The “Jupiter’s Travels” newsgroup on the Internet recently had a discussion of motorcycle books; a logical subject for discussion because the newsgroup was founded around what many consider the best motorcycle travel book ever written.  Below are the books as they were posted to the newsgroup with selected comments.  Some are out of print, and available only from antiquarian booksellers.  Others are currently available from a variety of sources, and others while in print have a smaller domain of specialty distributors as sources. 

Reviews, ordering and discounts:  In most cases, Amazon offers both editorial reviews of the books and non-professional reviews submitted by readers. These can be slim or abundant depending upon what they've received.   Whitehorse Press offers a single knowledgeable editorial review of each book.  Clicking on the book cover accompanying each will take you either to Amazon or Whitehorse.  And obviously you can order directly from them.  Many of the books are discounted through Amazon.

Adding books:  If you have favorite books that you feel should be on this list, send an email to  , along with a few (or many) words about the book and we'll add it to the list.

Title, author, comments

Sources (click to connect)

Jupiter’s Travels, Ted Simon

  “…a given.  It is the best, by far.” “Not only does Ted observe everything minutely and describe it brilliantly but he realizes that the things he observes are not separate from himself.  That quality is…a uniquely “motorcycle” experience.  That is, in large measure, why I ride and that is what makes “Jupiter’s Travels”, even though it is not really about riding motorcycles, the perfect motorcycle book."

One Man Caravan, Robert Edison Fulton

a wonderful book by one of Ted (Simon)’s predecessors around the world…Because of the time in which it is set (1932) and other factors, Mr. Fulton’s view of the world is quite different from Ted’s.”

The Perfect Vehicle – What It Is About Motorcycles,  Melissa Holbrook Pierson

 “A nicely written account of a young woman’s love affair with a Moto Guzzi…She gets it and it’s always a pleasure to find someone who gets it.”

A chronicle much in the style of "Jupiter's Travels.  Baker's book follows his 7000 mile journey through modern Cuba. Focusing on the people, the interaction, and the peculiar and universal effect of the motorcycle (a BMW GS) as conversational catalyst. companion, and phenomena, Baker does a great job of capturing the complexity an scope of Cuban culture. Or....as Ted Simon wrote in his review, "A chaotic pilgrimage - by turns sharp-eyed, lustful,poetic,feverish, and joyful..."

Obsessions Die Hard, Ed Culberson

The ultimate macho motorcycle trip through the Darien Gap, and beyond”

Investment Biker, Jim Rogers

…a great primer on how international investments and stock markets work”.  “Rogers rode a new BMW across Central Asia and China, then Japan, then back across Siberia and eastern Europe to Germany.”  The bike was trashed but under warranty and BMW fixed it up for the rest of the trip.

Allen and Suzanne were seasoned travelers, and when Russia's Baltic states opened up for visitors in 1993, they eagerly embarked on a trip there. What they couldn't foresee were the record-breaking storms, desolate landscapes, and most significant, the cracks in their relationship that the trip would expose. Part love story, part edgy travelogue, and at times darkly humorous, Storm shows the fragility of human connections in the face of unexpected forces.

Two Wheels To Panama, William Carrol

l “published in 1995 but takes place in 1950.”

Riding The Edge, Dave Barr

"Double amputee who rode his Harley around the world from 91 – 94.  Not the greatest writing but a different perspective is always interesting – quite a character and damn he’s got some perseverance”

"Dave Barr has an incredible story to tell.   Unfortunately it is challenging to work through the writing flawed as it is by substantial grammar, spelling, and typographical errors coupled with heavy-handed, ill-humored, and repetitive irony. Nonetheless, there is somewhat of a cult following of Dave's writing and his spirit and determination is to be admired."

Zen – And The Art Of Motorcycle Maintenance, Robert Persig

Zen is surely the most famous motorcycle book ever…a classic”

 “…from his rich kid years…a fair motorcycle book but a “must read” for admirers of Che”.

The Mouse And The Motorcycle, Beverly Cleary

…a classic children’s book – a good story, well written…a perfect give for an 8 – 12 year old.  Read it yourself before you give it to them, though.”

10 Years On 2 Wheels, Helge Pedersen

worldwide trip on a BMW R80GS with breathtaking photos and amazing stories.”  “…while the Pedersen book has wonderful photography, and worth every penny, it is also a little light on text.”  

Setting Free The Bears, John Irving. 

1968 – Irving’s first novel.  About two care free adventurers tripping round Europe on an old Enfield.”

The Gypsy In Me, Ted Simon

A fine read, an intimate portrayal of Ted’s (Simon) early years and his ancestors, and a lucent commentary on post-Soviet eastern Europe.”  “…about his journey to find his roots…excellent read”.    (Not a “motorcycle” book).

Hell’s Angels, A Strange and Terrible Saga, Hunter Thompson

 - lordie, how could we forget the good doctor?”  

Rebuilding The Indian, Fred Haefele

 “found something hypnotic about this book – man starts restoration project on an old Indian while having a kid.”  

That Gunk On Your Car, Mark E. Hostetler

“not a bike book but an entomology book.  Anyone who has gone long distance would get a kick out of this.  Will give you something to do while cleaning your headlight and visor on warm summer evenings.”    

Against The Clock, Ron Ayres

“…how to beat the record for riding to all 49 states…”

On The Trail Of Unusual Animals In Danger Of Extinction, Jean-Francois and Isabelle Prouteau

“…young veterinarians who went crazy for motorcycles when they realized how uniquely well-suited two wheels are to penetrating and exploring the more remote corners of the globe.”  

Riding High, Ted Simon

“…a fine read…expands on Ted’s background…It’s one of those rare books that I couldn’t put down.”    ( Riding Home, was the original UK publication of the second book about Ted's 4 year trip.  It is available from antiquarian book sources and is identical to Riding High, which is Ted's U.S. published version that is currently in print)

 “…about a trip across Siberia…in winter…on a Harley…still with no legs.  He is considered to be a real cult over here (UK), I can tell you.”

2 Wheels To Adventure,  Danny Liska. 

Self-published story that takes place in the mid-1960’s. “…lots of pictures and he was not afraid to get in over his head seeking adventure.”

The Endless Ride, Robert B. Auburn

the pictorial guide to world motorcycle travel.

Gasoline Gypsy, Peggy Iris Thomas

The beauty of this book is its innocence…no message here and no soaring prose.”  In the early 1950’s Ms. Thomas, a young lady from London with $60.00 in her purse and a 60 pound Airedale rode a 1 ½ hp BSA around the perimeter of the US and down to Mexico City.  “…a completely unique experience.”

Other Sources for books above currently in print

Whitehorse Press-The Motorcyclists Book Source

Bernd Tesch World Traveler Books (Germany)

Aerostich - Riders Wearhouse

Jupiter's Travels - Ted Simon's own site

Adventurous Traveler Bookstore

Out-of-print / Antiquarian Book Sources

www.Bibliofind.com