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Upper Half of the Motorcycle : On the Unity of Rider and Machine by Bernt Spiegel (2010, Trade Paperback)

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Spiegel considers the various aspects of motorcycle riding that must be understood, practiced, and mastered before virtuosity can be attained.

About this product

Product Identifiers

PublisherWHITE HORSE Press

ISBN-101884313752

ISBN-139781884313752

eBay Product ID (ePID)70926023

Product Key Features

Book TitleUpper Half of the Motorcycle : on the Unity of Rider and Machine

Number of Pages160 Pages

LanguageEnglish

Publication Year2010

TopicMotorcycles / Repair & Maintenance, Motorcycles / General

IllustratorYes

GenreTransportation

AuthorBernt Spiegel

FormatTrade Paperback

Dimensions

Item Height0.6 in

Item Weight27.6 Oz

Item Length10.8 in

Item Width8.5 in

Additional Product Features

Intended AudienceTrade

TitleLeadingThe

Reviews"There are a number of books available that'll explain the dynamics of motorcycling and how to take advantage of them, but there are few, if any, that first focus on you, the rider. Bernt Spiegel's book, "The Upper Half of the Motorcycle on the Unity of Rider and Machine," is in its ninth printing and finally translated into English. A German behavioral psychologis, Spiegel uncovers new insights and gives unique perspectives that challenge the reader to think about riding from an intrinsic standpoint instead of a mechanical one." - Sport Rider "Spiegel says motorcycles can function like a body part; i.e., a prosthetic limb. In fact, some amputees become competitive athletes. He uses physics, biology, psychology and anthropology (and other sciences) to look at the human/motorcycle unit. The subtitle nails it: "...on the unity of rider and machine," and he offers fascinating techniques to integrate the function of the motorcycle into your unconscious. it's an ideal gift for the motorcyclist who likes thinking about the "how" and "why" of riding. So popular, it's gone through nine printings and three editions in German. Now in English, thanks to translator Meredith Hassal." - Motorcycle Consumer News "Wunderbar! This legendary and highly popular motorcycle strategy book by Bernt Spiegel, that explores the unity of rider and machine, has been on my wish list for a long time. Unfortunately, I can't read German. Fortnately, the good folks at Whitehorse Press have made an English translation possible. No other book defines the man-machine unity like this one does. Danke Whitehorse Press!" - Rider "Few motorcycle books tackle the physical and mental facets of motorcycling the way The Upper Half does. It provides practical information for improving "riding behavior" and delves into aspects of motorcycling that promise to deepen the understanding of the machines we love." - Motorcycle News, "One of the most original and fascinating motorcycle books on the market. I have to say that this is a thought provoking book that helps you challenge your thoughts and riding skills and that is good. It is not a lightweight read by any means, but it is definitely one well worth doing and having done so, I think that whatever you standard of riding you will benefit from this book. Given the reprints and the fact it is now in its third edition many others obviously agree!" - Ian Kerr Inter-bike.co.uk

SynopsisSpawned by the popularity of Bernt Spiegel's "The Upper Half of the Motorcycle" in its original German (now in its third edition and ninth printing), this English translation brings the book's provocative message to a wider audience. The author's metaphor considers the rider and the motorcycle as a single unit, the rider being the upper half. It draws on anthropology, psychology, biology, physics, and other disciplines to analyse the theory and function of the man-machine unit. Viewed through this multi-disciplinary prism, motorcycle riding is seen as a uniquely complex activity requiring insight and instincts as well as experience and training for the rider to operate the machine like an artificial limb - as 'part' of the rider himself. The ultimate goal for riders is the integration of the man-machine interface and development of their skills to the point of virtuosity. The book opens with a fascinating exploration of the development and workings of the human brain: how it was shaped by evolution, how many of our physical actions are controlled by 'built-in' (subconscious) 'programs', how we perceive our world (our 'mesocosm'), how we use foresight, and how we learn and apply what we learn, particularly our remarkable adaptability. This second section describes the interaction between our built-in programs and our conscious actions and explores man's use of tools to extend his capabilities - a motorcycle being one such tool. The third section discusses the 'integration' of man and tool - rider and motorcycle - and the remarkable improvement in one's riding proficiency when rider and motorcycle begin to perform as an integrated unit rather than as a bundle of cargo on a means of conveyance. The fourth section suggests self-training techniques to achieve higher levels of performance, and the fifth section provides specific recommendations for practical training. In this book, motorcycling enthusiasts will discover new insights, unique perspectives, and invaluable advice that will challenge and improve their riding style, making it much more satisfying and enjoyable, and perhaps, with practice, even bringing it 'to the point of virtuosity'., Intends to consider the rider and the motorcycle as a single unit, the rider being the upper half. This book draws on anthropology, psychology, biology, physics, and other disciplines to analyse the theory and function of the man-machine unit. It describes the interaction between our built-in programs and our conscious actions., Due to the popularity of Bernt Spiegel's The Upper Half of the Motorcycle in its original German, leading to multiple editions and printings, the book has been translated into English to bring its provocative message to a wider audience. Spiegel's metaphor considers the rider and the motorcycle as a single unit, the rider being the upper half. Taking a multidisciplinary approach, Spiegel draws on anthropology, psychology, biology, physics, and other disciplines to analyze the theory and function of the man-machine unit. Motorcycle riding is seen as a serendipitous junction where people have created machines for personal transport and then become so adept at using them that the machine becomes like an artificial limb -- part of the rider himself. The ultimate goal for riders is the integration of the man-machine interface and skill development to the point of virtuosity. Spiegel considers the various aspects of motorcycle riding that must be understood, practiced, and mastered before virtuosity can be attained. Many anecdotes, supplementary material, and in-depth treatment of specialized topics is contained in sidebars and footnotes. Numerous diagrams and photographs illustrate the book's principles.