Letters
LETTERS
HARLEY PROTESTS
I’m writing in regard to Harley-DaVidson’s protest on Japanese imports. Harley thinks (and it well may be) Japanese motorcycles are taking some sales away from them. But why can’t Harley make a bike that will go as fast, shift and idle smoothly and provide a competitive price?
Harley should try harder to compete with reliability and design instead of quotas and controls.
Scott Hanby Appleton, Wis.
Harley’s bid to put quotas or price controls on Japanese motorcycles has me concerned. I feel the cost of Japanese bikes is too much now but if left alone these fine machines would cost less.
Harley-Davidson has had 80 years to produce something that resembles a motorcycle. The American public shouldn’t Jbe punished for their failure.
Mark Serafinn Montgomery, 111.
If Harley-Davidson would produce what it seems most motorcyclists want— a well made, light midsized motorcycle that performs, they wouldn’t have to resort to “relief tactics.” Instead, their overweight, underpowered, ancient designs appeal only to a very narrow segment of the marketplace. When they can produce a broad range of machines at fair prices (with reasonable service intervals) they’ll have their fair share of the market.
Fred Centrella Prospect, Conn.
As we read the lawsuit, Harley-Davidson isn’t objecting to competition but to what they consider unfair trade practices, as defined in the rulebook. A company is entitled to do this, just as any taxpayer is entitled to take all available deductions.
What’s fair naturally depends on who you are and what you want. For example, no Japanese baseball team is allowed to have more than two American players.
WILLIE & JAY & DYNA
Your article, Willie & Jay & the Indy Mile in the November issue was excellent. It provided real insight into the personalities and bikes of the HarleyDavidson racing team, and of AMA flat track racing.
One paragraph of the article was devoted to the ignition system used on Jay’s bike, however there is an aspect of that system of which you are not aware. It is a Dyna ignition which all the factory racers use.
We are proud of our association with Harley-Davidson, and of the fact that they all completed the season without ignition problems. These are not special systems, but are similar to those that we produce for all street and racing applications.
Ken Rogers KV Products Covina, Calif.
SLIPSTREAM SIDECAR
Being an avid sidecarist I really appreciated the inclusion of the vintage sidecar rig in your December Slipstream. Most sidecarists enjoy the attention we get while driving our rigs, and love doing tricks while hamming it up for the camera. I can see that Ted was no exception. These rugged sidecaring pioneers were real individuals with a great sense of humor who would stop at nothing to bring a chuckle to some old geezer’s face.
Honestly, I’ve never thought about riding Nmy outfit down a railroad track. What a great idea!
Robert Tisch Spartanburg, S.C.
MOTHER FEATHERLEGS
Allan Girdler should be shot! Please make his winter assignment a twowheeled visit to the alleged Motor Featherlegs memorial.
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Being held in such suspense is cruel , and unusual punishment.
Mike Morris Durant, Okla.
A Wyoming reader called to tell us about Mother Featherlegs (so named because of the long red pantalettes which she wore as she rode across the prairie). Seems she was the benefactor to three or four counties, helping folks who were short on cash, providing shelter for the homeless (including outlaws), giving aid, advice and comfort to all who needed it. Made no difference that all the while she was the madam of a successful establishment.
The folks built a monument to her in remembrance of her good and kind deeds past.
ALL ABOUT OIL
Congratulations to John Ulrich and . Cycle World for printing such a generally informative article on All About Oil. Ulrich indeed takes on a very difficult task of trying to educate the average public with such a subject as engine lubrication. Although his article wasn’t
perfect in all respects it certainly will go a long way toward helping the public understand more about what goes on inside of the engine.
We have received many good comments on the article from both consumers and motorcycle dealers.
Robert H. Wehman Spectro Oils of America Brookfield, Conn.
ALICE’S RESTAURANT
During the past few years we’ve all been subjected to irresponsible reporting but your article on Alice’s Restaurant has gone beyond irresponsible, it borders on criminal.
I am a member of the San Mateo County Fire Department at the Skylonda station located about 100 ft. north of Alice’s.
My colleagues and I can attest to the fact that on any given weekend we are dispatched to a number of accidents at those so called 100 mph sweepers as well as those 20 mph turns that motorcyclists try to turn into 100 mph sweepers. They suddenly find themselves with no visible means of support.
Why would you even suggest that there are places along these roadways
where cyclists can do 100 mph plus? Your article not only advocates breaking the law but seems to be proud of the fact you can advise your readers where not to get caught while doing it.
Believe me when I tell you that between the curves, the traffic, weather and beer the riders manage to crash with astonishing regularity.
James E. Taylor Woodside, Calif.
It sounds as though the riders;ho want to go fast or crash have already found these roads. We aren't advocating reckless riding or breaking the law, but reporting on a motorcycling event of importance.
