Illustrations: 220 color & 12 b-w photos

Finally! The world`s most incredible motorcycles are given the artful representation they deserve. Classic Motorcycles: The Art of Speed is a stunning visual encyclopedia of history’s best bikes.

The motorcycle should have disappeared when Henry Ford`s Model T usurped the motorcycle`s position as a primary form of utilitarian transportation. But a funny thing happened on the way to extinction -- the motorcycle not only survived, but thrived.

Written by noted motorcycle author Patrick Hahn, Classic Motorcycles: The Art of Speed presents the history of motorcycling as told through the most significant, iconic, classic motorcycles of all time, with both period photography and modern portrait photography.

All the best domestic and international makes are represented here, from BMWs, Indians, and Triumphs to Vincents, Ducatis, and Harley-Davidsons - the most classic models. You`ll drool over the 1933 Matchless Silver Hawk, and you`ll want to tear out the page displaying the 1956 Triumph Thunderbird and frame it.

Each motorcycle was shot in a studio setting using photographer Tom Loeser`s light-painting technique. Period ads and relevant historic photos and documents are spread throughout the book to supplement the portraits of the bikes, really evoking a sense of time and place. Prepare to be in awe of the undeniably classic motorcyclesClassic Motorcycles: The Art of Speed is offering. It`s the only motorcycle history you`ll need.

The author
Pat Hahn loves solving motorcycling dilemmas, particularly those related to riding strategy and safety. His subtle humor and keen instinct help with topics like risk management, situational awareness, riding technique, and crash avoidance and put them into terms any rider can understand. Pat is the author of the four books, How to Ride a Motorcycle, Maximum Control, Motorcyclists` Legal Handbook, and Ride Hard, Ride Smart, and is communications and outreach manager for TEAM OREGON Motorcycle Safety Program. He lives in Corvallis, Oregon.

Tom Loeser has worked as a Firefighter for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (now known as CAL Fire), as a graphic designer and photographer, and as chief photographer for the Long Beach Grand Prix. Since 2012 he has worked full-time as a book photographer provided images for Motorbooks titles Art of the Corvette, Art of the Mustang, Wide-Open Muscle, and Classic Motorcycles: Art of the Speed. His next book, The Art of Mopar: Chrysler, Dodge and Plymouth Muscle Cars, is in production.