From the publishers of Motorcycle Consumer News, Shifting Gears at 50 is a one-of-a-kind motorcycling manual for returning and late-entry riders, essentially anyone 40 years old and up who's looking to hit the road on two wheels. Author Philip Buonpastore, a motorcycle journalist and retired US Air Force photographer, helps readers gear up to get back on a motorcycle (or get on one for the first time).In Part 1, "Becoming a Motorcyclist," Buonpastore discusses the basics of buying the right bike, gear, and equipment and getting the bike up to speed. The book continues with a good overview of learning to ride, the importance of taking a road course, venturing out on the first ride, and extending rides to long-distance jaunts. Throughout Part 1 are sidebars by riding- safety instructor and expert Walt Fulton, offering sound advice on safety precautions and execution for every leg of the new and returning rider's journey. The author emphasizes what older riders should be aware of and which factors can affect their rides. Adding lots of great firsthand advice are humorous and helpful stories collected by the author and related by returning riders at various ages, from their late 30s to 60s.In Part 2, Buonpastore shares five of his favorite travelogues covering his long-distance tours around the US, from the American South to the west coasts. This section is illustrated by over 100 of the author's breathtaking photographs of the various locations he toured on his bike.The foreword to the book is provided by best-selling motorcycle author David Hough (author of I-5 Press's Proficient Motorcycling and Mastering the Ride). Hough writes, "If you're getting into today's motorcycling at an age your doctor would describe as ‘middle aged' or ‘senior,' do you yourself a clever favor and read Phil's book."

Learn the foundations of shifting, discover the secrets of seamless clutch and clutchless shifting. Learn to shift the way you've always wanted: smoothly, consistently at any rpm with or without the clutch. Learn the principles of shifting. Learn the two different ways the clutch can be used to shift. Find out the three characteristics of proper throttle use to up and downshift smoothly. View pictures of a constant mesh sequential transmission and see what allows it to shift gears with or without the use of the clutch. Uncover the true capability of your motorcycle gearbox and increase your riding performance and enjoyment. Don't get a quick shifter, be a quick shifter.

"With a new introduction by the author"--Jacket.

Fix a broken chain with a shoelace! Improve shifter performance with dishwashing detergent! Inside are thousands of tips to repair and maintain any road or mountain bike. Whether it's the latest model or a classic that has thousands of miles on it, beginners or experienced riders can keep their bikes on the road longer and spend less time in the repair shop. With this ultimate repair manual: * Build a dream bike workshop with complete plans and comprehensive tool lists * Wow ride partners with tricks for fixing breakdowns with a minimum of tools * Roll wheel hoops and save time and money * Dial in suspension shocks for comfortable rides * Discover top tricks from professional mechanics * Expertly work on any style of brakes, including the V-Brake * Overhaul freewheels and cassettes for peak performance * Service clipless pedals for maximum safety What's new in the expanded and revised fourth edition? * Updated text that covers the latest models and parts * Over 160 new photos so you get repairs right the first time * Clearer, better designed captions so you can read as you repair * Troubleshooting sections to quickly identify and correct common problems * Web sites and phone numbers of bicycle and parts manufacturers * An updated glossary with the latest in bike lingo

Popular motorcycle journalist and author Mark Zimmerman brings a comfortable, conversational tone to his easy-to-understand explanations of how motorcycles work and how to maintain them and fix them when they don't. This practical tutorial covers all brands and styles of bikes, making it a perfect companion to the owner's service manual whether you need to use the step-by-step instructions for basic maintenance techniques to wrench on your bike yourself or just want to learn enough to become an informed customer at your local motorcycle service department. This book includes more than 500 color photos and a thorough index to make it an especially user-friendly reference for home motorcycle mechanics of all skill levels.

There are millions of new motorcyclists hitting the blacktop every year. But being part of the American motorcycle culture takes more than just wanting to be cool. It takes a passion for the open road, freedom, and a lifestyle that even the best financing cant buy. This book, by someone who knows motorcycles as few do, provides a road map to biker culture for anyone new to the experience. Jay Barbieri explains everything a new rider needs to know to become a real biker. He begins with a brief history of motorcycles, and draws on his twenty-five years of riding experience for examples of what works and doesn't in this heady world. Most of all, he aims to spare new bikers the bad decisions neophytes typically make. With hundreds of motorcycle trips under his belt, there is not a mistake Barbieri hasn't made or a situation he hasn't encountered. By sharing the sometimes comical outcomes, he gives the new biker a head start to become more comfortable, credible, and knowledgeable about joining a community that is as much a part of American culture as baseball, hotdogs and apple pie.