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A Short History of the Motorcycle
It's cold, wet and dangerous, so why do we do it?
Richard Hammond's A SHORT HISTORY OF THE MOTORCYCLE attempts to explain what it is about bikes and biking that calls to some people, leaving them powerless to resist.
This entertaining guide charts the history of the bike from its origins as a cheap and modest means of transport for the masses to its modern a terrifying symbol of rebellion and menace, a high-tech racing machine and the rich kid's plaything. We look at the bikes that have propelled people across the world to work, to school and to their doom.
As for the bikers ... Edwardian ladies did it, though not in large numbers. Young bucks desperate to prove their manhood did it, because it was the cheapest speed available. Hammond examines bikers of every type, from the happy farmer trundling through fields on their Honda Cub to the Hell's Angel terrorising Californian towns on their hog.
Wittily written and lavishly illustrated, A SHORT HISTORY OF THE MOTORCYCLE is a thrilling ride for bikers and non-bikers alike.
Richard Hammond's A SHORT HISTORY OF THE MOTORCYCLE attempts to explain what it is about bikes and biking that calls to some people, leaving them powerless to resist.
This entertaining guide charts the history of the bike from its origins as a cheap and modest means of transport for the masses to its modern a terrifying symbol of rebellion and menace, a high-tech racing machine and the rich kid's plaything. We look at the bikes that have propelled people across the world to work, to school and to their doom.
As for the bikers ... Edwardian ladies did it, though not in large numbers. Young bucks desperate to prove their manhood did it, because it was the cheapest speed available. Hammond examines bikers of every type, from the happy farmer trundling through fields on their Honda Cub to the Hell's Angel terrorising Californian towns on their hog.
Wittily written and lavishly illustrated, A SHORT HISTORY OF THE MOTORCYCLE is a thrilling ride for bikers and non-bikers alike.
- GenresNonfiction
192 pages, Hardcover
Published May 2, 2017
19 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Richard Hammond
40 books208 followersRichard Hammond is a British TV presenter, most noted for co-hosting car programme Top Gear alongside Jeremy Clarkson and James May, as well as presenting Brainiac: Science Abuse on Sky1, Should I Worry About...? on BBC One and Total Wipeout, also on BBC One and Richard Hammonds Blast Lab on CBBC. He has also presented several one-off specials such as ITV's The Gunpowder Plot: Exploding The Legend and the annual Crufts awards.
In 2006, Hammond suffered a life-threatening crash at speeds of over 280mph in a jet engine powered dragster racing car. He recovered months later and continued his presenting work.
In 2006, Hammond suffered a life-threatening crash at speeds of over 280mph in a jet engine powered dragster racing car. He recovered months later and continued his presenting work.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 20, 2022
Chanced across this book and my first thought was Richard Hammond writing a book? And a book about motorcycles at that (always thought he was more into cars and crashing them, than motorcycles).
But boy was I glad I picked this one up. As a self professed bike lover and rider, I had always been interested in everything about motorcycles. But sadly, motorcycles just does not seem to translate well to books and literature. They are either too technical, philosophical or just downright boring.
The book manages to tread that line well, without getting too technical, yet spread with interesting nuggets of information on the history of motorcycles and how this 2 wheel contraption manages to invoke a brotherhood and passionate following of its own. From its humble beginnings as natural extension of the bicycle in the 19th century to the golden age in the 1980s with the Japanese reigning supreme with quality and cheap bikes. The topics covered should appeal and resonate with any biker worth their salt.
This book has managed to capture that intangible and illusive passion for bikes and translate it to something that is easily accessible and truly enjoyable. I think I have finally found a book that speaks to me on why I enjoy bikes so much.
A big shout out to you, thanks Richard!
But boy was I glad I picked this one up. As a self professed bike lover and rider, I had always been interested in everything about motorcycles. But sadly, motorcycles just does not seem to translate well to books and literature. They are either too technical, philosophical or just downright boring.
The book manages to tread that line well, without getting too technical, yet spread with interesting nuggets of information on the history of motorcycles and how this 2 wheel contraption manages to invoke a brotherhood and passionate following of its own. From its humble beginnings as natural extension of the bicycle in the 19th century to the golden age in the 1980s with the Japanese reigning supreme with quality and cheap bikes. The topics covered should appeal and resonate with any biker worth their salt.
This book has managed to capture that intangible and illusive passion for bikes and translate it to something that is easily accessible and truly enjoyable. I think I have finally found a book that speaks to me on why I enjoy bikes so much.
A big shout out to you, thanks Richard!
October 5, 2020
Purchase A Short History of the Motorcycle here for just $10!
Really excellent overview of the history of motorbikes – I found it a good jumping-off point to go find other resources. I read this on public transport and it was fun having motorbike enthusiasts approach me and have a chat. Highly recommend.
Greer - The Book Grocer
Really excellent overview of the history of motorbikes – I found it a good jumping-off point to go find other resources. I read this on public transport and it was fun having motorbike enthusiasts approach me and have a chat. Highly recommend.
Greer - The Book Grocer
April 1, 2023
This is a quick, fun, and easy read. In a very conversational tone Hammond takes the reader through his observations and life different aspects and history of the motorcycle. Although it can be read by riders and non-riders alike, I think that motorcyclists might more vibrancy in his work. As I said, it is a fun read.
January 29, 2026
Buy it, read it. it’s good!
We all know Mr H. But who knew he could write funny. Well he can, and it’s good.
If the first bit about the history of motorcycles is not your cup of tea. Scroll to when the Japanese turned up and destroyed the British bike industry. And read to the end. Nice one Richard. Love the bit on Wayne Gardner.
We all know Mr H. But who knew he could write funny. Well he can, and it’s good.
If the first bit about the history of motorcycles is not your cup of tea. Scroll to when the Japanese turned up and destroyed the British bike industry. And read to the end. Nice one Richard. Love the bit on Wayne Gardner.
September 24, 2022
Формально я ее не читал, но всю пролистал. Просто тема не совсем моя. Много классных фото, но мало современных моделей. Акценты сделаны на моделях юности автора. Зато текст интересный и его много. Есть личные истории и вообще впечатление, что читаешь Топ гир.
March 27, 2024
Ever since I admitted to myself how much I adore this man, I've hardly been able to read anything else, due to my intense cravings for his written word.
He uses some delicious, evocative, often sexy metaphors. His narration is delightful and undeniably hilarious. I love him.
He uses some delicious, evocative, often sexy metaphors. His narration is delightful and undeniably hilarious. I love him.
August 19, 2018
Just a cool book about bikes, with some funny quips sprinkled through it for good measure.
September 28, 2023
I don't understand the book, but the author is lovely 🫶🏻
June 5, 2024
A nice fun easy read
January 30, 2025
I love Richard Hammond and motorcycles. I will be on two wheels soon.
January 11, 2026
When I read this book I could hear Hammond in the back of my head
February 6, 2017
I've never ridden on a motorcycle in my life, and quite honestly I never would have picked up this book if it hadn't been written by Richard Hammond, but I was quite entertained by it nonetheless. He writes in his usually style of cheeky erudition; it's clear how much he knows and loves the subject matter, and the photos of both classic and current bikes are fantastic. Being from southeastern Wisconsin, though, I wish he'd given more than a few passing comments about Harley-Davidson. And he doesn't mention the Sturgis rally at all; but he's British, so I'll cut him a little bit of slack on that one.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews