Letters

LETTERS

Otto uh-oh

I'm aware of J.S. Bach and P.D.Q. Bach, now in "First Fired, First Forgotten," Allan Girdler has invented a fictional relative for Karl Benz: "Otto Benz," said to be the inventor of the four-cycle engine.

Allan means Nikolaus Otto, who tested a four-cycle engine in 1862. Otto and a Messr. Langen manufactured internal-combustion engines beginning in 1864. In 1872, they hired Gottlieb Daimler-the Daimler of the first internal-combustion-engine-powered motorcycle. Also, you overdo the "nobody's heard of" aspect of Sylvester Roper. Even the Ultimate Motorcycle Book from Dorling-Kindersley mentions Roper and his steam-powered bike. Otherwise, a great article, and a relief from the constant, wheelie-filled riding impressions. Peter A. Readyhougli Barrington, Rhode Island

As an automotive historical society operating a museum, we applaud your acumen, initiative and research for the information presented in the article "First Fired, First Forgotten" in the February, 1998, issue of Cycle World. We may be able to add to Allan Girdler's knowledge of automotive history, however: After Beau de Ro chas published the principle of the four-stroke engine in France, it was Nikolaus August Otto who successful ly applied it. Karl Benz used an Otto cycle engine in the first three-wheeled "Autobuggy," and Gottlieb Daimler used the same type of engine in the first "Quadracycle." George Wand Automation Kingston, Ontario, Canada

I found the story by Allan Girdler quite interesting. Generally speaking,

however, early steam-powered vehicles with their time-consuming starting procedure and complicated operation are not considered when we honor "first motorcycle" or "first car." Oth erwise William Murdock, a friend and partner of James Watt who built the world's first steam-powered car in 1784 certainly would have to be con sidered the inventor of the automobile. Otto Hofmann MiIlbrae, California

Triumph vs. Harley

Wow! Lookie at Cycle World, see another suck-up-to-H-D article ("Sport2," February). So, Sportsters have a 40-year heritage. The article points this out right away, then pounds it home over and over. Tri umph is seldom mentioned without the word "Japanese" attached. The upshot of this laughable comparison is: 1) Triumphs are new, different and better; 2) Harleys never change; and 3) CW has its head up H-D's butt --

SF125 Posted on America Online

You were right in saying the Thun derbird Sport compares with the Mazda Miata. One of each resides in my garage, and I suppose that makes me a Philistine to some. I'll console myself with the satisfaction each of these fine machines gives me on the road. When assessing the true merits of a motorcycle or sports car, the Road Test beats the Garage Test every time. John Mulvihill Clayton, California

Just picked up the latest Cycle World with the repeat of a 1968 comparison between a Bonneville and a Sportster. I was biking and wrenching in `68 and never considered the Sportster fast. There were plenty of fast bikes back then-most of which were British. To compare the Sportster to any Britbike of the era, let alone the Bon neville, is a joke! In my opinion, the Bonneville happens to be the best of the British; in fact, it may be the best bike of all time. It was in a different universe from the Sportster; a thor oughbred, completely balanced, over whelmingly right in style, feel and performance. It was gorgeous. The Sportster was (and is) an anvil. The controls were clunky, the seating position awful, the brakes and han dling non-existent. The engine felt like two lawn-mowers working against each other. The only thing sporting about the Sportster was the sense of humor it required from its owner! I'm sure that if the Bonneville were produced today with all the advances in quality control, materials, electron ics, carburetion, etc., it would surprise a lot of people. Hubert Biagi Tucson, Arizona

Indian affairs

My first ride was on a `53 Indian Chief that belonged to my brother-inlaw. When I saw the Kawasaki "Vin tage" in February's Roundup, I thought it was the real thing. Keep us informed. I may have found another addition to the garage, if the price is right. John lsenberg Kinston, North Carolina

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With all these great-looking retros coming out of Japan, I have just one question: If Kawasaki can make a 1953 Indian, why can't Nissan make a 1957 Chevy? David C. Cisco Columbia, South Carolina

Effin' Goose

We at Mud Duck Aviation (really!) were so inspired by the Honda FN-1 photo on the cover of the February issue that we stopped work and weld ed a couple of extra cylinders onto the boss' Guzzi Sport 1100. Now, the rear cylinders pump their exhaust di rectly into the intake of the front cylinders. This serves as a super charger, boosting horsepower and cleaning the emissions at the same time. We guess roughly 150 bhp at full throttle. The boss suffered minor whiplash on the first ride. Tom Chipley Warrenton, Virginia

Staff infections

It wasn't horrible enough to find out that Peter Egan mixes Jack Daniels and Coca-Cola! No indeed! Now it is revealed ("Sunday Morning Ride," January) that Brian Catterson uses cream and sugar in Kona coffee! What is going on here? And what will be the next desecration? Will it be that Don Canet employs steel taps on his boots to make sparks in the night? Will we discover that Kevin Cameron rides a Harley? Possibly we will see spy photos of Jimmy Lewis commut ing on a Helix! Editor Edwards, I beseech you, please rescue this misguided flock if it isn't too late. Cecil Golden Montgomery, Alabama

Luv ya, mean it

It's time Cycle World got a letter from someone who is not going to kiss your ass and tell you all how great and wonderful you are... Eric Alger Sarasota, Florida

Nah, it's not...