Intake

Intake

KICKSTART THE CONVERSATION

I loved the article on the Lowbrow Customs road tripper (“Low and Slow Through Flyover Country,” May). I think it is the nicest-looking bagger on the road. Also, thanks for not talking up the “flyover” states too much. One of the benefits to living here is the lack of crowds...

KODYVANDERWEERDT PELLA, IA

ON THE OTHER HAND

I was a little surprised that you printed the “Flyover Country” article with Joseph Gustafson’s bigoted opinion of the Midwest. If your goal was to alienate your Midwestern readers, I think you were successful.

TOM MEKASKLE CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO

Gustafson is one of our Midwestern writers (and a longtime reader). Illinois born and bred and currently residing in one of the least hilly parts of greater Chicago, Joe says, “Hi, Tom, my statements were more of a jab at coastal natives who think that way, not at us. I’ll be clearer with my phrasing next time. Oh, and go Cubs!”

STILL AT LARGE

I’ve never been a cruiser guy or ever enjoyed long days in the saddle. This morning while I was laughing out loud reading “Low and Slow Through Flyover Country,” my wife wondered if I was finally losing my mind. I was laughing at his “situation” in attempting to get the thing stopped and get it into neutral at the same time. Fortunately(?), she was riding with me once when we lowsided in wet grass while checking out an old farmhouse we were considering buying. It was dusk and the dew had just developed—there is always a “good” reason/ excuse... Due to her experiences riding with me, she gave me the benefit of the doubt this morning and didn’t call for the paddy wagon—yet. Great read.

BOBSEARER YORK, PA

FUN ON ICE

Gary Inman’s article “Frozen” about hooligan ice racing in the May issue of Cycle World was a pleasure to read. It was a masterpiece! It was creative, descriptive, and comical. Keep him writing like this.

ARLIE RAUCH SIERRA VISTA, AZ

FEELING Z PAIN?

In the May issue Don Canet stated that he can “feel the pain” of Z8oo owners, due to the introduction of the Z900. As the proud owner of a brand-new 2016 Z800,1 assure you I am feeling no pain. I stole this bike for $6,899, as it was a leftover. The dealer didn’t even charge the destination fee. Okay, it won’t powerwheelie in third gear, but that’s fine with me. Like many riders I try to keep both wheels on the ground and on the road. To me this bike is wicked fast; it goes well over too mph with ease. I’m sure the Z900 is awesome, but at the price I paid for the Z8001 am feeling nothing but joy and happiness!

JOHN MCKEEMAN CYCLEWORLD.COM

CHECKMATE

I could not agree more with John Stein’s article about spatial relationships on roadways (“Ride Smart,” May). I always looked at it as being offensively defensive, and his analogy between chess and riding is on point! I rode in Europe for almost 12 years, took numerous riding courses, and saw wonderful sights while on two wheels. The common theme across cultures is the ability to work the four points in Stein’s article while not even knowing you’re doing it. Queen to H5, checkmate!

CHRISTOPHER HIXON

CANYON LAKE, TX

SOLD ONE!

Thanks for the review of the Ducati SuperSport (May). You nailed the market for a bike like this when you stated that not everyone wants a traclcbike or a Gold Wing in their garage. But you missed one important segment of riders, and that segment is us old farts.

I have owned about a dozen Ducati crotch rockets, including an 848 Corse, but my recent test ride on the new SuperSport put me back in the Ducati owners club.

DAVID E. HERRMANN

WARRIORS MARK, PA

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