Letters
LETTERS
CRAZY
Man, you’re my leader. I dig your mag the most. I don’t have any wheels, but when I get the bread, look out. I really dig the Harley-Davidson Sportster H. One of my good buddies has one. Man, it’s the only way to go.
Keep up the good work. Cool it, now, man.
GERALD S. HUNDLEY Orland Park, 111.
VINCENT AFTERMATH
I have been besieged with letters from the day CYCLE WORLD came out, and the letters still come. I’ve written to about three dozen in the last week.
VAUGHN M. GREENE San Francisco, Calif.
As a rabidly enthusiastic owner of two Vincents (naturally only one is currently operational), permit me to express my appreciation for Vaughn Greene’s Vincent article. It provided historical gems not included in my voluminous archives on this exotic marque. I must add, however, that the Vincent has departed our mechanical vale of tears, not because of its cost which was comparable to the much extolled R-69S, but rather because of the lack of engineering sophistication among us riders.
The average enthusiast weighs the merits of his steed through the seat of his pants and, although the Vincent provided the necessary power jollies they were not much more than much less expensive 650cc vertical twins. I guess the greatest virtue of the Vincent was its ability to lope effortlessly along at high speeds with Norton-like handling and BMW smoothness.
Oh well. Old Vincents never die, they merely crowd the garages of nuts like me. Incidentally, any conservative types in the New York area interested in long distance touring over verdant back roads to points of doubtful historical importance might drop me a line.
RICHARD G. SINGER, M.D.
Manhasset, New York
FREEWAY LAW
That 15 horsepower law for cyclists on the freeways in California is unfair. We know that trucks plod along at less than 40 mph on our freeways, yet a 12 hp Lambretta or Mustang is prohibited even if it can maintain a 50 mph average. It is ridiculous and, from what I have heard from dealers and the grapevine, the law will be changed. When???
Let’s hope they change the law to read “any vehicle that cannot maintain a minimum speed of 55 mph shall not be allowed on the freeways.” In closing, I found out what the difference between an automobile and a motorcycle was . . . an auto makes a bigger crash. I have been riding for eight years and have never had a fatal accident.
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WILLIAM P. HAYES San Diego, Calif.
We’re not a bit surprised either. Concerning the 15 hp freeway law, we are told that the American Motor Scooter Association is making marvelous headway against the continuation of this law and that it looks quite good towards a revision almost to Mr. Hayes’ desire, with the addition of a braking distance requirement.
BE NICE FELLAS
A friend and myself are the proud owners of two used Harley-Davidsons. We are getting sick of being made fun of by the smaller bike owners such as BSA and Triumph fans. They say that our bikes are pigs, swine, hogs, cattle, freight, trucks, boats, etc.
This is uncalled for in my estimation because it is rude and might get someone in trouble. Keep up the good work in your fine magazine.
JOHN WIBEL RON MONROE Williamston, Mich.
ADLER ADMONITION
Author Tony Hogg in his article on the grand prix Adler showed he was not too well informed on the European situation. Adlers have been out of production for at least three years now.
The last machines produced were 250cc two-strokes twins with leading link front suspension and swinging arms in the rear. A2C JOHN R. GRINSEL APO 235, San Francisco, Calif. Thank you for pointing out this error. Lack of information on the Adler does not constitute failing knowledge of the entire European motorcycle scene, with which Mr. Hogg is on intimate terms. Ed.
HELP!
I have a wild idea; maybe someone will read my letter in CYCLE WORLD and solve my problem. I am looking for a small 50cc bike, preferably a Honda, Suzuki or Ducati, that has been used but does run.
If anyone has such a machine would they please contact me at the address below. Thank you very much.
GARY DON LEAVY 15135 El Camino Grande Saratoga, Calif.
ATTENTION MR. PIEKARCZYK
I am not much at writing letters. I am referring to the letter from Mr. F. S. Piekarczyk in the September issue of CYCLE WORLD. All I can add is; thanks for saying what I have been wanting (ánd I am sure a lot of other people have also) to say. I know what he is talking about, but could not find the right words.
Just one more word to his letter; Amen. PAUL MAUCK San Bernardino, Calif. •
