New Models & Products
NEW MODELS & PRODUCTS
CARABELA 125 MX
With a claimed horsepower output of 21.4 at 8200 rpm and a weight (wet) of 215 lb., Carabela’s newest 125 MX is a lively performer which is vastly improved over the first offerings from this Mexican company.
Many of the features we liked about the Carabela were the well thought out steering geometry, Betor forks which mount in tapered roller bearings and the Boge rear suspension units which aid in making the Carabela a fine handling motocross machine.
The conventional piston-port engine features a 30mm Mikuni carburetor ^hich breathes through a huge Filtron foam air cleaner element located in a large still air box under the seat. Inside the engine is a piston fitted with a single, Dykes-type ring. Ignition is provided by a Denso transistorized system which provides a healthy spark at cranking speeds and sufficient voltage for high rpm running.
What appear to be copies of the immensely strong Japanese D.I.D. wheel rims are laced to aluminum wheel hubs. Brakes are powerful and provide good feel and control when they are used while riding over bumpy surfaces. Mention must also be made of the clutch, which took a great amount of intentional slipping without becoming hot enough to slip noticeably.
Items which pleased us less were the fiberglass fenders which are so brittle they will be easy to break in a spill and 'the vague transmission which required shifts to be made slowly and carefully to avoid missing gears or having the gearbox jump out of gear after one had been selected. The engine is very pipey, making the gearbox problem even more acute. Closer spacing between the first three gears would make the machine easier for a beginner to ride.
A big plus factor is the relatively low suggested retail price of $795 which, when you look at the overall machine, seems quite reasonable indeed.
SPECIFICATIONS
List price .......................$795
PRESSURE TESTER
Air leaks resulting from broken or faulty gaskets, faulty crankshaft and carburetor flange seals, faulty engine casings, etc., can cause a multitude of problems and Kendick’s pressure tester is said to locate pressure leaks in minutes. The unit is priced at $19.90 complete with pressure tester and cover plate adapter for specific make applications, or $28.90 including a universal cover plate adapter kit designed for use with a broad range of motorcycles, from Suzuki Fun Center, Dept.CW-2,515 N. Victory Blvd., Burbank, CA 91502.
MALCOLM SMITH CATALOG
Malcolm Smith...where have we heard that name before? Anyway, this relatively obscure(?) motorcyclist for some reason or another is in the motorcycle business, and taking that a step further...he’s in the mail order business as well. No, you won’t find common mail order trivia such as address labels printed with the American Flag at each corner and scented with pine oil or the like, but you will find some of the neatest motorcycle accessory parts anywhere. Whether you ride a Husky, Yamaha or any of the others, chances are you’ll find something to trick it up...lots of stuff for the rider, too. Just about anything you can think of, from fork seals to suspenders, is in this neat $1 book, and many of the items have been race tested by Malcolm himself. The catalog may be purchased from Malcolm Smith Distributing, P.O. Box 1086, Dept. CW-2, Riverside, CA 92502. (Continued on page 88)
Continued from page 87
VW POWER
Want to build a Volkswagen powereS motorcycle? Here’s a book which will tell you how to do it. “How to Build a VW Powered Motorcycle” contains diagrams, photos and information which is said to save the builder time and money. Priced at $3.95, the book is available from Project “S”, P.O. Box 3453, Dept. CW-2 ,Orange, CA 92665.
TUF-TUB
Tired of hassling with messy ol’ coffee cans when you clean your chain? Decided to finally change the oil in your 1963 D.O.T. Scrambler and you don’t know if the wife will let you use the empty milk bottles for the oil? Are you still sneaking off at night to a corner lot so you can empty the ATF from those old Betor forks? Your troubles are over. Get your hands on one of these Preston Petty Tuf-Tubs and end all the harrassment. The 12-qt. capacity is more than ample, and the flexible plastic resists dents and cracks and is unaffected by carb cleaners, fuel or the secret concoction you’ve invented for chain lube. We use one in the CYCLE WORLD shop... it’s neat. The tub may be obtained from Preston Petty Products Inc., 403 N. Main St., Dept. CW-2, Newberg, OR 97132, for $3.49.
PRESCRIPTION GOGGLES
Goggle Optics have produced prescription goggles for motorcycle riders who wear glasses. The goggles utilize the Stadium Mark 9 (7/H) goggle by bonding prescription ground lenses to its laminated glass surface. Any prescription can be incorporated into the goggle, regardless of how strong or complicated. The lenses are said to be optically perfect and resist scratching, along with providing a wide field of vision.
The goggle is designed to fit under Íky helmet and features a padded ather lining and adjustable nosebridge. Additional information and a free brochure are available from Goggle Optics, P.O. Box 361, Dept. CW-2, Novi, MI 48050.
DIGITAL TIMER
Digital Sport Systems Corp. has introduced the "Trip Model 100 Rally ist" which features a 4-place illuminated anel which digitally displays up to a otal time of 59.99 minutes. Without interruption, the display recycles into the second hour and so on as long as timing is desired. The unit is said to be accurate to within 1/100th of a minute over a 10-hour timing interval, in all temperatures. The compact, lightweight Model 100 is claimed never To need calibration, and rough handling or shock will not damage nor disrupt the nonmechanical components. The unit sells for $149.95, f.o.b. Buffalo, N.Y., from Digital Sport Systems Corp., Dept. CW-2, 2211 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo, NY 14216.
(Continued on page 90)
Continued from page 89
MOTOCROSS BOOTS
Danner Shoe Manufacturing Co. has introduced a motocross boot which eliminates the need for most buckles or laces. Fasteners consist of two 9-in., woven-nylon Scotchmate mating strips. One strip, covered with soft, pliable nylon loops, is stitched to the inside flap of the 12-in. high boot. The other, a matching pad of tiny, stiff nylon hooks, is stitched to the outside of the boot.
The flap is pulled over the front^fc the boot and pressed against the sic^ causing the hooks and loops to engage for a secure, adjustable closure.
HONDA PANELS
Gauges Galore is manufacturing 4gauge panels for Honda 500 and 750 Fours. The panels, which mount on the handlebars, contain an oil temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, ammeter and vacuum gauge for tuning carbs while riding. The panels retail for $89.95 complete with all fittings, through loc^^ dealers or from Gauges Galore, Box 490, Dept. CW-2, Mason City, IA 50401. (Continued on page 92)
Continued from page 90
MECHANICS SCHOOL
Atlanta Motorcycle Institute, 2461 Russell Ave., P.O. Box 846, Dept. CW-2, Smyrna, GA 30080, has a two-part training system to teach students motorcycle mechanics and technology. The first part is a 50-lesson correspondence course, covering everything from tuneups and electrical theory to carburetion and major overhaul, using photographs and diagrams to explain the different operations. The second part is three weeks of residential training at the school.
A portion of the instruction is classroom theory, using cut-a-way engines and closed circuit television, followed by training in the engine-lab and actual work in the shop. The course teaches both two and four-stroke principles. Students also receive operating institutions for all of the machine tools incl^P ing the dynamometer, lathe, boring bar, etc.
Students making an average grade of at least 70 percent are eligible for graduation and receive a diploma in “Motorcycle Mechanics and .Technology,” while those not attaining that average receive a letter of completion.
Total charge for the home-study and resident training is $795, which is said to cover all training, and monthly payment plans are available with no interest. The home-study only course, for which the student receives a “Certificate in Motorcycle Technology (Theory),” costs $375.
A.M.I. resident training graduates are entitled to free placement assistance from the school’s full-time placement department. The department is in contact with dealers across the nation help students find employment opp^P tunities following graduation or anytime in the future. |5]
