Sportbikes represent the state of motorcycle art. Consequently, no other category of bikes is as fiercely driven by the advancement of technology. Perhaps this is why sportbikes are the best selling class of motorcycles in the world. Today's sporting machinery offers performance only available to factory race teams as little as a decade ago. If these bikes are so good, why do riders want to modify them?

First, most motorcycle riders are by their nature tinkerers. They usually start with common maintenance items and then move on to playing with their bike's built-in adjustability. Next comes simple bolt on modifications like an aftermarket pipe or gearing changes. Since technology continues forward after this year's techno-marvel rolls out the dealership door, riders who want to keep up with the next generation of bikes will naturally start to move on to more advanced modifications.

Following a similar progression, 101 Sportbike Performance Projects begins with the most basic maintenance projects and continues through major modifications, helping riders of almost any level of mechanical ability plan and carry out a wide variety of performance enhancements to their bikes—be they street riders, track riders, or drag racers. The book's structure groups the projects into the various systems on a motorcycle. Each section begins with easier projects before moving on to more challenging modifications. For example, the suspension section begins with how to measure and set a bike's sag. By the end of the chapter, readers will know how to rebuild a shock and alter its shim stacks.

Each project starts with a table containing an estimate of how long the modification will take, the tools required, and the mechanical experience necessary to undertake the project. The parts list makes sure that everything can be gathered prior to disassembling the bike. Every project includes a tip, highlighting a key consideration. Finally, a brief description of the expected performance gain is stated. Some projects also include a listing of any complementary modifications to be considered.

You get the most vital information in an easy-to-digest format—all before reading the actual body of the project! The main text of each project takes the reader through the project in a step-by-step manner. Photographs highlight key points in the process.

Armed with this book and a factory service manual, just about anyone should be able to wrench their way from novice to experienced mechanic—and have a bunch of fun along the way. Download the free sample projects to see for yourself.