Best motorcycle books

There was a time when the choice of motorcycling books was limited to Haynes repair manuals or a round-up of the grand prix racing year – not anymore though.

And rumours of the demise of printed publishing in favour of Kindle devices and podcasts has been greatly exaggerated, it would appear.

Instead, today there are dozens of quality biking books ranging from acclaimed autobiographies, detailed travel guides, technical maintenance manuals, fabulous photo-heavy histories and even vital guides to getting onto two wheels in the first place.

Related: Best motorbike trackday essentials

But what’s currently available? How much do they cost? And what do you get for your money? Here’s our current pick of some of the best.

Raised by English parents in California, Hopper became the youngest professional rider on the MotoGP circuit and was labelled in 2007 by Valentino Rossi as his most-feared rival until a series of horrific crashes, debt and addiction took their toll. Known to MotoGP fans as one of the most fearless and charismatic riders of his generation, this story pulls no punches.

Pros:

Compelling story

A peek behind the curtain of GP racing

One of the best of its type

Con:

Not known to everyone

Packed full of practice questions, it’s a great way to prepare to pass the multiple-choice part of your motorcycle theory test first time and is the ONLY official expert revision guide. This new edition has been updated with the latest changes to the motorcycle theory test revision questions.

Pros:

Great revision aid

Newly updated

Decent value

Con:

Not exactly ‘fun’

Each route has been ridden and reviewed by expert bikers and includes an easy-read large-scale AA route map while it’s also in a durable and practical spiral-bound format.

Pros:

Incomparably useful and inspirational

Credible experts

Great format

Con:

Only for ‘travellers’

There’s also a troubleshooting section to help identify specific problems; tips that give valuable short cuts to make the job easier and eliminate the need for special tools; notes, cautions and warnings for the home mechanic; colour spark plug diagnosis and an easy-to-use index.

Pros:

Definitive DIY home service manuals

Easy to use

A must for any motorcycle owner

Con:

Only most popular bikes covered

Through more than 120 previously unpublished personal photographs from the Sheene family archive, Times journalist and award-winning author Rick Broadbent tells the story of a remarkable sports star.

Pros:

Fabulous, unseen photography

Warm, celebratory insight

Credible, quality author

Con:

More pictures than words

Based on Thede's popular Race Tech Suspension Seminars, this step-by-step guide shows anyone how to make their bike handle like a pro's.

Thede gives a clear account of the three forces of suspension that you must understand to make accurate assessments of your suspension's condition, outlines testing procedures that will help you gauge how well you're improving your suspension, and step-by-step photos of suspension disassembly and assembly help you rebuild your forks and shocks for optimum performance.

Pros:

Definitive guide to misunderstood subject

Utterly comprehensive

Well organised

Con:

Only for devotees

From the boy who learned to prep bikes with his dad, to the spirited team mechanic, paying his way by collecting beer glasses in pubs, to the young racer at the start of his first race and the buzz he’s been chasing ever since. This thrilling autobiography is an intense and dramatic ride.

Pros:

Incomparable character

Riveting read

Bizarre tales

Con:

Not everybody loves him

Pros:

Unique insight

Premium features

Engaging tale

Con:

Not as famous/celebrated as some.