Letters
LETTERS
Neo-Nortons
In July’s Up Front editorial, “Norton Boy,” you hit on a favorite saw of mine: the standard/retro ditty.
The only true hot-rod standard left is the Yamaha V-Max. For whatever it ain’t, it’s a great idea that Yamaha never developed to its fullest potential.
I do agree that the Suzuki Bandit 1200 sounds good. CW, you get to talk to the honchos at all the companies. Tell Suzuki to bring in the Bandit 1200, but bring it in hot! J.M. Travis Lompoc, California
You are right in that we need a Norton-type, do-it-all performance standard here in the States. You were close in looking at the Bandit 1200 in Suzuki’s overseas catalog, but the real tool is in Yamaha’s. The redone Yamaha TDM850, unfortunately not sold in the U.S., is what you’re looking for.
Rick ¡C. Deaton Cincinnati, Ohio
Glad to hear about Editor Edwards’ Norton purchase. In the early 1980s, a 750 Commando mongrel introduced me to the joys (and agonies) of being owned by a Britbike. Eleven years ago, I began a relationship with a 1974 Triumph Trident. Both bikes were fun, fast and easy on the eyes while enjoying a post-ride beer.
When Triumph came back to the U.S., I decided it was time for my first new motorcycle. A near sexual attraction to an orange Speed Triple was overcome by throbs in my wrists and butt. I held out for a 1995 Trident, a bike that meets almost all of your specs as a ’90s superbike in the Commando/750 Four/Z-1 sense.
A while back Cycle World wrote that the Trident might be the sleeper in Triumph’s line. You were right. Sure, it could use better brakes and suspension, more power and a better chassis-so could any bike I’ve owned. As it is, the 900 Trident outperforms my previous classics, and I’m looking forward to putting more super into my bike.
By the way, my brother-in-law is selling my old Trident-if Edwards is interested in another old nail for his collection. Paul Cheramie
New Orleans, Louisiana
Classical gas
I hadn’t been out on my Norton for about two months-that is until I read David Edwards’ column in the July issue. Three kicks later and the beast roared to life and took me out for an afternoon of pure fun.
My bike is a ’74 850 Commando (“black w/gold pinstripes, natch”) that started life as a High Rider model in San Francisco 22 years ago. I bought the bike in Maine several years ago after it had been somewhat “modified” by its original owner. New handlebar, seat, exhaust and some engine work by GP Motorcycles here in San Diego, and I’m riding a true classic that is 10 times as cool as anything else on the road.
Unlike Edwards’ bike, mine has the original peanut 2-gallon tank. I’ve thought about getting the larger Interstate tank, but think I’ll leave everything as is. Stopping for gas gives me a chance to stretch and the less fortunate an opportunity to drool.
Matt Garside San Diego, California
Horse’s mouth
A big piece of raisin pie to Erik Buell. Finally, someone has built America’s first true hot-rod bike. I just took delivery of a black SI Lightning; it’s everything you stated in your July road test and more. The only problem is riding it slow. It’s like being on a foaming-at-the-mouth, bit-chomping stallion trying to get to a mare in the next field. You just got to let the reins loose and hang on.
Oh yeah, about the small seat: If you want your posterior pampered, get a Gold Wing. Greg Cudek
Sisters, Oregon
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your test of the Buell SI Lightning in the July ’96 issue. Having ridden an SI for 5000 miles in Southern California and Kansas, I concur with many of your observations. The SI is, in a nutshell, a “purpose-built street blaster.”
The seat hasn’t bothered me physically as much as it seems to bother many folks aesthetically. Besides, there should be no shortage of aftermarket Buell seat and tailsection choices in the near future. I’ve had three firms call to use my bike as a model, and I heard that Corbin has sold more than 500 SI seats to date.
I’ve come to grips with the airbox and rear-fender, especially after learning about the regulatory requirements that served to shape their styling. There were dozens of fender designs generated prior to the current production iteration. Again, look for a preponderance of natural-finish carbon-fiber alternatives in the coming months.
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Given the way sales are going (a dealer I visited last week has 17 deposits and is trying to get 40 units), I’d wager you’ll see all forms of SI variants in the next year. Courtney Canfield Topeka, Kansas
High and mighty
I hope Cycle World is well represented in the legal department, for I am about to institute a mighty lawsuit against your fine publication for the grievous injuries I sustained while reading the June issue.
When I read in “High Rollers” that someone claims to have 300,000 miles on a bevel-drive, valve-spring 860 Ducati without once removing the heads, I immediately passed into uncontrollable fits of laughter, which I could not stop for some time. I blew out my left lung, can no longer speak, and broke my right shoulder blade when I fell out of the chair in which I was sitting.
I assure you that Dewey, Cheatem & Howe are taking this matter very seriously. William R Truby
Euclid, Ohio
It’s good to see that some people keep their bikes around long enough to know how to rebuild them in their sleep and are able to get their money’s worth out of their machinery.
Rick Barnette Huntersville, North Carolina
Sure, but would you be willing to take the stand and testify to that in a court of law?
State of confusion
Question for Curly Edwards, Larry Catterson and Moe Canet: According to your specifications chart, my Valkyrie was imported. When did Marysville, Ohio, secede?
Dave Paluck
Munnsville, New York
Hey, hey, hey! Mum ’s the word. Next thing you know, the Ohio State Attorney General will be on our case. We’ve got enough legal problems. □
