Letters
LETTERS
ERROR
Just a brief note to inform you that due to an assembly error the copy “2 stroke” was inadvertently omitted from the first line of our body copy on the 250cc Sa-murai Street Scrambler Motorcycle in our August advertisement.
The 250 Samurai A1SS is the only 250cc 2 stroke in the world with dual crossover pipes.
JOHN P. BROPHY Account Supervisor Kawasaki Motorcycles
CREDIT WHERE IT’S DUE
Since my husband is not making any money at Novice and Junior class motorcycle road racing, I’m certain you’ll appreciate my concern that he at least receives some recognition for what he does.
I am writing specifically about the report in your July issue on the April AAMRR meet at Danville, Va. I don’t know who wrote that report, but you’d better find out what he did with the money you gave him to go to the race, because he certainly didn’t witness it.
1. My husband placed second in the 350cc race ahead of George Rockett and Kurt Liebman. This mistake is understandable since my husband is a Junior rider with the AAMRR and they list finishing positions in the combined races separately but do not show overall position.
2. In the 250cc Junior you failed to mention that AÍ Golden had a commanding lead until retired by motor trouble. And that my husband, while starting almost two laps behind in an 11-lap race due to fouled spark plugs, still finished 12th and was gaining several seconds a lap on the leaders.
3. The first three riders in both the 250 Senior and 350 races did not have their wheels almost touching — in fact, in both races Frank was probably a half-mile ahead at the end, and in the 350 my husband was nearly as far ahead of third place Rockett.
4. Finally, Frank set the new course record of 2:32.2 in the 350cc race Tuning away from my husband. And, by my own watch as well as several others who volunteered the information later, my husband was turning laps in both races at 2:33 and 2.34.
Since then, Bob has turned fastest junior lap times at Nelson Ledges, Rockingham, N. C., and was fastest Novice practicer at Loudon. And he does it weighing 185 lbs., owning and doing all work on his bike himself, and driving all night to get to the races.
He was plagued by engine failures at Nelson Ledges and Rockingham, and was just plain too fatigued to get the bike started at Loudon, after being up all night putting the engine together.
He was also running third at Daytona without really having competitive engine power when he ran out of gas. (Don’t worry, I’m not letting him live that one down.)
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And he has also built the best motorcycle disc brake in the world.
How about some “credit where credit is due”, etc.
MRS. NANCY ANN WAKEFIELD Indianapolis, Ind.
You are at the top of the list to replace a former correspondent. — Ed.
PRAISES POLICE PATROL
Congratulations! To the Long Beach Police Motor Patrol Association for conducting a fine motorcycle training program for new and experienced riders alike. Our class of twelve has just completed one of their excellent programs. We learned much about our riding ability (or lack of it), as we were instructed in the proper and safe way to ride our motorcycles.
Officers Bob Samuelson, Larry Ondrick, Dave Priddy, Gene Tadlock, and others are to be congratulated for a job well done. These officers are donating their time and their only objective is to promote better motorcycle safety through education.
The course consists of safety movies, classroom work and plenty of hard riding. It requires only two hours of your time each Saturday morning for four consecutive weeks to complete this fine program. Open to all riders regardless of age or type of machine, the only restriction is that each applicant must have a valid driving license. Also, there are some free loaner bikes supplied by local dealers for those who do not yet own a machine.
In our class the ages varied from 18 to 50 and the bikes ranged from small Hondas to large full-dress Harleys. The class is free and the officers only ask that you complete the whole course. How can you go wrong?
An obstacle course similar to that used to train motorcycle officers is set up near the Long Beach Airport where the school is held. There are numerous plastic pylons set up in long rows through which you must slowly weave in and out without knocking any down or putting your foot on the ground at any time for balance. Sound easy? But wait until you try it! One full class period is spent trying to ride that darn thing!
There is also a 30 mph braking test that will surprise you and numerous other goodies to test your skill. This course is a real challenge and few riders ever score the total 100 points. Care to try it?
The final class was an actual group ride led by Sgt. Tadlock. We briskly cruised up and down some steep hills and along many busy streets of Long Beach, returning to our starting point some one and a half hours later. We learned a lot about group riding and had fun while we learned.
I believe that this type of program should receive more publicity for the good of the sport. This course would be an interesting topic for some TV station to exploit or some newspaper to feature. I certainly wish that the Los Angeles Police Department would follow suit and start some schools in the San Fernando Valley
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— in fact, all over the vast Los Angeles area. I am certain that they could find plenty of volunteers.
For those of you who would like to obtain more information on enrollment, or perhaps starting a program of your own I will take the liberty to advise that you write the following person:
Officer R. F. Samuelson, Program Director Long Beach Motor Patrol Assn.
C/o Police Department,
Long Beach, Calif.
J. B. Woodland Hills, Calif.
EQUAL TIME
Now let’s hear from the Hog riders! The fact that a 1948-9 Indian turned a time within 1.1 sec. in the quarter of the latest Electric Wonder should start a little bit of talk at least.
By the way, no doubt few enough riders understood the intent of my last letter (published in the June ’64 issue, as I remember). I was somewhat surprised to see it, myself. It was written in a fit of pique
— and later I bought a Hog.
(To digress, it was my first and last — a miserable ’53 K model. I recently rode a ’63 XLCH and was impressed with the fact that H-D failed to improve the Army truck handling in ten years.)
But this letter is to let you know that I really like CYCLE WORLD — even though I no longer subscribe. That is due to my being an English major in college — which also explains why I’m riding an old Enfield which I bought cheaply.
Your road tests are great — B.C. (before college) I bought a ’64 Enfield 750 on the strength of your test (it is, alas, since gone). Someday, when I’m out of school (say 10-15 years) I’ll buy another new one (Lord knows I’ve had enough old ones — see above; and have you ever heard of a bent up Ariel HS being ridden on the street? I still have the frame and oil tank, out of nostalgia).
Anyhow, maybe you’ll take heart in the fact that some of us pseudo-old timers — ten years on two wheels, for me — love you, in spite of all the lightweights, in spite of the Great Legislation Conspiracy, in spite of the Time Magazine-type pronouncements. Well, keep it up. I still buy the rag.
And someday I’ll get the coins together all at once for a subscription!
JOHN T. WEIGEL Riverside, Calif.
We have promised Harley-Davidson fans equal time. — Ed.
CON GAME
I think this letter will interest every motorcycle enthusiast. There have been rumors of some kind of Army surplus motorcycles (Harley 74s) for sale if bought in lots of fifty. The price of these motorcycles was to be $12.50. They were to be new 1947 Harleys, disassembled in the crates. So I started a list around my local high school, Northwest, and collected 50 names and their $12.50.
These cycles were to be at the Granate City Army Depot in Illinois. I drove over and talked with the guard and he had no idea of any Harleys for sale. I then tried the Records Building at 79001 Page Blvd. (Army Records) and they had no idea of this sort of thing.
This made me wonder and so my father called the Better Business Bureau and a Jim Smith referred us to Mrs. Finch, Property Disposal Division, Granite City. She informed us that this sort of thing was a “con game,” originated to cheat people out of their money.-She also told us that the day before, some man was taken for about $700.
So let this be a lesson to all cycle enthusiasts. If some one wants to sell you a 1947 Harley for $12.50, forget it. You will only be taken. Also, deal with reputable firms, and check into matters that seem a little shifty. I just hope that this letter will save some infatuated kid a few bucks.
JIM SEXTRO St. Louis, Mo. We have also heard reports of the racket flourishing in Ontario, Canada, where dozens of people have been taken. — Ed.
NORTON PARTS WANTED
Would you please send me information as to where I may obtain parts for my 1951 Norton motorcycle? It is an ES2 O.H.V., single cyclinder. The parts I need are as follows:
Piston and pin (1st oversize)
Ring assembly Valve guides
Exhaust cable adjuster, stop, stop nut and washer
Exhaust valve lifter securing spring
Cylinder head joint washer
Cylinder base washer
Rockerbox inspection cover, screw and
washer
Push rod cover-top sealing washers Push rod bottom sealing washers Magneto chain cover and screws (short) Paper washer Kick start return spring
WILLIAM R. MORAN Box 124 East Montpelier, Vt.
LET’S BE HONEST
At times I get the lonely feeling that I am the only BMW owner in existence that has a realistic attitude toward the marque. Why can’t BMW types understand that they ride what is only an expensive, well made, maybe even great, machine and NOT a flawless, all-conquering, conceivedin-Heaven, lump of perfection?
What prompts this wail is my embarrassment with letters like that of Chris McIntyre (Letters, CW, Aug., 1967), which is typical of the storm of foolishness your magazine receives in response to its highly realistic evaluations of the R69-S. What BMW purchasers can’t understand, after handing over the price of a fairly wellequipped auto for their machines, is that the bikes come with some atrociously cheap components, notably carburetors, tires, and, Mr. McIntyre, a truly pathetic speedometer-odometer unit.
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Being, as I say, a sub-normal owner, I eventually realized that my speedo was inclined to kid around a bit. So I took “old Never-Say-Die” (see cover, CW, Oct., 1965), with standard-sized tires, correctly inflated, and a stopwatch, out to an odometer test section erected by Big Brother and made several runs at each of several speeds. I won’t bother you with the amazing errors at the lower speeds, just Mr. McIntyre’s favorite of 120. Would you believe that when my big BMW (and probably Mr. McIntyre’s and most of the others, too) is wiping ’em out at 120, it’s really only doing 101 mph? So our big hummers are really just barely ton-up machinery. Self-honesty is so depressing.
PETER A. BETZ Albuquerque, N. M.
RIDING PARTNER
I am a subscriber to CYCLE WORLD Magazine and have found a most interesting publication. I am also a “bike” rider, having purchased my first machine, a Honda Dream 305 as a Christmas present in 1966. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it, and last summer completed a 6,000 mile trip from here to Mexico City and up the West Coast of Mexico to Los Angeles, Calif. The return trip from L. A. was via Dallas, Texas and St. Louis, Mo. Although I ran the gamut of experiences along the way, it was indeed a wonderful experience.
Now everyone seems to feel that this was quite an accomplishment for anyone — least of all for a “senior citizen” of 56 years of age. My answer to that is that I was only warming up for my trip to Central America via Mexico City for the Olympic Games next October, 1968. Although my last trip was made alone, I would like to correspond with anyone in this area or anywhere along the way who would like to go along.
Incidentally, while I enjoyed the Dream I do plan to move up to a BMW R60 for this next trip. Also, I speak the Spanish language fluently and am familiar with the country.
Presently I plan to leave Chicago, Illinois October 12, 1968 and should return November 10, 1968.
LESLIE V. WARREN Project Coordinator Chicago Boys Clubs 304 West Randolph St. Chicago, 111. 60606
DIDN’T YOU HEAR?
Even though I am not yet a motorcycle owner, I have been reading your magazine for a good while. From the many articles and tests on Japanese lightweights, I have acquired the opinion that, for the better part, most of these cycles are good, dependable machines.
I have been approached by a cyclist who owns an American-made motorcycle. He told me of so-called “troubles” which plague foreign machines—bad performance, can’t get parts, dealers don’t know how to repair them, need special tools, etc. In a few words, he said “don’t get one.”
Now I am undecided. Any suggestions or statements you might make to clear up the enigma would be greatly appreciated.
Your magazine is first rate in all respects.
CARSON s. MCKINLEY
Red Lion, Pa.
Chances are your adviser has been hibernating for the past 10 years, so be patient with him; he’s got a lot of catching up to do. Your own conclusions, drawn from reports developed by people who are skilled in evaluating motorcycles, are sound, and we suggest that you continue with your intelligent assessment.
The allegation to “bad performance” is so absurd we won’t dignify it with a refutation. As to parts availability and dealer proficiency, we can only suggest that you —and Rip Van Winkle—look around and count the number of first-rate foreign motorcycle agencies in any area of the country. The only tools that are not supplied in a kit with a foreign motorcycle are those that are necessary to perform major repair work, and these are generally not available, even to owners of Americanmade bikes, but are reserved for agency service shops.
Before you waste any time trying to get Rip to believe that his views won’t hold water, test him with the concept of the earth being round. — Ed.
A PLEA FOR JACK PINE
I read Mr. Van Elk’s letter in CYCLE WORLD and in Cycle Sport. I agree with him 100 percent. I am only 15 years old and rode in the Jack Pine with my father. I realize what can happen if these motorcycle bums are not taken care of.
The Jack Pine Enduro was the best motorcycle event there ever was. I have read letters written by these motorcycle gangs saying that society will not accept them. Can you blame the public? Look at all the trouble these bums get into. They are giving the decent motorcycle riders a bad name. You can’t even ride down the street without people giving you a dirty look. People don’t realize the sport motorcycling is. What is going to happen if motorcycle riders don’t do anything about this bunch of bums?
So, with Mr. Van Elk, I beg you gentlemen of the Lansing M. C., don’t let a bunch of childish bums take away the beauty of the Jack Pine. I hope someday soon the Jack Pine will be able to have their annual 500 mile race. They have built up a reputation for 40 years. Let’s not let a bunch of bums stop a beautiful race like the Jack Pine.
MIKE MIKUS Boyne City, Mich.
SEEKS PEN PALS
I am the owner of a new 1967 Honda 305. I am interested in hearing from readers not only from the California area, but the United States in total and cycle riders all over the world. I would like to hear from riders from the age 20 - 40.
RAY I. BECKER
4226 E. Fourth St.
Apt. #15
Long Beach, Calif. 90814
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GENTLE REMINDER
Thanks for shedding considerable light on the mystery of the Indian; the “Meet Mr. Indian” was particularly bemusing — even inspiring — in your July issue.
Special thanks for your Round Up comments, “California Legislation,” on the Foran State Assembly Bill 978 restricting cyclists. By giving the reader something specific that he can do to try and prevent cycling from literally being legislated out of existence, you’re performing a most commendable public service. Please continue to bring to our attention any and every such piece of pending legislation, with your lengthy and candid comments, so that we can then get on the ball and do our part by writing letters to our respective state senators and assemblymen.
Many people who ride say they like to talk about all the fun of cycling, etc., and most can do so for hours. However, these same people usually claim they hate to write letters, even to their best friends, as if to push a pen or pencil across a page were some super-human task requiring skills and patience beyond their grasp. If these people wish to continue to ride without being forced to armor up, staying in an outside lane, wearing seatbelts, crawling along at restricted speeds (if at all), that’s fine . . . but if not, they’d better change their ways, fast. They (we) don’t have to spell every word correctly, or have the most correct English or best penmanship to impress our representatives. On the contrary, the regular pro letter writers may even get less attention, even to the point of getting mimeographed “pro” form letters back in reply. Honest, straightforward no-holds-barred questions are important. Not just personal feelings, but questions which invite answering. Crude or impolite remarks or sarcasm may make the writer feel better, but they probably won’t have the same effect on anyone’s representative. Positive, constructive suggestions will stand a better chance of getting the letter read by someone besides the third secretary in the outside office, who probably has a wastebasket full of crank letters.
Anyone who can spare a few minutes to an hour — and a well thought out letter may take at least that —to work on his bike, can also spare time for an even more important task these days: letter writing to our elected representatives, who, while they may not care too much for our motorcycles, do care for their jobs. They know we have the power of the vote, so only the gentlest of reminders are called for, if any at all. What they don’t know is that we really care enough to speak out. I have faith that you and other cycle magazine editors now writing about cycling laws will continue to do so; if only readers will start writing their representatives before it is too late!
ERNIE KRUMM Kerman, California
END OF FEUD
In the June, 1967 issue of CYCLE WORLD you printed a letter written by me, the substance of which was a dissatisfaction with your magazine’s constant nit-picking at the AMA. Mr. Waldo E. Burdick Jr., of Elmira, New York, has chosen to reply to my letter via your excellent magazine (Yes, I do like it. Why else would I read it?). Free speech being what it is, I submit the following as an answer to both your comments and those of Mr. W. E. Burdick’s.
In the Letters to the Editor column of the August issue of CYCLE WORLD, Mr. W. E. Burdick has said that I attempted to descredit the AAMRR from the standpoint of expense. Nothing could be further from the truth. I never as much as implied that the AAMRR could organize a road race anyway near as inexpensively as a local AMA club can run a scramble; rather that AMA races are less expensive on a per race basis than any other organization, which was the question in the first place. In fact, it’s my guess that a scrambler would probably spend more in daily fees during a season than an ardent road racer. Granted, a road racer costs more to purchase and maintain, about $400 more than a scrambler in initial cost alone. This I know from experience from my puny efforts at Daytona and Laconia.
It really wasn’t very fair (but who is?) of Mr. Burdick to accuse me of attacking the AAMRR. I have nothing but praise for that fine organization, of which I am a past member, and am now in the process of building a 200cc Bultaco road racer for their upcoming season. That is if they will let me join again!
Did I say that I was giving the AMA “wholesale credit” for anything? No, but rather I was trying to defend it from the nit-picking which I suppose every large organization suffers from time to time. Also, as to Mr. Burdick’s comment concerning the AMA rulebook, my letter didn’t say anything about wanting to stamp out or ignore anything more exotic than a 750cc side valve long stroker. Nothing in Motorcycledom gives me a bigger charge than the sights and sounds of a Manx Norton or Moto-Guzzi V-8 at full song. I always have and always will advocate a class or classes for those machines which are currently banned at AMA sanctioned meets. The rules of the AMA do, however, protect Mr. Burdick and myself from the chap who can afford the sort of equipment we both love so well and who would effortlessly “blow” both of us off the track each and every time we (the impoverished) should try him.
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To get to the crux of the matter, and hopefully to end this, exchange of epistles, it is my sincere belief that Mr. Burdick and thousands of others are for the same thing. To race in his own way, style, with safety in mind as well as the wallet. Instead, we tend to misunderstand each other until one piles on top of another, when we all get tangled up in our own little problems along with the problems of others.
Somehow I don’t see how all this quibbling about the AMA and/or the FIM, etc., is getting any of us anywhere.
SAMUEL A. COOMBS, JR. Falls Church, Va.
DOWN WITH POLITICS!
As a subscriber of CYCLE WORLD since its beginning, please be advised that I object strongly to the letter titled: “Commerce Vs. Morality” in the Number 4, Vol. 6, April, 1967. If I am interested in political matters, I will subscribe to magazines in this line, but as an old motorcyclist, I like to enjoy reading matters concerning the wonderful sport of motorcycling and will not spend my good money for such outright political trash as envisaged in said article.
I also object entirely to the ad which was on page 94 of said issue, inasmuch as I realize that a magazine is dependent on advertisers. I am surprised that in our times of accident flim-flam concerning motorcycling, a magazine of such high standing as CYCLE WORLD would accept such an ad concerning footrests.
WALTER E. SCHNEEBELI Baltimore, Md.
HOUSE MASTER
You have a fine magazine, but I don’t believe you should implicate other people in your beliefs. I just love the California license system. Try changing your ways, but leave mine alone. I master my house and home! Believe me, my wife doesn’t have a license to operate an Osterizer, but if you have your way, she soon may.
A CYCLE WORLD FAN Pittsburg, Calif.
If your wife was riding the Osterizer on the roads, we’d want her to have a license for that too. — Ed.
