Letters
LETTERS
A grass-roots sportbike
After reading “The Bike That Buell Built” in the November issue of Cycle World, I began to dream, as I often do, about the day when an American company will produce a genuine sportbike. Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against Harley-Davidson, but to put a Sportster engine and transmission onto a bike that is to compete against inline Fours is a little far-fetched.
Certainly there is some adventurous American company willing to produce a suitable engine for this promising sportbike. The U.S. consumer has been patiently waiting for such a motorcycle for a long time. It would be a financial gold mine. Tell Mr. Buell to give Briggs & Stratton a call. I hear they’re designing high-tech lawnmower engines to compete with the Japanese; so why not motorcycle engines? I won’t even suggest your trying to talk the guys at Harley into designing something new. You know how far that will get you.
Christen Austad New Berlin, Wisconsin
A Briggs & Stratton-powered sportbike, eh? That ought to mow down the competition.
Memo from the service dept.
Thank you, Steven Thompson, for your column, “Service Bulletins” (December, 1987). That was the first positive recognition of motorcycle service personnel by the motorcycle press that I have seen in my 20-plus years of involvement in the sport.
HECTOR CADEMARTORI
I, too, make my living in motorcycle service. I enjoy my job and take pride in the work I turn out. There are many dedicated people like me turning wrenches for a living, and I, for one, would like to see more recognition of us in the motorcycle media.
Paul B. Shillito Mountain View, California
One good Duck deserves another
My compliments to Peter Egan (December, 1987 Leanings) fora fitting expression of Ducati ownership. I would like to add a corollary to “Schilling’s Proverb”: It is acceptable to sell a Ducati as long as the proceeds of the sale are used to purchase another Ducati. I sold my 1975 860GT to buya 1978 Darmah, and I sold the Darmah (and an Interceptor) to purchase the F-l. Sometimes you need a little help to buy these things—and the brand did stay in the family.
Rick Danks Willoughby, Ohio
May the force be with us
Yes, the defeat of the Danforth Death Star was impressive. Now for a long-term plan of action. Stronger drunk-driving laws—get the killers off the streets. You’ve heard it before, but do it: Wear your helmet. When cycling becomes safer, our insurance rates will go down. More new riders, more bucks for a new bike, etc.
The effectiveness of a lot of dissenting voices can be very effective when we are threatened; that was obvious. So, join the AMA. I did.
Make our numbers grow. Talk cycling, don’t put it in the closet. One of my friends was amazed that my new 535 Virago was so inexpensive. He guessed four grand instead of the $ 1800 I paid for it. Maybe I planted a seed.
Take someone for a sober, safe, helmeted ride. The exhilaration of our sport does not need alcohol or drugs to enhance it; and bugs on your breath ain’t cool, either. One of my lovely friends says she can’t wait for a summer ride. That’s all the extra stimulus I need.
Patrick Cornwell Lorain, Ohio ®
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