Letters

LETTERS

Riding in the past perfect sense

I have been a rider for 16 years and it’s my humble opinion that the rampaging technological improvements which now envelope our industry suck wet armadillo fur. Why should I own a machine that has more body parts than Arnold Schwarzenegger, more computer circuits than my microwave oven and more horsepower than Gene Autry’s ranch, not to mention costing more than a month’s rent at the Waldorf Astoria? You can’t ride them to their full potential, you can’t fix them and you can’t kick-start them!

I have owned many motorcycles over the years and looked forward to acquiring newer and more advanced models which I always assumed to be better than what came before. That is, until I took my first ride on an old Triumph. That 1971 T120 Bonneville did to me what the others could not. I felt like I was riding a real, honest-to-Floyd-Clymer motorcycle. Sure it leaked oil, sure it vibrated, sure it wouldn’t do 130 mph, but it was real: chrome, steel and that wonderful mechanical cacophony. I bought that Triumph and still ride it today. Will I ever own a techno-beast? No. I like taking two steps backwards and marching to a different drummer.I relish the companionship that comes from riding with others who would rather get there in style and class than just get there.

So to you, Mr. I-Can-Ride-LikeKenny-Roberts, let me say that I admire your pocketbook but question your sanity. Next time you are doing a little canyon-carving, look back. If you see someone on a Triumph right behind you, don’t worry. I won’t pass. I’m having too much fun watching you. Long live the past.

Barry Sommer

Los Angeles, California

Good points all, Sommer, but “wet armadillo fur?" Yuk.

Taking a stand

Regarding Steven Thompson’s^/ Large in the December, 1987 issue, I feel I have the answer to the question of why service costs so much today: Bikes are too maintenance/ money-intensive. Why do valves have to be adjusted so often? Why can’t all motorcycles have hydraulic valve adjusters? No one enjoys paying big bucks to have valves adjusted every few thousand miles. It’s ridiculous. Why should we buy something we can’t afford to ride because the scheduled maintenance intervals are so frequent?

And while we’re at it, if I don’t want a centerstand on my bike, I’ll remove it myself. Stupid engineers! Do they leave the jacks out of their cars when they drive to save weight?

J. Scott Schmidt Santee, California

On the positive side, at least the manufacturers haven't yet designed centerstands that need to be adjusted by the dealer every 2000 miles.

Sno-Go Hall of Fame

I have truly enjoyed your 25th anniversary, as I have been reading your magazine more than 20 years now. The December, 1987 look back at unusual products (“Nice Try, Pal”) caught my eye because I have been looking for the Cycle Sno-Go ad for many years now. I collect old snowmobiles and information about them and hope someday to open a snowmobile and motorcycle museum in Michigan. I know of at least four cycle-snow conversion kits that were manufactured, and would like to hear from anyone who might have one of these converted machines or information about them.

George Boyse

6349 Edgewood Way

Rocklin, California 95677 0

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