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Mick Doohan - The Thunder From Down Under by Mat Oxley The nearest we will get to an autobiography of the man who dominated GPs in the 1990s, considered by many to be the greatest motorcycle racer ever (at least until Rossi's domination in the following decade). This is a well-written book by journalist and racer Mat Oxley, and goes some way to describing the ups and downs of Mick's career, his attitude to racing, and gets behind the mask of the man who won five consecutive World Championships on the Honda NSR500. US Dollars / UK Pounds |
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Valentino Rossi - Moto Genius by Mat Oxley was originally published in the summer of 2002. The second edition was updated to tell the story of the 2002 and 2003 MotoGP seasons, adding to what was already an excellent account of the rise of arguably the greatest GP motorcycle racer ever.
The last time I checked (April 04) Amazon UK were offering an impressive 30% discount on this title. Click the Amazon links to take a look: US Dollars or UK Pounds. |
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The 500cc World Champions by Michael Scott. This 160-page volume chronicles the greatest riders in the 500cc class, from the early days before the World Championship was founded in 1949, right through to the 2001 title winner. Heroes from the past such as Stanley Woods and Jimmy Guthrie, Giacomo Agostini, Geoff Duke, John Surtees and Mike Hailwood as well as those from the modern era. |
Honda VF and VFR Interceptor by Clement Salvadori Veteran journalist Salvadori traces the history of the legendary VFR, from its roots in the V45 and V64 Magna, through the troublesome times of the VF750 to the VFR models that have consistently won awards and the hearts of riders all over the world. Published by White Horse Press, the softback book (21 x 25cm or 8¼ x 9in) is available via Amazon in US Dollars or UK Pounds. |
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The Magic of the TT by Mac McDiarmid 2004 saw a new volume devoted to the story of the TT, and who better to write about the magic of this island than Mac McDiarmid? The author of Joey Dunlop's biography and the annual Island Racer is an Isle of Man resident and has attended every TT since 1976. An updated version was published by Haynes in 2007. The 2007 book is available at Amazon both in UK and USA. |
VFR700 and VFR750 Haynes manual (1986-1997): US Dollars / UK Pounds |
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The Clymer manual for the VFR700 & VFR750 is also available. US Dollars / UK Pounds | |
VFR800 Haynes manual: US Dollars / UK Pounds |
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VFR400 (NC30) and RVF400 (NC35) Haynes manual: UK Pounds |
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ST1100 Pan European Haynes manual (1990-2001): US Dollars / UK Pounds |
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CBR900RR Fireblade Haynes manual for CBR900RR (1993-1998): US Dollars / UK Pounds Haynes 'Great bikes' series - The Fireblade: US Dollars / UK Pounds Clymer Manual for CBR900RR (1993-1998): US Dollars / UK Pounds The 1999 model Fireblade was virtually identical to the 1998 model, so it can be safely assumed the manuals cover this model (CBR900RR-X) too. | |
VFR800 VTEC Haynes manual (2002-2009): UK Pounds / UK Pounds |
Valentino Rossi - Moto GP Trail Of Glory
A video to complement the 'Moto Genius' book discussed further up the page, Duke Video have released this story of Rossi's rise to fame. Available from Amazon UK in DVD or VHS (PAL format) |
V-Four Victory, from 1983, is the most revered, and features Joey Dunlop on his RS850, including his F1 victory at the Ulster GP and footage from the Isle of Man. It was the beginning of the V4 domination of the TT. Joey blew them all away, setting new lap and race records. It also records the first even 100mph+ lap with a camera on board, accompanied by Joey's laid back description.
It has recently been released on DVD with The Road Racers, and is still available on VHS video. The Road Racers includes spectacular riders-eye-view of racing on roads barely wide-enough to take a car, and a behind the scenes look into the lives of road racing legends Frank Kennedy, Mervyn Robinson and Joey Dunlop. Irish Bike said this about the videos: "The Road Racers portrays Irish road racing in its purest form and director David Wallace captures the essence of road racing at the time to perfection. The film has a very nostalgic feel, especially when compared to the commercialised world of road racing that exists today. DVD reviewWe now have a copy of this DVD. The Road Racers is an intimate documentary of young men who just want to race. The roads are obviously dangerous, but racing is in the blood. Over time it has become a valuable slice of racing history, not least for recording the racing exploits of a young Joey Dunlop.V-Four Victory combines Joey's 1983 Formula 1 world championship victory, showing his clear superiority on damp country roads, with the on-bike footage from the Isle of Man. This makes for a breathtaking view around the Island circuit. You don't have to be a Dunlop fan to enjoy these two films, but if you are they would be compulsory viewing. You can use these links to Amazon UK to order the DVD and the VHS video (PAL format). The DVD is also available from Amazon USA. |
On-Bike TT 2 features Allan 'Grandad' Warner on an RC30, and master of the 37-mile course TT Steve Hislop lapping at over 122mph on the RC45.
Having obtained a copy, I can agree with the cover quote, that it is " The only video I've ever watched that genuinely gave me that 'oh-me-gawd-I've-overcooked-this-one' feeling in the pit of my stomach." Steve Hislop's lap is mind-blowing (he rides it like a short circuit scratcher), while Grandad's slightly less frantic lap aboard an RC30 allows you to recognise a few bits of scenery and appreciate the sound of the V4. There is a 600cc supersport ride and Mick Boddice's sidecar too, adding up to 80mins of on-board action. Details of all the on-bike videos can be found under 'Bikes' on the Duke Video website, while you can order a copy from Amazon UK. |
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One Man's Island is a documentary tracing one man's lifetime dream, to enter the 2002 TT. It features on-board footage as well as scenes away from the circuit. It is available directly from www.onemansisland.com, where you can also read his chronicle published in Motorcyclist magazine.
We have our own review of this fascinating story on this page. |
TT - A Film Documentary features footage and Radio TT broadcasts from the 2003 Isle of Man TT. According to producers Duke Video, "This is the closest you’ll get to the unmistakable experience of a TT fortnight without crossing 70 miles of Irish Sea.". Naturally it shows the racing, but tries to capture why many racers and fans make the effort to travel there year after year.
The footage of riders tackling the world's most demanding circuit alternates with clips of island life, the party atmosphere and interviews. It gives an accurate taste of what it's like to be there, though of course comes nowhere near replicating what it's like at the bottom of Bray Hill during a race! If you want to know what it's really like you have to go. And most people won't stop at going once. Update late 2005: the documentary has won the Audience web award and received an Honourable Mention at the Sports Movies and TV Festival in Milan, which attracted 900 entries. Duke Video produce both PAL and NTSC formats. The PAL version is available through Amazon UK. |