Letters
LETTERS
Wheelies-R-Us
There seems to be a real political incorrectness about the April “Mega Motors” issue of Cycle World-monster wheelies, crossed-up powerslides and smokey burn-outs.
I like it! Robert Henry
Conshohoken, Pennsylvania
Guilty as charged
As summer approaches and the days for riding grow more and more plentiful, perhaps it’s time we remind ourselves to be extra careful on those first long rides of the year. Once-honed reflexes may have become dulled from a winter and early spring of non-riding. Also, it’s a good time to remember to be aware of our public image: wheelies, burn-outs and highspeed runs can ruin things for us in short order. Eddie Hall
Columbus, Georgia
Couldn 't agree more. We don't do those kinds of things-and we promise we ’ll never do ’em again.
Coated in the USA
A photo caption in Cycle World's exclusive story about Harley-Davidson’s VR1000 racer (see “America’s Superbike,” March ’94) is in error. The cylinder liner in the VR engine is plated and honed in NiCom, not Nikasil as stated.
NiCom is a nickel-silicon carbide composite coating done in the USA by U.S. Chrome in Wisconsin (how American can you get?) while Nikasil is the trade name of Mahle of Europe. U.S. Chrome is making every effort to supply a superior product to support Harley in its efforts to produce a “StarSpangled Superbike.” James Hackl General Manager, U.S. Chrome Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin
Model citizen
It was great to see not one but two articles on scale-model motorcycles in the April issue (see “Masterful Miniatures” and “Model Museum”). One vital detail was missing, though: Protar models are still available. The most mind-boggling is a Vó-scale (12 inches long) V-850 Moto Guzzi that includes the internal components of the engine, right down to the piston rings and valve springs! These kits will get you through the winter. Greg Jones
Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
Cycle World received several letters regarding the availability of Protar kits. Apparently they can be ordered from several sources, including the Phoenix Model Co. in Brooksville Florida (904/754-8522), and EuroSports in Carlsbad, California (619/729-2301).
Way to go, Wayne
Your article on Wayne Rainey in the March issue was very inspiring. Good news to hear that Wayne is getting his life back in order, and that he does not look on his accident as ruining his life. He has faced it and is dealing with it. I appreciate Cycle World bringing Wayne’s thoughts and feelings to his many fans. Frank Hodge Portage, Pennsylvania
Check out this month ’s Roundup for the further adventures of Wayne Rainey on the rebound.
Where to ride
I am working on a directory for motorcyclists that will be a great benefit while traveling. I need the names, locations and pertinent information regarding motels, bed & breakfasts and campgrounds that cater to motorcyclists. Please contact me at RR1 Box 277N, Fawn Grove, PA 17321; fax 717/382-1324. Linda Bier
Fawn Grove, Pennsylvania
Euro buy-and-ride
Your May Roundup item on Lotus Tours (“Buy a Ducati Straight From the Source”) mentions a program that includes the purchase of a bike in Europe. We would be grateful if you could inform your readers that Ducatis sold by Lotus: 1) do not have the support of Cagiva North America and 2) most likely will not meet U.S. customs and state vehicle registration requirements when imported to the U.S.
Ray Holmes National Merchandising Manager, Cagiva North America Pompton Plains, New Jersey
Contacted by Cycle World for clarification, Lotus Tours owner Burt Richmond, who has included a buyand-ride option for tour participants since 1987, termed Holmes’ assertions “verbal blackmail ’’ and said, > “Lotus has been informed by Ducati headquarters in Bologna to please disregard (Cagiva North America’s letter) and proceed. The bikes sold are U.S.-spec, have the right serial numbers and are clearly made for U.S. consumption. They will clear customs.’’ Lotus Tours can be contacted at 1644 N. Sedgwick St., Chicago, IL 60614; fax 312/951-7313.
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Hog conversion
During the AMF years, I called them “Pigs,” not “Hogs.” I thought that anyone who owned a Shovelhead was a knucklehead. I joked that the best tools to repair Harleys were a hammer and a pickup truck with tiedowns.
Times change, companies change and so have I. I have a newfound respect for Harley-Davidson, its employees and its products. Their current bikes are of high quality with styling second to none. I want one. I will buy one. I will ride one and be proud. Welcome back H-D! William R. Butson Morganton, North Carolina
German Test II
All that dark Bavarian beer must have gotten to Peter Egan. He failed to include questions 20-25 on his “Should You Buy a German Bike” exam (see Leanings, April, 1994). I’ve thoughtfully decided to send them to you:
20. The first accessory one should consider purchasing for a new bike is: (a) a good lock; (b) an alarm system; (c) a subscription to GEnie, the official BMW Motorcycle Owners of America online computer service.
21. An adequate rainsuit costs: (a) $24.95; (b) around $100; (c) $1800.
22. While watching the BMW Battle of the Legends race at Daytona, you: (a) fall asleep; (b) are embarrassed that you are part of the spectacle; (c) can barely contain your excitement.
23. The average motorcycle service department charges: (a) $35/hour; (b) $45-$50/hour; (c) at least $60/hour.
24. When you discover that the front wheel of your new K1100LT is easily bent, and that the replacement cost is $900, your reaction is to: (a) faint; (b) sell the beast before it drives you into the poorhouse; (c) quietly pay up as the perceived prestige of owning the bike is worth it, and besides, the manufacturer claims that soft rims are a “safety feature.”
25. You are not at all disappointed that your 980cc R100RS is consider-
ably slower than: (a) a Harley Springer Softail; (b) anything built by Ducati; (c) just about every Japanese bike with a displacement of 400cc or more; (d) all of the above. Manic Marty
Tuscon, Arizona
From the Commander
Loved Kevin Cameron’s May TDC column based on Chuck Berry’s “Maybelline.” In the words of another car song: My Daddy said, son, you ’re gonna drive me to drinkin ’/If you don’t stop drivin ’ that hot-rod Lincoln.
I think Peter Egan should know this one. C. Cody
Westfield, New Jersey
From MrsLewis
Well, it’s about time we got to see what a handsome devil your Off-Road Editor Jimmy Lewis really is (see “Editors’ Notes,” CW, April, 1994). Now, how about more of his pretty prose?
Jimmy’s Mom Somis, California
From Dan, the Vespa Man
As an incurable collector of Vespa motorscooters and memorabilia, I enjoyed reading “Sweet Scooters” in the May issue. During the ’60s, many parents wouldn’t let their daughters anywhere near a motorcycle, but if you pulled up on a nice, safe-looking scooter like a Vespa, no problem. The scooter looked cute and non-aggressive, and girls loved to ride them! I had many enjoyable dates on these little buzzing machines. Dan ROSS
Stockton, California
Lovely ladies
More lovely ladies like Miss Norton in the March issue! Yeah, I know female readers will want equal time, so here’s what you do: One month, male on a bike; next month, female on a bike. How’s that? Fred S. Murabito Oswego, New York
Take a cold shower, Fred. Either that or get yourself one of those buzzy, babe-magnet motorscooters.
Will work for wheels
I want your jobs.
Michael J. Erickson
Prescott Valley, Arizona
Good, then you can deal with the scooter freaks and other perverts. □
