Let’s Ride: Sonny Barger’s Guide to Motorcycling How to Ride the Right Way - for Life

Overall, I think everyone that reads this will not only get a better idea of how to choose, how to buy, and how to ride a bike, but will also really enjoy the process. There are a couple mistakes, however, that I'd like to point out; neither are serious, but both are worth noting.Sonny states that even the largest motorcycles are more efficient than even the most efficient hybrid cars. This just isn't true. My Toyota Prius gets about 48 to 52 MPG (depending on tire pressure and A/C usage) since I bought it in 2006, and you can easily go out and get a Honda Insight (older ones, not the compromised new models) that get 60 to 70 mpg. While there are a few bikes out there that can get 70 to 80 mpg, very few do, and actually very few are rated at 50. Still, the point he makes is that a bike is a lot more efficient that cars, but inaccurate hyperbole doesn't help his argument.Second, when describing front forks, his geometry regarding "USD" and "standard" forks is backwards. "Normal" forks have the larger, outer cylinder at the bottom, and the pistons are on the top, attached to the triple clamp. "UpSide down" forks have the cylinder on the top - this allows for less "unsprung weight" (the sum of the weight of the wheel, tire, brakes, and all other parts that move up & down below the suspension). Less unsprung weight allows for more responsive handling (all other things being equal). However, having the cylinder on the top means that leaky seals can cause the oil in the cylinders to leak out and drain totally, where "normal" layouts will lose oil over time with leaky seals, but much, much slower. Look at any new sport bike versus an older Cruiser, and you'll see exactly these to layouts (sport = USD).Anyway, just thought I'd point those out. Buy the book and enjoy it, and ride more.

I was surprised, for the most part pleasantly, by the tone and content of this book. After being the public face of the most (in)famous motorcycle club in the world, one really isn't prepared for a rational, cautious, common-sense book on motorcycles. This isn't an instructional manual for riding techniques. Mr. Barger strongly advises the reader to attend motorcycle class, i.e. MSF Rider Education class. And this from the leader of a 1% biker club, meaning the 1% of motorcycle riders deemed unlawful by the American Motorcyclist Association. But then, one remembers that Barger is now a senior citizen, the oldest Hells Angel in a world where life is often cut short at a young age. Like I said, a lot of common sense and knowledge that can only be acquired by years and years of experience. This book isn't a tell-all, in fact, he never mentions his club by name. He has other books that tell his story. The book is just a highly readable, at times humorous with dry wit, tome that I enjoyed as an experienced rider. There was plenty of advice for brand-new riders that I kind of skimmed over, but that is very useful for those who are just starting out. There's something in the book for anybody with an interest in motorcycles.

Sonny Barger is a living legend. He's probably forgotten more about motorcycling than I will ever know about it. I think this book is best read by someone thinking about riding rather than those who have been riding. There's a wealth of information in the book that the prospective rider will find invaluable in making their decision on whether or not to ride and how best to approach it, if they do decide to ride.There really isn't a strong focus in the book on how to learn how to ride. Basically, Mr. Barger tells you to take the MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) basic class and then their experienced rider course and then follow up with some advanced courses. While he gives a few tips on survival on the streets, the book concentrates more on motorcycles themselves rather than on riding them.This information is important to the prospective rider. It explains how important maintenance is and how expensive it can be. Mr. Barger does an excellent job of describing the different types of motorcycles and even how to evaluate a used motorcycle. Probably the best advice he gives in the book is for the prospective rider to take the basic MSF class before buying a motorcycle and gear.If you were looking for this book to give you some highway philosophy and detailed stories of Mr. Barger's personal experiences, this is probably not the book to buy.All that being said, even if you are an experienced rider, you will probably gain some knowledge reading this book.

I'm finding myself reading everything Barger has written. This book is a stand-alone educational tool on buying and maintaining a motorcycle and riding safely. It goes into great deatail on such things as insurance, financing, examining a used bike, clothing, riding techniques, staying alive in traffic, etc. Intertwined you will find decades of riding experience as well as Sonny's unique interaction and experiences with the various motorcycle companies. This book is not solely about Harley-Davidison, though they are included. This is about all brands and all types of motorcycles. Though this book is aimed at the new rider, I highly recommend this book for all motorcycle riders and potential riders. I've been riding for 45 years and I still learned a few things and noticed only a couple of minor errors. It's obvious Sonny loves motorcycles and it shows in this book. He pulls no punches with the various companies and their models. In my opinion, Barger, through this book, has done more for the advancement and improvement of motorcycle riding and ownership than any other book out there - period. He has truly given back to this great lifestyle.

All men are products of their time. Time either sharpens or blunts us as we follow the road signs that point to the avenues that we are destined to follow. There arguably would be no Sonny Barger if he had not been born in the late thirties maturing as he did in the immediate post war years. Some may say that that might have been no bad thing - knowing that he was a founder member of one the world's most notorious motorcycle gangs I may have agreed with this sentiment until I read this book and gained my first insight into who he s as a man. He is a man that, I am surprised to see, time has sharpened. Let me say that there is clearly more than one dimension to him. He is not just a passionate motorcyclist (like myself), but an articulate and humorous writer (his comments on his fellow four-wheeled road users are absolutely on the button), who has produced a surprisingly good read. Set aside any prejudice you might have and read this book.This is an introductory overview of this great sport with an autobiographical twist that makes it relevant. There is more than enough in it to clear up any doubts one may have harboured concerning engine type and model categories (including the hilarious comments regarding Italian machines and politics), and plenty more meat and veg in ensuing chapters. Not being in the market for a second hand bike I could not identify with this chapter but in keeping with the rest of the book it puts forward well thought out, pertinent and articulate advice. My only gripe is that I would have liked to have shared more of his biking experiences and listened to more of his advanced riding tips - but ultimately if you want that sort of read then buy the Police Advanced Riders Manual. But he does give a very lucid explanation of counter-steering which I suspect is a concept that many riders may not have encountered!I put this book down motivated to learn more about the man, especially his role and his motivation in the early evolution of the Hell's Angels. And it just so happens that he has written another book on just this topic. Already ordered through Amazon.........

This is a good book. Sonny has lived a full life, has done more miles than most bikers do in 7 lifetimes and lives and breathes bikes. If you're a beginner this will explain a lot- and I find myself going back to this. I wish I had read this before buying my bike, his checklist and tips when buying used make this book worth the price.Having said that, Mr. Barger is also a little insane. He seasons the book with his opinions, making it even more readable- like why Italian motorbikes have crap electronics (because Italy has a high trade union membership, therefore communism makes them make s*** bikes).Hilarious and laughable as these opinions may be, my Italian motorcycle has been at the mechanic for a month now as he tries to work out what is wrong with the electrics. Like I said earlier- he may be bat s*** crazy, but the man knows bikes and pens a good read. Buy this book.Oh, one more thing. Personally I wish I had bougt print rather than kindle. It's the kind of book you'll open again, and you may want to jump between bits more easily than you can with an e- reader.

Enjoyable read. Only comments would be that his opinions are of course US focused and 10 years out of date (when book was written, for example his bike brand has now folded). I would disagree with some specific bits but it wouldnt have been interesting if our views were identical.

I read this as I was learning to ride, and it's an excellent starting point for a new rider. The chapters on choosing a bike, inspecting a second-hand one, maintenance and keeping safe on the road are thorough, logical, are especially helpful and I have used many of the very useful tips in my daily life as a biker. Great book to read at the start of your foray into the wonderful world of motorcycles.

It doesn't matter this book will teach you something and confirm other things you already knew. It should be required reading for everyone who wants to ride a motorcycle. There's no buckshot just plain old common sense and knowledge that only comes from years of riding. It contains one of the best explanations of 'counter-steering' you are ever likely to come across.Now stop reading this review and buy the book!