![Amazon prime logo](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/G/01/marketing/prime/new_prime_logo_RGB_blue._CB426090081_.png)
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with fast, free delivery
Amazon Prime includes:
Fast, FREE Delivery is available to Prime members. To join, select "Try Amazon Prime and start saving today with Fast, FREE Delivery" below the Add to Cart button.
Amazon Prime members enjoy:- Cardmembers earn 5% Back at Amazon.com with a Prime Credit Card.
- Unlimited Free Two-Day Delivery
- Streaming of thousands of movies and TV shows with limited ads on Prime Video.
- A Kindle book to borrow for free each month - with no due dates
- Listen to over 2 million songs and hundreds of playlists
- Unlimited photo storage with anywhere access
Important: Your credit card will NOT be charged when you start your free trial or if you cancel during the trial period. If you're happy with Amazon Prime, do nothing. At the end of the free trial, your membership will automatically upgrade to a monthly membership.
Buy new:
-21% $13.35$13.35
Ships from: Amazon.com Sold by: Amazon.com
Save with Used - Good
$11.35$11.35
Ships from: Amazon Sold by: Austin Book Store
![Kindle app logo image](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/G/01/kindle/app/kindle-app-logo._CB668847749_.png)
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Follow the authors
OK
Let's Ride: Sonny Barger's Guide to Motorcycling Paperback – August 20, 2011
Purchase options and add-ons
“The baddest man on two wheels.”
—Rolling Stone
One of the founders and the most famous member of the infamous Hell’s Angels Motorcycle Club, Ralph “Sonny” Barger says, “Let’s Ride” with this ultimate guide to motorcycling. With expert co-author Darwin Holmstrom—former writer for Motorcyclist magazine and author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Motorcycles—Barger, “The archangel of all Hells Angels” (New York Post) is ready to take you on the ride of your life with this exhilarating and practical nuts-and-bolts master class in the fine art of freedom. So climb on, start it up, and…Let’s Ride!
- Print length288 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherWilliam Morrow Paperbacks
- Publication dateAugust 20, 2011
- Dimensions4.88 x 0.72 x 9 inches
- ISBN-100061964271
- ISBN-13978-0061964275
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now
Frequently bought together
![Let's Ride: Sonny Barger's Guide to Motorcycling](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61I13Mq9INL._AC_UL116_SR116,116_.jpg)
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Editorial Reviews
Review
“Proffers some of the best advice around … [has] insight into all aspects of motorcycling ... Provides a solid, practical foundation for anyone. But it also has bits of advice that could aid the seasoned rider as well. It’s written in easy-to-understand prose, with Barger’s wit woven in.” — Motorcycle USA
“Let’s Ride is the new authoritative guide to motorcycling and rider safety from Sonny Barger, the famous ‘leader of the pack.’” — BikerNews.org
“An incredibly valuable piece of literature that every motorcyclist should read twice! . . . Sonny has an unparalleled passion for motorcycling and a vast knowledge base that makes him the perfect author for this book.” — RoadCaptainUSA.com
“Let’s Ride is an interesting book suitable for any motorcyclist, primarily because the author provides a broad spectrum of information. Informative, instructive, and entertaining-- there is something for everyone.” — CycleMatters.com
“Offers up a lifetime of bike-riding wisdom you just can’t argue with” — Biker Chick News
“Barger [is] an American classic, an individualist who lived by a code” — San Francisco Chronicle
“Barger’s the hombre who gave you motorcycle culture. . . . The biker style Barger originated remains timeless.” — Chicago Tribune
“Sonny Barger spreads the gospel of two wheels in Let’s Ride. He is the rare rider who could write such a book with authority. — Los Angeles Times
“When Sonny Barger enters a bar, men twice his weight back away. Women stare.” — Los Angeles Times
“The baddest man on two wheels” — Rolling Stone
“Sonny Barger truly is an American Legend.” — Salon.com
“Packed with the stories and advice it would take years to hear and learn on the road and should be considered a must for any rider, regardless of their experience.” — Clutch and Chrome
From the Back Cover
Hailed as the new essential resource for bikers, Let’s Ride is today’s most entertaining and authoritative guide to mastering the art of motorcycling. From choosing the right bike and keeping it finely maintained to sharpening riding techniques and achieving top performance, legendary biker icon Sonny Barger mines his lifetime of experience to provide advice, wisdom, wit, and never-before-told stories that will help fellow riders—new and veteran alike—survive the challenges of the road.
About the Author
Ralph "Sonny" Barger (1938-2002) was the author of Hell's Angel: The Life and Times of Sonny Barger and the Hell's Angels Motorcycle Club.
Darwin Holmstrom, senior editor at Motorbooks International, has written or cowritten more than a dozen books on motorcycles, including The Harley-Davidson Motor Co. Archive Collection, BMW Motorcycles, and The Complete Idiot's Guide to Motorcycles.
Product details
- Publisher : William Morrow Paperbacks; Reprint edition (August 20, 2011)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 288 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0061964271
- ISBN-13 : 978-0061964275
- Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
- Dimensions : 4.88 x 0.72 x 9 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #607,296 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #45 in Motorcycle Pictorials
- #66 in Motorcycle History (Books)
- #142 in Motorcycle Repair & Performance (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the authors
Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.
Ralph "Sonny" Barger is the author of Hell's Angel: The Life and Times of Sonny Barger and the Hell's Angels Motorcycle Club. A master mechanic who has owned and operated his own bike shops, he currently lives in Arizona, where he rides every day.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book easy to read and well-written. They appreciate the common sense information about riding techniques and tips. The author details general safety issues and techniques. Readers praise the engaging writing style and good photos. Additionally, they mention that the book is informative as well as humorous.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book easy to read and informative. They say it's a good book for beginners or those getting back into riding. The writing style is easy to follow and the content is valuable for both new and experienced riders.
"...He has other books that tell his story. The book is just a highly readable, at times humorous with dry wit, tome that I enjoyed as an experienced..." Read more
"...It goes into great deatail on such things as insurance, financing, examining a used bike, clothing, riding techniques, staying alive in traffic, etc...." Read more
"...Much of what he writes about in the book is excellent for beginning riders, but for me having been riding ten years most is pretty obvious...." Read more
"...LOT of good information in this book, and not only that, it is a darned good read...." Read more
Customers find the book provides useful information about riding techniques and tips. They appreciate the author's extensive knowledge of bikes and how they work. The book covers all the basics, including engine dynamics that help riders understand the dynamics of riding.
"...There was plenty of advice for brand-new riders that I kind of skimmed over, but that is very useful for those who are just starting out...." Read more
"...There's a wealth of information in the book that the prospective rider will find invaluable in making their decision on whether or not to ride and..." Read more
"...not only get a better idea of how to choose, how to buy, and how to ride a bike, but will also really enjoy the process...." Read more
"...things as insurance, financing, examining a used bike, clothing, riding techniques, staying alive in traffic, etc...." Read more
Customers enjoy riding motorcycles. They find the book informative and passionate about the sport. Readers say it's a great resource for anyone who rides or wants to start riding. The candid take on riding is quite deep, and the book is intended to improve motorcycle riding and ownership.
"...through this book, has done more for the advancement and improvement of motorcycle riding and ownership than any other book out there - period...." Read more
"...a guy who obviously knows a heck of a lot about motorcycles and motorcycle riding...." Read more
"I've been riding since the sixties, and Sonny's candid take on riding is quite deep...." Read more
"...aspects of this book you can also feel the overwhelming passion for riding motorcycles. There is something for everyone here...." Read more
Customers find the book helpful for learning about motorcycle safety. It provides practical advice on gear and riding techniques. Readers appreciate the author's emphasis on motorcycle safety, including real-life examples of how to stay alive.
"...-alone educational tool on buying and maintaining a motorcycle and riding safely...." Read more
"...from basic riding techniques, to tips about buying motorcycles, safety issues, and much more...." Read more
"...for if buying a used bike, practical gear advice and a solid stress on motorcycle safety, and a presentation of all the current motorcycle styles..." Read more
"...But most of all, He teaches us how to ride safe. He teaches us how to ride for life. This publication is not a novel...." Read more
Customers find the book's writing style engaging and easy to follow. They appreciate that the author has extensive riding and mechanical experience with motorcycles. The book is written for all riders.
"...This one is written in an engaging and interesting way by a guy who obviously knows a heck of a lot about motorcycles and motorcycle riding...." Read more
"...Sonny is an excellent author and his writing style is easy to follow. This book is hard to put down once you start reading...." Read more
"I love Mr Barger's writing style. He doesn't tip toe thru the tulips to get his point across...." Read more
"...His writing style is good, very readable...." Read more
Customers find the book provides a detailed look into motorcycle safety and current styles available to average riders. They appreciate the good photos and writing style.
"...and a solid stress on motorcycle safety, and a presentation of all the current motorcycle styles available to the average rider...." Read more
"...Remember the saying"...Ride hard,Die young,and leave a good looking corpse"?..." Read more
"Looks interesting. it is a gift not given yet. I have not read it." Read more
"i like the style of Sonny" Read more
Customers find the book informative and humorous.
"...The book is just a highly readable, at times humorous with dry wit, tome that I enjoyed as an experienced rider...." Read more
"...In that I was disappointed. There are it's hilarious moments in where Sonny tries to explain away the violence and illegal actions of the "Hell..." Read more
"...since I kid, but I found the book the be informative as well as humorous! Sonny has a great way of getting his point across!" Read more
"Good book. Very informative with some good humor." Read more
Customers find the book's pacing slow and boring.
"I was no impress with the book. I touch he can go more far with his experience with the motorcycle, special somebody like him...." Read more
"Not a bad book just not a great book" Read more
"It sucked. Very boring and not written well. Basically save your money and go to a MSF course, where your money will be better spent." Read more
"Boring and containing the most elementary basics about bikes. No helpful knowledge for anyone who can already ride and very little for the rest." Read more
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2017I was surprised, for the most part pleasantly, by the tone and content of this book. After being the public face of the most (in)famous motorcycle club in the world, one really isn't prepared for a rational, cautious, common-sense book on motorcycles. This isn't an instructional manual for riding techniques. Mr. Barger strongly advises the reader to attend motorcycle class, i.e. MSF Rider Education class. And this from the leader of a 1% biker club, meaning the 1% of motorcycle riders deemed unlawful by the American Motorcyclist Association. But then, one remembers that Barger is now a senior citizen, the oldest Hells Angel in a world where life is often cut short at a young age. Like I said, a lot of common sense and knowledge that can only be acquired by years and years of experience. This book isn't a tell-all, in fact, he never mentions his club by name. He has other books that tell his story. The book is just a highly readable, at times humorous with dry wit, tome that I enjoyed as an experienced rider. There was plenty of advice for brand-new riders that I kind of skimmed over, but that is very useful for those who are just starting out. There's something in the book for anybody with an interest in motorcycles.
- Reviewed in the United States on June 27, 2010Sonny Barger is a living legend. He's probably forgotten more about motorcycling than I will ever know about it. I think this book is best read by someone thinking about riding rather than those who have been riding. There's a wealth of information in the book that the prospective rider will find invaluable in making their decision on whether or not to ride and how best to approach it, if they do decide to ride.
There really isn't a strong focus in the book on how to learn how to ride. Basically, Mr. Barger tells you to take the MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) basic class and then their experienced rider course and then follow up with some advanced courses. While he gives a few tips on survival on the streets, the book concentrates more on motorcycles themselves rather than on riding them.
This information is important to the prospective rider. It explains how important maintenance is and how expensive it can be. Mr. Barger does an excellent job of describing the different types of motorcycles and even how to evaluate a used motorcycle. Probably the best advice he gives in the book is for the prospective rider to take the basic MSF class before buying a motorcycle and gear.
If you were looking for this book to give you some highway philosophy and detailed stories of Mr. Barger's personal experiences, this is probably not the book to buy.
All that being said, even if you are an experienced rider, you will probably gain some knowledge reading this book.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2011Overall, I think everyone that reads this will not only get a better idea of how to choose, how to buy, and how to ride a bike, but will also really enjoy the process. There are a couple mistakes, however, that I'd like to point out; neither are serious, but both are worth noting.
Sonny states that even the largest motorcycles are more efficient than even the most efficient hybrid cars. This just isn't true. My Toyota Prius gets about 48 to 52 MPG (depending on tire pressure and A/C usage) since I bought it in 2006, and you can easily go out and get a Honda Insight (older ones, not the compromised new models) that get 60 to 70 mpg. While there are a few bikes out there that can get 70 to 80 mpg, very few do, and actually very few are rated at 50. Still, the point he makes is that a bike is a lot more efficient that cars, but inaccurate hyperbole doesn't help his argument.
Second, when describing front forks, his geometry regarding "USD" and "standard" forks is backwards. "Normal" forks have the larger, outer cylinder at the bottom, and the pistons are on the top, attached to the triple clamp. "UpSide down" forks have the cylinder on the top - this allows for less "unsprung weight" (the sum of the weight of the wheel, tire, brakes, and all other parts that move up & down below the suspension). Less unsprung weight allows for more responsive handling (all other things being equal). However, having the cylinder on the top means that leaky seals can cause the oil in the cylinders to leak out and drain totally, where "normal" layouts will lose oil over time with leaky seals, but much, much slower. Look at any new sport bike versus an older Cruiser, and you'll see exactly these to layouts (sport = USD).
Anyway, just thought I'd point those out. Buy the book and enjoy it, and ride more.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2013I'm finding myself reading everything Barger has written. This book is a stand-alone educational tool on buying and maintaining a motorcycle and riding safely. It goes into great deatail on such things as insurance, financing, examining a used bike, clothing, riding techniques, staying alive in traffic, etc. Intertwined you will find decades of riding experience as well as Sonny's unique interaction and experiences with the various motorcycle companies. This book is not solely about Harley-Davidison, though they are included. This is about all brands and all types of motorcycles. Though this book is aimed at the new rider, I highly recommend this book for all motorcycle riders and potential riders. I've been riding for 45 years and I still learned a few things and noticed only a couple of minor errors. It's obvious Sonny loves motorcycles and it shows in this book. He pulls no punches with the various companies and their models. In my opinion, Barger, through this book, has done more for the advancement and improvement of motorcycle riding and ownership than any other book out there - period. He has truly given back to this great lifestyle.
Top reviews from other countries
- bobbyReviewed in Canada on January 17, 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars Buy This Product
This product provided me with many important insights into life and dealing with others.
-
Norbert BReviewed in Germany on October 12, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars Sehr gutes Buch
Seine Einschätzungen und Überlegungen sind sehr Gut, seine Gedanken zum Motorradfahren allgemein und speziell zum Langstrecken fahren sind jede Minute des lesens wert. Er war eine Ikone für Seine art zu fahren.
-
EPReviewed in Italy on March 22, 2016
3.0 out of 5 stars Let's ride.....
L'ho acquistato per fare un regalo a mio figlio. Spedizione perfetta.
Lui dice di essere soddisfatto anche perchè lo usa per fare esercizio d'inglese
- DustS4Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 6, 2013
5.0 out of 5 stars Hilarious
This is a good book. Sonny has lived a full life, has done more miles than most bikers do in 7 lifetimes and lives and breathes bikes. If you're a beginner this will explain a lot- and I find myself going back to this. I wish I had read this before buying my bike, his checklist and tips when buying used make this book worth the price.
Having said that, Mr. Barger is also a little insane. He seasons the book with his opinions, making it even more readable- like why Italian motorbikes have crap electronics (because Italy has a high trade union membership, therefore communism makes them make s*** bikes).
Hilarious and laughable as these opinions may be, my Italian motorcycle has been at the mechanic for a month now as he tries to work out what is wrong with the electrics. Like I said earlier- he may be bat s*** crazy, but the man knows bikes and pens a good read. Buy this book.
Oh, one more thing. Personally I wish I had bougt print rather than kindle. It's the kind of book you'll open again, and you may want to jump between bits more easily than you can with an e- reader.
- reader from perthReviewed in Australia on March 20, 2016
5.0 out of 5 stars Informative and well written
This book is really well written and informative for new riders. Sonny Barger writes in a manner far from what I expected, and I really enjoyed the book and the good points he makes from many years experience.