Product Description

The story of Harley-Davidson motorcycles and their place in American culture, from outlaw machine to all-American icon. The story rests on the success of the company itself - a small family business turned industry leader, which survived a bankruptcy threat from Japanese competition.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #320661 in Books
• Published on: 2000-05-04
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 272 pages

About the Author
Brock Yates is editor-at-large for CAR AND DRIVER, commentator for the Speedvision Cable Network, a screenwriter and the author of several books and writer for many magazines, including PLAYBOY and READER'S DIGEST.

Customer Reviews

Brock Yates has delivered!!!
This is a thinking man's guide to Harley Davidson, but moreover a thoughtful anaysis of what primeval forces are at work in the market place and in our psyches causing us to lust after such a machine. Brock Yates addresses such questions as: Why do respectable dentists and stock brokers long to be week-end outlaws; why does riding a Harley symbolize rebellion against an over-regulatory society; and why do the clueless Japanese continue to offer high tech versions of the Harley.

Personally, I never knew absolutely why I chose to ride a Harley or why I continue to cling to the nebulous Harley Davidson mystique, but after reading this book, I think I do. This book is a must read for the Harley enthusiast or even the non-enthusiast who simply wants to understand all the fuss!

This is a great book for anyone interested in V-twin Bikes!
In my opinion Brock Yates does one of the best jobs to date in relating the real ("non-corporate")Harley Davidson Factory story especially as it relates to the long standing conflict between the factory's desired clean cut "Harley Rider" image and the outlaw/1%er culture which has and continues to be one of the primary driving forces behind the current boom in American V-twin Motorcycles. It's well written and presents both sides in a fair and objective manner. Additionally, Yates really understands and accurately relates the underlying "In Your Face" attitude that most riders don't talk about, yet rides with them (us) every mile. This is a great book for anyone interested in the American V-twin lifestyle be they new to it or a long term patch holder. As a lifelong rider and advide collector of both biker books and movies, I classify "OUTLAW MACHINE" as a "must have" for anyone interested in the subject. It certainly contains information that was new to me. It's also especially good for newcomers in that it provides a very good overview while not becoming bogged down in the alphabet soup of model designations and biker jargon. GREAT JOB BROCK!

A captivating writer spinning a great yarn.
I've read most of Brock's books and have enjoyed them immensely. Here he takes the reader on a historical tour of a timeless marque. He does it with his usual style, good humor and enlightened cynicism. He stands not in awe of the "Milwaukee monsters", but is a chronicler who dares to point out the pluses and minuses of a machine whose very existence is a minor miracle. They aren't high tech, can't compare in quality or performance with their Japanese competitors but enjoy a cache rarely afforded a product that falls short in so many areas.But Yates finds a way to explain this phenomena. He calls a spade a spade, but in doing so penetrates the veil of intense loyalty exhibited by the Harley Davidson trifosi. I own six Harleys and love them all! This is a fun book and a great read. Yates has another winner that deserves to be in the library of any Harley lover. Clint Allen- The Allen Vintage Motorcycle Museum.