"The Racing Motorcycle"
a review by Streetfighters magazine

As so many of you know, building a special can be the most rewarding and personally satisfying activity ever, aside from the obvious. But in common with shagging, your GSX-R1100-engined RGV250 with hub-centre steering could go horribly Pete Tong, spit you off, and do your back in if not prepared correctly. To ensure that all injuries and wasted money are limited to bedroom activities only, not your favourite roundabout in full view of the local constab, you'd do well to invest in a copy of The Racing Motorcycle by John Bradley. He's been building specials for almost thirty years, so you could say he knows his layshaft cluster from his castor angle. Don't let the title put you off; I've read it (400 pages y'know) and it is the most comprehensive guide to all aspects of specials building that I've ever laid my technically inept eyeballs on. It covers engine characteristics, gearing, geometry, swinging arms, resistance to motion, suspension and more. All explained in layman's terms, but still highly technical, with loads of useful formulae and examples that made me think "Oooh, I must try that." A bit like the Karma Sutra for motorcycle fetishists really.