Book Series | Motorcycle Smarts

Motorcycle Smarts

Book 1 in the Series

“This is by far the best motorcycling book I have read. This book is very readable. I learned more of importance about motorcycling safely than I did in the two MSF courses I took.”

— L R Libsch on Amazon

“I’m trying to decide if riding a motorcycle is right for me, and a friend recommended this book. It’s the first one that addressed fear, and he did it in chapter one. Super helpful.”

— Mn Girl on Amazon

“Please, please, everybody, read this book. It is a very easy read and can help you avoid some serious problems. Suitable for all riders.”

— Adalberto from Canada

“Devoid of information. The most remarkable thing about this book is how it manages to convey next to zero actual information!”

— Wherati on Amazon

— Stephen Ward from the UK

“The author has a talent for breaking down technical concepts into easily understood ideas. I’ve enjoyed discussing this book with fellow riders.”

— TassieT from Australia

“I bought this book, read it, and then bought 12 more for family and motorcycling friends. It could save your life.”

— Mark Meehl on Amazon

I’ve read ‘Total Control,’ ‘Proficient Motorcycling,’ and ‘Stayin Safe,’ but the section in ‘Motorcycle Smarts’ on lowside and highside crashes is all the difference. David is great at simplifying difficult concepts. I’m definitely passing along this book to my riding friends.”

— Dan on Amazon

“Read this book before starting a (your) motorcycle, even if you’ve been riding for 27 years with over 100,000 miles in the saddle— like me. David, you said your goal in writing this book was to help at least one person become a better rider. You have met your goal with me. Thank you.”

— Joel Adams on Amazon

Motorcycle Smarts is the first book in the series. It covers some of the most important subjects not found in the old-school motorcycle mega books from the past.

In this book, I expand on some of the topics discussed on this site and present additional information not found here. I explain lowside and highside crashes in more depth, using my engineering background to break down these crashes in simple, easy-to-understand terms.

I had an artist draw over thirty images (freeze frames) of real crashes captured on video to show exactly what’s happening. These crashes are mostly ignored in other skills books.

I also unpack the Hurt Report and walk you through three steps to mastering the art of riding well.

If I didn’t think I could significantly reduce my chances of crashing, I wouldn’t ride. I believe you can, too.

It’s probably worth noting that I purposefully excluded topics like how to select riding gear and focused instead on the concepts that will reduce your chances of crashing. I’ve been humbled by the reader reviews on Amazon.

This is the book I wrote to pay forward what my motorcycle mentors did for me.

This book is available in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook formats.

Motorcycle Dream Ride

Book 2 in the Series

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“A well-written chronicle of an excellent motorcycle trip by two good friends. As an avid rider, I enjoyed the details provided by the author and his ability to articulate what such a ride meant to him and his riding partner and impart some of that joy onto the reader. Highly recommend this book.”

— David R. on Amazon

“It’s a fun read and very entertaining to the point that once I started it, I could not put it down. I went to bed very late and finished reading it the next day—and I am not an avid book reader. It’s full of anecdotes, personal insights, and issues they found on their big dream trip.”

— Mark Bench on Amazon

“I gave this book five stars because, at times, it felt like I was with Dave and Mike.”

— William Heinecke on Amazon

“The book was good, and I give people credit who ride across the country, but it’s not like curing cancer. It’s nice that he had someone to share the ride with. The story is very descriptive, and there’s plenty that one can take away from it if they’re planning a ride of their own or want to live vicariously through these two guys.”

— Gfro on Amazon

“Loved this book. The author has a great writing style and sense of humor.”

— Kindle Customer

“Very well-written book about a motorcycle journey from Alabama to Alaska and back. When reading the book, I felt like I was along on the journey. Good insight as to what to expect, but not too much detail to be cumbersome. Organization of the story and writer methods were appreciated.”

— Mary R. on Amazon

“Great read. Honest, humbly told. Wish it was longer and hoping David will take more rides and write about them as well.”

— Doug Haynes on Amazon

“Entertaining storytelling. Engaging even for those who don’t ride motorcycles. I’m now trying to plan my big dream.”

— Amazon Customer

“Incredible, loved listening to this book. It has inspired me to do my bucket list trip. We leave in a few weeks to go from Chicago to California on Route 66. Thank you for the push I needed to pull the trigger.”

— Wade on Amazon

“Little did I know when I met David and Mike at a campground in Montana 8 years ago that I would have a section in a book that was all about me. A friend was reading this book while on a plane and messaged me that I was famous. He told me about the book and what it said. I was able to locate the author, David Mixson, on social media. I was delighted that he sent me an autographed copy of the book. I can tell you that it was hard to put the book down once I started. Thank you, David, for the book. Hopefully, one day, my Grandchildren will read it and see why I rode a motorcycle all over the country!”

— Ron from page 80

Motorcycle Dream Ride is the second book in the series. It documents the before, during, and after experiences of riding from Alabama to Alaska (and back) with my best friend, Mike. Spoiler alert: We made it without crashing, well, sort of.

In this book, I take you behind the scenes of what it takes to live your BIG DREAM. As with any long adventure ride, there were ups and downs. I tried to be candid with my thoughts and emotions.

The best part of our journey was meeting folks along the way—an unexpected blessing for Mike and me.

This is the only book in the series that folks who don’t ride might enjoy reading. I love hearing from readers who tell me just that.

Motorcycle Dream Ride was also the most challenging book in the series to write because I wanted to get it right—without it feeling like a documentary of turns. I do this by skipping around in time to paint the complete picture. I’m thrilled readers have seemed to like it.

Anyway, writing it in a turn-by-turn fashion would have been difficult because Mike was the navigator and led the way for over 7,000 of the 8,058 total miles. He was in charge of navigating. I was in charge of documenting our adventure.

We did have a few close calls, but I’ll save those details for the book.

This book is available in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook formats.

Motorcycle Hacks

Book 3 in the Series

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“I have been riding for 60 years and learned new things in this book. Must read for all riders!”

—James L. Clark on Amazon

“This is a well-written and informative book. Easy to read, and the information in it is invaluable. I cannot recommend it enough. I read it in 4 days. I usually take a month to read a book. That is how much I enjoyed it.”

— Steven Thornton on Amazon

“David takes the complex theories of motorcycle riding and makes them easily understandable! Tidbit after tidbit of the real knowledge that will make you a better, safer rider! Give this book a read. Something you learn may save your life!”

— Autumn on Amazon

“David understands the physics of how this all works. His goal is to encourage fun and safe riding. This is a step along the road.”

— Safe Shooter on Amazon

“David Mixson seems like a very nice person. I know he means well and I’m glad his books have apparently made other riders more safe, but I didn’t find a single thing in this book that shouldn’t be common sense and common knowledge for any rider.”

— Old School on Amazon

“Sadly, one reviewer missed the point of why and how this book was written. His criticisms, although respectful, risk dissuading someone from buying the book and the potential reader will have lost an invaluable resource. That reviewer suggests experienced riders should already know all of these things, but sadly, they don’t. This intentional writing strategy is to be praised rather than criticized. David Mixson’s books give the reader an edge, a “margin,” essentially described as a buffer that generates options. He discusses the proactive posture of intentionality because “lazy solutions rarely work.” His books read like he’s right there next to you. He will help you decide how to put these skills into practical use or even if riding right for you.”

— Andy on Amazon

Motorcycle Hacks is the third, and likely final, book in the series. It continues where Motorcycle Smarts left off.

In this book, I present some of the tips my mentors shared with me—and ones I’ve learned for myself along the way.

I purposefully made each chapter short and to the point. I present quick tips riders can use to ride more comfortably, reduce their chances of crashing, and enjoy the sport even more.

To do this, I focused on several topics throughout the book. One is the importance of using your front brake instead of your rear.

I figured if I could convince a few “rear brake only” riders that avoiding their front brake is dangerous, I could prevent a rider or two from crashing.

Some readers appreciated the intentional repetition. Others didn’t.

As a bonus, I presented the same information about lowside and highside crashes (what are they, what triggers them, and how riders can avoid them) from Motorcycle Smarts. I consider it a bonus of sorts for the readers who consume Motorcycle Hacks without having first consumed Motorcycle Smarts.

Having said all this, if you’re only going to read one motorcycle skills book, you should start with Motorcycle Smarts.

This book is available in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook formats.