Intake

Intake

CHEAP THRILLS -> CAR VS. TRAIN VS. BIKE -> TACOS

KItK~1I1I11 lifE (liii VEl7~IllltlIl

"After reading your “Cheap Thrills” comparison (June), I looked over the photos and found the Triumph to be the better-looking machine. The Ducati is nice, but, being “older,” I am really drawn to the classic machines. I see the

Royal Enfields, Nortons, and Triumphs as much better looking no matter how fast and technical the new bikes are. I suppose it is an age thing. Continue the fine work. I have been reading Cycle World from issue one...with the test of a Triumph Bonneville in it!

LARRY SMITH MERCED, CA

BLOODY FROGS

I couldn’t let this month’s column by Peter Jones (“Frogger with Blood,” June) go by without commenting on his superb ability to integrate the significance and value of story and game’s “life-at-a-distance” abstractions as they stand beside the vulnerable, sensual, and intimate reality one experiences on the seat of a motorcycle. Good job, Peter!

PHIL BALL TULSA, 0I;

Wow, Peter Jones, I didn’t know you were such a philosopher. Awesome piece! Yet another nail hit on the head for “Why We Ride.” Thank you for that!

BRADPEETERS

CYCLEWORLD.COM

FIT TO BE TIED

Just finished reading “Bikes, Trains, and Automobiles” (June) and feel obligated to make a point. You omitted one of the single biggest expenses of vehicle ownership: depreciation. The Honda Fit tends to hold its value well, but if

the car loses 40 percent of its value in three years, that’s $47.49 in one week. The bike would only lose $12.79. The bike is also more fun. Easy solution for Costco run: multiple trips on the bike!

SWENNEUFELDT

CYCLEWORLD.COM

I really enjoyed your comparison of bikes, trains, and autos in the June issue. There is, however, a simple factor that would make the comparison even better: Extend the term to a year. Unless one does destinations every weekend, I imagine the train number will be much lower. I also suspect the typical millennial may not appreciate what saving a Lincoln note a week looks like over time.

BOB BIRD CYCLEWORLD.COM

Sorry, we are not driving a car every day for a year.

CHEAP TRILLS

I am writing in regard to your comparison of the Ducati Scrambler, Triumph

Street Twin, and Yamaha FZ-07 (“Cheap Thrills,” June). As a current FZ-07 owner I am somewhat biased, but I have to respectfully disagree with some of your points, the first being that the FZ-07 does not have as many options as the other two. The Yamaha is around $2,000 cheaper, and most buyers are aware that more expensive bikes will have more bells and whistles. That should not be held against the Yamaha. As these bikes costless than $10,000, a $2,000 difference is pretty significant.

My other gripe is that the FZ-07’s looks were questioned. Is it weird?

Yes. Is it “new” style? Yes. It may look Transformers-ish, but at least it is unique. The Triumph looks like every Bonneville since the beginning of time, and the Ducati looks like a Harley dirt-tracker with an enormously thick seat.

I love the FZ-09, but the taillight killed it for me. I wish the FZ8 was still being produced, as I would buy one!

ROCCO LUBISCHER BOYNTON BEACH, EL

TACOED KILLERS

Loved the “Killer Tacos” article by Bradley Adams (June), which struck my adventure gene right between the eyes. Having had the good fortune to ride motorcycles in several countries, including Mexico,

I know exactly what Mr. Adams means by “being out of my comfort zone.” But that same defective gene, some might argue, is the very reason we love and ride motorcycles. My kid sister once gave me a coffee cup with these poetic words of wisdom: “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” Indeed it does. Tacos are just the icing on the cake.

ZEKE COVARRUBIAS

TURLOCK, CA

ÆS Comments? Suggestions? Criticisms? Write us at intake@cycleworld.com.