Letters
LETTERS
Have kilt, will ride
Your recent criticism of Britain’s Performance Bikes magazine in the “UPS & DOWNS” column of the December issue was unfair. It appears that in your opinion, motorcycle magazines should not display irresponsible behavior such as that shown by PB's kilt-clad, helmetless rider. This leads one to conclude that your magazine believes we highly impressionable readers tend to mimic everything we see, much like chimpanzees do. With this in mind, I would like to point out a photo in the same issue of Cycle World that displays the Ducati 900SS project bike (it is pretty, isn't it?) sailing along on its rear wheel. In Maine, we are allowed to ride without helmets and, yes, we may even wear kilts. Conversely, if we are caught demonstrating the one-wheel act of bravado that is shown in your magazine, we can be slapped with a hefty fine and a mandatory loss of license.
Give yourselves a DOWN for being such hypocrites and please stop worrying about us monkeys.
Kenyon Hennessey Windham, Maine
What concern of it is yours if Performance Bikes wants to feature a helmetless, skirt-wearing knee-dragger? To each his/her own. Jim Hill
Montpelier, Vermont
Hoot, mon, ye garra have better things ta doo than ta mess with Performance Bike's Special Tartan Issue! Don’t ye know a Transportation Dept. Approved Safety Kilt when ye sees it? Moanin’ aboot helmetless riders for a magazeen stoont demonstrates (a) a distinct load o’ disrespect for Scots national hero Niall Mackenzie or (b) a rubbish lot o’ Bad American Humour or (c) both. I’m a professional in my field, drive a nice car, and enjoy fine clothes and an occasional manicure. My idea of an ideal vacation is a luxury hotel in an exotic location, room service, romantic dinners and picture-postcard views. For years when my husband suggested a motorcycle tour, he was met with a less-than-enthusiastic response. A dirty, tiring, possibly dangerous, boring motorcycle trip was asking a bit much, even for a very accommodating wife.
Reelacks. Leern to laff. Don’ be so sour, ye may curdle yer crankcase oil.
Jim Fischer Fair Oaks, California
Eight is enough
After reading January’s “Not for Sale” editorial are we supposed to feel sorry for poor Mr. Edwards and his eight motorcycles? It must be hell to have the money, garage space and spousal support to acquire such a stable. I can appreciate the difficulties involved in maintaining a fleet of such magnitude, but I have enough trouble keeping my ratty little KZ440 going to generate much sympathy.
I hope when I am fortunate enough to have a herd of my own, that I will not annoy acquaintances by whining about how tough it is to find parts for the AJS or to keep the SpagthorpePeerless, or whatever, polished.
Tom Maloney
Cranston, Rhode Island
Editor Edwards reports that partly because of his bike collection, he now has little money, less garage space and no spouse whatsoever.
Bargain ZRs
In the December, 1992, issue, some of your readers complained about Kawasaki’s ZR1100 being too expensive. Maybe it is, but none of them mentioned its little brother, the ZR750. The 750 is $2200 less expensive, and going by the Cycle World test figures, it is 104 pounds lighter, quicker by 0.2 second from 40 to 60 mph, only 0.1 second slower from 60 to 80 mph, and accelerates through the quarter-mile in a respectable 12.54 seconds. Joseph Cannaverde
New Milford, Connecticut
I see there is much discontent in America with the Kawasaki ZR1 100’s $6999 price tag. Living in England, I would dearly love to purchase a machine of this standard and sheer performance for such a price. Over here, the big ZR retails for £6890. Bearing in mind the current exchange rate-in the region of $1.60 per pound-this makes for a grand total of $11,024 for the same machine. Now, that’s worth complaining about. Karl Fenney
Whitby, England
Change of heart
This is a letter to all those ladies who feel motorcycling is a man’s sport.
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Last May, in a weak moment, however, I agreed. We packed up and flew to London to join Edelweiss Tours for a two-week tour of England including the TT races on the Isle of Man.
We toured the picture-book Cotswolds, stayed in quaint inns and later caught the ferry to the Isle of Man. There, in addition to wonderful daily tours, were picnics on mountain tops, train rides overlooking the sea, castle tours and sinfully delicious meals. Halfway through the tour, I was a convert. This wasn't your typical tour of England, it was an experience of England, something you miss out on when enclosed in an automobile.
We’re home now, but already planning a tour of the Swiss Alps-this time, we can both hardly wait. To those ladies who feel as I once did about motorcycle touring: Try it, I think you’ll be delighted.
Kathryn J. Steen Shreveport, Louisiana
Shock treatment
I finally received my first issue of Cycle World and love it! The subscription would have started earlier, but the telephone operator who took my order misunderstood me. Now I'm also signed up for 36 issues of the American Psychiatric Association’s monthly journal, Psycho Ward.
Derek L. Rowe Phoenix, Arizona
Not a second too soon, either.
I was wondering if you could help me. I am searching for a bike that weighs under 250 pounds, can travel 160 miles per hour, has 12 inches of suspension travel at both ends, has enough storage room to carry a tent, miniature barbecue and inflatable raft, and can go 300 miles on one tank of gas. It also must cost less than $2000. If you happen to run across one that is for sale, please contact me.
Andrew Brady Vermillion, South Dakota
Sure thing, Andy. In the meantime, please accept our gift o f a three-year subscription to our sister publication. Psycho Ward.,
