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BIKES: Superbikes Of The Seventies
Review of the book, Superbikes Of The Seventies.
Nolan Woodbury  | http://www.vintagemotorcyclesonline.com  |  Posted February 07, 2012   Charlotte, NC
Superbikes Of The Seventies
It was a decade like no other. Spurred by the release of the Honda CB 750 Four, the seventies witnessed an explosion of technology, style and speed that will never be repeated. Motivated by this radically competitive landscape every manufacturer large or small contributed; releasing at least one (or more) unforgettable and now-collectible superbike model. Dismissed as a low-point for fashion, film, art and automobile design, motorcycling's modern age began and flourished in the 1970s.

Compiled, researched and written by veteran moto-journalist Roland Brown, Superbikes of the Seventies chronologically lists the motorcycles from this amazing era. More than qualified, Brown's historical knowledge, writing skill and abilities as a test rider give the reader a 'behind the bars' impression of each. Kicking off with a series of period adverts, two-page portraits and the author's acknowledgments and introduction, Brown demonstrates the advancements of the decade by starting with the Honda and concluding with Kawasaki's liquid-cooled, six-cylinder, 1300cc mega-tourer of 1979. Unlike other compilation titles, Brown's Superbikes fits thirty-four featured motorcycles into 191 full color pages; an average of nearly six-pages per machine. Represented are Japan's Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki and Yamaha, Italy's MV Agusta, Magni, Moto Guzzi, Ducati, Bimota, Benelli, Moto Morini and Laverda. England is represented by Triumph and Norton, Germany contributes two BMWs and Harley one: the iconic XLCR cafe' racer. Each motorcycle is featured in still, action and detail photography, with Brown doing most of the work. A full specification chart is included for each.

Superbikes Of The Seventies
Eleven inches tall and twenty inches wide when open, Superbikes of the Seventies is printed on heavy stock. Fitting its intended role as a coffee table keepsake, a glossy dustcover fits the book's hardshell exterior. Known for producing high quality motorsports titles, Superbikes is published by David Bull and is durable enough to sustain a lifetime of use. Brown's photography is sharp and well composed, as are the action shots submitted by his contributors. Adding depth to the text are photo captions, factory brochures and snippets from period road tests, but the theme of the book is shaped by the author's historical findings, at speed observations (both positive and negative) and personal experiences.

Praised for its content when released in 2002, the book failed to meet sales expectations. Some believe the low-interest was due to a misconception that many of the featured motorcycles were not available in the USA. The facts indicate otherwise however, with every machine in this volume -save for the Moto Guzzi 750 S3- available for purchase in the United States, including the special order Magni/MV and Bimota SB2. There's no question the book benefits greatly from this widespread diversity.

Interestingly, when one considers the ever growing interest and collectable nature of superbikes from this period, Superbikes of the Seventies might possibly be more valuable to collectors and enthusiasts now than it was when first published. Time hasn't changed the accuracy of Brown's text, which like the machines from motorcycling's Golden Age, are timeless. Highly recommended. Nolan Woodbury

Superbikes of the Seventies
Hardcover: 192 pages
Language: English
ISBN-10: 189361817X
ISBN-13: 978-1893618176
Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 9.3 x 0.8 inches
Order from: David Bull (800) 831-1758
http://www.bullpublishing.com/shop/item.asp?itemid=29&catid=
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Nolan Woodbury

vintagemotorcyclesonline.com

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