Heavy tomes: The encyclopaedia to end all encyclopaedias

Published: 21 August 2023

Taschen motorcycle encyclopaedia
Taschen motorcycle encyclopaedia AMB 001

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If you’re looking for an encyclopaedia that lavishly chronicles 100 of the most significant bikes of all time, then this new tome from Taschen is going to be hard to surpass.

And as difficult as it is to put down once open – it’s also pretty hard to pick up in the first place, with each book of the double volume Ultimate Collector Motorcycles Encyclopaedia measuring 37x30x5cm, and tipping the scales at just under 5kg.

Authored by Charlotte and Peter Fiell, the 940-page work details their choice of 100 bikes from the 1894 Hildebrand & Wolfmüller to the 2020 Aston Martin AMB 001 by Brough Superior.

Taschen motorcycle encyclopaedia AMB 001

From pioneering record-breakers, to luxury tourers, grand prix winning legends, iconic superbikes, and exotic customs – they’re all beautifully shot and accompanied by detailed information and interviews that bring the bikes, and eras, to life.

It costs £250 from Taschen.com.

By Richard Newland

Group Editor - With over 40 years of riding experience and 21 years as a bike journalist, Rich has ridden nearly every new bike of the past two decades and many historical models dating back to the 1930s. He is particularly passionate about sportsbikes from the 1990s and early 2000s, and he loves big bikes that handle well and are suited for long-distance travel. Rich enjoys challenging rides, such as a non-stop 1703.5-mile trip from Land’s End to John O’Groats and back. In his personal collection, Rich owns a 2007 Honda VTR1000 SP-2, a 1998 Ducati 996, a 1986 Suzuki GSX-R750 ‘Slabby’, a 1998 VFR800FiW, and a 1975 Honda CB750 SOHC Dunstall.

Taschen motorcycle encyclopaedia

Taschen motorcycle encyclopaedia AMB 001