Around the Industry
AROUND THE INDUSTRY
BUCO BREAKS THROUGH
AMONG THE MANY businesses in the motorcycle industry, the Joseph Buegeleisen Company, better known as Buco, rates special attention this month. Until a few years ago, Buco was one of the better known accessory makers, producing an extensive line of high quality windshields, mirrors and saddle bags, aimed at the midwestern heavyweight rider. When the crying need for safety headgear became evident, Buco developed a line of helmets, based on the findings of a privately endowed medical research team at Wayne State University. Soon the tail began wagging and the dog and Buco helmets became more famous than Buco accessories.
To regain its prestige, the Accessory division has come out with a handsomely styled series of small carry-alls, something like oversized glove compartments for motorcycles, which are detachable from the machine like luggage, but avoid the luggage excise taxes by omitting handles. Of course the customer can install his own handle as simply as a drawer pull, and have a dandy carrying case. These items were shown in May, 1965 "Around the Industry."
Then sibling rivalry flared in the Helmet division and provided the subject of this report: Buco now offers safety helmets that look like hats. We don't mean the "Debutante." that helmet with the cunning bow in back which separated the girls from the boys. The new helmet hats look like nothing we have ever seen, yet they bring to mind connotations of safari hats, deer stalkers and world war two GI helmets. In brief, Buco has produced a stylish, more than half-safe, unique headpiece for the Honda generation.
Likeable, articulate Allan Buegeleisen, chief of the Western offices at 10845 Vanowen in North Hollywood, California, allowed the wife of CW's Art Editor to try on the women's dress hat. She was enchanted by it as only a woman could be. If this is a sign that good looking, practical motorcycle apparel will meet with buyer approval, we say let it be
HOUSE OF YAMAHA CELEBRITY As General Savage he is a hard nosed bomber group commander, but Robert Lansing (at controls), star of the TV series "12 O'Clock High," sheds his stern role with friends during lunch hour at 20th Century Fox studios in Hollywood. Lansing and Don Penny, left, are costumed for prisoner of war episode soon to be released. Peter Joseph, right, comes with the bike, representing House of Yamaha's personal services. The West Los Angeles, Calif, dealer has created many satisfied customers among the movie clan by demonstrating his wares at the stars' convenience, as he is doing here.
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CRUM NEW BERLINER P.R. DIRECTOR Mr. Jason Crum was recently appointed Director of Advertising, Sales Promotion and Public Relations for the Berliner Motor Corporation. When we last saw Jason he was caring for two Matchless singles in a Greenwich Village loft, amid the paraphernalia of his "other life" as a fine artist. Therefore we welcome him to the industry, knowing he is a motorcycle lover of the first water, and expect Berliner advertising, under his direction, to achieve a new high in presentation and appeal.
"The Advertising Department of the Berliner Motor Corporation believes that high-quality products demand high-quality communication — complete communication. An outflow of information from us covering specifications, parts bulletins, service hints, general dealer aids, racing results and news of the B.M.C. must and will be augmented by encouragement to riders, dealers and the interested public to send a flow of communication back to us. In this way, Berliner hopes to satisfy our loyal customers and to attract new ones. We hope that our efforts in this direction will benefit the entire industry here in America," the press release concludes. We couldn't have said it better.
NO STRAIN, NO PAIN "Cyclift," manufactured by the Comwel Company, 2899 Norton Ave., Dept. CW, Lynwood, California, is the answer to the old problem of quickly placing a motorcycle in position for any type of mechanical service. This quality hoist has a 4" piston which supports a 72" x 15" platform. The removable rear section permits easy access to front or rear assemblies for servicing from a standing position.
Piston travel is 40" and is hydraulically controlled by a hand lever at the side of the platform. Remote control is available at extra cost. Drawing on experience in the hydraulic lift making business since 1919, Comwel predicts the Cyclift will become standard equipment in modern motorcycle service shops.
STURTEVANT PROVIDES INTERNATIONAL TORQUE CHART For only 254 and a line to P.A. Sturtevant Co., Dept. CW, Addison, Illinois, you can have a handy wall chart of torque specifications for U.S. Standard, Metric Standard and Whitworth Standard bolts. Cycle mechanics have only recently become aware of the importance of precise torque pressures for every nut and bolt on the motorcycle, not just the head and rod end cap bolts. Sturtevant's chart, used with a good torque wrench (which Sturtevant also offers) will help a tuner put the proper squeeze on a bolt without danger of stripping threads.
S.I.S. CYCLE COMES TO AMERICA A super sporty-looking newcomer to these shores is the 50cc S.I.S., from Portugal, manufactured around the smooth, swift and reliable Sachs engine/5-speed gearbox unit. Belly-padded tank is characteristic of the V-5 Sports model shown here. Others bearing the S.I.S. trademark are the V-4 Compact, a very handsomely styled road model, "Minor" and "Bamby" models, featuring automatic clutches, and the somewhat overstyled 1x2 with three or four-speed transmission for two-up touring. Sports Motor Sales, 320 S. Brand, Dept. CW, Glendale, California is the exclusive U.S. importer of the S.I.S.
YAMAHA ACCESSORY BATTLE We've said it before, and now it is truer than ever, there are more accessories offered for the popular 80cc YG model Yamaha than any other machine. Whether the availability of so many special parts accounts for the popularity of the Yamaha 80s or the 80 sales inspired the accessory makers is like debating the antecedence of the chicken and the egg, but the fierce competition among the accessory firms does seem to be benefitting the sales of Yamahas.
Latest shots in the struggle are these gearshift lever replacements; the one on the left, offered by Circle Industries, 9914% E. Rush St., Dept. CW, El Monte, Calif., is chrome plated, sells for $5.95. The one on the right is by J & R Enginering, 1857 Merced St., El Monte 91733, Calif., chromed steel, and sells by mail order for $4.50. Either one is a worthy replacement for the stock stamped rocking lever.
Circle J & R
COSMO PLACES BIGGEST ORDER WITH BENELLI Ernest Wise of Cosmopolitan Motors, right, hands Dr. Francesco Ponsele of Benelli an order for more than three million dollars worth of motorcycles. This is believed to be the largest single ordei given to any Italian motorcycle factory by a U.S. firm. Mr. Wise expressed great enthusiasm for the future sales of Benelli.
Realizing that efficient, dependable parts supply is essential to success in this industry, Cosmopolitan Motors, distributors of Parilla and Benelli motorcycles, has installed an SCM computer in its Philadelphia offices. It will automatically control the parts inventory as well as doing other jobs. It writes factory orders at the same time that customers' invoices are typed. Since the machine can "think," it constantly readjusts the stocked quantities to compensate for peak season demand.
The computer is part of Cosmo's longrange program to provide "the best backup service in the motorcycle industry."
BMW ACCESSORY CATALOG A new catalog of BMW accessories and the impressive Belstaff "Trailmaster" suits and "Supersenia" overcoats is now available free to BMW dealers or for 50^ to interested individuals. Prepared by Butler & Smith, Inc., 160 W. 83rd Street, Dept. CW, New York 10024, the catalog is a well done loose-leaf affair illustrating everything Butler & Smith has available for BMW from tee shirts to 8 gallon gas tanks.
WEBCO'S NEW CATALOG OUT A "dream book" for every motorcycle enthusiast, Webco, Inc.'s 1965 catalog of parts, accessories, clothing and speed parts is available now for $1.00 and a written request to 218 Main St., Dept. CW, Venice, Calif. Dealers should already have their free copies of the new catalog, if not, they can write to Webco for one.
RALEIGH RUNABOUT BOWS No, you don't get it for saving coupons, the 49.9cc Raleigh "Runabout" moped sells for $169.95. With speeds up to 30 mph available from its 1.39 hp engine, and finished in green and pearl grey enamel, the rigid little runabout weighs only 81 lbs. U.S. distributor: Arden Associates Inc., Dept. CW, 596 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, Mass.
NEW MONTESA "ENDURO" Montesa dealers soon will have this new road and trail model in their showrooms. It is a 175cc single cylinder twostroke which is said to produce 16 hp at the rear wheel, fenders and other details may be changed before it reaches dealers. With its high pipe and performance-type muffler, skid plate and high torque tuning, the 175cc Montesa Enduro model is ready to climb the highest mountain, ford the deepest creek in pursuit of outdoor fun or racing gold. Available with magneto lighting system (no battery needed) from Montesa Motors, Dept. CW, 3657 W. Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles.
BULTACO CHOOSES GOODYEARS A 250cc Bultaco ridden by less Thomas of Schenectady, N.Y., established a track record of one minute, 12 seconds in the first running of two-wheelers on the famous road course at Lime Rock, Connecticut, recently.
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The record of 75.1 mph was established during a tuneup and tire test by the Spanish cycle firm prior to its entry of 25 factory machines in the USMC World Championship races at Daytona. Bultaco tested different brands of tires and announced it would use two new designs from Goodyear, a 2.75-18 Motor Racer Rib on the front and a 3.00-18 Motor Racer Traction on the rear.
BIGGER BANG FOR HONDAS Sometimes just another few cc's is all one's cycle needs to shut down the competition whether it's away from a stop sign or a starter's flag. We won't guarantee that the Columbia Engineering S-90 stroker and big bore kits fitted to your Honda will satisfy all your mad lust for power, but they should at least help.
The big bore kit for the S-90 contains sleeve, 2Vs" I.D. x 23/e" O.D., piston, rings, piston pin adapters, spacer plate, gasket, long nuts and extra chain. Displacement is increased to 103 with approximately 9 to one compression ratio.
The stroker kit for S-90 Hondas consists of offset crankshaft pin, spacer plate, gasket, long nuts and extra chain. Cubic centimeters are increased to 112. Compression ratio is approximately 10 to 1. The combination of both stroker and big bore kits increases cc's to 133. Compression ratio is then approximately 9.2 to 1.
The kits are priced at $44.95 each or both for $82.50 from Columbia Engineering, 2105 E. 37th Street, Dept. CW, Los Angeles 58.
I SPEREX MOVES Sperex Corporation, one of the West's leading firms in research and development of impervious coatings, has moved to larger quarters at 2239 Pontius Avenue, West Los Angeles.
Walter G. Johnson, Sperex president, said the new location will provide four times the space previously occupied at 1927 Pontius Avenue. The new facility will house administrative offices, research laboratories, and manufacturing areas for the coatings, which include VHT, high temperature paint.
BREAKFAST AT BERLINERS' Together at the Berliner Dealers' Champagne Breakfast at Daytona Beach, were members of very compatible professions.
From the left, standing, is Major Goode, head of the F.I.M.; Dr. Giuseppe Montano, President of Ducati Meccanica; Mayor Eubanks of Daytona Beach; Mr. A. A. Sugar, Managing Director of Associated Motor Cycles; Mr. Joseph Berliner, President of the Berliner Motor Corporation; Bill France, Jr. of the Daytona International Speedway; Lin Kuchler of the A.M.A., and Walter K. Von Schonfeld of Riedle & Freede Adv. Agency. Seated, left to right, are Michael Berliner, Berliner Motor Corporation; T. Kalman of the Berliner Motor Corporation, and Fin Morrow, Vice President of Riedle & Freede Advertising. The group led a celebration of the booming motorcycle scene for dealers and distributors of Matchless, Norton and Ducati.
MOTORCYCLES IN THE BANK A group of Cosmopolitan Motors dealers visit the display of Parilla, Benelli and Bianchi motorcycles in the Salem Bank and Trust Company, of Goshen, Indiana. The machines were displayed again this year by the C. D. Amsler Corporation, Cosmopolitan Mid-West distributors. Bank president Mr. Carlisle Pickering (extreme right) was one of the Amsler Company's first motorcycle customers. He purchased a machine from them in 1915, the first year they opened. At that time the business was run by the grandfather of the present owner, Mr. Dave Amsler.
A SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT HONDA Newest product from American Honda Motor Co. is the Honda E-300 portable engine/generator, versatile enough to provide electrical power for nearly every need, yet simple to operate with no previous technical knowledge.
Weighing only 38 pounds, the Honda E-300 is rated at 300 watts @ 117 volts (standard house current), but is actually capable of loads up to 430 watts of intermittent A.C. electrical output. It has a built-in rectifier for D.C. output of over 100 watts @ 12 volts.
The rugged 4-stroke powerplant and the E-300's voltage-control reactor makes it particularly attractive
SCRAMBLES BOOTS If you have wondered what kind of boots those European scrambles riders were wearing, and where they might be obtained, S. Lewis, 27 Carburton St., Dept. CW, London, W.l, England will be happy to send you a pair by surface mail for $18.50. We are told they are extremely tough, have a five-strap, gusseted top with ankle strap, soles screwed and stitched for strength and weigh three pounds. Since British sizes are somewhat different from ours, we suggest you send a tracing of the outline of your foot, plus your American size.
SPITFIRE FAIRING With mountings for British motorcycles, the retail price of this fairing by Creative Engineering, 205 Fern, Dept. CW, Santa Cruz, Calif, is $112.50. Constructed of laminated fiberglass, the product was extensively tested • and developed, the creator says. Spitfire and other Creative Engineering products may be ordered by writing for the name of your local dealer.
SPECTATOR SCOPE The first powered telescope to be placed on the market is now available from Kalimar Inc., 2644 Michigan Ave. CW, St. Louis, Missouri, through photographic, optical and sporting goods dealers. Operating on four ordinary pen-light batteries, the "Power Zoom Scope" requires no manual magnification adjustments and is electrically operated. An object within the field of view can be magnified from 2-1/2 times up to 8 times linear by pushing a button. The subject remains in sharp focus regardless of magnification throughout the entire zoom range. This is similar to "zoom" devices used on television cameras. It will retail at under $200.
FORK BRACE Something new from M.A.C. is this front fork brace for added strength in rugged riding or scrambling. It takes away that squirrelly feeling and restores your confidence and security in your machine. The #226 front fork brace can be adapted to fit most of the popular makes and models of motorcycles, either as shown, or by drilling one additional hole. In some cases a clamp is required.
For additional information write Motorcycle Accessories Corporation, 11026 Washington Blvd., Dept. CW, Culver City, California.
BRAVO BOOTS Men who live and dress with a touch of bravado should find the Eleganza line of boots to their liking. For example, this Spanish inspiration made of rich calfskin, 12 inches high, with tapered toe, elevated heel and metal taps. Available in black only, sizes 5 to 13 medium, for $24.95. Eleganza Imports now has a catalog of shoe and boot styles available free for the writing. Address: 1174 Monument St., Dept CW, Brockton, Mass.
SPINNING RATCHET Amtronix, Inc. has recently introduced a new tool, the "Spinning Ratchet," which, oddly enough, integrates ratcheting and spinning of nuts and bolts. The handle of the ratchet is conventional and may be replaced by other socket equipment. The ratcheting action is performed by the usual side motion; spinning is accomplished by twirling the handle. If operation becomes difficult the ratchet may be used simultaneously with spinning. In the clear or in cramped quarters, the Spinning
Ratchet is faster than the conventional type ratchet. It is available in all sizes, XA" thru 1" square drives from $7.95 from Amtronix, Inc., P. O. Box 44, Dept. CW, Chula Vista, California. •
