Letters
LETTERS
Romp on
I have always been amazed at how Tech Editor Kevin Cameron can express such passion about motorcycle technology in his TDC column, but I was particularly moved by his non-technological "Reasons to romp" in the February issue. It truly captured all of the different facets of motorcycle enjoyment.
I have been searching for a name for my '93 Honda ST1100 since I purchased it last June. I shall now call it "RompSTer." Thanks for the inspiration and for putting into words what we all feel every time we ride.
Tom Catron Nashville, Tennessee
In 40 years of active motorcycling on everything from Vincent Black Shadows to Honda 100s, I've never read a more succinct description of what it's all about. From T.E. Fawrence essays to Pirsig's Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, no one has ever said it better. Thanks Kevin.
Steve Bennett Lima, Ohio
Every month, I anxiously wait for CW to grace my doorstep. Fike a wild animal salivating over its prey, I tear into the pages devouring every word. First Edwards, second Egan and then Cameron-much like the masses of people flocking to Florida in hopes of gaining a glimpse of the Virgin Mary in a building's window.
The words written by Kevin Cameron in "Reasons to romp" have spoken to me. His wisdom has enlightened and shown me the way. Romp on, Kevin. Amen!
Kyle B. Schalow Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
You cannot possibly pay Kevin Cameron too much. Good stuff!
Stephen M. Ligón Round Rock, Texas
I want Mr. Cameron to know that I plan on framing "Reasons to romp." I'm also going to carry a copy of it in my wallet when I go romping-if I can get the officer to read it, maybe he'll let me go with a warning. Jon Haney
Wichita, Kansas
Barry's bikes
In regards to January's "Rollin' & Tumblin'" article on the BSA and Norton specials: Barry Weiss' Britbike makeovers are fantastic! If only Triumph would make something so unique. Allen Hutton
Meriden, Connecticut
It is evident from the content of "Rollin' & Tumblin'" that Barry Weiss has more money than he knows what to do with, and is a huge headache for the people who service his machines. It is also apparent from
his quote: "(Motorcycles) are like tits; they're all great," that he is foulmouthed, and a sexist to boot.
All of the above are Mr. Weiss' prerogatives as a consumer and a citizen. However, the printing of such drivel is purely CWs own decision, and a poor one at that. I subscribe to Cycle World for an editorial content that is (generally) superior to that of other publications of its genre, and if I were interested in such charming similes, I would read Easyriders instead. I suspect that many in your readership, including the women who represent a significant and rapidly growing segment of the riding population, might agree. Elliot Rappaport East Blue Hill, Maine
Show Barry's bikes, but leave that kind of pseudo-macho mouth to the biker magazines. Pierre Brandeiius
Winnipeg Beach, Manitoba, Canada
Weiss' mammary analogy is now my favorite quote from a serious motorcycle publication. I can't wait to see the response from your female readers, and since anatomical analogies are apparently okay, whether you guys will have the balls to print them.
Tony Melum Newport Beach, California
Judging by the letters, Tony, none of our female readership took offense at the quote, though we 're sure they 'll be pleased to know stalwarts like Rappaport are watching out for their sensibilities.
Scooter pie
What the hell? I appreciate fine vintage motorcycles as much as the next enthusiast, but I abhor scooters, even > if they are "vintage," and I truly wish to cause physical pain to the people who ride the misbegotten, sputtering piles. Wendy Black's "Scooterpalooza" article (Cycle World, February), while well-written and researched, is an insult to the motorcycle-riding public and should be ripped from the pages and deleted from the hard drives of the Cycle World archives. What manly or womanly motorcyclist would be caught dead reading and looking at pictures of scooters, let alone ride one of the abominations? I can see it now: Ned Beatty, an albino with a banjo and Kleetus the Slack Jawed Yokel all cruising the backroads of inbred Indiana in their underwear. Stellar, just stellar. How about some helmets for the fools?
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Jack Sheldon Dana Point, California
Repeat afler us, Sheldon: "Scooters are like tits..."
The Catterson Conundrum
What's with Executive Editor Brian's leathers? Is this guy color blind or what? He looks like an overstuffed Super Hero wannabe. And how about the Wyle E. Coyote cartoon painted on the back of his helmet? Is Brian prone to falling off cliffs? Being run over by trains? Please do what you can to help this man. Not only can his leathers cause retinal damage, but they may not be safe to look at after eating. "Mimi" Irvine, California
In the event you again choose to feature the redoubtable, and heavily beleathered, Brian Catterson as test rider, please print a warning on the cover. When I hastily flipped to the Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird report in the January issue, I was instantly (almost fatally) zapped by the image of a wheelying Ed Wood-style Martian on primarycolor peyote. And me with an empty bottle of Pepto-Bismol!
Tell the truth. Has Peter Egan been pouring Jack Daniels into Brian's Coke? Cecil Golden
Montgomery, Alabama
Nope, it was Ned Beatty, an albino with a banjo and Kleetus the Slack Jawed Yokel. □
