Letters
LETTERS
Ridin’ with Rooney
Just finished reading David Edwards’ “Andy Rooney Rides” Up Front column in the July issue. Very well done. I can hear Andy complaining about some of the same things after an 8-hour ride on his GSX-R.
The top brass at the Japanese Big Four should heed all you mentioned in the column and make constructive use of the criticisms. Steven Shifkey Jacksonville, Florida
Horray for Andy Roo..., er, David Edwards! Listen up, manufacturing moguls, I’ve had the same thoughts a thousand times. Now that my old Suzuki GS750 and Honda XL600 are behind me, I have a high-quality toolkit and primo detachable hard bags. I love my 15-year-old BMW Boxer Twin. What have you guys been doing all this time, anyway? Get a grip! (I prefer mine heated.)
Jeffrey G. Adams Rochester, New Hampshire
The “Andy Rooney Rides” column in the July issue could not have been more accurate in depicting the problems with modern motorcycles. But adding up these annoyances does more than just make me wonder about the designers of today’s bikes. Motorcycles that aren’t designed to be userfriendly don’t get ridden, and ultimately no longer get purchased. The recent sales slump and reduced ridership numbers are partly due to many of the poor design features Cycle World so ably identified.
Ira Gabin Lansing, Michigan
Raise the XLCR
Regarding Cycle World's article on the 1977 Harley-Davidson Cafe Racer (see “Black Sheep,” July, 1992): Tell Willie G. Davidson that many of us would like to see the Cafe Racer back in the lineup, maybe with the following suggestions: 1) Make it as light as possible; 2) give it excellent brakes, good suspension and premium rubber; 3) make the chassis strong with plenty of ground clearance; 4) give it a light clutch action and, if possible, a sixspeed tranny; and, last but not least, 5) make it look as mean as the original and put a “Willie G.” signature on the gas tank.
We’re all pullin’ for ya, Willie. Please bring back the XLCR.
Michael D. Bowles Susanville, California
My mouth is watering for a new eight-valve BMW Superboxer sportbike. But, hey, wait, this is America! How about it Willie G.? How about doing a new eight-valve XLCR, maybe with fuel injection? I’d plunk down my savings on that bike.
James Burns Del City, Oklahoma
If the people at Harley-Davidson were smart, they would beg Mr. Takehiko (“Today’s XLCR,” CW, July, 1992) to come to Milwaukee and then ask him to help them put his magnificent Sportster-powered racebike into street form. Leave it to the Japanese to do justice to American iron.
Wake up, Harley. Give us sportbike riders a reason to buy American. Your homework is already done. Just do it!
Richard Di Lorenzo Bristol, Pennsylvania
Not so fast
I, too, wondered what a modern XLCR would be like, so I built one. I installed original XLCR bodywork on a 1990 Evo Sportster, added a third disc brake, 18-inch wheels at both ends, Progressive Suspension components, a SuperTrapp 2-into-l, K591 Dunlops, Storz rearsets and a Harley belt-drive kit. This is about as modern as Sportsters get.
Cosmetically, the bike is outstanding and really seems to be a hit with people. But when you ride it, it’s still a Sportster. Given the levels of competence of even the most humble current Japanese “retrobikes” (Honda Nighthawk 750, Kawasaki Zephyrs), I feel that a modern XLCR based on a Sportster would not be able to compete performance-wise in today’s market. I would be hesitant to walk into a dealership and pay what the bike would cost to produce, given all the other market choices available.
Roland Smith Wrightwood, California
Code on TV
Hats off to the AMA for putting together TV coverage of its 1992 roadrace series. Televising the WERA F-USA races, as I did last year, was none of my business, except that TV coverage was needed and no one seemed to be doing anything about it. Television has been the missing ingredient stopping roadracing in America from reaching its correct status. Who has TV (AMA or WERA) is no concern of mine, it is simply the fact of TV coverage that counts. Keith Code
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Los Angeles, California
In the Cameron camp
I subscribe to all the bike magazines. Yours is the best because of the articles by Kevin Cameron.
Louis Caspary South Lake Tahoe, California
Hang onto Kevin Cameron. His is a rare gift for describing with elegant simplicity how engineers, mechanics and riders cope with the limitations imposed by the laws of physics.
Scott Lowry Bynum, North Carolina
Over the last year, Cycle World has become my favorite motorcycle magazine, mostly because of Kevin Cameron. I thought I was a real gearhead before, but my understanding of things mechanical has increased greatly since his TDC column started.
David Wood Running Springs, California
I would just like to add my voice to those who deeply appreciate Kevin Cameron’s columns. I, and I suspect many others, would pay dearly for a book of his collected works. Does he have any thoughts of such a future project? William H. Steen
Shreveport, Louisiana
The addition of Kevin Cameron to your staff was a good one. I enjoy his TDC columns very much, as well as his reviews of machinery. I am interested in reading more of his work. Has he written any books? Is there any way I can get reprints of his past columns? Duncan Griffiths
Santa Ana, California
Our Tech Editor reports that an anthology of his columns and articles is in the works. Meanwhile, check local libraries or scan used-book stores for copies of Cycle magazine, Cameron s employer from 1973 to 1991. E3
