Another Ducati book? Oh yes - the Desmodues

Before some smart Alec points it out, I know that technically all the old bevel and pushrod Ducatis were Desmodues (two valves per cyclinder) but it was with the launch of the Pantah Ducati that started to use the label (actually retrospectively when the Desmoquatros arrived).

Anyway the book tells how Ducati rose from the post war ashes, serious contemplating giving up motorcycle producation on a number of occasions. The most hair raising thing was waiting on the Scarmbler, especially since Ducati won't let authors use their press archives in books (unless, it seems, you're called I*n Fa$100n) so for early show shots I'm indebted (as usual) to Vicki Smith of ducati.net Great insights too courtesy of Pat Slinn, and the other members of the Sports Motorcycles team to whom the book's dedicatied.

It’s probably cheaper elsewhere (cheaper than I can buy it in fact - publishers, got to love them) but if you’d like a signed and dedicated copy you can buy one at   
my Big Cartel webshop adding a message in PayPal. Or just email me greg@benzinamagazine.co.uk . Thank you!

Honda V4 - the four strokes; my second Crowood book

An Italophile writing a Honda book? But the V4 story fascinated me, and I was lucky enough to have invaluable insights from Cook Neilson - racer and Cycle editor of legend - and Gerald Davison, who ran Honda UK and the NR500 project. Genuine never before told insights. Includes production histories, specifications and over 250 colour illustration, from development of the first Honda V4, the oval piston NR500 and the  VF road models that followed. Also covered the VFR750 and VFR800 (including 2014 update) and VFR1200F; the legend of the RC30 to the opposite extreme of Honda V4-ness the 1990 Pan European/ST1100/1300 and CTX1300 cruiser. And of course  Honda V4s in MotoGP and, finally, owners' experiences and insight from those who worked in the industry.

It’s probably cheaper elsewhere (cheaper than I can buy it in fact - publishers, got to love them) but if you’d like a signed and dedicated copy you can buy one at   
my Big Cartel webshop adding a message in PayPal. Or just email me greg@benzinamagazine.co.uk . Thank you!