25 Years Ago December, 1981
25 YEARS AGO DECEMBER, 1981
Out with the old and in with the new" was the overriding theme in the 128-page December issue. A look forward was in order as forthcoming 1982 models continued to be unveiled, while most racing championships had been concluded and new champions crowned.
•The cover featured the new HarleyDavidson FXRS. While the machine itself was a step forward, the fact that HD was now independent from former parent company AMF was the big news. The relationship that began in 1969 and lasted 13 years is considered one of Harley’s darkest periods. The FXRS featured an all-new frame, a five-speed transmission and a rubber-mounted 80cubic-inch engine. The big bike was a hit with editors who not only found it comfortable over the course of a 4000mile road trip but were greeted with impressive performance, as well. •There was more on the new-bike horizon than just American iron. Information on the new-for-’82 Honda models included the Sabre 750, FT500 Ascot, Nighthawk 750 and CR480R. Can-Am, meanwhile, released info on two new machines: the Sabre 500 and the Qualifier 250.
•There was big news about Americans in international racing at the end of ’81. John Ulrich penned a feature on why “King” Kenny Roberts didn’t win a fourth-consecutive title in 500cc Grand Prix racing, having lost the crown to Italian Marco Lucchinelli.
On the other side of the spectrum, California Golden Boy Bruce Penhall was the first American to win the Speedway World Championship in 44 years, taking the title in front of 90,000 fans at England’s Wembley Stadium.
Blake Conner
