The Upper Half of the Motorcycle: On the Unity of Rider and Machine

by Bernt Spiegel

Due to the popularity of Bernt Spiegel's The Upper Half of the Motorcycle in its original German, leading to multiple editions and printings, the book has been translated into English to bring its provocative message to a wider audience. Spiegel's metaphor considers the rider and the motorcycle as a single unit, the rider being the upper half. Taking a multidisciplinary approach, Spiegel draws on anthropology, psychology, biology, physics, and other disciplines to analyze the theory and function of the man-machine unit. Motorcycle riding is seen as a serendipitous junction where people have created machines for personal transport and then become so adept at using them that the machine becomes like an artificial limb -- part of the rider himself. The ultimate goal for riders is the integration of the man-machine interface and skill development to the point of virtuosity. Spiegel considers the various aspects of motorcycle riding that must be understood, practiced, and mastered before virtuosity can be attained. Many anecdotes, supplementary material, and in-depth treatment of specialized topics is contained in sidebars and footnotes. Numerous diagrams and photographs illustrate the book's principles.

Genres: Motorcycling, Nonfiction, Motorcycle, German Literature

160 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1998

Reviews

[Salome Zimt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ich bin sehr begeistert von diesem Buch, obwohl es meine Erwartungen zunächst nicht traf. Man erfährt so viel über den Fahrer als Menschen, wie er reagiert und tickt. Wer wirklich verstehen will, warum man sich ich bestimmten Situationen so verhält wie man es eben tut und was mach dagegen tun kann ist hier gut mit bedient. Wen das warum nicht interessiert sollte vielleicht doch zu einem anderen Buch greifen. In einem Buch wie diesem habe ich nicht erwartet so viel über mich selbst zu lernen und gleichzeitig Tipps an die Hand zu bekommen.

[Mollie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super Buch, viel Fahrerpsychologie und anfangs auch zum Aufbau des Gehirns aber schließlich auch Tipps, wie man aus gefährlichen Situationen herauskommt. Eher zum Nachschlagen als zum einmal komplett lesen geeignet

[Marco · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first part of the book is mostly theory, sometimes too extensive. In the end a very helpful and practical book, by which i was able to improve my driving skills significantly!

[Marc · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is generally a good work, with lots of technical advice for dedicated motorcycle riders. It's not just for the racing crowd but you do have to be more than Sunny Sunday Saddle Rider. People that ride seriously, and recycle their road experiences into reflections on good practices will find value in the book. But that said, it's a tough read mostly throughout. The author is an serious rider and academic: psychology (and the human/machine interface). So be prepared to ponder and scratch your head more than once. It's really a book to put on your motorcycle library shelf (mine has a lot of works that have nothing to do with carburation, or valve timing etc.). It's a book that you can (and should) go back to as a reference, often.

[C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unique body of knowledge presented systematically. The rare perspective on motorcycle operation is a value to new riders and seasoned riders alike. New riders will greatly benefit from the conceptual explanations and emphasis on smart skill development techniques. The translation from original German is excellent. The beginning labors to lay a proper foundation and drags a bit, but the content deeper within is worth powering through.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last book I read that was as intriguing and intellectually provocative as this one was Douglas Hofstadter's great "Godel Escher Bach" and I suspect if you're the type of reader who didn't really "get" G.E.B. you probably won't like this book either.

The rest of you, read on. :)

[see the rest on my book review site.]

[Carlosfelipe Pardo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book that describes every aspect of perception and psychology related to motorcycles.

[Kathy Labadorf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely fascinating study of the amazing human mind. Written by as anthropotechnologist (yes, they have those in Germany), Spiegel digs deep into human evolution, the plasticity of the brain, and the beauty that can result in the union of (wo)man and an incredible machine. It's really deep into mindfulness and the joy that comes from the union of human mind with a talented partner (in this case a motorcycle but it applies to many -- horses, bicycles, musical instruments, etc.) Lots of great advice for motorcyclists for getting into flow while riding.

[Peter Swanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a tremendous book, for the right reader. It's about connecting the brain of the rider to the contact patches of the bike's tires. Besides being a motorcyclist, the author is a behavioral psychologist, so his style of writing is toward the academic side. I took enough psychology classes in college to qualify for a Psych minor, and I had to read almost every paragraph at least twice. There is a tremendous amount of good information packed into these 188 pages, if the reader is willing to excavate it.

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best motorcycling book ever.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential reading for the bookish motorcyclist.