25 Years Ago September, 1969
25 YEARS AGO SEPTEMBER, 1969
An analysis of BMW’s new
R75 US headlined this issue
of Cycle World. Boasting a
redesigned engine and frame, the sporty Twin was a simple but finelooking machine. The preview, written by then-Editor Ivan Wagar, noted the R75 “marks a completely new trend for BMW. Gone is the strict adherence to 46-year-old practices and design innovations; in most respects, the R75 is in line with what everyone else is doing...”
• Iron man Ed Kretz was the subject of a feature written by Norm Hartford. Kretz, who competed for 25 years, won dirt-track races well into his 40s. The story, illustrated with wonderful photographs of Kretz broadsliding a side-valve Indian at Ascot, visiting with James Dean at a Palm Springs sports car event and clowning around prior to his 1937 Daytona victory, recounted Kretz’s grim determination and competitive spirit.
• From Raven Industries, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, came a new jump suit made expressly for motorcycling. The two-ply nylon Rogue was said to be thoroughly windand waterproof, “just the thing for enduros, trail riding and off-road stints on mountain trails.”
• Veteran automobile racer and motorcycle enthusiast Mario Andretti was the subject of an STP advertisement, this after winning the 1969 Indianapolis 500. Twenty-five years later, the 53-year-old Andretti is enjoying his final year as an active driver. Matthew Miles
