Ultimate Collector Motorcycles - by Fiell & Taschen (Hardcover)

About the Book

This XL double-volume provides an unrivaled curation of the ultimate collector motorcycles of all time. From super-rare pioneer bikes, venerated British classics and German speed machines to lightning-fast Japanese racers, groundbreaking Italian superbikes, and highly radical road rockets, this book is a dazzling celebration of motorcycle design and engineering at its innovative best.

Book Synopsis

Dream Rides: The most spectacular bikes on the planet. From the 1894 Hildebrand & Wolfmüller to the 2020 Aston Martin AMB 001, this set lavishly explores 100 of the most desirable motorcycles to have ever sped thrillingly around a circuit or along an open road. From pioneering record-breakers, luxury tourers, and legendary roadracers to GP-winning machines, iconic superbikes, and exotic customs, this book celebrates motorcycle design and engineering at its highest level. Many examples are from acclaimed private collections and very rarely seen. Others are the all-out stars of renowned motorcycle museums--such as the 1938 Brough Superior "Golden Dream" or the 1957 MV Agusta 500 4C, which took John Surtees to World Championship glory. Alongside some early survivors in astonishingly original condition is a stable of fabled racers--the actual machines that were competed on by the likes of Dario Ambrosini, Tarquinio Provini, Mike Hailwood, Giacomo Agostini, Barry Sheene, and Kenny Roberts.

The fascinating stories behind these fabulous motorbikes are expertly recounted in detail, alongside stunning imagery specially taken for the book by the world's leading motorcycle photographers. Also included are rare archival gems, from early posters to remarkable action shots. In addition, there is a foreword by legendary petrolhead Jay Leno, and interviews with George Barber, founder of the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum; Sammy Miller, championship-winning racer and founder of the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum; Ben Walker, Department Director of Motorcycles at Bonhams; Paul d'Orléans, founder of The Vintagent; and Gordon McCall, cofounder of The Quail Motorcycle Gathering, the world-renowned motorcycle concours event held in Carmel, California.

A cornucopia of motorcycle treasures and an absolute must-have for all bike enthusiasts!

Review Quotes

"Ultimate Collector Motorcycles is a two-volume encomium to a subject never before presented in such depth, bringing over 1,100 photographs to life in a way smaller formats simply can't, with the design, printing, and paper quality to which we've become accustomed from publishing house TASCHEN."-- "Robb Report"

"A monolithic double-volume compendium of iconic and collectible motorcycles. Flipping through the pages of Ultimate Collector Motorcycles is like meandering through the halls of a passionately-curated motorcycle museum... The photography is crisp and immersive, to the point that you feel like you can reach out and touch the patina on some of the more well-worn bikes."-- "BIKEEXIF"

"Enjoy the beauty that comes with the raw power of the bikes."-- "Jay Leno"

"Just like the machines wedged between its covers, Ultimate Collector Motorcycles is something worth owning. It's one of the best (if not the best) motorcycle books we've ever come across, and we'd happily recommend it to anyone with even the slightest attraction to motorcycles."-- "BIKEEXIF"

"TASCHEN has finally turned its attention to collectible motorcycles with its massive, two-volume set... Regardless of your motorcycle judgments, Ultimate Collector Motorcycles will challenge both you and the sturdiness of your coffee table. Worth its 20.7-pound weight and 940 pages in words alone."-- "Motorcyclist"

Masterpiece. Stunning. Superb. Roll out the superlatives; they all apply to Ultimate Collector Motorcycles. Of the dozens of books about motorcycles, including classic, rare, and collectible bikes we have reviewed, nothing comes close to this."-- "ultimatemotorcycling.com"

"A magnificent, two-volume book staging style-defining motorcycles as works of art."-- "Süddeutsche Zeitung"

"An essential work for lovers of two wheels... from the pioneers to the latest technology."-- "Harper's Bazaar"

"Beautifully designed and leavened with some gorgeous ephemera."-- "Octane"

"...an exquisite celebration of motorcycles at their very best."-- "GQ"

"An indispensable publication for any ardent bike enthusiast, and even those with a casual interest will be drawn into the fascinating story each example has to tell."-- "Robb Report"

"Full of insight and delight. Highly recommended, even for those more used to four wheels than two."-- "Momentum"

"...encapsulate[s] the aesthetic beauty and cultural impact of these special machines."-- "Robb Report"

"...this is quite simply the best motorcycle book ever published -- no contest."-- "Motorcycle Classics"

"The definitive work for classic motorbike enthusiasts."-- "Maxim"

"...a hell of a lot of book. Firstly in its sheer physical scale and secondly for the wonderful delights within. There's fact, insight and period pictures for the 100 bikes covered, with amazing contemporary photography and truly fabulous full-page details. Expect to lose days just simply gawping."-- "Bike Magazine"

"As far as high end, 'coffee table' style books go, there are quite a lot that focus on motorcycles. But not a one of them can hold a candle to this pair of impressive tomes."-- "Motorcycle Sport & Leisure"

"This book is more than just a collection of pictures and descriptions. It takes you on a journey through time from the earliest days of motorcycle design to the present day... Stunning."-- "Force One"

"...a double-volume anthology featuring many of the most valuable bikes in existence today, from cherished race winners to pioneering record-breakers. Each bike is pictured in exquisite detail and accompanied by detailed descriptions of the history and technical features."-- "Dezeen"

"The number of bikes in the book is limited to 100, only the most special bikes got a place in this masterpiece. Each bike is discussed in detail and supported by beautiful photography. They are two stunners of books that come in a beautiful slipcase and will not look out of place on any bookshelf."-- "wheels-and-things.com"