25 Years Ago June, 1980
25 YEARS AGO JUNE, 1980
ROUNDUP
The Kawasaki KZ750 was hailed as the new performance king in the class by virtue of its feathery (for the day!) 491-pound test weight and smokin’ (ditto!) 12.26second quarter-mile run. While its 74 claimed horsepower was less than the competing Honda CB750F, the KZ’s broader curve allowed it to accelerate harder, sooner, said editors. It was yours for $2749.
• There also was a test of the Suzuki DR400 trailbike, which was summarized as being for “experienced riders who don’t need the thrill of instant wheelies but do want a good-steering, polite motorcycle for pleasure.” Maybe if Suzuki fitted turnsignals and 17-inch street tires a la the 2005 DR-Z400SM (see page 90) more people might have been interested?
• Racing fans got a major dose of Daytona, chronicling Patrick Pons’ success in the 200, as well as Fast Freddie Spencer’s unfortunate engine failure on lap 39 of 52 while leading by more than 1 minute. A 21-year-old Eddie Lawson (shown wearing a Team Cycle World shirt!) won the 250cc Expert race.
• Motocross fans of the ’80s might have dug the test of Honda’s first CR80R Elsinore (twin shocks and all), but today the JT Racing ad in the front of the magazine is much more interesting. Why? Lined up in all kinds of gear were Jeff Ward, Marty Tripes, Kent Howerton, Chuck Sun, Bob Hannah,
Danny LaPorte, Mark Barnett and Broc Glover So many heroes, so much feathered hair...
Mark Hoyer
