maintains a database of vehicle recalls. I have extracted motorcycle recalls from this database for recalls beginning as far back as 1999. I update this Motorcycle Recalls feature whenever I see a new recall in the NHTSA database. See links below for motorcycle recalls sorted by Year-Make-Model and by Make-Year-Model

Also, from time to time, motorcycle equipment items (such as helmets) and motorcycle-related consumer product items (such as apparel) may be recalled. The equipment items are also handled by the NHTSA but consumer product items are covered by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). See below for links to both equipment and consumer product recalls.

When I receive new motorcycle recalls, I also post them on the Home Page of Motorcycle Views, in my Motorcycle Views Blog, on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+. All recalls are also listed in my Motorcycle Views Newsletter every two weeks.

Check to see if your motorcycle has a motorcycle recall:

Motorcycle Recalls by Year

Motorcycle Recalls by Make

Latest Ten (10) Motorcycle Recalls

Motorcycle Equipment Recalls

Motorcycle Consumer Product Recalls

4. Today's Motorcycle Views Poll:

I'm running one new Motorcycle Views Poll in each issue of the newsletter. Please participate in each poll so we can all find out what's happening in motorcycling.

Here's Poll No. 35 (It may take a few seconds to load, so please be patient.): Have you ever ridden (driven) a sidecar rig?

The latest Motorcycle Views Poll also appears on the front page of the Motorcycle Views website.

ALL Motorcycle Views Polls

5. Five Motorcycle Terms:

I am featuring five (5) of my Motorcycle Terms in each issue of the newsletter.

6. NEW! My Latest Book, Motorcycle Kick-Starts:

My latest book, Motorcycle Kick-Starts, is available on Amazon in Kindle, paperback, and NEW! Audible audiobook editions.

This small book provides a condensed view of motorcycling information for new riders and returning riders who have been away from motorcycling for many years. It's based on articles I published while I was the Motorcycles Guide on About.com and also during my current assignment as Editor of Motorcycle Views.

My purpose in writing the book is to whet your appetite for more while sticking to basic motorcycle information and not overpowering you with details.

We start out giving you basic information about motorcycles and showing you how you might proceed to become an active, safe rider.

Then we present ten short motorcycle stories (tales) written by actual motorcyclists. These tales allow you to observe some unusual things that happen to people who ride motorcycles. Without a bike, you would most likely never have these experiences. You will find out that your own rides will be different, but they too will result in unforgettable memories. The first story relates my own journey as a newbie rider when I joined a small group and rode cross-country on a 6,000-mile adventure.

Between stories, some practical advice about motorcycles is given in the form of ten motorcycle How-Tos and ten motorcycle Tips that you will need to know to become a proficient rider.

It's available on Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and Audible audiobook editions. Click the cover picture for more information about how to purchase the book.

NEW! As of March 10, 2016, the book is also available in an Audible audiobook edition. It can be found on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes. Click the square cover to the right to hear a sample from the Audible edition.

7. Motorcycle Picture of the Month for March 2016:

Motorcycle Picture of the Month - March 2016 - 2014 KTM Adventure 1190R:
See the latest Picture of the Month and previous pictures. If you'd like to be considered for Picture of the Month, send me a picture and description of your bike. Submit Picture.

8. Here are some very popular articles on the Motorcycle Views Site. Take a look:

9. Latest Motorcycle Pictures:

See the latest received pictures by category. (Send me a picture and description of your bike.)



"This is my first year as a member of the Polar Bear Grand Tour and have been a member of H.O.G. Ocean Thunder Chapter for . . . more. -- Mango"

10. My Four Motorcycle Books:

I hope you will take a look at my four motorcycle books, available in paperback and Kindle editions on Amazon.com. These books make great, inexpensive gifts. In fact, you can purchase all four for less than $30 total. I have reduced the price of my four Kindle editions to $0.0 (FREE) IF you also first purchase the corresponding paperback edition. That way you can always have the book with you if you have a tablet or smartphone with you. None of the paperbacks has color pictures in them owing to the high price of producing a book with color. However, every Kindle edition has color pictures, so the Getting Started Riding a Motorcycle and Motorcycle Haiku Poetry Kindle books are in full color.

NEW! My latest book (released December 1, 2015), Motorcycle Kick-Starts, also available on Amazon.com in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook (Audible) editions, contains a condensed view of motorcycling for new and returning riders. It's designed to whet your appetite for more while sticking to basic motorcycle information without overpowering you with details. The book starts out telling you what motorcycles are and showing you how you might learn to become an active, safe rider. Then ten short motorcycle stories, written by actual motorcyclists, are presented. These stories allow you to observe some unusual things that happen to people who ride motorcycles. Between stories, some practical advice about motorcycles is given in the form of ten motorcycle How-Tos and ten motorcycle Tips that you will need to know to become a proficient rider. Click the book cover to learn more about the book and how to buy it on Amazon.com. NEW! As of March 10, 2016, there is now an Audible audiobook version of Motorcycle Kick-Starts. You can get it on Amazon, Audible, or iTunes.

My book, 50 Wild Motorcycle Tales, contains a collection of stories that originally were only available on my website. Fifty of these stories were selected, intensively edited, and compiled into the book. I wrote five of the stories. The book is available on Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook (Audible) editions. Click the book cover to learn more about the book and how to buy it on Amazon.com. The Audible edition is also available for immediate download on iTunes and Audible.

My book, Getting Started Riding a Motorcycle, was first published in 2011 but only as a Kindle edition. It was revised in 2014 and also made available in a paperback edition. Click the book cover to learn more about the book and how to buy it on Amazon.com.

My book, Motorcycle Haiku Poetry, also available on Amazon.com in both paperback and Kindle editions, contains haiku poems about motorcycles. Haiku is a simple poem of three lines with five syllables in the first and last lines and seven in the second line. Each of the nearly 60 poems is coupled with a motorcycle picture and description related to the poem. I wrote seven of the haiku poems. Click the book cover to learn more about the book and how to buy it on Amazon.com.

11. Polar Bear Grand Tour Runs to Chatterbox in Augusta, NJ and Brian's H-D in Langhorne, PA:

Since the last Newsletter, the Polar Bear Grand Tour has completed runs to Lighthouse Tavern in Waretown, NJ and Long Valley Pub in Long Valley, NJ. Click this link (or the picture) to see some of the pictures as they appear on Facebook.

All the pictures and videos for these two runs can be found by clicking the following links: Chatterbox in Augusta, NJ and Brian's H-D in Langhorne, PA.

The Polar Bears consist of 550 riders from New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Delaware, who ride each Sunday to a different prescribed destination where they sign-in and receive points. There is, usually, a restaurant at or near the destination. It gets cold, windy, and snowy on these rides. I've been a Polar Bear member for more than 20 years, and I built and continue to maintain their website.

The picture to the right was taken at Chatterbox.

12. Help Grow Motorcycle Views:

The Motorcycle Views Website is here for you. We encourage you to submit a story, picture, poem, salvage yard recommendation, user review of your own bike, tattoo, YouTube video you made of your bike, motorcycle tip, etc. These will be evaluated for inclusion into one of our major features. Send us a submission today and share part of your motorcycling experience with our many readers. Read how to make a submission.

13. Send In Your Pictures:

We love pictures of your motorcycles. Even better is a picture of you with your bike. We also like descriptions of bikes so tell us all about your bike. What accessories do you have? What special paint job do you have? How long have you been riding? Tell us more. Women riders are especially requested to send their pictures in. Submit a Picture.

14. The Motorcycle Views Website is Also on your Smartphone or Tablet:

Are you relying more and more on your cellphone or tablet and less and less on your PC or MAC? Remember that all that great motorcycling information on Motorcycle Views is as near as your cellphone. It's also in a new format designed to fit your portable screen. Check us out anywhere you need motorcycle information.

Be sure to check out the Home Page on Motorcycle Views. It keeps changing daily, now containing links to hundreds of my original articles and features including Makes and Models, Picture Galleries, Motorcycle FAQ, Motorcycle Tips, Motorcycle How-Tos, Rallies, Videos and Movies, and User Reviews.

15. Social Media:

See me on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, and YouTube.

Walter F. Kern's Author Page on AmazonThanks again for coming along for the ride in this edition of the Motorcycle Views Newsletter. -- Walter

For New Subscribers:

Expect newsletters on Sunday afternoon every other week.

Please understand that the Motorcycle Views Newsletter is NOT the Motorcycle Views website. The newsletter provides a few links to content on the Motorcycle Views website. Once you click a link in the newsletter, you'll be getting access to content on the Motorcycle Views site.

If you'd like to view some recent newsletters, just go to the newsletter sign-up page and look for links below where my motorcycle books are described.

Thanks for signing up for the Motorcycle Views Newsletter. Using this Newsletter, I'll keep you up-to-date with what's going on in the Motorcycle Views Blog, the Motorcycle Views Website, and the Motorcycle Views Forum. The forum has a new look as of February 13, 2015. Take a look. Not sure what a blog is? It's like a daily readout of what I'm thinking about, similar to a diary at times. Most often, I'm using mine right now to tell my visitors what has been added to the Motorcycle Views site.

See me on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, and YouTube.

The Motorcycle Views Website is Also on your Smartphone or Tablet:

Are you relying more and more on your cellphone or tablet and less and less on your PC or MAC? Remember that all that great motorcycling information on Motorcycle Views is as near as your cellphone. It's also in a new format designed to fit your portable screen. Check us out anywhere you need motorcycle information.

END OF NEWSLETTER

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