Customer Reviews

Total Control: High Performance Street Riding Techniques

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I should have guessed from the title of the book and the images on the cover, but this book was a little more biased 'race bike' technique and bike setup for the track rather than techniques that are useful to riders who never venture to the track. From the books summary and other reader reviews I thought that the techniques shown would be equally applicable to the street and and would assist rider safety for day to day riding.... but on reading it I was wrong.

There are sections of the book that cover street riding but for me at least the bias toward 'racing techniques' is not what I was really looking for. A book teaching advanced riding techniques it is not but if your a racer who wants to try out racing techniques on the track and also apply these to the street then this maybe the book for you. For me alas it is not what I was expecting.

This is certainly a book that does what it's says on the cover... racing street riding techniques, but is certainly not a source for advanced safety riding techniques for the street.

I've been riding motorcycle since 1975 and am a licensed road racer, so I knew a couple of things about riding when I bought this book. I expected to learn something, but no more than I learned from other riding technique books. My expectations were way too low. Simply put, this book changed my riding life. No other book contains practical exercises like the ones in "Total Control." Practicing these safe and simple exercises took my riding to a new level. No longer am I fighting my bike in the tight, technical stuff. Now it just does what I want it to. Forget spending $1000s on your suspension and engine--if you want to perform better, buy this book instead.

This is a good book to read and understand if you have any interest in becoming a better rider. Whether you strive to push yourself harder and lean further or you just want to feel safer through understanding, you'll find answers here. This is worth a scan or read every season just to refresh.

It's hard not to sound foolish with superlatives about this book, but all the customer reviews here are absolutely right.
I try to read everything about motorcycles I can get my hands on, and have been riding on and off for over 30 years.
This book is for the real-world rider, sportbike or cruiser, and it will surprise you even if you think you know-it-all. It has a wealth of good ideas which will change the way you ride forever. Time and money well spent.
I can't wait for the snow to melt to try it all out.

This book has two sections that are excellent , the slow speed turns and proper high speed cornering. You will pay hundred's at the track to learn what is taught in this book. A must read before you go to the track for the first time. Well done. Thankyou :) :)

good technical book not to arid to understand. More usefull for sport bike rider than cruiser rider. The book is a bit old, (2003) pictures should be revised. The author knows what he is talking about. You will learn tricks to be a better rider reading this book. worth the price paid ! Janus !

I read this book 2 years ago,
I was prepping for a few track days and found it very helpful, some interesting hints and advices, although mostly for modern bikes.
It is a great read, and enjoyable and will always give you a surprise (like speed shifting :)).

If you do well by reading and learning, This is a must read!!!
If you are considering a sports bike, buy this before you spend the thousands of dollars. I have read Park's, Total Control and Hough's More proficient motorcycle riding. Park's book is more geared to the proper mechanics of riding. Hough's book addresses the crap to look out for on the road.
The BIG difference is the examples he uses to further explain the process. They are with out a doubt some of the best examples I have seen for teaching a sports related process.
He goes into proper bike set up. He adresses saftey gear, Suspension set up, traction,steering, and probably the biggest gorilla Fear. Let's face it Motorcycling is about the thrill of carving a turn. Managing that so it remains a thrill and not down right scary is the goal for me. Mr Park's really hit a homerun with his Mental Dynamics section.
Enjoy your copy cause I'm not loaning mine out!

I had looked at numerous books for a new driver, me, at 48 years old and just starting to ride, I didn't want to learn how to race, just drive safely and confidently. Most of the books I looked at were targeted to the racer, not this one.
The writing style, content and information is top notch, the first time riding after reading half the book I could relate to the information and felt more confidence, (not 100% but it'll come:-)). Would definetly recommend this book for a new or even an experienced driver....Mike

To be frank when I saw the title "Total Control" my first thought was "what an ego this guy has." But as an avid reader of Motorcycle Consumer News and skills books in general I decided to taken the plunge.

Am I glad I did. The book is a very entertaining read filled with clear descriptions and advice on how to improve one's riding skills. "Total Control" covers all the aspects of machine and rider dynamics in a clear, concise style. Unique to this book are its drills the reader can try in an appropriate location.

For reference, I have read everything Code, Hough, Ienatsch and Roberts have published. All are very good texts with their own point of view. In my view "Total Control" is one of the better values for street riders.

If you are serious about your riding I would highly recommend adding this book to your library.