Motorcycle Physics

I've been trying to locate useful books related to the the physics of motorcycle riding and racing. Here are the ones I've found so far:

• Motorcycle Design & Technology: How and Why (hardcover) by Gaetano Cocco (also available in paperback)
• Motorcycle Dynamics (Second Edition) by Professor Vittore Cossalter (and a review on webbikeworld.com).

Talk Back!

Do you know of any good books about motorcycle physics? Leave a comment and let us know!

Web Resources

Motorcycle Turning

"Question: If you are on a motorcycle going down the highway, and you press on the inside of the left handle grip, why do the wheels turn to the right, but you turn to the left?" Answer here

Edutopia

Speed 101: Motorcycle Racing as Real-World Physics Lab

Sarah Carter Shares Her Thoughts

Despite what some people may think, motorcycle roadracing is not only a highly strenuous sport, but there is MUCH more involved than just twisting the throttle and turning the handlebars.
The Physics of Motorcycle Racing

Other Pages

A Point of Physics (PDF) discusses gyroscopic forces, angular momentum, and includes a few interesting sketches. Short and to the point, discusses steering by moving the rider's body... but... according to Keith Code's No B.S. test bike it's not the body lean. Very interesting... (Popular Mechanics)

Motorcycle Dynamics at Padua University
The Physics of Motorcycles on MotorcycleJazz.com

Wikipedia holds forth

• Wikipedia's take on the subject of two-wheeled dynamics
• Reactive Centrifugal Force

Talk Back

If you know of any great motorcycle physics resources, drop a comment and let us know.