25 Years Ago December, 1970

25 YEARS AGO DECEMBER, 1970

Cycle World took a Teutonic turn with the December, 1970, issue. Praising German craftsmanship for orderliness and precision, we applauded BMW for revamping the 750cc R75/5. Retaining its horizontally opposed configuration, the Slash-5's ohv Twin demonstrated improved cylinderhead design. A one-piece crankshaft was added, as was a single-disc dry clutch, which we labeled a model of perfection: “The last thing one would expect from a BMW is a ‘wheelie’ when one is banging a shift into second gear...Scaareee!” Chassis weight was reduced with a 29-pound ovaltube frame, and rear-suspension travel was increased. The new-style fork was less impressive-soft springs meant the fork lost travel when the bike was rolled off its centerstand.

• Sticking with the European motif, CW attempted The Grand Tour a la motorcycle. Stephen J. Herzog wrote that he set off on his first exploration of Europe after only 30 minutes’ riding experience, yet he persevered and toured Scandinavia the next year. “I’d be back there again if it weren’t for the draft," he lamented. Herzog's words of wisdom? Note the addresses of good Euro-dealers and find cheap lodging before the trip.

• Another story had nothing to do with Europe, but bears mentioning. We urged, “Come crash and burn with Cycle World as we try a new concept in craziness,” which turned out to be the short-lived, all-terrain three-wheeler. We said the Honda ATC and the Sperry-Rand Tri-Cart required a turning technique that defied logic. Explained one CW staffer, “It’s the first time I’ve ever been excited at 10 mph.”

Wendy F. Black