Bonneville America Forums Forums Rider Safety Forums Riding Technique Total Control - GREAT book!

I bought "Total Control" by Lee Parks over the long cold winter and read it several times. I have been putting in tons of miles since the sun came out here in New Yawk and have been putting all the techniques to use. Especially the apex sighting and racing countersteer techniques. It is truly amazing, I can ride faster, corner faster and actualy feel like I have way better contol in the proper mindset. Even yesterday when I was out riding with my girlfriend, she commented when we stopped for a break that I was hauling butt and really cutting the corners better than she has seen me ride before. She now wants to read the book too.
It is an excellent read, has tons of useful info, even for an old experienced rider like myself. There is also a great section on setting the bike up suspension wise and how to do it all. Very good read, buy it if you can, or maybe the local lirbary has a copy?
The book starts right out explaining about fear, it's real, get used to it, use it and you will be a vastly better rider. Let it use you, then just give up and buy a car.
By the way, her Magna that "used" to be a lot faster than Speedy, got a lot slower this winter after the big bore and this book. Now she's in the rear view mirror mouthing "holy crap...."

Thanks for the review Pat - I'm going to swing by B&N on my way home!

With the Big Bore kit you can take a Magna? Is it stock or modded? A magna stock does about a 12.5 quarter. Motorcyclecruiser.com tested the America and only managed 15.17 in the quarter. Looks like that big bore is paying off!

I can't wait to see what you dyno.

I think I am going to have to look into this book. Always looking for a good read. If it is about bikes, all the better.

Looks like the kind of motorcycle book I've been looking for. Thanks for the info.

So I dropped by Barnes and Noble last night and sat down and read nearly half the book. Great info! Most of it is for sport bikes, but it translates quite well to any bike.

My only complaint was that I found the actual quality of the "writing" to be weak. Of course it's not a novel, so it's not like it detracted from the plot or something.

Thanks dinqua!!!
I bought the book. I did not know how much I didn't know about ridng. Absolutely amazing. I plan on reading this book several times. Just quickly flipping through it my ridng has improved, and I'm no beginner!

Pat,
Do you have a deal with the publisher? hehe, just kidding, got the book and have really enjoyed it. 1/3 of the way through it and it has altered my mindset when riding already! Now, if I can get that big parking lot cleared out....The improvement from the Thunderbike pipes combined with improved riding technique.....Thanks for the advice!

I totally agree Dinqua - GREAT book!

When I started riding last fall I took an extended riding/safety class so I could get off "on the good foot", but knew I had a lot more to learn. I read great reviews about "Total Control" and decided it was worth a try and I was not disappointed. I think it was worth every penny. I've re-read it a few times and am trying to practice some of the drills when I can. I feel better riding already and much more confident in turns, etc.

It makes a big difference when you know HOW & WHY things happen on a bike and what to do to ride more efficiently and safely. Then it just comes down to practice.

I think everyone could learn something from this book.

Great call, I picked up Total Control yesterday. Lots of good stuff in there. Like the book says in the forward. It's a great book for people who don't intend to race to pick up some performance riding tips. Got me thinking I may want to take his class some day.

I agree that this book has a lot to offer. I also agree with everyone who notes that you need to read it several times to catch on with his "lessons." They're good, but sometimes difficult to discern.

I guess this removes any doubt about my level of riding experiene, but I was unaware of the concept of shifting without using the clutch. I tried it this weekend and it works really well--much smoother, no awkward loss of rpm's or power. Is this something used only on the racetrack, or can the rest of us use it safely? Anyone have any concerns?