10 Best Motorcycle-themed Coffee Table Books

Motorcycles are fascinating pieces of machinery. Moreso for us Indians, who have invariably grown up around them. What's even more fascinating is the history and stories surrounding these machines. Tomes have been written about motorcycles and today, we select some of the best ones out there that can liven up your lazy afternoon.

1.The Vincent In The Barn
Stumbling upon a rare motorcycle is a rare treat. This book chronicles forty such tales of abandoned Vincents and Ducatis and other such rare discoveries. A treasure indeed.

2. The Ride
Customising motorcycles is a unique art form. The Ride is a collection of the best-customised motorcycles from around the world and their makers. It is full of aesthetically captured images that would delight even the non-enthusiast.

Also read: Who Is CFMoto Exactly?

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3. Zen And The Art Of Motorcycle Maintenance
Okay, this might not exactly qualify as a coffee table book but we feel this classic is a must-have if you consider yourself a biker. Zen And The Art Of Motorcycle Maintenance intricately links riding and maintaining motorcycles to meditation and better living. It is a profound perspective on owning a motorcycle.

4. MotoGP: The Illustrated History
This one is for MotoGP fanatics. A walk through the history of MotoGP where each decade of racing is examined through lots of images and personal accounts of racing greats like Giacomo Agostini, Kevin Schwantz, Casey Stoner and Valentino Rossi.

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5. Between The Hedges
If you have viewed road races, you will agree that it is a dangerous but very exciting form of motorsport. It has been 40 years since riders raced on the road and there was very little in terms of safety -- a fact that remains unchanged even today. ‘Between The Hedges’ chronicles the road races, the riders and a unique insight into this sport via a series of brilliantly captured photographs.

6. Custom Bike Life
Another book that delves into the topic of custom motorcycles. This one travels the world over and gets personal with bike-builders and their creations and lays bare the culture and lifestyle associated with custom bikes.

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7. Cafe racers: Speed, Style And Ton-up Culture
What started years ago as an impromptu cafe to cafe race has bloomed into a full-fledged culture, with every major bike manufacturer and bike builder having built at least one. This book chronicles the cafe racer’s humble origins to its revival over the years. It is also full of vintage pictures and some of the best examples out there.

8. The Encyclopaedia Of The Motorcycle
How about a book that lists every bikemaker in the world and their creations? Ever heard of the ‘FN Four’? This book is filled with many such rare gems and is a must-have for the keen motorcyclist.

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9. The Fine Art Of The Motorcycle Engine
While motorcycle engines have an important job of producing power, they also have to look aesthetically pleasing, to look as if they form a significant part of the overall look of the bike. This book is a look back of sorts, to a time when motorcycle engines were a piece of art by itself, and the unique stories revolving around it.

10. Art Of The Basket Case
This one is, for lack of a better word, for the ‘automotive hoarder’ and gives us a glimpse of the unique ability of the writer to find beauty in old and discarded motorcycle parts. It also delves on abandoned motorcycles that have a story to tell. A philosophical journey this one is.

Also read: Most Iconic Road-going Ferraris Of All Time

Bonus:

100 Years Of The Isle Of Man
Considered the last bastion of motorcycle racing, the small Irish island is home to a spectacular annual cross-country motorcycle race known as the ‘Isle of Man TT’. This book covers it all, from the early days of racing, the iconic riders and every twist and turns of the mountain course. A visual treat indeed.

All books available on Amazon