Letters
LETTERS
HAVEN’T HAD SU’S PROBLEM
As a woman bike rider I felt I had to respond to Su Johnston’s letter in your December issue. I am 27 years old and have an eight-year-old son. I have driven a motorcycle for four years now. I presently own a CB360 Honda (‘74). I plan to purchase a new bike in January for touring.
Never have I been called a dyke or a man-hater, although I have been called crazy by my parents many times. By the time I put on my road gear, you have to look at my face to see that I am a woman. Mens and womens boots, Levis, jackets, even hair, are almost identical. How do truckloads of toothless rednecks manage to notice Su Johnston? I have had very few problems like that, but the safest thing to do is to slow down and let them pass. If it is really bad, you can pull off as soon as it is convenient. I find this a sensible way to handle the problem.
I will always give up my right-of-way when the alternative is a close shave or an accident.
I have been excluded from conversations by male bikers. These seem to be, however, the same people who would exclude a woman from any conversation, regardless of the topic. The salesman at the shop I deal with has always been more than helpful. Just recently he found a motorcycle technicians training school close to my area for me. He also advised me how to go about applying for state funds and school acceptance.
My funds have been approved by the state and I have been accepted into a formerly all-male program. If this is discrimination, I’ll eat my helmet.
It is the minority of bike riders with chips on their shoulders who have given motorcycling a bad name. I am sure that since the number of riders jumps every year, we will soon have a voice loud enough to change and create motorcycle laws that are fairer. I will continue to ride to live—i.e. defensively. The day I first straddled a motorcycle I began to live to ride. Defensive driving and selfpreservation are my answers to Su Johnston,
Karen A. Schmidt Pittsburgh, Pa.
I’d like to address this letter to Su Johnston of Columbus, Ohio, who had a letter in your December CYCLE WORLD. I’d like to comment mainly on the portion of her letter concerning the way in which males react to a female rider.
I’m 25 years old. I taught high school for three years, but left that profession to be a motorcycle mechanic. Many men don’t really trust a female mechanic, but once you prove yourself as being qualified, you’ve got it made. Once you become proficient, your work will prove to the customers (mostly male) that you are good at what you do. I know I work harder at turning out good work because I am a woman and thus more likely to be blamed for bad work. Afterall, we’re not supposed to know anything about engines, electrical systems and carburetors.
Now, more men talk to me about things that go wrong with their motorcycles and even come to me with bike problems. This makes me feel good and lets me know that I’m doing a good job.
The point I’m trying to make is that it’s not what you ride or what you know, so much; it’s mainly your attitude. . .the way you present your talents and knowledge. You can be a good motorcyclist or mechanic and still be a lousy person to be around. One has to be worthy of respect in order to be respected.
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Keep plugging for the motorcycle industry and grin and bear it for awhile, Su. I think motorcycles are a girl’s best friend.
I think you gentlemen put together a fine magazine each month. I’ve been subscribing for almost a year now to your magazine and two others. I think yours will be the only one I renew. You cover the whole phase of motorcycling, not just one aspect.
Anna Steck Roulette, Pa.
Gentlemen? Surely you ought to be one of the first to consider us women staffers and freelancers, too. But were glad you like the magazine and wish you luck as a fine female fettler.
NEW CLUB IMAGE
I am writing this letter because I need help; I know that your magazine can be counted on for support. If you check my subscription or my suitcase full of past CW issues, you’ll know I’m sold on the mag.
Recently we formed a motorcycle club where I work. It’s called the Foxcycles Motorcycle Club, in Foxforo, Mass.
We have members from all walks of life, male and female; they own bikes ranging from a 70cc Indian to a fulldress Harley.
I speak to all who own motorcycles. I had no idea that I would ever be in a motorcycle club, let alone be the program director of one. It’s been a real challenging experience. If any people are afraid to join a club because of past images, I .say leave the past images in the past.
We recently had a family cookout at the club director’s home. We had about 100 people attend, not counting the 30 or so children. It was a family day outing that we all enjoyed.
We’re doing community relations work to gain bike trails in the Foxboro forest. We took a road tour to Martha’s Vineyard and we’re planning a complete schedule for the new year-May to October.
Some of our members are against competition events, so we are mainly a social bike club. However, we enjoy the fun of riding and getting together, and are also doing our best to pull our weight in the community and extinguish all flames of the bad image fire that engulfed the country some years back.
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Membership is open to all Foxboro Company employees and their dependents. We have about 130 members so far, with new faces popping up weekly.
I appreciate the concern of people that Fve met and am personally involved with: the AMA, the Foxcycles Motorcycle Club and the New England Trail Riders Association. I have high hopes for motorcycling’s future.
Wayne M. Zawadowicz Seekonk, Mass.
THAT’S WHY THE BENELLI!
In your November “Letters” column Dennis Liles asked why anyone would spend so much money on a Benelli 750 Sei. I believe his question should be answered.
First, the bike is a very exquisitely detailed motorcycle. Second, it has the potential of being the finest, smoothest motorcycle ever sold to the public. Third, it carries the longest warranty25 months/25,000 miles.
Fourth, the list can go on and on, so, in short, it is a beautiful motorcycle designed for those who have the desire of having the finest motorcycle ever produced.
Steve Cadle Abilene, Texas
ANOTHER DO-GOODER
In July of 1970 I was involved in an accident while operating a 1968 Harley Davidson XLCH (Sportster) that cost me almost complete use of my right leg. The carburetor, which is a Tillotson model, protrudes out from the right side very far and excessively, and when operating said motorcycle it forces the leg to be pushed out and exposed to danger. I have spoken to many Sportster riders who have complained of this situation and feel as I do that it is an improper design and very hazardous to the driver. There is no other motorcycle on the market that has this unnecessary protrusion.
Another situation that I feel is important is that some of their more expensive models are sold with safety bars or crash bars as they are sometimes referred to-and on the XLCH Sportster these are an optional item.
I know of several people who have experienced injuries from this carburetor protrusion and have not complained before, but feel as I do, that it is of the utmost importance that something be done about this matter. From what I understand, there are certain safety standards for automobiles but not for motorcycles, which are also a public means of travel.
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One more thing I would like to mention. There recently was a suit brought against the Triumph Motorcycle Company by a man named David Bolm who was involved in an accident. On the gas tank of the Triumph was a luggage rack. Mr. Bolm went over the front of the motorcycle and his penis and testicles were severely damaged. After the lawsuit Triumph admitted guilt and changed the item.
Roger L. Rainbow Eden, N.Y.
1975 ROAD TEST ANNUAL
I just got my February ’75 issue of CYCLE WORLD and I’d like to ask a question. On page 101 there’s an ad for the 1975 CYCLE WORLD Road Test Annual. Will your subscribers receive it along with their regular copies of your great magazine? If not, how much will it cost?
Roger Spradley Imperial, Mo.
The ’75 Road Test Annual and Buyer’s Guide will not go automatically to CW subscribers. But you should be able to pick up a copy right now at your favorite newsstand. A mere two bucks will buy you 16 road tests, three giant comparison tests and a complete guide to the new models; that’s 200-plus motorcycle-packed pages in all. If you just can’t find a copy anywhere out there, send your money to: CYCLE WORLD, Box 2280, Newport Beach, CA 92660, and we’ll be glad to lay one on you. — Ed.
AN ACTIVE DEALER
I would like to make your readership aware of what the Kawasaki dealer in Richmond, Virginia, is doing to further a positive image of modern motorcyclists.
Every few months a ride is conducted for anyone who wishes to go, regardless of his bore or make of bike. The rides are well-planned and not too grueling for a novice. The store manager takes a trial run to survey pull-overs, gas stations and a scenic spot for our picnic lunch. He and several mechanics take charge of the ride, which includes a pickup truck equipped as a motorcycle shop on wheels.
More than 100 bikes have participated in each ride. Thanks to Cycle Junction, people of all ages, from all walks of life, can enjoy each other and their common interest, motorcycles.
Glen Mullins Doswell, Va.
