Bookshelf

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 34031, 20 December 1975, Page 4

Bookshelf

Anybody considering buying a motor-cycle for the first time would do well to purchase a copv of BIKES (Whitcoulls, p.p. 189), by Loren Robb. It provides a lot of basic information which is not readily available elsewhere —the law as it is applied in New Zealand, things to look for when buying a used bike, the sort of gear required, types of motorcycles available and even how to be a good pillion passenger. The book, which is soft bound and retails for $4.95, is divided into five main sections: Why a bike?, Buying, The Law, How to Ride and Live, and .Maintenance. There is some very good advice contained in it, as well as some opinion which could be questioned. The author’s opinion, for example, that the motorcycle is a strong phallic symbol is quite ridiculous. His attempts to convince the reader that riding a motor-cycle with gay abandon has something to do with sexual frustrations are laughable. It is a theme he returns to several times. The section on hire purchase should be ignored. The days when a

bike could be bought on one third deposit and the balance repaid over two years are long gone. It is perhaps unfortunate that some of the information contained in "Bikes,” a rather unimaginative title, is likely to become quickly dated. In the case of the hire purchase regulations, it already has. There are also comprehensive lists of bikes available from the main manufacturers which are subject to constant change. But for all this, the book is written in a generally appealing manner and even those who are experienced motor-cyclists should find it interesting. Some of the descriptive language used is a little crude but the general message is sound. The plea to treat the environment with respect and understanding is one thing which will, hopefully, not fall on deaf ears. The book is lavishly illustrated by Peter McLisky, who is obviously not without artistic talent. But the amount of pop art is not likely to appeal to the mechanically minded.