Letters

LETTERS

Sport-tour salvos

In response to February's “SportTour Shootout” between the BMW K100RS, Honda STI 100, Kawasaki Concours and Suzuki Katana 1100, I think you did a disservice to the motorcycle riding/buying public. I take exception to your thrashing of the BMW. I own a KlOORSand have ridden the Honda STI 100, and don’t agree with the ST being rated as the best of the bunch. The ST I 100 is nothing more than an overblow n Pacific Coast or an underblown Gold Wing.

Donald R. Beck Beverly Hills, California

But you wouldn't be biased or anything, would you?

Thanks for refreshing my memory about why I bought my ST 1 100. I waited three years for something to come along in a package this good. I agree with your findings 100 percent.

Ken Merrill

South St. Paul, Minnesota

Thanks, but that's probably not going to convince Mr. Beck.

As the owner of a 1988 BMW K 100RS, 1 urge you not to pass final judgment on this bike until you've had an opportunity to test it fully, preferably using an example with at least 2000 miles on the clock. When I first got mine. I was terribly disappointed by its vibration. unyielding suspension and reluctant-to-rev engine. With 10,000 miles under its belt, I am ready to claim it as the finest machine I have ever owned, and that includes a fair sampling of other BMWs and shaft-drive, big-bore Suzukis.

Tom Sullivan

West Hartford, Connecticut

At the end of its lest period, our KJ00RS had 4500 miles on its odometer. BMW has the bike now, however, and reports that it definitely is not representative of RSs. They're investigating the various problems, and we'll gel the bike back for an additional report.

Thanks for the great “Sport-Tour Shootout” in your February issue.

As the proud owner of a 1 990 Katana 1 100. I really enjoyed seeing the comparison with the other three beauties in its class. You were righton about the vibration and the poor mirrors, but the engine is “Oh My Gawd” fast and the tranny is incredibly slick shifting. I took care of the vibration with some foam grips, and as for the mirrors, well, my proportions don't give me too many options. I throw the shotput and discus, am 6 foot 7 inches tall and weigh 285 pounds.

Joel Brodowski Cypress, California

A good thing for us you're not an angry BMW KI00RS owner.

Le Harley hot

Every once in a while, 1 stop being absolutely green with envy over the fact that you guys get to ride so many different kinds of motorcycles, and realize that you also have to write about them —if you live!

I applaud David Edwards’ candor in presenting himself as just an average duffas—instead of Dave Know No Fear, California Hot Shoe—in his story about riding Scott Parker’s flattracker (“One Hot Harley,” CW, February). I could practically smell the clay, and had a momentary “Charlie Horse From Hell” while waiting to see if he'd “put it into the freakin’ wall!”

D.N. Douglass Chesterfield, Missouri

Edwards takes offense at your description of him, and would remind you that, at the very least, he's an above-a verage duffas.

Faint praise

I subscribe to Cycle World and enjoy just about every issue. This is probably because I'll read anything that’s related to motorcycles.

John Paulsen

Blooming Prairie, Minnesota

Careful, John, that kind of overdone adoration will go right to our heads.

Reader Information

Editorial offices are located at 853 W. 17th St. Costa Mesa, CA 92627. Editorial contributions are welcomed, but must be guaranteed exclusive to Cycle World. We are not responsible for the return of unsolicited material unless accompanied with a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Letters cannot all be answered, nor can all Service inquiries be answered. We appreciate correspondence sent to the editorial offices and will use the most interesting and appropriate letters in the magazine.

Subscriptions in the U.S. and territories are: one year, $17.94; two years, $27.94; three years, $37.94. Canadian subscribers, please add $5.00 per year. All other countries add $8.00 per year. (Please remit by money order or draft on a U.S. bank, payable in U.S. funds.) Single copy $2.25; $2.95 in Canada. Subscription service: P.O. form 3579 and all subscription correspondence should be addressed to Cycle World, P.O. Box 51222 Boulder, CO 80321-1222. Please allow six to eight weeks for a change of address to become effective. Include both

your old and new address, and if possible, a mailing label from a recent issue.For faster service, call toll-free 800/456-3084; in Colorado 303/447-9330. Back issues from 1985 to current year are available on a prepaid basis for $3.75 each from Cycle World, P.O. Box 754, Holmes, PA 19043; 800/345-8112. (Canada and overseas: 215/532-8687. Advertising: See SRDS. Circulation audited by Audit Bureau of Circulation.

MEMBER MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRY COUNCIL,INC.