Letters

LETTERS

Difference of opinion

It’s time you woke up. In your April 750cc comparison test (“In Search of the Ultimate 750”), you state that the Honda VFR750 is the best bike, “in spite of a paint job we love to hate, in spite of a too-high purchase price.” There’s no way a bike with such obvious flaws can be the best.

Both the Suzukis, on the other hand, are priced right, are better looking and are faster than the VFR. Your test riders must be blind, deaf and dumb.

Gary G. Abernathy San Antonio, Texas

Cycle World states that the Suzuki Katana 750 “isn’t pretty” and “is a little short on personality.” You guys should take a closer look. The Kat’s smooth, flowing shape and bold-butnot-obnoxious paint scheme make the bike a real beauty.

Danny O’Connell

South Attleboro, Massachusetts

The Suzuki Katana 750 and GSXR750 are not good-looking motorcycles? I work in a Suzuki shop and am constantly being told how sharp these two bikes look. I believe your testers need glasses, and a new opinion.

We’re really not interested in your opinion of colors and graphics. The American public should be the ones who decide for themselves whether or not they like a bike’s appearance.

Robin Przywojski Tomah, Wisconsin

I own a 1990 Suzuki Katana 750 and must take exception to Cycle World calling the ’92 version “lumpy” and “plain-looking.” I would describe the Katana as “refined.” The only weird thing about it is that hideous paint scheme Suzuki has decided to festoon on all its 1992 bikes.

Rich Melville

Los Angeles, California

Wouldn’t the Honda VFR750 be even better if it cost one or two thousand dollars less? Honda should get rid of the expensive single-sided swingarm and the bodywork. Raise the handlebars 2 inches from their present location. The bike would then be more versatile and cost less. And don’t forget to include a centerstand.

Tim Eide

Ventura, California

After reading your 750 comparison test in the April issue, I can see why sales of new motorcycles are in the terrible shape they are. It is virtually impossible to buy a motorcycle for daily transportation, and it doesn’t help for you to downgrade the ones that come the closest-the Honda Nighthawk and the Kawasaki Zephyr.

I’ve tried a lot of “state-of-the-art” motorcycles in the past 1C years, and found all of them useless for everyday riding. You can have the new stuff, I’ll keep living in the past.

Ron Hansen Lakewood, Colorado

Hey, who on your staff has the beef against the Honda Nighthawk 750? I am the very happy owner of a 1991 Nighthawk, and of course it doesn’t measure up to $7000-plus motorcycles. It costs $4300. You criticize its rear drum brake, but fail to mention it beat half the other 750s in your braking tests. In my opinion, the Honda is the best bike for the money anywhere.

Niall Raley

Somerset Center, Michigan

I own a ’91 Nighthawk, and you are absolutely right: In specification, the bike is rather dated. But that’s the reason I purchased it. The Nighthawk does exactly what it was designed to do.

Also, you tore the Nighthawk apart, but raved about the Kawasaki Zephyr. If the Nighthawk is so down on power, how come these two bikes’ quartermile times are essentially identical? Additionally, braking distances are within 5 feet, and top speed is the same. All this and the Honda costs $500 less than the Kawasaki.

Ray Whitehead Spotswood, New Jersey

I agree with your opinion as to the VFR’s overall superiority, but if you figure in the cost factor, the Zephyr is mighty close.

Roger M. Remillard Shelbourne Falls, Massachusetts □

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