Slow Burn

This book traces how the superbike, a racing machine built from road-going sports-touring bikes, grew into one of motorcycling's most successful forms of competition. Superbike racing now holds world championship status in its own right. It has also served as a proving ground for grand prix riders and as a testing ground where manufacturers, importers and dealers refine their street models.

The author explains why the sport matters to the motorcycle trade. Its links to the business side of motoring are compared with touring car and NASCAR racing, since success on the track is meant to translate into showroom sales. Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, Ducati and Aprilia all took part in the sport's early years and have remained involved ever since, using it to test their road bikes.

The book also follows the riders who learned their craft on large, demanding superbikes before moving on to the world's toughest circuits. Wayne Gardner, Wayne Rainey, Kevin Schwantz and Eddie Lawson are among those whose careers began in this class. The title refers to the slow, steady development of the sport over time.