Here is a book packed with good advice on how to find and maintain a Desmoquattro twin Ducati. From running costs, through paperwork, vital statistics, valuation - this book shows you exactly what to look for when examining a potential Ducati Desmoquattro purchase. Along with a detailed description of all the individual models, there is a comprehensive condition checklist and guide, plus photos of key areas to check and foibles to be aware of. Also includes info on key specifications and useful upgrades that will enable one of these classic machines to be used on a regular basis, and a guide to the market and value - everything you need to buy the Desmoquattro of your dreams.
Ian Falloon has 40 years of experience with Ducati, and has written several books covering the Desmoquattro models. He has owned several examples of this bike, and in his role as a motorcycle journalist attended the press launches for many of the models covered in this book. Ian's close association with the factory, and personal association with many of the engineers involved, has given him an invaluable insight into these models.
Available again after a long absence!
This book celebrates the iconic Moto Guzzi V7 Sport and Le Mans sporting motorcycles of the 1970s and 1980s, telling the story of these classic bikes, among the first Superbikes to combine Italian style, handling and performance.
After struggling to survive during the 1960s, Lino Tonti was given the opportunity to create the V7 Sport Telaio Rosso, in 1971; this was so successful that Moto Guzzi again began to concentrate on building sporting motorcycles. When Alessandro de Tomaso acquired the company, the future for Moto Guzzi twins looked bleak - until the 850 Le Mans was released in 1975. Like the V7 Sport, the Le Mans was a class leading sporting motorcycle and continued into production throughout the 1980s. After the Le Mans II of 1978, Le Mans III of 1980, the Le Mans IV of 1984, and the Le Mans V of 1988, although no longer a cutting-edge sports bike, the final Le Mans successfully managed to combine traditional attributes with modern conveniences. Covering the period 1971-1993 and all models (V7 Sport, 750S, 750S3, 850 Le Mans, 850 Le Mans II, 850 Le Mans III, 1000 Le Mans IV, 1000 Le Mans V) and with description of model development year by year, full production data and 160 photos, this is a highly informative book and an essential Bible for enthusiasts. Author and renowned motorcycle expert, Ian Falloon, has a wealth of experience, numerous books to his name, and a small collection of sporting motorcycles - including a 1973 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport. His other books include The Moto Guzzi Story, The BMW Story and the Ducati 750 Bible.
The definitive story of one of the most iconic Italian motorcycle marques. Bimota was founded in 1973 by three friends: Valerio Bianchi, Giuseppe Morri, and Massimo Tamburini. The company specialises in producing high-performance motorcycles, incorporating exotic materials and cutting-edge technologies. Bimota quickly gained a reputation for producing limited edition, hand-built motorcycles that were prized for their exceptional quality and design.
Throughout its history, Bimota has collaborated with several well-known brands, including Yamaha, Suzuki, and Ducati, to produce unique and innovative bikes. The company has also won numerous awards for its innovative designs, including the prestigious 'Motorcycle Designer of the Year' award in 1992. Despite facing financial difficulties in the 1990s and 2000s, Bimota continues to produce motorcycles, and has maintained its reputation as one of the premier brands in the motorcycle industry. Bimota motorcycles are prized by motorcycle enthusiasts and collectors for their exceptional quality, design, and engineering excellence. The company's commitment to innovation and excellence has earned it a place in the hearts of riders and fans around the world, and it continues to be a source of inspiration for the motorcycle community. With a 50 year passion for Italian motorcycles Ian Falloon tells the full story of Bimota, covering all the street and racing models from 1973 onward.With 75 World Championships (riders and manufacturers), 270 Grand Prix victories, and more than 3000 International race wins, MV Agusta's competition record is unequalled amongst Italian motorcycle manufacturers. MV's list of World Champions includes some of the greatest names in the sport, with Carlo Ubbiali, John Surtees, Mike Hailwood, Giacomo Agostini and Phil Read claiming victory multiple times.
Alongside the magnificent racing bikes, MV produced a wide range of street models, including the exotic four-cylinder bikes based on the Grand Prix racers of the 1950s and early 1960s. After closing in 1977, MV Agusta was resurrected by Cagiva in 1997, and released the Massimo Tamburini-designed four-cylinder F4. Initially 750cc, this evolved into 1000cc and the Brutale series. In 2012 the three-cylinder F3 joined the F4, and a large range of models has grown from these two platforms. With a 50-year passion for Italian motorcycles, Ian Falloon tells the full and fascinating story ofThe story of Moto Guzzi is a story of survival. As one of Italy's oldest, and most legendary marques, Moto Guzzi had seen the height of success during the 1930s, and then the 1950s when they dominated 250 and 350cc Grand Prix racing. Their withdrawal from racing coincided with a period of stagnation until the company was sold to De Tomaso in 1973. During the 1970s the V7 Sport and Le Mans were at the forefront of the new superbike era, and later, with Dr John Wittner's help, embraced contemporary technology with the 1000cc Daytona.
If one aspect characterises Moto Guzzi it is continuity. The great 500cc Falcone single ran from 1950 until 1976, and the V7, originally seeing the light of day in 1967, continued well into the 2010s. This continuity breeds loyalty, and Guzzi owners are a fiercely proud breed. Guzzis are not like other motorcycles, even Italian ones, and to qualify as a Guzzi owner requires a dedication and individuality that will be rewarded in a long term relationship. Other titles by Ian Falloon include Moto Guzzi Sport Bible, Moto Guzzi Big-Twins Essential Buyers Guide, the Complete Book of Moto Guzzi, Honda Story, Kawasaki Story, BMW Story and The Ducati Story. He also has his own collection of motorbikes including a 1973 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport.
The Complete Book of BMW Motorcycles offers a thorough year-by-year guide to every production machine ever built by Germany's leading motorcycle manufacturer.
From the first model, the 1923 R32 that launched BMW's motorcycle dynasty, to the latest (and fastest) superbike, the S1000RR, this book captures nearly a century of motorcycling excellence in a combination of historic and contemporary photos. Technical specs are provided for each model.
This comprehensive review covers all of BMW's bike families:
Among them, you'll find all the classic bikes--pre-World War II BMWs like the R5 that defined performance in that era; the military R12 that carried the Wehrmacht as it blitzkrieged its way across Europe; the Earles-forked R69S that offered the perfect platform for mounting a Steib sidecar; the R90S café racer; the K1 flying brick; and the GS (Gelände Sport) series that launched a dual-sport revolution right up to today's world-class S100RR and retro-inspired R nine T.
Like the other titles in Motorbooks' Complete Book series, this guide to BMW's motorcycle output offers the most complete reference to the subject available.
See the incredible chronology of the awesome sportbikes bestowed on the world by Ducati in over 450 new and vintage photographs.
MV Agusta's classic four-cylinder dominated Grand Prix racing for a decade from 1956. When it was replaced by the new triple in 1966, Count Agusta decided to make the Four available in limited numbers as a production bike. To prevent privateers converting it into a Grand Prix racer that might embarrass the factory, he stipulated it should be 600cc and have shaft final drive. The touring 600 eventually evolved into the 750 Sport and GT, and finally the America, but MV Fours were always built in extremely small numbers. As befits an engine that handed multiple World Championships to John Surtees, Gary Hocking, and Mike Hailwood, the technical specification was staggering, and remains so to this day. This magnificent engine was always at the heart of the MV Agusta, and it was this engine that created and sustained the legend.
One of the world's foremost motorcycle historians, Ian Falloon is the author of several books on motorcycles, and has spent many years as a regular contributor to a number of motorcycle magazines worldwide, specialising in Italian marques, particularly Ducati, Moto Guzzi, Laverda, and, of course, MV Agusta.
Although manufactured for only one year - 1974 - the Ducati 750 Super Sport was immediately touted as a future classic. It was a pioneering motorcycle - expensive and rare, and produced by Ducati's race department to celebrate victory in the 1972 Imola 200 Formula 750 race.
Much of the mystique centred on the 750 SS is a result of this rarity and uniqueness. The 750 round-case Ducati engine was produced for only four years, and was discontinued primarily because it was extremely expensive to manufacture. Only one variant of the 750 was fitted with desmodromic valve gear - the Super Sport. It was also the only Ducati ever hand-assembled in the race shop with special engine components.
Although built in small numbers (401), this motorcycle is hailed as the ancestor of Ducati's current World Championship Desmosedici. As a result, the 750 SS has become extremely valuable and desirable, fetching prices beyond the most expensive contemporary Ducati; for Ducatisti, the 750 SS is the Holy Grail.
One of the world's foremost motorcycle historians, Ian Falloon is the author of many books on motorcycles, of which several are on Ducati, including the best-selling Ducati Story, and Ducati Twins Restoration Guide. He has owned a number of Ducati 750s since 1973 and has a particular enthusiasm for this model, still owning the 750 Super Sport he bought back in the 1970s.
Packed with good advice on choosing the right Ducati bevel twin, with a comprehensive inspection guide and in-depth analysis of strengths and weaknesses, this book covers desirable upgrades, modifications to avoid, valuation and predicting which models will become collectable (if they aren't already). Illustrated throughout with photos of key areas to check and foibles to be aware of, and featuring details ranging from the Ducati community, to whether a Ducati bevel twin will suit you and your lifestyle, this is the complete guide to choosing, assessing, and buying the Ducati bevel twin of your dreams.
Written by Ian Falloon, an expert who enjoyed a close association with the factory and the engineers during the period these bikes were manufactured, providing him with an invaluable insight into their development. He has been involved with Ducati motorcycles, and bevel twins in particular, for nearly 40 years and, in addition to writing several books covering these models, he is an avid restorer with over 20 bevel twin restorations to his credit.
The V7 introduced Moto Guzzi to a completely new clientele. With car-like reliability and shaft drive, it proved the ideal machine for long distance touring. Eventually, the V7 evolved into larger capacity sporting and cruising models. This book provides a guide to all the models, their attributes, and their pitfalls. Detailed descriptions, along with photos showing the key areas to check and foibles to be aware of, help to show what to look for when examining a potential purchase. With a condition checklist and guide, key specifications, and in-depth analysis of strengths and weaknesses, this book is packed with helpful advice. From running costs, through paperwork, vital statistics, valuation, and upgrades that will enhance a Moto Guzzi and enable it be used on a regular basis - as well as modifications to avoid - this book is is like having a marque expert by your side. When new, Moto Guzzi big twins provided exceptional reliability and overall performance, and they still can.
Ian Falloon has been involved with Italian motorcycles for more than 40 years, and has written several books on Moto Guzzi, including The Moto Guzzi Story and Moto Guzzi Sport and Le Mans Bible. He has owned several examples and, in his role as motorcycle journalist, has tested many of the models covered here. He is also an avid collector of documentation for Italian motorcycles.
The bevel-drive 860 and 900 was one of the most significant motorcycles of the late 1970s, providing a unique combination of power and handling that was unequalled by other motorcycles at the time. When Italian car stylist Giorgetto Giugiaro penned the 860GT in 1973, few would have believed it would evolve into one of the greatest Ducati line-ups of all time.
The square-case 860 became the legendary 900 Super Sport, the Darmah, and eventually the Mike Hailwood Replica, built to honour Hailwood's spectacular comeback victory at the Isle of Man in 1978.
The square-case Ducati engine design continued for more than a decade, sustaining the company through a downturn in the early 1980s.
This book covers every incarnation of this great model, from the first 860 through to the final Mille. Illustrated with 200 pictures, and including complete appendices of technical specifications, this book is a must-have for any lover of fine motorcycles.
Ian Falloon brings a wealth of experience to this book; he is the author of numerous publications on motorcycles, many of them Ducati, including The Ducati 750 Bible, The Ducati Monster Bible, Ducati 916, and the Ducati Story (now in it's 6th edition). He has a small collection of classic sporting motorcycles, including a 1975 Ducati 900 Super Sport.