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Total Control: High Performance Street Riding Techniques
Today's super high-performance bikes are the most potent vehicles ever sold to the public and they demand advanced riding skills. This is the perfect book for riders who want to take their street riding skills to a higher level. Total Control explains the ins and outs of high-performance street riding. Lee Parks, one of the most accomplished riders, racers, authors and instructors in the world, helps riders master the awe-inspiring performance potential of modern motorcycles.This book gives riders everything they need to develop the techniques and survival skills necessary to become a proficient, accomplished, and safer street rider. High quality photos, detailed instructions, and professional diagrams highlight the intricacies and proper techniques of street riding. Readers will come away with a better understanding of everything from braking and cornering to proper throttle control, resulting in a more exciting yet safer ride.
160 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
September 7, 2020
Without a doubt, the best of the motorcycle instructional books I have read so far, by a considerable margin. The technical description of steering action, mechanics, and geometry are clear, sufficiently detailed, and as far as I (not an expert) can tell, correct! There's a lot of noise around counter-steering out there, but there's none of that here.
My only quibble, and this may be a misinterpretation of the text, is on page 31 of the edition I have where Mr. Parks says:
which seems to imply that bicycle steering mechanics are different from motorcycle steering mechanics. I am not an expert, but I am convinced the physics is the same for all "tandem multi-wheeled vehicles". You counter-steer a bicycle at speed just as you do a motorcycle.
My only quibble, and this may be a misinterpretation of the text, is on page 31 of the edition I have where Mr. Parks says:
At these low speeds the motorcycle rides like a bicycle, and you simply point the front tire in the direction you want to go.
which seems to imply that bicycle steering mechanics are different from motorcycle steering mechanics. I am not an expert, but I am convinced the physics is the same for all "tandem multi-wheeled vehicles". You counter-steer a bicycle at speed just as you do a motorcycle.
November 2, 2015
A Book About Living Life Well For all of us and Motorcycling
This amazing book provides deep insights into life itself and explains motorcycling as a focus of those principles. Non-motorcyclists and motorcyclists alike can gain deep insights into themselves by just reading the non-technical chapters on fear and confidence, to name a few. Motorcyclists in all aspects of the sport benefit by acquiring deeper understanding of the unique mechanical processes and odd physics that come into play when a motorcycle starts to move and how to integrate with them. This is the best book I have ever read on the two main components of motorcycling, the person and the machine, and it's not just a capsule of knowledge, it's a springboard for going further into philosophy and physical skills. I am a highly-experienced motorcyclist and I learned more in these pages than in 30 other good books on the topic.
This amazing book provides deep insights into life itself and explains motorcycling as a focus of those principles. Non-motorcyclists and motorcyclists alike can gain deep insights into themselves by just reading the non-technical chapters on fear and confidence, to name a few. Motorcyclists in all aspects of the sport benefit by acquiring deeper understanding of the unique mechanical processes and odd physics that come into play when a motorcycle starts to move and how to integrate with them. This is the best book I have ever read on the two main components of motorcycling, the person and the machine, and it's not just a capsule of knowledge, it's a springboard for going further into philosophy and physical skills. I am a highly-experienced motorcyclist and I learned more in these pages than in 30 other good books on the topic.
January 7, 2018
Wish I would have read this 26 years ago
I loved this book, read it in a couple days, and digested each section by going out and practicing each chapter. Whether riding or checking my set up, thank you for writing this book!
I loved this book, read it in a couple days, and digested each section by going out and practicing each chapter. Whether riding or checking my set up, thank you for writing this book!
April 3, 2019
This book was just brilliant. Engaging from the beginning to the end. If you're serious about riding a motorcycle properly, perhaps even embarking on the odd track day then this is definitely one to have on your shelf. Alongside the other classics like the Twist of the Wrist series, the Nick Ienatsch book (Sports Riding Techniques) amongst others. There's a lot of similarity you'll find in the literature but everyone eventually develops their own twist which works for them and their particular bike(s) of choice.
The only sticking point for me was the chapter dedicated to fitness. I found it generally a bit hit and miss since I didn't agree with some of the points raised - suggesting that one set of chosen exercises performed regularly without variation is the ideal for most people. I'd say that would benefit you in the short to medium term at most.
Otherwise, truly a fantastic, enlightening read that will improve your motorcycling no end.
The only sticking point for me was the chapter dedicated to fitness. I found it generally a bit hit and miss since I didn't agree with some of the points raised - suggesting that one set of chosen exercises performed regularly without variation is the ideal for most people. I'd say that would benefit you in the short to medium term at most.
Otherwise, truly a fantastic, enlightening read that will improve your motorcycling no end.
October 4, 2007
Lee Parks does an exceptional job of describing the sometimes complex factors in motorcycle handling in a way that anyone can comprehend.
Total Control is broken down into chapters on various subjects: Physics, Traction, Braking, Slow Speed Handling, Riding with a passenger, etc. Each section has a few well explained drills that can be set up in a parking lot and used to improve particular skills. Excellent color photographs and diagrams complement the well written text.
Park's book would be beneficial to any motorcyclist looking to improve their skills and safety on the street or the track. And all though it seems to cater more to the sport bike crowd, cruisers follow the same physics and so this book can be benecial to cruiser riders as well.
Total Control is broken down into chapters on various subjects: Physics, Traction, Braking, Slow Speed Handling, Riding with a passenger, etc. Each section has a few well explained drills that can be set up in a parking lot and used to improve particular skills. Excellent color photographs and diagrams complement the well written text.
Park's book would be beneficial to any motorcyclist looking to improve their skills and safety on the street or the track. And all though it seems to cater more to the sport bike crowd, cruisers follow the same physics and so this book can be benecial to cruiser riders as well.
April 7, 2012
If you're into riding this book offers the perfect marriage of the mental aspects of riding coupled with the physical attributes, reportedly a 90/10 split. For those of you who may be reading this but don't ride a motorcycle I urge you to follow Jim Morrison's dictum which is "Keep yer eyes on the road and yer hands upon the wheel... (soundtrack optional).
January 9, 2018
This may be a 5 star book, but I had to deduct a star for the random pictures of the authors face at the beginning of every chapter. It was strange, awkward, and I did not like it. Other than that, great book and very informative. Covers the mental side better than some of the others I’ve read. If you like people staring at you, you will enjoy it even more.
Currently reading
January 4, 2010a step beyond Houghs "Proficient Motorcycling". a friend took the author's riding clinic recently, and his tips have improved my riding immensely. i'm riding with more confidence, more cornering speed, and what fun. and i've only just started.
August 16, 2015
Excellent guide to improving your riding skills
This is one of the best instructional books out there . The drills really bring the lessons home and are worth the time spent doing them. The authors have a relaxed style but there is no nonsense either.
This is one of the best instructional books out there . The drills really bring the lessons home and are worth the time spent doing them. The authors have a relaxed style but there is no nonsense either.
June 19, 2012
Lots of good information in this book and great read for anyone who rides motorcycles. Not a replacement for Twist of the Wrist 1/2, but still has lots of good info.
June 10, 2019
A must read for safe motorcycle riding
June 13, 2019
I had ridden for nearly 30 years by the time I read this book, which coincided with riding at the Track and going to Advanced Riding clinics.
Amazing how much I learned all the way around.
Amazing how much I learned all the way around.
May 22, 2020
Great explanations of advanced techniques without becoming esoteric. I am sure I'll be returning to this book often to refresh and improve.
December 27, 2020
Good book
Some materials unnecessary for casual riders, like suspension and chassis tuning (the actual tuning chapters not the first few ones where author describes how suspension works)... otherwise good material. You can actually find most of them online here and there, but the book gives a more systemic view.
Some materials unnecessary for casual riders, like suspension and chassis tuning (the actual tuning chapters not the first few ones where author describes how suspension works)... otherwise good material. You can actually find most of them online here and there, but the book gives a more systemic view.
June 2, 2021
This book can save your life
I really appreciate the skills discussion (braking, shifting, cornering) in this book. I read this after reading
Cornering Confidence. The parts on mindset and attitude are valuable, memorable, and beautifully written. Worth reading just for that. Thank you Lee Parks.
I really appreciate the skills discussion (braking, shifting, cornering) in this book. I read this after reading
Cornering Confidence. The parts on mindset and attitude are valuable, memorable, and beautifully written. Worth reading just for that. Thank you Lee Parks.
August 22, 2021
This is a complete book on motorcycles with loads of useful information for everyone! Part of that information can be found online, but there are things that I hadn't found anywhere else, and just for that, this book is worth my time reading it! I will definitely be coming back to it more than a few times for whatever I may have forgotten or I may need in the future!
January 22, 2023
Great book on expanding your motorcycle knowledge, in-depth explanation on topics from how to turn to what to eat. Need lots of practice though, after all, these are just theory on paper. Didn't like much about the "Zen of motorcycle" tones in many chapters, feels like a mediocre self-help book. Overall a great read.
April 10, 2020
Too much text for me. Several columns per page made me start skipping pages. I think I read the 30 first pages, then I skipped a lot of the rest. I guess it’s a good, thorough, book, but I like cornering confidence much better.
May 13, 2021
Great concise book on motorcycle handling. It is partially built upon Keith Code's "Twist of the wrist", but it provides more practical advices. Some techniques should have been described better, like Trail Braking, which gets only a short page, which does not let me understand it.
November 25, 2022
A must read for a sportbike rider
It has all the need-to-know if you are a sportbike rider or want to go faster on a corner.
All you need after reading the book is just a practice to make this yours. You won't need another book.
It has all the need-to-know if you are a sportbike rider or want to go faster on a corner.
All you need after reading the book is just a practice to make this yours. You won't need another book.
June 11, 2024
A must read
This book is a must read for anybody that’s just starting or a seasoned rider. This is the best book I’ve read on bike life. He’s broken down everything you need to go to get started on this amazing journey. Let’s get it bike life first life 🏍️
This book is a must read for anybody that’s just starting or a seasoned rider. This is the best book I’ve read on bike life. He’s broken down everything you need to go to get started on this amazing journey. Let’s get it bike life first life 🏍️
December 27, 2025
Really useful techniques in this book. However, the author’s reliance on gendered stereotypes (men as riders, women as passengers) and the use of the term “round-eye” when referring to Asians were off-putting.
May 27, 2020
Lee clearly hates Buells but besides that an informative book.
July 12, 2022
This is a book I'm goin to have to reread and keep for reference. LOTS of good stuff in there, too much for my little head.
October 17, 2022
Read read read
A must for all riders to improve their skills and understanding .
Easy to understand and out into practice ,wish I could attend some of the recommended schools.
A must for all riders to improve their skills and understanding .
Easy to understand and out into practice ,wish I could attend some of the recommended schools.
December 12, 2022
Excellent book
Great information on the `Total Control` of Motorcycles. I'll use it in the spring on my Ducati. Reread one chapter at a time.
Great information on the `Total Control` of Motorcycles. I'll use it in the spring on my Ducati. Reread one chapter at a time.
April 11, 2024
Total Control
This book will outline the path to achieve, as the name suggests, total control of yourself and your motorcycle. Must Read for every motorcyclist!!
This book will outline the path to achieve, as the name suggests, total control of yourself and your motorcycle. Must Read for every motorcyclist!!
August 1, 2024
Read this book after
July 13, 2025
I learned stuff!
November 3, 2025
This book is well organized, and the information on throttle, breaking, suspension, etc is useful for a street rider as much as a racer.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews