Letters

LETTERS

OUTLAW ADVICE

Dear CW : I wish to congratulate you on putting out the finest bike magazine I’ve ever seen. I bought the Feb. edition and thought it was really great pulp. I wonder, tho, if you guys would answer one question that me and the crew I ride with would like to know.

“Why the hell is everybody down on ‘outlaw’ bikes and riders?” I know you know what ‘outlaw’ means (being that your magazine is put out in or near the heart of ‘outlaw’ country). The only reasons I can see is (1) We don’t ride full dress bikes (Harley dealers really hate us) (2) We don’t belong to the A.M.A. (3) We like to ride as a crew (and people think we’re hoods) (4) We hate surf-rats (and don’t mind telling them).

If you could answer my letter I’d sure appreciate it. You sure do have a sharp magazine, and as soon as I get the dues I’m going to subscribe to it.

Remember, the ‘outlaw’ is L.A.’s own, and we’re damn proud of it (except the unkool name). That’s all I gotta say on the matter. Even if you guys put me down I’ll still read your magazine. I’ve wanted to ask this question before but didn’t think any other mag would print it, til CW came along. I hope it wasn’t a waste of time.

“WILLIE” WILHELM

Southwest Los Angeles, Calif. EDITOR: It wasn’t a waste of time, Willie, and no one is going to “put you down”. We cannot truthfully speculate as to why your particular group is being persecuted. We can say, though; if your machines are operated safely and intelligently, if you all employ mufflers, if you all dress respectably, if you all act like gentlemen (or at least like civilized men), you are being abused unfairly. We can’t condone your open animosity toward another group whose interests do not parallel yours, however. If this faction annoys you, ignore them. The term ‘outlaw’ you use to describe yourself and your friends escapes us. It most certainly is not mandatory to belong to an organization in order to enjoy cycling; many riders do not. The simple fact that your machines are not standard is not sufficient grounds for dislike, either. They are your machines and as such you are entitled to do what you wish with them. I think you will find the answer by merely examining yourselves, as other people do.

A BSA FAN

Dear CW:

I have recently subscribed to your magazine. I did this because I think you have the best magazine about motorcycles on the market. I don’t have even one complaint about it.

I recently purchased a 1962 BSA SS-80 and would like a trial test made on it to confirm my thinking that it is the best 250cc on the market. One reason I asked is that I think you are the best qualified staff to do it, because you not only tell the good things, but the bad as well. CHARLES NYGARD Robbinsdale, Minn.

HARLEY FAN

Dear CW: Congratulations on a very fine magazine, a welcome addition to the all too meager reading fare that motorcycle riders are subjected to.

As the owner of a 1962 HarleyDavidson XLCH, I am looking forward to a road test of this very fine machine so that you may discover how a real machine handles.

In presenting the Maicos for 1962, you state that the Maico flattracker is the only track bike on the market today that is factory-built. What about the Harley - Davidson KR? Here’s to many more issues.

AARON T. CARSON Ypsilanti, Mich.

AN NSU FAMILY

Dear CW: Congratulations! Your third issue is even better than the first two issues. I’ve been riding cycles for about five years but your magazine is the first cycle magazine I have felt like subscribing to. It’s also the first magazine I’ve kept in file for future reference.

My wife and I own a couple of NSU Super Max’s and I hope to see a Super Max road test in a future issue of CW. ANDREW JOURNEY Leaburg, Ore.

YOUTH WILL BE SERVED

Dear CW : I enjoy your magazine very much. I plan to make a full collection. Though I am only 12 years old I am a cycle enthusiast. I used to own a mini-bike and know how much fun they are though I have now graduated to a Honda 50. It is a good idea to cover mini-bikes and scooters in your magazine. I would also like to see more ads. I like facts on the performance of cycles, too. Keep up the good work. Love, HENRY OLYNGER Marion, Ind.

Dear CW: I have just received my second copy of CW and think it’s really tops. I’ve read several other motorcycle magazines and was not satisfied. I especially like your color cover and pictures of the races.

At present I have much opposition from my family and wondered if you could give some information on how to overcome this. They have heard of a couple of accidents, one dating

back several years. Could you send me some information on this because there are few cyclists in the district to help me out.

Although I am only fifteen I plan to own a motorcycle in the near future. Keep up the good work. We should all appreciate a good magazine that is becoming better and better. ROBERT MENZIES Queensville, Ont., Canada EDITOR: Thank you, Robert. We have nothing that we are able to send that might help change your family’s opinions, other than CYCLE WORLD itself. We can only say that cycles are no more dangerous than any other form of transportation when ridden safely and with good judgment.

BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN

Dear CW :

First, my subscription to your colorful magazine — then, best of luck for the coming years.

Twenty-two years ago, I hung up my hot shoe and helmet and sold the bike. This month I’m back in racing, thrilled by the innovation of the European style road race. We’ve needed something like this in the United States for a long time.

I went out for a practice sesión at Riverside Raceway and found helpful, friendly officials of the A.F.M. ready and willing, yes even eager to promote this wonderful sport.

Let’s have some good coverage of the road racing sport as well as technical data on speed tuning. JOHN F. MOUNT Palm Springs, Calif.

SATISFYING THE READERS

Dear CW: I was most impressed by your interest g road tests, particularly the speci ition sheet on performance whicl ( presume was compiled by your m tests rather than data given by the manufacturer. This is something lacking in any other motorcycle magazines I have ever seen, insofar as the complete detail is concerned. If yoi continue with your thoroughness in his department I am sure your magazine will be a success.

I would be very interested to see road tests run on the 50cc Honda as well as the 305cc Honda Dream. Best of luck.

W. Z. BREER Detroit 2, Mich.

FOR MORE ROAD RACING

Dear CW: Congratulations on your fine new mag. This is the best thing that's happened to motorcycling and its cause for years. I am actively engaged in the road racing end of things and would be most happy to see articles and pic tures on this phase of the sport. I am a member of both the A.F.M. and U.S.M.C. I use a Norton 99 for transportation and an Aermacchi (prior to Harley) for racing. FRANCES M. WURZ San Gabriel, Calif.