The Encyclopedia of the Motorcycle, Peter. Henshaw

Humanity is capable of many wonderful things, but the art of making motorcycles is arguably not its greatest achievement. Throughout history there have been far more pressing needs than the desire to get from A to B more quickly and more pleasurably than anyone else. And yet, thousands of entrepreneurs have gravitated to the motorcycle scratch any of them, and one will most likely find an enthusiast beneath the skin. Why else would anyone be willing to risk time and money in a business notorious for its glorious failures?