Letters
LETTERS
Boy toys
I just read Peter Egan's "Real versus toy bikes" column (CW, June). It is possible to bicker about what constitutes a "real bike" all day long. Peter seems to have based his definition on reliability and comfort, and the possibility of long cross-country journeys that result. I don't think there is any argument about Ducatis, Bimotas and other sportbikes being toys. Unlike Peter, though, I have a hard time seeing Harleys as real bikes, mostly because of the people who ride them. Most Harley riders are not real bikers anymore. They do not ride for the joy of leaning way over on a curvy mountain road, or for the joy of smelling and feeling the air in their face on long rides. Instead, most Harley riders pack their bikes on trailers and take them to Daytona, where they ride them up and down Main Street a few times, just to be seen.
Mark Vallon
Daytona Beach, Florida
Peter, I can't thank you enough for your "Real versus toy bikes" column defending your Harley. I'm a main stream motorcyclist on my second Harley, a `91 Electra Glide Classic. My first was an `84 FXRS. The folks I ride with (various German and Japanese mounts) ask me, "Why the Harley?" on a regular basis, and I am so pleased to be able to show them your column and say, "See? I'm not the only one!"
I like their choices in bikes, but due to sound~ feel and feedback, when I ride mine I feel like I'm really rid ing a motorcycle. It does get the job done, including my addiction to sport-riding adrenalin! You have helped me more than you know.
John Shreve
Stockton, Ca'ifornia
Mr. Egan, a bike with saddlebags, backrest, stereo and a cup holder is no more a real motorcycle than one with 100-plus horsepower, 10-second quar ter-mile times and a 160-mph top speed.
You just can't categorize motorcy cles by their brand name or the style of bike. Case in point: If someone rides 400-plus miles to Daytona for Bike Week on a Ducati 900SS, and someone else trailers a Road King the same distance, who rode the real bike and who took the toy?
You see, a sportbike is a real motor cycle if ridden like one, and a Road King is nothing more than a toy if it too is ridden like one. Real motorcy clists ride real motorcycles regardless of what brand or type, while the wannabes trailer their toys and just act the part. Hell, they're all real motor cycles, it's just that some riders are not real motorcyclists.
Billy Ydiando
Winnemucca, Nevada
Fave raves
I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the "Fave Rave" article in the June issue. My own favorite bike is the Honda 305 Scrambler, perhaps be cause the first motorcycle magazine I came into possession of had a feature article on it, and my 12-year-old mind was at once totally captivated by mo torcycling and the beauty of that 305. That was 30 years and many bikes ago. Oddly, I have never owned a 305, nor have I ever ridden one. Probably just as well, since I know it can never live up to the performance my childhood fantasies built around it.
Joe Smith
Beaverton, Oregon
Favorite bike of all time? Thumbsup to Peter Egan's nomination of the Honda CB400F. I like the downscale simplicity of my own 400F, which I affectionately call "Little Blue." You can't beat its reliability, low cost, powerful performance-not to mention those sexy, sweeping pipes!
Deborah Chapman
Chicago, illinois
What a great issue! I loved "Fave Rave," especially the Berkeley Breathed piece. How many of us began riding on a minibike? Not only has Berke created several wonderful characters with his comic strips, but he has written several excellent children's books. It was a pleasant surprise to find my favorite au thor in my favorite magazine.
Terry Adams
Montgomery, Alabama
The historical perspective on Cook Neilson's favorite Sportster was truly impressive. I've read some hints over the years of his 883's longevity, but I was amazed at the accomplishments of this bike. And I thought he was a Ducati-oriented person!
Philip Bachers
Hollywood, Florida
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Hot-Rodman
I just purchased a copy of Cycle World at my local newsstand, as I do every month. This is the last copy I will ever buy! I was absolutely sick to my stomach when I opened your magazine and saw your new version of "political correctness." Of course, in your ever-increasing efforts to be PC, you wouldn't dream of publish ing a photo of a nude woman. But now I have to look at pictures of naked men! I am referring to the Dennis Rodman photo on the June issue's contents page. Just in case you PC wimps in Cali fornia haven't figured it out, the over whelming majority of readers of motorcycle magazines are heterosex ual men who find homo-erotic art absolutely repulsive.
1. Mitlif
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
I am shocked! I just can't believe what I see in the June issue of Cycle World. I am a long-time subscriber and can't believe you would print smut in your magazine. On the table of contents, you have Dennis Rodman sitting naked on his motorcycle, and I can see his (basket)balls! Needless to say, I am seriously considering can celing my subscription.
Paul Baderman
Driftwood, Texas
Ultimate Interceptor
So, Editor-in-Chief Edwards thinks Honda's new Interceptor 800 (CW, May) is less than perfect-it needs saddlebags and heated handgrips! How about a heated seat, too, and a bigger windshield with wipers? Maybe power mirrors, power kick stand, a trailer kit for longs trips, 12.5-gallon tank, 10-disc CD player! radio/cassette, drink holder, cruise control, keyless entry, anti-theft system, GPS and run-flat tires. Wouldn't that be the VFR of your dreams, David? Why do you think Honda makes the ST1 100? Or the Aspencade? Or even the Valkyrie? Yeah, hard luggage and heated handgrips on the VFR800, sure. If you're a geekball! Go get a job at Car and Driver, please.
Aif redo Mello
Las Vegas, Nevada
What, and miss all this witty repar tee? Besides, there hardly ever any homo-erotic art in C/D...
