Letters
LETTERS
Brother Egan
Thanks to Peter Egan for a great March column, “Our brother’s keeper.” I found myself agreeing with his every word until I was caught in my own hypocrisy. I’d wear a helmet even if my state didn’t mandate it, and until now I haven’t joined the AMA because of its anti-helmet-law stance. But after reading the column, I joined the AMA and sent in my Cycle World subscription card. Details like helmet laws are moot if the bikes themselves are legislated out of existence. Fred M. Burgess
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Peter Egan’s essay was, for me, the bottom line, the magnum opus on the issue of freedom of choice, slicing through the bureaucratic baloney that’s been piling up for years with sharp, concise articulation. Thank you for such a thoughtful and entertaining article that did for me what Little Walter did for the blues. Robyn Barnett
Citra, Florida
A peelies and wheelies salute to “Our brother’s keeper.” Although anyone who has participated in any dangerous activity will undoubtedly wholeheartedly agree with you, not everyone has the ability to put their feelings into the precise wording necessary to simply say, “Welcome to my life...drag racing on the left, roadracing on the right, and the Isle of Man TT in the sandwich lane...now, stay the hell out of my life and I’ll steer clear of your predictably dull, boring and safe world.” Scott A. Maciag Montvale, New Jersey
Egan’s March Leanings column was, as usual, right on. I do not want to risk the precariousness of too high a soapbox, but I will say the miscon-
ceptions people have concerning our lifestyle do grow tiring.
Preaching to the choir, I suppose.
Tom Haykin Madison, Alabama
Can Peter Egan have two columns?
Claude Hill Nashville, Tennessee
Aces wild
Although cruisers are not the style of bike I currently prefer, the photography of Brian Blades and Jeff Allen in April’s “Four Aces” article was so stunning that I had to check it out. Cobra’s ideas were so skillfully brought to life by Denny Berg that I have a new appreciation for this form. Thanks for expanding my horizons.
Bob Lewis East Douglas, Massachusetts
The article on “Four Aces” was marvelous! It’s a joy to read about independent customizers and their work.
Todd Helton Virginia Beach, Virginia
As nice as it is to see cruisers getting a lot of press (“Four Aces,” April, 1996), a warning should go out to current and potential cruiser owners. The aftermarket for custom parts is not what it appears. Many of the parts used on the Cobra custom ACEs shown in this article, as well as the customs shown in many other mags, are either prototypes, not in production yet or back-ordered. Sad to know you can walk into virtually any bike shop and buy Flarley parts, but are still hard pressed to find accessories for Japanese cruisers.
Mike Laban South Pasadena, California
I can’t believe you’re hyping this quartet of lame, half-assed concoctions as the latest in Japanese customizing. Have you ever looked at the German or Japanese aftermarket? Five degrees more rake? Please! How about 15 more? A 180 rear tire? Ha! How about a 200? I could go on and on. Holger Wustemeyer
San Francisco, California
Trust us, you already have.
Branded
Honda’s new V-Twin 750 superbike? Wow! Finally, the bike I’ve been waiting for (see Roundup, February). In my 35 years of riding, I’ve never owned a bike other than a Honda-from S90 to SL100 to CB77 to CB360T to CB500F to VFR750. So, come on, Honda. Don’t make an old man switch brands now. Build it and I will come.
Ago de Vera Brampton, Ontario, Canada
Below the belt
Regarding the effort of the Grand and Glorious Harley-Davidson Motor > Company to trademark the sound of its engine: Are they also going to seek proprietary protection for beer bellies and butt cracks? Just wondering.
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David White Tallahassee, Florida
Valky viewpoints
My 15-year-old son, who’s not particularly interested in motorcycles, brought me the March Cycle World, pointed to the Honda Valkyrie Six on the cover and said, “Now that is the definition of motorcycle.” I have to agree. M. Leon Knott
Murray, Kentucky
For the second time, I have been moved to write to your magazine concerning the appearance of a motorcycle. The first time because the Harley-powered Goodman cafe-bike was a truly beautiful motorcycle; this time because the Honda Valkyrie is a truly ugly motorcycle. Wilson High Killarney, Manitoba, Canada
Coastal haze
As I write this letter, I have the lights out, the door locked and the shades drawn. My face is disguised in heavy, dark makeup and sunglasses. There is no place safe for the lifestyle I lead and I write you these lines at my peril, for I and my kind are PC800 owners.
That’s right, we ride the oftenridiculed, constantly criticized, neveradored Honda Pacific Coast. We suffer in silence and ride by night. We endure laughter and curses from our biking brethren.
Okay, so this bike isn’t exactly a thing of beauty. “A big scooter” is exactly how I would describe it. It’s not fast or quick. It’s got little chrome. It looks like something George Jetson would ride. But, to us, it’s also the most practical, well-built bike around. If this counts for anything in today’s market of sportbikes and cruisers, please include the Pacific Coast in your reviews. While you’re writing about the bike, feel free to make jokes. After all, it does look kinda funny. Eric “Mad Dog” Evans
Lummi Island, Washington
We’ll consider it, Eric, but George Jetson, loyal employee of Spacely Sprockets, wouldn’t be caught dead on a shaft-drive PC800. Jane, his wife, is another story. □
