Letters

LETTERS

Lightning strike

I just read October’s Buell Lightning article. It was great! Erik Buell’s previous S2 Thunderbolt was a step in the right direction. Well, it looks like he’s taken an even bigger step with the SI Lightning. Reginald Brooks

Guthrie, Oklahoma

They finally did it! The Buell SI Lightning is a “Gotta-Haver” if I ever saw one. A Corbin Gunfighter seat and that 90-horsepower kit mentioned in the Sportster Quick Ride would make it perfect...after painting that rear subfender yellow. Tim Potter Knoxville, Tennessee

Wow! Erik Buell and his team of engineers have finally cooked up the right combination of ingredients in the Buell SI Lightning. Here’s a bike that’s a blast to ride, has plenty of “real-world” power and looks marvelous. After a few small bugs are worked out, I’m sure the SI Lightning will make La Dolce Vita for Ducati’s 900 Monster a little less pleasant.

Eduardo G. Alvarez Norfolk, Virginia

“Erik Buell aims for CBR900RR, hits the 900 Monster,” huh? A 900cc Ducati with the same engine mods would eat the 1200cc Buell for breakfast.

Paul Freitag Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I commend Erik Buell for doing in a few short years what Harley has not been able to do in almost a century.

Reuben C. White Fremont, California

Badass Buell? Is that because its little seat is real bad for your ass? A. Mello Las Vegas, Nevada A thousand thanks for the article on the SI Lightning. I was so stoked that I ran to my dealer to trade in my ’95 S2 on a better, faster, stronger Buell.

Regarding OFs “Editors’ Notes” on the SI: Unlike Mr. Canet, I find the bike’s “nakedness” extremely sexy, and applaud Buell’s design staff for not hiding their hard work under plastic. Matthew Miles is right on target-the Buell’s combination of raw power, classic motorcycle sound and incredible handling are a dream come true to American bike buyers. Oh, a bit of advice to your Editor-in-Chief: Twist the throttle farther and adrenaline will compensate for seat size. Brad Haugh Clifton, Colorado

Editor-in-Chief Edwards asks, his or the Buell's?

Singles on the brain

Regarding the Editor’s September column on single-cylinder bikes: David, I like you, son, you’re doing a good job, but I want you to start wearing more sun block, lots more. Singleminded? A Singles revolution? Where? Here in America? I don’t think so. A few new MZs and 50 racing Thumpers at Daytona do not a revolution make.

Nobody but dirt donks and a few of us old diehards even care about Thumpers.

Tom Edmonds Falls Church, Virginia

Well, there’s one less thing in life to complain about. About two years ago, I excitedly read about a 300-pound, 60horsepower KTM with supermotard styling. Then I bitched, “They won’t ever bring a bike like that into the States,” but lo and behold, there’s the Duke on the cover of September’s Cycle World.

Well, now there’s one in my garage. No, the Duke is definitely not for everyone, but it is exactly the bike I have been dreaming of for years. Thanks for the scoop, CW. George Emerson

Hayward, California

Forget the Bimota Supermono, the Ducati Supermono and the MZ Skorpion. The Yamaha/Belgarda SZR660 Super Single (CW, October) is without doubt the most gorgeous, valuepriced, rational motorcycle to grace your pages in quite a few years. I’ve been waiting for a modern-day Norton Manx, and this is it. Admittedly, the Ducati is superior technically, but it isn’t street legal. The Bimota is too expensive, and while the MZ is nice to see, when viewed against the SZR660...well, you be the judge.

I mean, Paioli fork, TZR-based alloy frame, five-valve motor, Italian styling, single-cylinder weight and handling, and a real dealer network for only $6000 (sans Italy’s 20-percent sales tax). I’ll take one. Tell Yamaha USA to get that bike over here. Pronto!

Richard H. Melaun Cumming, Georgia

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In September’s Up Front, you claim that Bimota’s forthcoming Supermono is the “Italian specialty builder’s first single-cylinder design.” Wrong, paisan. In fact, the firm is not a stranger to onelungers, having produced a number of Aermacchi-engined road rockets in the Seventies. Look it up. Kevin Seiler

San Diego, California

Wish Fulfillment Dept

How about a “Bikes of World War II” feature, especially this being the 50th anniversary? Neal Black

White City, Oregon

I like your magazine and the diversity of your coverage, but have you ever heard of Moto Guzzi? What’s the story? Where’s the story? Marc Chronis Pembroke, New Hampshire

Forget it! Next thing, you guys will want a ¡996 Suzuki GSX-R750preview, a Yamaha Royal Star riding impression and an in-depth Scott Russell interview.

Connect the DOT

I must strongly differ with the DOWN given to the Virginia Department of Transportation HOV study in October’s Cycle World. You said, in essence, “It’s self evident that motorcycles don’t cause problems in commuter lanes,” and that monies were wasted supporting the research. However, the AMA and others like me have hammered for years the need for just this kind of carefully conducted study. Why? Because politicians listen to experimental evidence quicker than conjecture.

The beautiful irony here is that the people who conducted the study are the same ones who said (for years!) that motorcycles would wreak havoc if permitted in HOV lanes. Now, they’ve got to eat their own words-and tell about 15 other state legislatures they were wrong. Gary!. Winn, Ph. D. Safety and Environmental Management West Virginia University

Queasy Rider

Thank you for publishing the ad for the Easy riders collector plate in the October issue. I laughed ’til I cried.

Mark Jonas Sonora, California

Look for Rider beach towels and Motorcyclist beer mugs in upcoming issues.