25 Years Ago May, 1983
25 YEARS AGO MAY, 1983
After 17 years on staff here at Cycle World magazine, I can now directly relate to an issue printed a quarter century ago. A three-bike comparison test called “The New Superbikes” pitted the machine that introduced me to motorcycling on the street— Honda’s V45 Interceptor—against a Kawasaki GPz750 and Suzuki GS750E. It seems that the editors of the day agreed with my purchase, as the then-cutting-edge Interceptor outperformed its competition with ease.
• On the dirt side, the Yamaha YZ250 dropped 20 pounds and got a new Monocross rear suspension that was much loved.
• This issue also ran a feature called “Sound Advice” submitted by a young freelance writer named David Edwards. It offered tips on how to reduce wind noise by tweaking your helmet’s fit, investing in ear plugs or possibly adding a fairing. Humble beginnings for the man who would one day become the boss.
• Racing got its due in the form of a story on the AMA opener held at the Houston Astrodome (photos provided by that busy Edwards kid). The doubleheader featured a star-studded cast that included Yamaha teammates Kenny Roberts and Eddie Lawson getting in some pre-season dirt action prior to heading off to Europe to race in the 500cc world championship. Terry Poovey took the short-track win on the first night with Steve Eklund pulling out the following day’s TT victory. -Don Canet
