Letters

LETTERS

Letters to the editor are welcomed and should be addressed to: Cycle World Editor, 1499 Monrovia Ave., Newport Beach, Calif. 92663. kill letters are subject to editing and cannot be returned.

A-TRAK TEST

I am writing in response to your October issue in which you reviewed the A-Trak. Since the device has been reviewed in all the major publications and yours was the only publication that found it without merit, I feel compelled to respond.

I believe the performance advantages of the A-Trak to be beyond dispute. In the recent Superbikers competition Mike Kidd won the second heat on an essentially stock Yamaha YZ 465 equipped with an A-Trak. It was competitive with the trick and very expensive factory machines. The U.S. Racing Division of a major Japanese manufacturer is testing the A-Trak for possible use on their flat trackers and superbikes. In addition, another major manufacturer is currently running exhaustive tests on the A-Trak and their preliminary report confirms my representations of the A-Trak; that through elimination of torque reaction on the rear suspension of a motorcycle the entire suspension package is improved.

I am uncertain as to what caused your unfortunate experience with the device

but after reading your article I must make note of several inconsistencies and inaccuracies. It is true that I indicated A-Trak would not be an advantage on some drag bikes. The reason is that certain types of drag bikes run a rigid rear suspension. The A-Trak removes torque forces from the rear suspension—if there is no suspension the A-Trak becomes superfluous. However, stock bikes will often deliver improved ET’s with the A-Trak because the rear suspension will not “hop'’; the rear wheel will stay on the ground and traction

will be more consistent and much smoother.

In reference to your experience at the Keith Code Super Bike School, I must say that I am surprised that the editor who compared a stock KZ 550 and a KZ550 A-Trak could notice no difference. I can only respond that Keith Code, a recognized authority on motorcycle handling and suspension and a premier rider, is convinced to the contrary. Not only does he notice the difference but he insists the ATrak be installed on those bikes used in his> Superbike School.

I do not quarrel with the noise problem you mention. It is true that with the large 630 chain the A-Trak accentuates noise. However, few manufacturers still use a 630 chain as the extra size is not needed, even on high horsepower bikes. Honda, for one, has returned to the 530 chain even on its CBX. With the 530 chain no noise differential will be heard after installation of the A-Trak.

I am disappointed that you were unable to finish the A-Trak testing due to breakage of one of the bolts. Thousands of ATraks are in the field on stock motorcycles and yours is the only complaint I have ever received about a bolt having broken. A few consumers, of course, have stripped the bolt during installation and I am always delighted to rush a new bolt to them. I believe your experience to have been an anomaly. It has occurred to me, however, that if the A-Trak was installed with the bolt stripped it is possible that the unit was mis-aligned and not operating properly when you evaluated it. This could in part explain the unsatisfactory results you complain of.

The A-Trak is a giant step forward in motorcycle suspension technology. Inde-

pendent laboratory testing and extensive “in the field" experience confirms this. I believe that within a short period of time the A-Trak will be original equipment on several motorcycles. As the consumer becomes more sophisticated in his appreciation of motorcycle handling, manufacturers will find that money invested in suspension quality will have an impact in the market place. The discerning consumer of course, does not have to wait as the A-Trak is immediately available for almost all street motorcycles 350cc and above. In addition, the A-Trak is now also available for off-road motorcycles.

Horst Leitner

Tustin, Calif.

FUNNY PICTURE

I believe your funny picture is of Mike Farrell and Loretta Swit of M.A.S.H. She is apparently emerging from her phone booth as “Vetter Vamp.” (My first impulse was that it was Allan Girdler and Joan Claybrook discussing humorous stories of rear-wheel steering bikes.)

Jack Jaeger Marshfield, Mo.

I’m sure I can answer all the questicf except one about your funny picture in t February issue: A) Lynn Griffiths (M Winston Pro) and Corky Keener, B) t^ pits at the Indianapolis Mile at the nortT east corner, C) I don’t know, and D) I had just given Lynn a Wonder Woman maslj and Corky wanted to watch her make hechange before a rain-drenched crowd.

Denis Sloan Indianapolis, Iif\

You win the non-prize.

GOOD BUSINESS

Kawasaki Sport Center in Hawthorne New Jersey lost a sale because I bough* my ’81 KZ550 for a few dollars less else where. But Gary Peccarelli at the Spof^ Center sold me shims on a Sunday, and| traced electrical problems the seller couldn’t find. On Christmas Eve, he stayed open late waiting for delivery of a helmet—to match the new KZ750 he sold my son.

After all, good business deserves moj^l business . . . and guess where I’ll buy myf next bike.

Stephen SanchezWayne, N.J. >

KEY CASE

I’m writing about a startling discovery made after my '77 Kawasaki KZ650 wa stolen. After this incident I bought another 650 (’78) and one day while on my way to check on a tip about the stolen bike, I grabbed the old key just in case. It looked so similar to my new bike key (numbers and all) that I tried it in the new Kawasaki. It fit perfectly and started right up! My Kawasaki dealer told me that' there were probably only ten or fifteen keys made for that particular motorcycle so every eleventh or fifteenth key is a duplicate.

It seems to me that this is a very unsafe practice; making it easy for someone to rip off your pride and joy.

Paul Biebel Orlando, Fla.

RIDER EDUCATION NEWS

I recently read in your Up Front column that you could not find a toll-free number for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation!" This is to inform people that here at Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety we have one. When our training season starts here (late March) we will activate this number so people within the state can call for information. I am in agreement with your high opinion of motorcycle rider courses aná would appreciate it if you would print the following:

Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Continuing Education Indiana University of Pennsylvania Indiana, Penn. 15705 800-442-6826 (toll-free)

Jack Zimmer Indiana, Penir

Much has been written about MSF motorcycle rider courses around the country and I’d like to let your readers know that we here in Minnesota are concerned about motorcycle accidents and see rider education as a way to reduce these accidents. -In 1981, 23 schools in Minnesota offered courses. During 1982, perhaps another 20 schools can be added. Minnesota cyclists can help me in meeting the demand for more classes. If there are those who are interested in helping to get a program started in their area, I would appre ciate a call from them (612/255-4251).

Much still needs to be done. Cyclists have a way of rising to the occasion to get things accomplished. I know they will again.

Ervin R. Schoppe

Center for Driver Education and Safetv St. Cloud State University St. Cloud, Minn. 56301

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FOUL WEATHER SUITS

In your evaluation of foul weather sui you failed to address the problem of t?f low melting point of nylon. This I hav< demonstrated by brushing the leg of rm brand new suit up against a hot tail pipe Such a demonstration also allows one t< verify the existence of polyester insulatior and quilted lining.

By sewing a large piece of denim 076* my pants leg, I have both inconspicuousll covered my shame and cleverly preventej future shame.

John Zorich, Jr.1

Beaumont, Texal

I noticed you mention the riding suits id not being waterproof because of the sticn ing holes in the seams. I’ve also noticec this tendency for water to seep through the seams and have applied a trick learnec from the folks who manufacture back packing tents and shelters. A produc known as Seam Sealer II, when properly applied per instructions, has kept me cfri when all else has failed. You can find it aí any good backpacking store for the price of a tankful or less. I ride my XS850 toj work everyday and last season’s applicaj tion is still working.

Dan Nelson Long Beach,

NIGHTHAWK CC’S

While watching the Super Bowl I was' pleased to see two motorcycle commercials by Honda. Their Nighthawk commercial mentioned that it was a 750 but in all the articles and ads that I’ve seen, it’s! been touted as a 650. With only 100ca difference, does Honda really exped**f{ sizeable market for both Nighthawks?

Dwight Ball Coupeville, Wash.!

Honda (and the other factories) likes to vary the product line with models as well as displacements. You can have the sport.' look or the custom look, for example, a 450 Twin, a 550 or 650 Four, or a 100( or 1100 Four. Honda hopes to competi with the other 650s and the other 750s rather than just against itself.

TAG TAX

This letter is to encourage individual*»^ Arkansas to write their state legislature because the cost of their motorcycle tag i. not deductible on state income ta) whereas the car tag is. During this time that we are trying to encourage people t< save gasoline, the state lawmakers shouh pass laws to promote and encourage ^ saving transportation.

Earl Clevengd Searcy, Ark. !r