The Fastest Motorcycles On Earth

This book traces the history of attempts to build the fastest motorcycles in the world. It explores the limits of power, aerodynamics, mechanical reliability, and traction, raising the bar of maximum speed for a motorcycle.

Author Tom Murphy leads a historic tour of this exciting sport and introduces us to the top names and many others who built or drove record bikes. He shows us the innovative hardware created by both backyard mechanics and heavily funded factory teams. And, he describes the number one enemy of speed, air drag, and how speed-hungry racers have dealt with it over the years. He even breaks down the costs to field a competitive machine--the results may shock you.

It's all here, with dozens of rare archive pictures showing the people and machines that have set the world records and made history striving to be the fastest motorcycle on earth.