A Twist of the Wrist: Basics of High-performance Motor Cycle Riding - Volume 2: Basics of High-performance Motor Cycle Riding Vol 2

Strange logic but I would read twist 2 then go back to twist 1 and the soft science of motorbike racing last.

This allows you to go from the basics that he has defined in twist 2 then go back and built on it. The books are good but you really need to go to his school 'California superbike school' to finish the education.

I have been on a bike for many years without knowing how a bike steered, what made it handle in corners and where to look etc.

most excellent :-)


A blend of the psychology and mechanics of riding fast bikes   February 1, 2002
Tom du Pré (UK)
14 out of 15 found this review helpful

This is a fascinating book, and one everyone should read if they want to feel more in control of their 2 wheeled steed. The author examines the physics of exactly why bikes behave they way they do under different circumstances. He then advises on how the mentality of the rider can be adapted to allow control the bike by allowing the physics of the bike to sort it self out. Sounds odd, but Keith explains that in most near-crash situations, if the rider tries to do something to stop the bike crashing, he is actually more likely to make it crash. If you can't be bothered to read the book, the one point he emphasises again and again is keep rolling on that throttle. One thing that annoyed me about the book was the stupid end of chapter glossaries. Maybe some people need words like "traction" and "accelerate" explained to them, but the shouldn't be allowed near a sports bike in the first place!...


Great tips - basic language   May 28, 2001
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

I chose this book on previous reader reviews. I have nearly finished reading the book now and the advice that Kieth Code gives and the methods he tries to impose upon you are excellent. When you are reading the book you think to yourself 'Of course, how simple' and trying out his techniques has definately improved my riding, and my riding keeps on improving every time I apply his principles.

There is however a big min point with this book. The language is so basic and simple that I felt at times almost offended by its simplicity. It is almost like childs English. With all of the definitions of the words with a * by them I found it very irritating. I felt like I was back in my earlier years at high school. It is a shame because it has blighted the book as far as I am concerned.

However, everyone can learn from what Kieth Code has to say, just don't expect to be treated like an intellect! Therefore just the 4 stars instead of 5.


Excellent. A 'must' for all riders of all abilities   April 2, 2001
19 out of 21 found this review helpful

Ever wondered why your bike does what it does, when it does it and why? How do those fast riders get around corners so quickly? I used to ask all of these questions myself. And if I ever asked anybody who could ride like that how they did it, they just smiled and walked off with a 'don't you know' look on their face. When I read this book, it answered all of those questions and more. I thought I was a fast road rider, but after reading this book and more importantly, making sure I understood each aspect of what it was explaining, I became quicker, more in control, more comfortable with what the bike was doing, but more importantly, safer. I did have to slow down for a couple of months as I completely changed my riding style, but it was worth it. I recommend this book to riders at all levels.

By the way, I ride a Fireblade.