Round Up

ROUND UP

JOE PARKHURST

INTELLIGENT MOTORCYCLING IN BOOK FORM

I’m pleased to tell about CYCLE WORLD’S newest publishing efforts. Bill Kaysing, author of “Intelligent Motorcycling,” the series that was so successful on the pages of the magazine, and CW now offer the entire series in soft back book form for only twenty-five cents per copy.

Boasting Jon Dahlstrom’s fabulous illustrations, the pocket-sized edition was reprinted in an inexpensive form so that interested clubs, civic groups, city or state agencies, schools, etc., could purchase them in large quantities to be used in the instruction and promotion of safe and intelligent motorcycling. Interested bona fide groups may write for quantity discounts, which vary, depending upon the number desired. The back cover has been left blank for dealers or organizations wishing to use a rubber stamp or paste-on imprint.

We have added a bonus feature to the book with the inclusion of a new chapter — number 11 — dealing with riding double. This chapter has not appeared in CYCLE WORLD, but is scheduled for use soon. For those who may not remember, or perhaps did not see the series, its 10 chapters dealing with the safe and sane use of motorcycles are titled: The Open Road; Motorcycle Controls; Maintenance; Safety in the City; Safety in the Country; Safety on the Road; Safety on the Race Track; Selecting the Right Machine for off the Road; Selecting the Right Machine for on the Road; Touring, and of course, the new section — Riding Double.

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HELMET STANDARDS ADOPTED

I spent a short, but pleasant, few days in Las Vegas not long ago, pursuing jazz, Frank Sinatra, a dull sports car race, and an interesting meeting arranged for by Bill Berry of the Motorcycle, Scooter and Allied Trades Association on behalf of their user organization, the American Motorcycle Association. I have criticized the AMA’s helmet “testing” program before, claiming they banged them on the corner of a filing cabinet — a test I still insist constituted the “testing” program. Regardless, the AMA has long recognized the need for a truly worthwhile testing program for helmets they approve for use by the thousands of competitors. I won’t go into the long, drawn-out battle that has been waged over helmet testing programs. It is necessary only to point out that most of the country has decided to accept the American Standards Association’s (now known as N.S.A.S.I.), seal of approval as the way to go. I’ll point out though that a good part of the helmet, racing, sports car, motorcycle, etc., industries, gave the ASA ample assistance in preparing their testing program, so all agree that the method is fair, just and reasonable. The AMA has accepted the ASA Z-90 as standard for acceptance as an AMA-approved competition helmet, but felt that a somewhat modified program should be employed in the testing and approval of touring helmets.

The AMA feels, and I debate this attitude, that helmets for touring need not require such a stringent and profound testing for approval for the “simple” task of road riding. Personally, I consider riding in traffic far more dangerous than trying to lap Riverside Raceway at under 60 seconds, or setting a new time record between Tijuana and La Paz, Baja California. But, I fully agree that this would be a very difficult attitude to sell to the general and non-motorcycling public wishing to take a simple spin around the block. Consequently, the MS&ATA convinced the heads of the leading safety helmet makers to convene and establish a lowered set of standards for the AMA to use in approving various helmets for road use.

I am extremely pleased to report that it was duck soup. Few disagreed on any important point. All agreed on a handful of modifications to the Z-90 within the pleasant, two-day long meeting, and even got along so well they decided to organize a helmet manufacturers association. The first time in history, and a meeting of minds that can produce nothing but good for all concerned. And, motorcycling did it! Soon the AMA will release its new set of standards for competition and a separate set for touring. Hell of a lot better than any filing cabinet. I'll tell you.

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Wayne University’s Professor Patrick gave them an assist in the technical end of things. He also helped draft the impact standards used by the American Standards Association. Members present were Frank Heacox of Bell Toptex; Fred Welsh of McHal Protective Headgear; Tom Johnson of Buco Division of American Safety Products; Bob Remensperger of Western Scooter (importers of helmets); Peter Mead, another helmet manufacturer; Jim Jingu of Yamaha, representing the MS&ATA; Walter Davidson of Harley-Davidson, also for the association; Louis Spitz of the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles and several other important transportation associations; and Bill Berry and Paul McCrillis, of the MS&ATA.

SAFETY SLOGANS

The National Safety Council, watch dogs of highway safety for automobile drivers, mainly because they are financed by the automobile manufacturers, send out a heck of a lot of flack to be used by publications, newspapers, etc. One recent one caught my eye, ’cause it was an eye! Within the eye an artist has set the words “Watch out for the other guy.” I’m sure the N.S.C. wouldn’t be too happy about it, but I have a suggestion for another version of the black eye:

SCOOTERS IN PUBLIC SERVICE

Another stab into respectability for the motor scooter took place a short time ago when the Arizona Public Service equipped its entire meter reading force with 90cc Vespa motor scooters. Jovial Bob Remensperger. president of Western Scooter Distr., Vespa big dog in the West, sold them on the idea. I’ve been dealing with Bob for several years and I can testify he could sell me on scaling El Capitan in Yosemite with a Vespa if he tried.

ROCKET-CYCLE?

Found an intriguing item buried in one of the back columns of the National Observer newspaper, under the headline describing a new achievement by the Union Carbide Corp. ... It seems they demonstrated a fuel cell capable of powering a motorcycle. The cell converts a gallon of the rocket fuel hydrazine (current price $8.00 per gallon) to produce enough energy to propel a motorcycle 200 miles — “much higher than conventional motorcycle mileage costs,” according to the company. Union Carbide apparently has no plans to make fuel cell motorcycles, but the Observer speculates that the motorcycle industry might look into it. Whoosh!

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INDIANS IN A TRIBE

Indian Four Motorcycle News is the name of the very latest motorcycle publication. Further explanation of their editorial policy is hardly needed. Editor and Publisher is Cecil F. Hasser in Yellow Springs, Ohio 45387. He sent me a copy of their first issue, to be published four times a year. What they lack in journalistic abilities, they certainly make up for in enthusiasm and knowledge of their subject. Mr. Hasser and his staff of three tell me their goal is to afford Indian and Indian Four owners helpful information on restoring and maintaining their machines.

Cover price is $1.00, and if you would like to help them make it self-supporting, you might write them at 525 Fairfield Pike, and buy a copy. It has a directory of members, good photos of a nice bunch of old Indians, a feature on how to restore the four-cylinder engine, and quite a lot more dealing with “America’s most beautiful motorcycle.” Their term, but not far from true feelings of many people.

NISONGER NEWSLETTER

Another of the major firms dealing with the motorcycle industry have added an informative newsletter to those published by firms such as Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, PABATCO (Hodaka), Harley-Davidson, etc. Nisonger Corp., New Rochelle, New York, U. S. distributors for KLG spark plugs and Smiths instruments, have published the first issue of their newsletter for members of the cycle trade. This motorcycle publishing field is surely getting crowded. - ■