25 Years Ago August, 1979

25 YEARS AGO AUGUST, 1979

A pair of Kawasaki KZ1000s swept across the cover of this issue, setting the stage for the shootout inside. Which of the "Choice 1000s" was better, the shaft-driven ST or chain-driven Mk II? The editors stopped short of making any sweeping pronouncements, but seemed to prefer the latter, labeling it "a racer's delight" and "a fine all-around motorcycle." If the Mk II wasn't racy enough, there was the KZ1000-powered Bimota KB1. The $7400 Italian kit-bike was said to possess "flawless function" and "craftsmanship worthy of artistic mention." Shame Bimota went belly-up a few years back.

• Continuing with this issue’s Kawasaki-heavy theme was the company’s first dedicated off-road bike, the KDX400. Made in the USA at Kawasaki’s Lincoln, Nebraska, assembly plant, the not-so-mean green machine was dubbed “an exceptionally good first-year bike,” though “a rather strange blend of enduro and desert.”

• Nowadays, off-road riders would be more interested in the other dirtbike in this issue, a C&J-framed Honda XR500. A four-stroke proponent long before they became fashionable, Test Editor Ron Griewe built the bike at a total cost of $3900, and said it worked “better than anticipated.”

• Last but not least was Executive Editor John Ulrich’s piece on Terry Vance, Byron Hines and their RC Engineering Suzuki GS1000. Over 13 pages, Ulrich examined the team and their 9-second Pro Stocker in the sort of detail that has sadly vanished in this MTV-inspired ADD Age.

Brian Catterson