Letters
LETTERS
SPECIAL OF THE DAY
You can be sure I won't be renewing my subscription to your rice burner-oriented magazine.
Gregg Magnuson Surrey, B.C., Can. Then would you go for some sha-bu sha-bu, or perhaps a plate of yaki tori, Gregg-san?—Ed.
THE BOZER RATINGS
I have just finished reading "A Brief Morning Ride" which appeared in your November issue. I must say that is was one of the best, if not the best, story about a motorcyclist I've ever read. I always enjoy reading these types of short stories in yours and many other magazines. Please print more.
In the past few months I have bought every cycle mag available. I have always considered Cycle Guide as my top authority, but your last three issues have changed my thinking and here are my ratings: 1) CYCLE WORLD, 2) Cycle Guide, 3) Cycle, 4) Motor Cycle World, 5) Popular Cycling, 6) Motor Cyclist, 7) Bike and Rider, 8) Modern Cycle. Congratulations on your fine work and I hope to see much more of it.
Andrew S. Bozer no address given
LOVE THY NEIGHBOR
I read about the District 37 Muffler Rule and couldn't believe it. I can understand the muffling of bikes used on the street or on a local enduro bike where you might run on someone else's land or through their backyard. But anyone who doesn't like the noise can just stay the hell away from the motocross track.
Ken Mink Arcadia, Calif. Including homeowners on adjacent property?—Ed.
MOTORCYCLING COURSES
We are currently offering (and developing) courses in motorcycling at our community college. I would appreciate your assistance in publishing a letter in your magazine requesting readers to send us any information that they might have relating to educational materials on motorcycling operation and/or maintenance.
We are aware of the many problems of abuse, but are also aware of the tremendous number of joys relating to the use of motorcycles, and would like to encourage everyone to partake in this activity.
We would also like to ensure proper education related to cycle use so that everyone can benefit, both on the road and off the road.
I enjoy your publication and would appreciate your assistance in developing and obtaining any information that you might have. Thank you very much for your cooperation.
Charles G. McMullen, chairman Health and Recreation Tompkins-Cortland Community College
Grotin, N.Y.
HUSKY 125
In regard to your article on the Husqvarna Baja 125 Special in the March issue of your magazine, I would like to ask you a couple of questions.
First, do you know whether or not the Husqvarna 125 will be sold as a motocross bike? Or will it be sold as a desert bike such as the way you described it in the article? Also, if it is to be sold as a motocrosser will you be doing a road test on it? If not could you please list the specifications and performance as you do following a road test, somewhere in the April or May issue.
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I enjoyed the article on the Husky 125. Your magazine is great, so keep up the good work.
Mark Beall Lubbock, Texas The Husky 125 is primarily intended to be a motocrosser, while the one we wrote about was strictly a one-off special. The first 125 motocrossers should be arriving in this country soon. We'll test it soon. —Ed.
MISSING LINK DEPT.
I can sympathize with the gentleman in the Pirelli advertisement on page 23 of your Feb. '72 issue. The sour look on his face can only be due to the fact that someone has swiped his drive chain while he was in the barbershop having his mustache trimmed.
Jerry Novak Pueblo, Colo. But you read the ad, didn't you?—Ed.
OUT OF HAND
In the March issue of your magazine you tested the Kawasaki 750. This time your editorializing has gotten completely out of hand. You have conviently categorized the motorcycling public into two classes. You have stooped so low as to compare us to the punks that race their air-polluting Detroit junk from stoplight to stoplight. None of the riders I know get their kicks this way. For instance, I use my Mach III for commuting. It is fast, dependable and virtually trouble free.
This kind of reporting is not up to the standard we have come to expect from Cycle World. I feel that you owe the motorcycling public an apology and wonder if you shouldn't send that particular editor back to Hot Rod.
Richard H. Black Denver, Colo. It was convenient, wasn't it? But we don't apologize, because we don't believe that your right hand hasn't felt a bit twitchy from time to time.— Ed.
DEALING WITH THE PROBLEM
In the December issue, Dan Hunt begins to realistically deal with some of today's problems in "Viewpoint: etc." Unless something is done very soon about the quantity of human life on this planet, we will see the quality of life deteriorate to a low level of savage survival. Mankind cannot simply reproduce infinitely in a finite world. We have not realized that we are only a temporary custodian of this earth and not the owner.
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Pollution is not only a problem in the United States but is now a worldwide plague. After WW II millions of desperate people looked to the U.S. for help and aid was given. Now the U.S. is not No. 1 so they look elsewhere. Not because of money but because they learned that technological solutions to human problems only treat the symptoms and not the disease. "Dollar Diplomacy" cannot work any longer. The U.S. must be first to set examples by finding real solutions to today's pressing problems.
How is this done? By having fewer children, by not tearing up open land with knobby tires, by not needing an air-conditioned Cadillac or Supercar to drive a half mile to work, by not spraying and fertilizing all productive land in sight. In short, consuming less to have more. Every man needs a Walden Pond; allow him to find it.
Steve Lahey, PCV Camarines Sur, Philippines
10 CENTS WORTH
While Dan Hunt rubs his hands together in unmitigated and impatient glee, eagerly anticipating the arrival of 1984, may I comment on his essay, "Viewpoint: The Road Bike in Tomorrow's World," (CYCLE WORLD, December, 1971). Mr. Hunt seems to be operating on the false assumption that man was created to be a tool of government...
...In closing, may I ask Mr. Hunt where, in this day of galloping inflation, I can still purchase a 10-cent head of lettuce?
Barbara Shawl Stevensville, Mich.
We regret that you are so longwinded, Barbara, for that makes us unable to publish your entire letter. Generally speaking, Mf. Hunt was not operating under the assumption you mention. Your high-flying ideas of individuality and the right to drive cars work fine where the population density is two people per mile. As for your question, we suggest you spend a dollar's worth of gas driving around to find that 10-cent bargain like everyone else does. — Ed.
SECRET WEAPON
For a good chance at a motorcycle overall victory in the Baja 1000, someone should exhume the bike used in the "Then Came Bronson" TV series. As I recall, it was a Harley Sportster instantly converted into a 250cc dirt bike whenever the surface became too rough. This two-for-one combination strikes me as being a very potent weapon for the peculiar conditions of the Baja race.
Noel H. Stetson Lancaster, Ohio
FEBRUARY REVIEWED
I have just finished reading CYCLE WORLD (Feb. '72) and it was the best issue that your company has put out.
The highlight of your issue was the article about hearing conservation. Right after I finished reading the article I went to my neighborhood pharmacist and bought some. Also, of the fatigue factors, the only ones I personally have experienced are dizziness and headaches, but those are enough. I also bought a pair for my mother and father for when they watch me race. Also, on the subject of noise, I own a Yamaha 90 MX with a Enduro pipe on it and it and it hasn't decreased the performance on the bike at all.
The article on the Mexican 1000 was the best I have read on it and I have read articles on it in four different publications.
The story on the 285mph Honda Hawk was very interesting. Also the interview on the driver of the Hawk was good. It always seemed to me that all you would have to do to drive a streamliner would be to hold on tight.
The interview of Bob Hicks by Ben Hands was exceptionally well done in my opinion. I would like to see more interviews of this type.
The Sunday Morning Ride was very, very good. I think most of the readers would like to see more human interest articles.
Your articles on the history of motorcycle companies are fantastic. I think that it would be great for you to do articles on the history of some Japanese manufacturers.
The color pictures of the new Yamaha 750 Water-Cooled Four Cylinder two-stroke were fantastic. Also that new Kawasaki 250 Three looks like it will be the most powerful 250 on wheels. I can't wait until CYCLE WORLD does a road test on these two magnificent bikes.
The "road test" on Kawasaki's 750 road racer was great. Man I could dig on riding that bike. The light, light weight of the bike is incredible. I'll bet that the bike really comes on with the decibles with those three expansion chambers.
Also, keep those road tests as great as always. This month was no exception. The article on motorcycle transportation (the Datsun Pickup) was great.
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My two favorite sections of your magazine are the Letters and the New Models & Products. I would like to see these two sections enlarged.
So the February issue of CYCLE WORLD proved what I've always told all my friends. CYCLE WORLD is Number 1.
Don Williams West Covina, Calif.
DAISY THANKS YOU
I want to congratulate you on the road test of the 10-teat Canis Familiaris "Pursuit" in your November issue. It was a refreshing new idea and simply hilarious.
Stuart Brogden San Antonio, Texas
SQUEAKING BY
While I have no experience with motorcycle disc brakes, I do have extensive knowledge of those in automobiles. The method of reducing squeak suggested by Paul Donkin in your February issue is effective, yet somewhat dangerous. The lubricating properties of the pencil lead raises the pressure required to achieve braking force equal to that of an unmodified pad. Also, disc brake pads that have been so modified have been known to crack and fracture, causing a badly scored disc at best.
The easiest cure I have yet found is the application of a blue liquid manufactured by Kent Industries, Inc., 210 South Newman Street, Hackensack, N.J. 07601, expressly for the purpose of reducing disc brake squeak. One just squirts each pad twice and allows it to soak in. Your first test ride will prove its worth, with little increase in required operational pressure. One application is good for the life of the pad. I hope that this information is of some help to your other readers.
Keep up the excellent work. Your February issue is one of the finest to date.
Paul S. Wilson San Diego, Calif.
HIS COMPLIMENTS
I would like to compliment you on your thorough road tests. In my opinion they include more information than all other magazines put together. I also liked your November '71 issue that contained the "Canis Familiaris" test.
That gave me a good laugh. Keep up the good work.
Brian Schimmel Crown Point, Ind.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Being an old Triumph (and British bikes in general) aficionado for many years, I am saddened a great deal at the bad shape BSA/Triumph is in. Seeing their ads in your February issue didn't make me feel any better, for I noticed Triumph cut their 250s and my favorite, the 500 Trophy, from the lineup. BSA apparently also cut three bikes.
Could you please give me, and the few British bike "nuts" out there, just what the whole story is on BSA/Triumph, and also, what has happened to those 350s that were expected last year?
Lindsay Brooke Wayne, Pa.
The whole story is fairly involved. Basically, the British company ran into production problems last year. They had demand, but couldn't get the bikes out. With no cash flow, they got caught up short and their creditors withdrew their welcome.
Now the British company has been drastically reorganized, and new money has been obtained to keep the company from going under. Unprofitable items are being withdrawn from production, as they compete for production line time with the more marketable items. Thus the 250 four-stroke and 500 Twin were phased out. The 500 Twin will be sold again in revised form and preliminary reports say it is a much improved dual-purpose machine.
The dohc 350 was also phased out, and will probably not be revived for two to three years, if at all.
The two Rickman 125s and the 250 motocrosser will be sold through the American distributor (Birmingham Small Arms, Inc.), broadening the line with some highly desirable machines. While the American distributor suffered somewhat as a result of the British manufacturer's problems, it is financially in good shape and still quite active.
Reorganization of the company in England seems to have had good effect, for bikes are coming through and BSA stock has risen on the London Exchange (at the time of this writing).
In short, the worst part of the storm has passed. We wish BSA and Triumph the best. They are fine bikes with an equally fine tradition.— Ed.
HEARING CONSERVATION
As both a bike rider and one who is actively involved in hearing conservation, I appreciated the article concerning hearing conservation that appeared in the February 1972 issue of CYCLE WORLD. I see daily the effects that noise has on a person's ability to communicate, and it's not a happy occurrence. It should be emphasized that the type of hearing loss caused by noise is of an irreparable irreversible type for which there is no known medical or surgical cure.
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I urge riders to use silencers (mufflers) when possible and to wear some form of ear protection devices all times they are exposed to the noise. Spectators at motorcycle events should do the same. It should be re-emphasized that cotton does no good as a hearing protection device, but that there are many forms of easy-to-use and inexpensive devices available. It would be convenient if local motorcycle dealers would sell and encourage the use of these hearing protectors.
Remember, to be effective, any device used must be worn (obviously!) and fit properly. They may have to be seated occasionally since they have a tendency to work out of the ear canals as the user talks and otherwise moves his jaw. When fitted properly, earplugs or muffs will: 1. Generally make sound and noise quieter; 2. Make the user's own voice seem louder to him.
Charles W. Bering, Jr. Clinical Audiologist Greensville, S.C.
DESIGN CONTEST
I hope this won't be misconstrued as sour grapes, but I was rather surprised at the outcome of your "Project Super Bike" contest. In fact, there were several rather glaring defects, which I'd like to mention.
The First Place winner: There's an old saying about what comes out of a design by a committee, and this seems to be the case here. Aside from an odd ball gas tank, there is little originality shown, in comparison with the other six winners. Amazingly enough, even Joe Parkhurst said "the winning design was not the best entry." Even more important, the design violates the one and only rule that is mandatory in any sort of "design of the future," and that is that it must be tailored to the human anatomy. This too was mentioned by Parkhurst. Finally, the design seems to be one of these "one machine to serve many functions" concepts. Rarely has this theory proven fruitful in modern technological practice—witness the late TFX, "MacNamara's Flying Edsel."
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The choice of judges: While an artist, a magazine publisher, and a maker of plastic hats may all be excellent and jolly fellows, I really can't think this makes up an ideal, unbiased panel. At least six judges should have been utilized, and at least half of them should have been people who ride motorcycles, or work with them constantly. I'd very much like to have seen a motorcycle engineer, a professional rider, and a representative of the Suzuki company as the other three judges. Regarding the latter: After all, Suzuki did put the contest on, and some of us would like to see what their ideas are on Project Future Bike. What a shame we couldn't have had a few more judges like Tom Sifton, Joe Leonard, Phil Irving, or Paul Dunstall.
The criterion used in judging: I found the main motive, "practicality" a very curious thing to be used with futuristic designs. After all, was,not the whole idea to explore new paths? If man had stuck to practicality, we would all be riding horses. Otto and Benz would have died long since in the local loony bin. This practicality bit reminds me of when Henry Ford's engineers told him it was impossible to mass produce a V-8 engine block. Not being a "practical" soul, Ole Henry told his engineers to just report back once a year on how close they could get to it. Three sweaty years later, they found a way. Modern mass production technology has a way of making "impractical" devices available—witness a "Quasar" color TV, or a Honda Four.
The Question of the Future: It is rather surprising the judges ignored the main question of the future, namely pollution. Regardless of how sentimental we get over present day products, the simple fact is if motorcycles aren't cleaned up there won't be any motorcycles in the future. It was rather agonizing to see half the winners had stinger exhaust pipes displayed. Noise pollution aside, »at least some of the winners showed rotary engines, which are a necessity toward future low level emission pollution. Nonetheless, it is unfortunate the idea of a practical road touring/utility vehicle was not further explored. After all, a motorcycle puts out 1/10th the air pollution a 400 cu. in. car will, and mass transit using two-wheeled machines would eliminate pollution overnight.
Nonetheless, the seven designs chosen were thought provoking. And now the big question is: what is Suzuki's reaction?
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Vaughn M. Greene San Bruno, Calif.
LOOKING FOR WARD
I look forward to every issue with the same interest as I did to the first copy you printed. You have never disappointed me.
Bill Baker Cridersville, Ohio
A POLICEMAN'S COMMENT
Being acutely interested in motorcycle safety and knowledgeable in the Vehicle Code Laws, it appears to me that your latest anti-traffic cop article reflects your lack of knowledge of safe driving techniques.
From the photos taken at the scene, the area is residential, and is not required by law to be posted. This 25 mph speed limit was established by experts in the field of traffic safety and was designed to protect the motoring public.
I have yet to investigate a motorcycle vs. auto accident in which the motorcycle was at fault. On all but one occasion, however, the accident may have been prevented, or at least minimized if the motorcyclist had been driving defensively: i.e. watching the actions of the driver in the car (is he looking to his left to make a left turn, does he see me, etc.).
35 mph may be safe on a wide-open residential street, but in a fraction of a second a car or truck can back out of a driveway directly into your path.
Motorcycle riding, like anything else, is a calculated risk, but why lower the odds when there are laws to observe for your protection.
As for the courts being jammed on not guilty pleas, I couldn't care less, it all pays the same.
A concerned Highway Patrolman who has seen too many motorcycle accidents caused by carelessness of both parties involved
Ed Collins Bakersfield, Calif.
And now that the witness for the prosecution has spoken, the defense has a right to speak, Ed. As you know, the argument is stacked against the defendant in traffic court, because it is traditional to believe the officer rather than the defendant when it comes to taking the prosecution's word or the defendant's word.
First, your belief in the 25 mph speed limit as the absolute word for residential areas is overly literal. The basic speed law in California is that the driver shall limit himself to a "safe and reasonable" speed, right? The 25 mph limit is accepted because it is easier and cheaper to paint the same number on a large number of signs-even when given situations may call for 22 mph, 27 mph, etc. The 25 mph limit is a convenience for the government, not the absolute truth.
In the case discussed in the article, the "residential" street in question has also become a major carrier of commuter traffic, particularly during work hours. A radar check of that street will disclose average traffic flow running between 30 to 35 mph, depending upon the hour. Also, there are portions of that street that are wider and offer more visibility (because of building setback and minimal vegetation) than the continuing "commercial" section of Monrovia, which is posted at 35 mph.
The defendant was clocked in the wide open section, not at the end of the street where the photos were taken of the signs.
Now, Ed, we maintain that certain portions of the street, including those on which Kiser was cited, are capable of supporting 35 mph traffic safely. And during commuter hours, j>ou will be tailgated by 4 to 10 cars if you attempt to go only 25 mph. Of course, if you contradicted us in court, we would lose the case, had we no additional evidence. They'd take your word every time.
We accept that, because somewhere along the line, the evidence presented by a cop has got to be trusted if he is to be effective in more important areas of crime prevention.
But we will go to court when we think we are right, because we are tired of "horseshit" citations. You'll recognize that last bit of jargon, I'm sure, the constabulary's own term for a highly questionable traffic charge.
And while we are at it, let's discuss cases where it is better to plead guilty and pay the fine:
One fellow called in and told the sad tale of his unsuccessful jury trial. Cited for exceeding the Interstate speed limit by 5 to 10 mph, he asked for a jury trial. Had he paid the ticket, it would have cost him less than $30.
But he was unaware of the maximum allowable fine, which was $500 and/or 6 months in jail. When he was judged guilty, he was hit for the full $500. It was the feeling of the court that it should recover as much of the court costs as possible. A plea of guilty costs only $30, but a judgment of guilty costs $500? Seems to us that when you are guilty, you are guilty, whether admitted or judged. So why the disparity? Does this seem fair to you? Is this government for the people?
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Or is the entire system of traffic penalties due for a hard look? Meanwhile, if you plan to go to trial, take a look at the maximum penalty for your "crime." If it is unreasonably high, you'd bet,ter go for the lower number at the traffic clerk's window.— Ed.
THE PLEASURABLE HICKS
I just finished reading the new series The Trailrider by Bob Hicks. I am constantly amazed by this man and admire him and his writing talents greatly.
His ability to convey the spontaneousness and freshness of woods riding is such a pleasure to read. Too bad it's dark out or I'd go trailriding.
John M. Wareham East Rochester, N.Y.
SUPER JOE WRITES
Now that I have recovered from my mishap at the Cow Palace and I'm sure I will be able to jump again, I would like to thank all those fine people who called and wrote me in the hospital.
The hundreds of cards I received all serve as an inspiration for me in the future, knowing that people are concerned. Both my Triumph motorcycles are nearly repaired and I am planning some more jumps presently, hopefully including some in Europe.
Once again, thanks to all those who took the time to wish me a speedy recovery. I am sure it helped.
Super Joe Richmond, Calif.
THE RIDE
I was fascinated by the "Sunday Morning Ride" in your February issue. Twelve intervening years have not dimmed the memory of those incredible Marin county roads.
Bernard L. Gilkison Albany, Ore,
