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I'm doing a broadly-scoped research project on the history of motorcyling...
I was wondering if anyone had any favorite movies/documentaries/books that they could recommend on the subject.
Thanks in advance!

Just how broad is the scope of this project? Are you looking at motorcycling in the USA, Great Britain, or everywhere? Racing, travel, transportation, engineering development, individual experiences, social significance, or a little bit of everything?

Documentaries: The Rugged Road (goes along with the book of the same name) by Theressa Wallach chronicles a journey across Africa in the 1930's by two women. One Man Caravan by Robert E. Fulton is about the author's round the world trip in the early 1930's aboard a Douglas. The book is much more complete than the fragmentary documentary film. Also, the recent Long Way Round is supposed to be good.

Movies: The Wild One for the 1950's, Easy Rider for the 1960's. Leather Boys (for England in the 60's), and the recent World's Fastest Indian. There are dozens of lesser movies about "outlaws", racing, and more.

Books: Thirty years ago there were very few books about motorcycling beyond marque histories. Now there are literally hundreds. The Rugged Road and One Man Caravan are the best I've read about early motorcycling. Most motorcycle books tend to be very specific; history of a particular make, description of a single journey, about types of bikes (choppers, cafe racers), there is even a book about the motorcycle leather jacket. The Perfect Vehicle by Melissa Holbrook Pierson contains good material about the history of motorcycling and is also a good read.

In the past motorcycle magazines often had articles about the history of motorcycling. These were probably used as filler, but they were interesting and informative.

Give us a little more information about what you are looking for.
Peter '73 R75/5, '04 R1150RA

You have to include the movie "on Any Sunday" by Bruce Brown. About 1971. The true classic documentary about racing in a more innocent time.

All kinds of racing. A close look at the stars of the day. And throw in Steve McQueen-not because he was a movie star. But because he was a talented rider with a real love of the sport.

I'd say it was a must-have for your study. But also enormously entertaining.

I'm trying to limit the project to American history, but I was hoping to find not only materials that pertain to this specifically, but others that may strike some inspiration. I'd like to create a document that is appealing to not only those who ride, but also those who do not.
I'd like to touch lightly on the following subjects:
-Mechanical History (chronological innovations, etc.)
-Influence within/on popular culture
-Personal interest stories
-Examine different motorcycle cliques/clubs
-And perhaps, ultimately try to answer "why we ride."
I've heard several good things about "On Any Sunday," and after recieving your further confirmation, I decided to order it. I also ordered "The Perfect Vehicle." These seem like great starting points.
I hope this narrows it down a bit.
Thanks for your input!

Have a look here http://ijms.nova.edu/ Lots of info on the articles pages. A friend of mine is on the editorial board and I've done some research with him. He rides a 1200gs now but wishes he still had his 1150.

Check out the book Ghost Rider (a true story). I found it to be a good read and touches on the reason why this person rides and how it saved him.

Check out the dvd Ghost Rider...and hang on to your seat......just kidding..

The doco that comes with the Fastest Indian movie is a beaut.."Offerings to the Gods of speed"

One Any Sunday..is a classic for sure...but very old.

American Chopper......yes just kidding again..

The new Kentucky Kid (DTK) dvd gives a great insight to the modern racers and their upbringing and their hero's.

Check out the Duke website for some great motorcycling books and dvd's.. http://www.dukevideo.com/Welcome/Home.aspx

That's about it from me.

DJ

i got a book i think is called "encylopedia of motorcycles"

it is a big "coffee table" type book. i have had it for maybe 8 years or so.
it has an alphabetical "picture section" of most domestic and international brands. it pictures the major (innovation, popularity) models by the major brands and details specific to those models.

the second half is an index of all international makes. this may be a good starting point at least as far as the mechanical.

here is link to amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-Moto ... 1571452958

Here's the website for the Orlando Mueum of Art's "Art of the Motorcycle" display which ran from January to July. Unfortunately, I didn't get to see it, but I think it was on loan from the Guggenhiem Museum in NYC.
http://www.omart.org/aom/pages/AOMhome. ... orldanchor

Good luck with your research!

The Perfect Vehicle: What It is about Motorcycles has been on my bookshelf for a while. Sadly, I've not yet taken the time to read it but it looks like it could fit the bill.