Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

By Robert M Pirsig

So who has read this book and what was it like as I have just got hold of an electronic copy. I don’t feel like reading way into it only to find out it is rubbish.

ZandTAoMM

Its worth reading.

A classic book, Dave, a book a true Triumph man would understand. Has to do with going your own way and realizing there is a lot more to this life than walmarts, burgerkings, living vicarously through action movies and many other needless things. Read it and it will give you insight and rejuvinate your attitude about many of the things that are truley worthwhile. It is about the journey and not the destination. Dennis B...

Read it every few years. Look at the preface. He states that the book is not really about Zen, and has very little to do with motorcycle maintenance. And that's what makes it brillant. "And what is good, Pharedus. Do we really need others to tell us these things?"

Started reading it earlier in the year and lost interest about 1/2 way through...

I bought a used copy on Cape Cod this summer, but never read it. My wife read it when she was in college and ever since she wanted to learn to ride. So, for her 40th birthday this year, I sent her to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation classes and bought her a brand new Vulcan 500.
I will be reading it later this year.
BTW:
Any Aussie or New Zealanders who want to let me borrow their bikes in June, I'd appreciate it! I am traveling there to do a book signing tour (I am a kid's book author and illustrator).

Read it 5 years ago, a classic. The first part easier, then it gets harder, not an easy read, but a slow read that makes you think. Go for it, if only the first few chapters.

Right on. The second half of the book is where you have to think-but it's worth it. Seems like a skill that's woefully lacking in today's society.

Read it about once every three years to see what's new. The motorcycle is the physical platform, the search for one's own meaning is the metaphysical. There is a companion to it (forget the name, but it provides much background, the actual trip route, and other information. If you go to "Amazon" and hit the "If you enjoyed reading..." button, I'm sure it will come up.)

Lila is not as good a read.

Enjoy the trip!

Wow what a flashback. I read it about 30 years ago. Great read as I remember. Now you got me thinking about reading it again will have to check out amazon see it its available.
Peace

Dave, it's a wonderful read and one of the few books I took when I moved to SC. I try to re-read it regularly.
SteveB

I read it in 1986, not because I was into motorcycles, but because I was into Zen (literally, I was in an eastern philosophy class at Montana State). I suppose I should reread it with my now vastly different perspective.

Cool, i picked this book up at the local refuse site while I was dumping some rubbish. It's been sitting in my car boot for a month. I'll give it a go

loving this book...