Ups & Downs

Ups & Downs

UP: To Mike Lalond of Mikes XS for keeping the faith and producing a cool catalog for Yamaha's prolific 650cc parallelTwins made from 1970 to `84. Lalond wrote in after our "Grand Tour" cheap bike story hit the stands (August, 2005) and said, "Bargains are no bargain if you can't get the parts you need." So true! The 114-page parts book has tons of clear photos, lots of good info and, of course, just about everything you need to keep an XS650 on the road. Visit www mikesxs.com to feel the vibe.

DOWN: To the South Dakota Supreme Court, for making a bad situation worse. This past January, the court reinstated the law license of former Congressman Bill Janklow, who was convicted of felony manslaughter in the traffic death of motorcyclist Randy Scott in 2003. "Motorcyclists across the country are shocked, outraged and dismayed that a convicted felon would be allowed to prac~ce law," said Edward Moreland, AMA Government Relations VP "It's a sad day not only for the Scott family, but for all riders."

UP: To Speed Channel, for setting its NASCAR coverage aside for a half-hour and airing some quality motorcycle programming. "The Motocross Files" is a compelling, well-researched series of five mini-documentaries on early MX stars Brad Lackey, Marty Smith, Roger DeCoster, Rick Johnson and Bob Hannah. While many cable-TV shows possess all the production qualities of a bank holdup note, "MXF" is slickly done, with great archival footage and stills, insightful interviews and snappy editing. Kudos to producers Pipeline Digital Media, and here's hoping Speed renews the series for a second season. Better that than the "Home Cookin' with Junior Johnson Show."