The Motorcycle: Design, Art, Desire by Charles M. Falco and Ultan Guilfoyle is nothing short of an ode to the two-wheeled marvels that have been capturing hearts and igniting wanderlust for over a century.
This is a coffee-table book of grandeur—a piece of art itself, designed to celebrate the soul of motorcycles through the ages. But be warned, it may just pull you into a world of chrome and combustion you never knew you needed.
‘The Motorcycle: Design, Art, Desire’ Is a Book for Every Motorcyclist
Falco and Guilfoyle, experts in both science and artistry, dive headlong into the motorcycle’s journey from simple machines to cult symbols, from the stripped-back simplicity of the earliest motorbikes to today’s high-performance, design-conscious beasts.
The pages are a blend of history lessons and art exhibits of all types of motorcycle—cafe racers, sportbikes, cruisers—with each chapter exploring not only the mechanics and engineering that have pushed motorcycles forward but also the unmistakable cultural and aesthetic impact they’ve made.
The real beauty of this book lies in the reverence for the motorcycle’s form and function, placed on full display with expansive photography. Every gleaming curve, every exposed bolt, every leather-trimmed seat is rendered in glorious detail.
You can almost feel the reverberating roar and smell the gasoline as you turn each page. It’s a tactile, almost visceral experience that will keep you coming back, feeling as though each ride through the pages reveals something new.
The authors don’t shy away from diving into what makes these machines tick, either. While it’s an artistic journey at heart, the book doesn’t neglect the engineering side, offering tidbits that will make the mechanically minded reader nod with appreciation. There’s just enough technical jargon to satisfy a gearhead while keeping the content accessible enough for the uninitiated.
For any motorcycle lover—or even anyone curious about the allure of the open road on two wheels—The Motorcycle: Design, Art, Desire is more than just a read; it’s an experience.
It’s a visual feast and a heartfelt exploration of the motorcycle’s role in our lives. Whether you’re a biker, a lover of design, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of a well-built machine, this book will likely earn a permanent place on your shelf, or maybe even on your heart’s open road.
Check it out at Amazon or at Phaidon (Image from Phaidon)
