25 Years Ago December, 1967
25 YEARS AGO DECEMBER, 1967
ROUNDUP
The world's first road test of Suzuki's all-new 500cc Twin was featured in this issue. According to the CW staff, the Suzuki 500 exploded the myth that said two-strokes had to be limited to no more than 350cc due to excessive heat and vibration. Editors found the machine to be "one of the most exciting and best-engineered motorcycles on today's market." The 391 -pound Twin sprinted the quarter-mile in 13.9 seconds at 91.4 mph, posted a top speed of 109 mph and cost just over $1000. The issue also featured a preview story on Suzuki's all-new TM250 motocrosser.
• Three west-coast AMA nationals were covered in the issue: the Ascot Half-Mile, the Sacramento Mile and the Carlsbad Roadrace. Don Haaby, George Roeder and Gary Nixon, respectively, came away winners.
• The Italian and Canadian roadrace GPs were also covered. At Monza, Mike Hailwood had terrible luck, failing to finish the 250cc event aboard the Honda six-cylinder due to an oil leak, and finishing sec ond to Giacomo Agostini in the 500cc race after a recalcitrant gear box dramatically cut his early lead. Hallwood's fortunes improved at Mosport, where he won both the 250 and 500cc events. Also includ ed was a wrap-up of the 500cc GP motocross championship, won by CZ works rider Paul Friedrichs.
• The classified section listed a "mint condition" 1956 Ariel Square Four, complete with an extra engine, for the princely sum of $1425about a sixth of what it would cost today. -Mitch Boehm
