One-sided biography
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In the introduction, the author admits that in the lack of information, some of the descriptive aspects of the book are shall we say, `up to the writer's prerogative'. Whilst the technical and factual aspects of this book are extremely informative and interesting, I felt that I had only read half of someone's life story.
From his childhood, and throughout his quest for speed, the book portrays Bert as some sort of tragic mechanical doyenne to the God of speed - something that he couldn't help but pursue. Whilst his undoubted mechanical and engineering skills, combined with his single-mindedness and nerves of steel are beyond question, it was the darker side to Bert that I found more interesting - and missing.
As a man who was chasing speed records right up until his death on a 50year+ old motorbike he was undoubtedly a hero, but his dedication to his dream left a tight-wad man without a wife (left), or many (good) friends. Whilst this is perhaps more of a character assessment of Bert than the book itself, an acceptance on the part of the author that Burt was not only a speed freak, but frequently a plainly unpleasant man, would have been welcome.
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See the film and read the book
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The book provides a wealth of detail of the work carried out on the engine and the incredible near death accidents whilst racing motorcycles throughout his life. The Indian was not his only motorcycle and if you wantr to find out the other motorcycle he raced you will need to read the book. He lived for motorcycling and the book makes a good read for all motorcyclists and enthusiasts - a man who lived life to the full and a book to inspire to others that they too can reach their goals. Well researched and a book to be read again and again.
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Canada