Author Basem Wasef

What do James Dean, Kenny Roberts, Rollie Free, Elvis Presley, Freddie Spencer, T.E. Lawrence, John Britten, Von Dutch and Evel Knievel, among others, have in common? They all rode motorcycles of some form or another. These motorcycles also made enough of an impact on the global motorcycle scene to be included in a new hardcover ‘Coffee Table’ reference book.

Legendary Motorcycles begins with a foreword by Jay Leno, followed by an introduction from accomplished writer, photographer and producer, Basem Wasef and moves immediately into 26 compelling chapters, each one highlighting the actual famous motorcycle from history. One hundred and seventy six pages combine over 200 period and current photographs of the featured motorcycles and the people who helped make them famous. The author took numerous photos during his travels across the US while researching many of the entries in the book.

Learn about the trials and tribulations of New Zealander Burt Munro, owner of the ‘The World’s Fastest Indian’, and his many travels to Bonneville, the last of which he raced at the age of 71.

Or learn more about Steve McQueen and the many styles of bikes he rode. Do you know which of the over 200 motorcycles he had in his collection was the one he preferred to escape his movie star persona? You might be surprised by the answer.

Find out about Mike ‘The Bike’ Hailwood’s 1978 racing comeback at the Isle of Man, racing an 883 cc Ducati in front of the largest crowd ever assembled at the famed Isle of Man TT. These are just a few of the interesting facts you’ll learn in Legendary Motorcycles.

I highly recommend Legendary Motorcycles; it’s easy to read with outstanding photos that’s a must if you are a motorcycle enthusiast, and as a bonus you will learn the history behind some of the most famous bikes and people that the motorcycle culture has to offer.

Legendary Motorcycles, ISBN-13: 978-0-7603-3070-8 sells for $41.95 but the Chapters on-line price is $27.68 at www.chapters.indigo.ca.