25 Years Ago June. 1975
25 YEARS AGO JUNE. 1975
For this issue, coverboy editors hit the road on a pair of parallel-Twins, a Honda and a Yamaha, and asked, “Is one better, or is one worse?” Honda’s CB500T was deemed better than the Yamaha XS500, but both were judged worse than the multitude of Multis available by that time.
• So, if more cylinders are considered better, what about wheels? Good question, and one that was addressed in a feature titled, “Super Cycle Three-Wheel Conversion,” which explained how to ruin a perfectly good motorcycle by making it into an ATV-like trike. There was even a front ski for snow use. Three legs equal a stool, right?
• Thankfully, several proper dirtbike tests could also be found. Put through their paces were the trials-oriented Yamaha TY175, Bultaco’s Frontera 360 enduro and a CCM 500MX. Of the CCM’s fourstroke Single, editors said, “You could almost put your own melody line to it and the rhythmical undulations of the engine would follow you as though it could tell what you were thinking.” We always knew four-strokes were cool, but we had no idea they were psychic. Far out, man.
• If the CCM’s talents had indeed included prognosticating, it would have told every breathing Britbike enthusiast to act on this enticing classifieds tidbit: “Vincent Sellout. Four bikes (including one Lightning and one Shadow). Yours for $1900.” Unable to resist, even though it was a quarter-century later, I called. The bikes were gone. And to think I put my Speedo on for nothing... -Mark Hoyer
