HST rode with the Barger Chapter in California
http://biographies-figures.knoji.com/quotes-from-hunter-s-thompsons-book-hells-angels-the-strange-and-terrible-saga-of-the-outlaw-motorcycle-gangs/ />

 Read it on the 1^st publishing, thought he was an ass-h. jerk then, still do but RIP just the same

Savage, if you read his whole body of work, he's not a jerk but America's no. 1 comedic, true writer!

Peace

I've read him and yes, he's been a inspiration to other writers.  However, his writings walk a very thin line between what you say is "comedic" and true.  He uses fiction (half truths and lies) as a tool in which to build/bill his so-called documentary(s). True, not many folks would have the balls (read: insanity) to mingle with the HA just to write a book. In the end it was an exploitation of a culture to further validate him as a writer.  He exploits the realm between fiction and non-fiction. His book, "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" is indeed entertaining but also a prime example of his inability to live in or even examine the real world.  His mind was a fantasy-filled cacophony of 3-dimensional delusions. His suicide was the only real thing in his life.  So, I didn't like him not because he couldn't write but because he never left himself out of the story; writing in the 1st person as it were. Just my opinion as I know many feel/felt differently.

Peace