Letters
LETTERS
AMEN!
I must say Amen! to the “Friendly Service” letter from J.F. Pellicciotti (CW, Aug. ’68) of Wayne, Pa. In July, 1966, my brother Herb and I traveled to Seattle, enjoyed some deep sea fishing and took in the Nationals at Castle Rock, Wash., then journeyed down the coast and took in the races at Ascot the following Saturday evening. We arrived in Oxnard on Thursday to visit a friend. I was experiencing a very bothersome knock in my R-60, which turned out to be a sticky valve. At West Valley Cycle Sales, where my bike was repaired, I received nothing but courteous and friendly service from Jay Richter, his wife and mechanics. I won’t say anything about the treatment I received in San Francisco. I’m convinced I just went to the wrong shop!!
While I’m writing, this particular incident may be of interest to riders everywhere. My brother took delivery on a new R69 U.S. and on July 4 we went for an afternoon ride towards Nevada. I was following him at a distance of approximately 200 ft., and, at 60 mph, his bike just seemed to explode, wobbled a few times, taking to the air twice, and landed in the borrowpit 375 ft. farther on. Investigation showed the front wheel had locked up, leaving a skid mark about 4 ft. long. Examining the bike the following evening, I found marks on the underside of the front fender, indicating a piece of rubber had passed through and locked the wheel for a split second, which was enough to throw him out of control.
After knowing what to look for, two friends and I examined the area at the accident and found parts of a freshly shredded tire carcass. So...our words of wisdom, “Don’t run over ANY piece of foreign material on the road.”
Herb is on the road to recovery, and a few replacement parts will put the BM back in operation, as good as new. This incident cancels out our planned trip to Portland and Castle Rock for the TTs and 20-miler on July 14 and 21. Just can’t win ’em all.
HAROLD H. STILES Twin Falls, Ida.
EJECTION SEATS
Perhaps the only safety device that Dr. Bothwell didn’t touch upon (CW, Aug. ’68) is an aircraft-type ejection seat. In the 0.25to 1.5-sec. interval, when the rider perhaps realizes that an accident is inevitable, he presses a small button next to his dimmer switch, and is shot into the air, seat and all, by a 35-mm shell. At 100 ft. his mandatory backpack parachute will open automatically, and as he slowly floats to earth, he will have a few seconds to put his worldy affairs into order before being shredded by the freeway rush hour traffic below.
Seriously, though, Dr. Bothwell’s devices are eminently logical, and I was becoming increasingly enthused, until, at the end of the article, I asked myself if I would actually buy one of these gyroscoped, “packaged” machines. Unarguably, what one gains is safety, but what one loses are the basic advantages of a motorcycle, simplicity and economical operation. Probably the initial cost and subsequent upkeep would be so high that I would settle for a small car which would be more safe, and probably more simple and economical in the bargain.
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However, I think such machines should be constructed and offered to the public, but laws should not enforce their sales. Yet, I see nothing wrong with the enforcement of relatively inexpensive and practical safety measures, such as mandatory wearing of helmets. Mr. Turk (Forum, CW, Aug. ’68) would be surprised how many people suffer serious cycling injuries on hunting and exploring trips, and especially on their way to the corner grocery. A special license also seems sane. Proficiency in four-wheel operation does not carry over into two-wheel vehicle operation any more than an airplane pilot can necessarily tly a helicopter. Perhaps I am just tired of seeing inexperienced teencyclists careening all over the road, creating danger for themselves and others while giving motorcyclists a bad name in general. Is it conceivable that Mr. Turk is apprehensive that he couldn’t pass the test? A line must be drawn, not erased.
ELLIOT FRIED Seal Beach, Calif.
HERST(?)
Having read CYCLE WORLD for only about three or four years, I have always thought it to be lacking in European coverage.
Now that you’ve started covering the world picture of our sport so well, I find myself stationed in Berlin, Germany. Here they don’t believe that American motorcycling exists.
I left the states the weekend before Daytona. However it wasn’t until today that I learned who had won what and how. Same old story!
No need to describe your publication with exclamation marks. I believe the enclosed check to speak for itself.
I’d also like to extend my congratulations through you to Cal Ray born and Yvon du Hamel and their respective Harley-D avid son and Yamaha teams for their terrific show.
I have just recently acquired a 1954 350-cc (?)Herst(?) Matchless (G3LS) and partially because the service manual is in German, but mainly because eight pages concerning engine tuning are missing, I would appreciate any information your readers could provide me with concerning this particular engine.
JAMES JOURDON 6912th SS Box 1397 APO New York, NY 09611
HEADS-UP
This month marks the start of the fourth year that I have been reading your magazine. I would like to add my voice to the thousands of others who rank your publication as the finest there is. After reading your “Letters” column for many issues, I feel that we are in the majority and the quality of your staff and contributors insure that position for many years.
Some of your critics speak out against girls in advertising and the lack of humor in your articles. They fail to realize that you are not responsible for the composition of all the ads in your magazine; you only print them for a fee. As for the humor, the use of it would destroy, in my opinion, the dignity and professionalism of your publication. A look at some of the auto magazines that use slang and humorous description bears this out. However, I was very delighted to see the addition of cartoons by Brockbank. I have appreciated his talent several times in Road and Track and I share your wishes for a long series of his works.
I realize that there will be displeased readers no matter what you publish, and this is unavoidable. Everyone has his opinion and the right to express it. This is what keeps you aware of the total reader reaction. Their letters are just as sincere as mine.
I am a college student, and although I can’t afford a cycle right now, cycling has penetrated my blood and I wait somewhat impatiently for my next mount. In the meantime, thank you very much for a heads-up magazine that bolsters the good name of motorcycling while providing good reading at the same time.
JAMES HOLSTEIN Burlington, Iowa
AUSSIE BIKEY
Being an avid fan of your magazine, and a devoted “Aussie Bikey,” I would like to congratulate you on producing the best motorcycle magazine I have laid my hands on. I have been purchasing your magazine for several years, and think it is a real beauty. Although the price in Australia is more than in the U.S., your mag offers more for the money. Keep it up!
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During the past two years my mounts have been a Honda 50, a Suzuki 120 and currently a Suzuki 250 scrambler. I am very proud of the latest bike. The Aussie price of the 250 is “$619 registered on the road,” which is cheap for a machine that offers a speed approaching 100 mph and a fuel consumption of around 60-90 mpg. In Aussie land, the motorcycle is on its way in, and the various dealers are experiencing a boom in the cycle trade.
I am sure your U.S. readers would like to hear from cyclists in Aussie land, so I would be very pleased if you would include this letter in your “Letters” column.
May I take this opportunity also to tell you of the situation over here. I live in New South Wales and as yet there is no legislation concerning motorcyclists here. Compulsory wearing of helmets is not in force, though in Victoria, Queensland and the other states it is.
I wear a “skid lid” wherever I go. We also have a law on the carriage of pillion riders which is a little bit ahead of you blokes over there. A rider must not carry a pillion rider unless he has had his license for at least 12 months. I don’t know what is happening over there, but we have no freeway bans and we are allowed to ride two abreast on a highway; thus, I think we enjoy a little bit more freedom. Admittedly, though, Australia does not have enough parks or reserves for the motorcyclist such as you have over there. But I think that the way the bikes are popping up everywhere now it won’t be long before there are a few more clubs and events organized.
Speaking of clubs, the town I live in has recently formed one called Inverell Motorcycling Club. Inverell is a country town about 200 miles from the coastline. The club has about 20 members and meets fortnightly. During the weekend following each meeting, a ride of some nature is held. The last couple have been observed trials. Purely amateur. I am proud to boast that I have obtained a 3rd place and a tie for 1st. If anybody would like to write to the club, the address is: Inverell Motorcycling Club, Terry Romer, Glen Imes Road, Inverell 2360, N.S.W., Australia.
In conclusion, I would again like to congratulate you on such a fine, splendid, fab, gas, super, beaut, groovey, great, sexy?, mag. Gosh, mate, what more praise could you get?
D.A. TREUTHICH Inverell 2360 N.S.W., Australia
A LEG UP
After reading Mr. D. C. Fairbrother’s letter (CW, May ’68), I was immediately reminded of another man’s similar situation. I am enclosing a copy of the February, 1958 Cycle Action, and on Page 22 you will find an article on Chuck Burgess.
The article, written by Jerry Manley, describes Chuck’s determination and riding ability much better than I can. I can only add that it was my extreme pleasure to know and work with Chuck. He is no longer racing but still manages to do quite a bit of trailing in and around the hills of San Jose.
I would appreciate it if you would make a copy of this article and send it to Mr. Fairbrother in hopes that it will be of some help to him in his riding endeavors.
In the event that D. C. Fairbrother would like to contact or correspond with Chuck, his address is as follows: 597 Chickasaw Court, San Jose, Calif.
FRED A. MOXLEY Santa Fe Springs, Calif.
The loss of his left leg certainly didn’t stop Chuck Burgess from enjoyment of motorcycle competition. The accompanying photo shows Chuck, pegleg and all, airborne and grinning. There probably are some other men back from Viet Nam who face the same problem as D. C. Fairbrother. Perhaps they’d like to write Chuck at the above address. -Ed.
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A SURPRISE TO SOME
Working for a police department and being a rider, too, I have heard more times than I care to relate the common complaint from other riders, particularly the younger generation, that: “Cops hate bikes.” I think that the time has come for someone to come to the defense of my compatriots.
It may come as a surprise to some, but it is fact that policemen do enjoy motorcycling as much as anyone. In fact, in the department in which I am employed as a civilian dispatcher there are at least 25 privately owned bikeseverything from full dress Harley 74s to small trail bikes. Everything, that is, except choppers. I find other police departments to be the same in this respect.
An outstanding example of a policeman/motorcycle rider is one Sgt. O.J. Buzzard of Glendora Police Department, Glendora, Calif. This man has ridden all types of bikes for many years and is an exceptional rider. He has been a member of the San Gabriel Valley Motorcycle Club, and has competed in many races. He spends as much free time as possible riding in the desert on his Triumph TR-6.
Sgt. Buzzard has, for the past two years, taught a motorcycle safety school, sponsored by Glendora PD, and has been assisted by officers from that department. These men have taken their own off-duty time, six Saturdays each year, to teach young riders how to properly handle their own bikes, as well as promote safe driving. They have encouraged helmets and other safe riding gear. The course they teach is well outlined and strictly controlled with as much individual attention as possible. The turnout for the school this year has been approximately 60 riders. Some of those attending are repeaters from the course sponsored last year. Oldtimers also were present and learned a few new tricks.
I’m sure there are more policemen such as Sgt. Buzzard who are willing to help motorcyclists and not hinder, as so many people believe. All that is necessary to keep the red lights off your back is to keep thé bike properly equipped, keep the rpm down, and drive like your life depended on it.
JIM MEEK West Covina Police Dept.
West Covina, Calif.
NEVER TOO OLD
The fact that so many people can enjoy motorcycling because of the small, easily handled, low-powered, low-priced introductory types of two-wheelers is a source of never ceasing enjoyment to me.
My wife Lillian is 52, and I am 56. Lillian, with a little encouragement from me, learned to operate her own 125 Yamaha at 50 years of age. I thought this was great until I met a gentleman whose wife learned to ride a bicycle at 58, and who now operates her own 90 trail bike. This 58-year-old lady decided that if a 7-year-old child could ride a trail bike, so could she.
I am sure you get a lot of communications like this, but it’s too late. I’m started now.
My wife and I went from California to Pennsylvania and returned last summer on our 1967 R69S. It was fun all the way, from running in rain storms in the dark with big trucks toward Albuquerque to trying to keep the rain water from flooding the floor of our pup tent. We were out for 22 days and stayed in motels only four nights. We met a number of motorcycle enthusiasts along the way, and were treated with excellence by everyone we contacted. We had no trouble, personal or mechanical, and no accidents. My wife found the trip much more enjoyable than the previous trip we made by car. We covered 6035 miles.
H. W. HOWLAND Sylmar, Calif.
BIG-BORE FOUR-STROKER
It has come to my attention that your magazine is carrying on a subtile campaign to convince the world that the big-bore four-stroke is a thing of the past, and that the advent of the Japanese two-stroke is upon us.
Up to the time of your test of the Suzuki 500, this had not bothered me, because the Triumph, Norton, BSA, and Royal Enfield could still post a faster quarter-mile e.t. Now, however, it appears that only the Royal Enfield Interceptor is capable of repelling the Japanese invaders. As you have not tested the RE in over 5 years, it seems that, if only in the interest of fairness to four-stroke advocates, you could run a test on the new Custom Interceptor.
CLARK G. SHERWOOD Corvallis, Oregon
Soon, we hope. -Ed.
