25 Years Ago April, 1980
25 YEARS AGO APRIL, 1980
"Six Full Tests" topped this issue's cover. Inside, a broad mix of bike reviews detailed the Honda CB125 and GL1100 Gold Wing, Suzuki RM250 and GS1100, Yamaha YZ465 and Montesa Cota.
• The GS1100E was proclaimed the “best superbike money can buy.” For performance nuts, it was a dream bike: “11.39 seconds at the strip, 47.5 mpg on the street, weighing 556 pounds ready to roll...pinch yourself.”
4• Elsewhere, the thorough test of Honda’s second-generation Gold Wing outlined a host of improvements to the machine that came to dominate the touring class for decades. It seems the Wing’s destiny was perhaps becoming apparent: “Sporting riders won’t like the upright seating position and fairing-minded bars, but for touring riders, it could hardly be better."
• A Race Watch news item titled “Moriwaki Goes for Unknowns” caught my attention. When the famed Japanese race tuner decided to bring his Kawasaki Superbike and 1025cc Grand Prix machines to America, he signed three relatively unknown riders, one of whom was Eddie Lawson. “Steady Eddie” eventually amassed back-toback AMA Superbike titles and four 500cc world championships. Here's to giving the kid a shot! -Don Canet
