Motorcycles are mythic, far more than mere transportation, but some are in a class of their own, truly legendary machines. There are the Triumphs: James Dean’s, Marlon Brando’s in The Wild Ones, the one Steve McQueen took over the fence in The Great Escape. There are Evel Knievel’s and Elvis’s Harleys, the Easy Rider Stars ‘n’ Stripes bike, and T. E. Lawrence’s Brough Superior SS100; Von Dutch’s Condor, Craig Vetter’s Mystery Ship, and Mike Hailwood’s Honda RC162. These are just some of the machines that have made motorcycle history, and that make this book a feast for the eyes and a fact-filled odyssey for the motorcycle aficionado.

Illustrated with commissioned photographs and historical images, the book profiles the bikes--not just the models but the actual motorcycles--that have achieved legendary status in the last century. Their stories, told here in detail for the first time, make up the story of the motorcycle in American culture.

Detroit Free Press, Dec. 13, 2007

Detroitfreepress.com, Dec. 13, 2007

"Legendary Motorcycles: The Stories and Bikes Made Famous by Elvis, Peter Fonda, Kenny Roberts, and Other Motorcycling Greats, by Basem Wasef. Available in bookstores or through www.motorbooks.com.”

SPEEDtv.com, review by

“Legendary Motorcycles is a winner from Jay Leno’s Foreword to the Timeline. Wasef’s research reveals some interesting tidbits: James Dean stored his motorcycle at the Greenwich Village garage where Steve McQueen worked as a part-time motorcycle mechanic. The two would bond over their love of bikes. Legendary Motorcycles earns four out of five lug nuts. What a ride!”

RoadRunner Magazine, December 2007

“A good, nostalgic read that belongs in the collection of any enthusiast who knows why motorcycles are so much more than just machines.”

The Antique Motorcycle, December 2007

“Legendary Motorcycles is unique among motorcycling literature in its pursuit of the story behind the riders and their machines. The unforgettable stories are sure to please … you won’t be disappointed.”

Rep-am.com, November 2007

“Legendary Motorcycles … exquisite photography and concise storytelling … offers something entertaining and worthwhile to longtime riders and to newbies.”

Cmgonline.com, Nov. 21, 2007

“Good book. Buy it in time for Christmas and you’ll have a happy motorcycling friend.”

Like many great concepts, the idea for Legendary Motorcycles developed from one simple question: What are the most historically significant bikes ever, the machines that made the legends? Long lists were compiled and revised, investigative phone calls were placed, and before long the book you hold in your hands began to take shape. Some bikes were easily found and readily available, while others appeared to be lost forever. The beauty of author Basem Wasef’s hunt came not from the information he expected to receive, but from tangential clues and unexpected leads that emerged from the unlikeliest of sources. The end result is a collection of unforgettable stories and sumptuous photographs sure to delight all motorcyclists and enthusiasts.

Witness T. C. Christensen’s Hogslayer dominate the drag strips. Relive Rollie Free’s unconventional land speed record run atop the John Edgar Lightning. Watch Craig Vetter’s Mystery Ship come to life. Behold Colin Edwards’ rise to success aboard his Yamaha TZ250D. Marvel at Evel Knievel’s final stunt jump at the Chicago Amphitheater. Understand the inspiration behind Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. Above all, explore and enjoy the pages of this book, and discover what has made these two-wheeled machines truly legendary.

It is rare for a motorcycle to transcend its role as mere transportation and become truly legendary: Burt Munro’s record-setting streamlined Indian, James Dean’s first and last bikes, the Easy Rider choppers, and Evel Knievel’s high-flying Harley-Davidsons are a few of this exclusive list.

Author and photographer Basem Wasef traveled extensively, recording the stories of these unforgettable bikes firsthand. Within the pages of Legendary Motorcycles, you will relive the glory days and discover the personalities of the men that made them legends.