25 Years Ago December, 1978
25 YEARS AGO DECEMBER, 1978
A black-on-black cover previewed a full road test of the BMW R65, but the color treatment wasn’t the only reason the latest Boxer appeared slimmer. Compared with the previous R80/7, the new model was more than 30 pounds lighter. A smaller gas tank, shorter piston stroke, lighter engine internals and 2-inch-shorter swingarm were all part of the nip and tuck.
• Visions of a Honda XR75, Kawasaki KD100 and Yamaha GT80 replaced sugar plumb fairies for kids of all ages in “Three for the Tree.” Selling points? The GT’s small stature and bottom-of-theshift-pattern neutral, the KD’s noteasily-outgrown nature, and the XR’s smooth, four-stroke power and ease of operation.
• Under the heading, “Strange Streetbike Bookends,” a “New for 1979” preview saw the six-cylinder Kawasaki KZ1300 debut alongside two-stroke lovers’ all-time favorite, the Yamaha RD400 Daytona Special. Weird, yes, but what a way for motorcyclists to snarl and ring-a-dingding their way into the New Year!
• On the racing front, Yamaha’s Broc Glover held onto his 125cc motocross crown, and reigning 500cc World Champion “King” Kenny Roberts triumphantly returned to his home soil by winning the two-leg F750 event at Laguna Seca Raceway. Overseas, Wes Cooley and Mike Baldwin teamed up to pilot a Yoshimura Suzuki GS1000 Superbike to top honors at the Suzuka 8-Hours. The late David Emde, killed this past September in a streetbike crash, placed second on a Yamaha TZ750. -Mark Cernicky
