The Harley-Davidson Reader

by Michael Dregni (Editor)

Harley-Davidson motorcycles are the grandest name in American motorcycling, and represent the freedom of the open road, a life of rebellion, and a heritage of craftsmanship for over 100 years. In this collection, the biggest and best writings, old and new, are assembled on Harley-Davidson and their unique mystique by writers and personalities that are part of the legend, from Hunter S. Thompson to Sonny Barger, Evel Knievel to Arlen Ness, and more. Punctuated with classic images-from vintage motorcycling photos to racing and walls of death posters to pictures from biker LPs and novels-these are the stories that have helped define the Harley-Davidson myth. The tales of the company's birth, the rise of the biker outlaw legend, and the modern-day revival of choppers, bobbers, and retro rides are all told by the best-loved sages of biker lore. With sidebars on biker movies, biker literature, and much more, this book chronicles the Motor Company's long ride into modern-day legend.

348 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2006

Reviews

[Georgia Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of bikes here. New and old. The problem is a picture has no feel or smell. And if you ever rode one, you know that's why we ride. Not to park it for show. Wheels belong on the road, spinning and roaring, pulling that machine you hug like a horse that smells of leather in the wind.

Yes, the wind is what I missed most on these pages. Turning them fast didn't come close, not at all, to the smack you get that shakes your brain free from lists of things to do at work or home or five years from now. When you are riding, lists don't enter your mind. Songs do. They thump. And poems come, too, to some of us.

For the closest thing to a ride, this book is a start. There are words, besides pictures, past and present. Just no scents of London curry houses or roar when you ride out with no one on the road ahead or a hundred others behind who quake the earth with speed.

[Cody · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great collection of stories about Harleys. If you like bikes, you'll like this book.

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shopping for a Harley can be a difficult task. The company and the bikes are full of vitality, history, and engineering. But so many choices! I decided to go upstream, and get a better feel for the ride Harley Davidson has taken through history. The spills and the chills are in this book, and with every article, I got more excited about the bike. I finally picked a "bobber" style for my bike (2013 Fat Bob) after the influence of this book. The cut back look of the bobber is presented in these historic pictures, and every time I ride, I mentally join up with those bikers in the 30's, looking for adventure.

Loved the book.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was good