Much of the material on Data for Motorcycles is derived from information found in the data acquisition and chassis dynamics books on this page. Unfortunately we know of no books dedicated solely to the topic of motorcycle data acquisition, but automotive-based books do offer plenty of advice that can be applied. The motorcycle-specific chassis dynamics books on this page do not address data acquisition specifically, but contain material that can be applied directly to data analysis. Note that Data for Motorcycles is part of the Amazon Associate program; if you click on an Amazon link and make a purchase, a small commission goes to the site.
The Competition Car Data Logging Manual – Graham Templeman
A useful and practical guide to using data acquisition hardware and software, this book includes information on selecting a system and setting it up to suit specific needs. While the book is based on automotive applications, the majority of the chapters discuss basic principles of data logging and analysis, which applies directly to motorcycles just as much as cars. Available on Amazon: The Competition Car Data Logging Manual (SpeedPro series)
Competition Car Data Logging: A Practical Handbook – Simon McBeath
Another book with a majority of material that can be applied to motorcycles as well as cars, this book does provide a basic guide to selecting and installing a system, and data analysis. From there, chapters focus on specific data channels in great detail, with chapters devoted to rpm, speed, throttle position, and lateral and longitudinal G. The information in these chapters does apply somewhat more to cars than motorcycles but is presented in an easy-to-understand manner and is quite useful for motorcycle analysis. Available on Amazon: Competition Car Data Logging: A Practical Handbook 2nd Edition
A Practical Guide to Race Car Data Analysis – Bob Knox
Intended for “amateur and lower-level professional racers who either have a data system in their cars or who may be thinking about installing one but do not have access to an experienced data engineer.” This book goes into some useful information about using data to analyze the driver’s performance, much of which can be transferred to motorcycles. An extensive appendix includes details on creating math channels for AiM Race Studio Analysis, MoTeC i2 Pro and Stack Data Pro, and a listing of useful math channels specific to those software packages. Available on Amazon: A Practical Guide to Race Car Data Analysis
Analysis Techniques for Racecar Data Acquisition – Jorge Segers
A very technical book based on automotive techniques, this book covers the basics (braking, acceleration, gearing and cornering) and has a very informative chapter on wheel loads and weight transfer that can be applied to motorcycles. Perhaps most useful is the chapter on suspension, which includes details on creating shock speed histograms and their analysis. Author Jorge Segers has his own website where an Excel file can be downloaded with suspension histograms: Jorge Segers. The book is available on Amazon: Analysis Techniques for Racecar Data Aquisition
Motorcycle Dynamics – Vittore Cossalter
A highly technical reference book that goes into great detail on the physics involved, Motorcycle Dynamics has very intense mathematical formulas and explanations for a variety of topics. The chapters on motorcycle kinematics (very useful for calculating and analyzing dynamic geometry), tires, turning, dynamics and trim (squat) are all very extensive and include equations that can be directly used as math channels to incorporate more detail into the analysis of almost any data channel. Available on Amazon: Motorcycle Dynamics (Second Edition)
Motorcycle Handling and Chassis Design – The Art & Science – Tony Foale
This book goes into great detail on a variety of subjects but in a way that is very easy to read and understand in terms of practical applications. Tony Foale has his own website with additional information and useful software downloads (some free); the book is currently out of stock in paper form, but available in digital format at Tony’s new website: motochassis.com
Motorcycle Design & Technology – How & Why – Gaetano Cocco
Recently reprinted, the first part of this book looks at the physics of motorcycles and motorcycle riding, while the second part examines the actual motorcycle components. Much of the information in both parts can be directly applied to data acquisition and analysis, and each chapter has a number of useful equations to help with math channels. Distributed in the United States by Motorbooks. It is also available on Amazon: How and Why – Motorcycle Design and Technology.
The Racing Motorcycle – A Technical Guide for Constructors (Volumes 1, 2 and 3) – John Bradley
John Bradley has recently released Volume 3: An Introduction To Chassis Set Up. At more than 400 pages, this volume covers all aspects of setup with an emphasis on chassis and suspension. Unfortunately Volumes 1 and 2 are out of print and will be for some time. Volume 3 is available direct from the publisher: Broadland Leisure.
Andrew Trevitt’s Books
Troy Bayliss: A Faster Way
Troy Bayliss: A Faster Way
Riding a motorcycle at the world championship level requires incredible skills, but the same techniques that took Troy Bayliss to three World Superbike Championships can help you become a better rider on the street or track.Inside the pages of Troy Bayliss: A Faster Way you’ll find techniques–visual skills, line selection, steering, braking, throttle control–that can clip crucial seconds off your own track time. Learn firsthand from the master himself, with some help from former road racer and Sport Rider Senior Editor Andrew Trevitt. Street riders, track-day riders and racers alike can all benefit from Troy’s candid discussion on riding a motorcycle well, including the mental and physical requirements of riding at your best. Available direct from the publisher or on Amazon: Troy Bayliss: A Faster Way.
Sportbike Suspension Tuning
Sportbike Suspension Tuning
Sportbike suspension systems offer an unmatched variety of adjustments, but understanding how those adjustments work, and how to combine them to tailor your motorcycle to your riding style can be as challenging as riding well. That’s why many riders never try to make the most of their bike’s high-tech suspension simply because they don’t know where to start or are afraid of making their bike handle worse rather than better.
Now, in the first book that specifically addresses sportbike suspension systems, Andrew Trevitt, senior editor of Sport Rider magazine and a former roadracer, guides you through the process of setting up your bike’s suspension to suit your riding style. This book covers the basics setting static sag for your weight as well as more subtle and advanced adjustments, such as how to optimize rear-end squat. A comprehensive discussion on chassis geometry, suspension technology, and the many interactions among adjustments helps demystify suspension tuning. Andrew also explains how to analyze various handling symptoms and make adjustments to correct them. Plus, he offers specific setup techniques for both the street and the track. Available direct from the publisher or on Amazon: Sportbike Suspension Tuning.