Letters
LETTERS
INSIGHT TO JAPAN
“We Saw Nothing, I Tell You . . . Nothing!” in your January issue did a fine job of presenting the impressions received upon visiting the Honda works in Japan. I believe the article, with relatively little revision, would be well qualified for publication in one of the more serious business periodicals.
For any of your readers who may be engaged in business activities that require contact with Japanese corporations, or for those who would simply like to delve into the reasons set forth in Allan Girdler’s article, I highly recommend the book of Chie Nakane entitled Japanese Society (published by the University of California in paperback at $2.45). I have found that book to be of assistance in helping me understand the forces and processes involved in the Japanese corporate structure; a matter of more than academic importance to me, since I regularly deal with Japanese corporate clients.
I believe you provided a good service to your readers by publishing the article.
Paul Lacy Agaña, Guam
TRAVELING ON A TRAIL BIKE
I enjoyed, “We Saw Nothing . . .” in your January issue. After spending the last year and a half in Japan, I have to agree with most of your observations . . . that is except one.
You state that every square inch is being used for something. However true that may be of central Japan it certainly doesn’t apply to the majority of land north of Sendia. Not only is it a trail rider’s dream filled with isolated trails up tree covered mountains or through scenic valleys, but wild life abounds. A friend and 1 toured all of Japan from Tokyo north. We logged 1260 miles. My mount was a Honda Elsinore MT250 and my buddy had a Yamaha DT250. I say to really see Japan it should be done on a trail bike.
Albert Massen Misawa, Japan
BUY YOUR BMW IN VERMONT
In your February issue there was mention of a motorcycle dealer in Jackson Hole, Wyoming that flies customers from distant places to his business when they buy a new motorcycle. We have had the same policy for three years now, and it works like this:
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If you live more than 250 miles from East Thetford, Vermont (20 miles north of White River Junction, if you’re looking at a map) and wish to purchase a new BMW motorcycle, we will fly you here, put you up at the Lyme Inn, a small family-run inn in Lyme, New Hampshire, send you on a 300-500 mile tour of the Green Mountains, Quebec and the White mountains of New Hampshire, and perform your 600mile service free of charge. We will also do your 5000-mile service free of charge, provided it is within one year of the purchase date. All of our BMWs are priced at the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, east coast, plus $110 freight and dealer prep charge. All you supply is the time for a vacation in Vermont. There are no hidden costs whatsoever.
It’s a nicer way to buy a new bike.
Tom Cutter, Manager Wheel Shop, Inc.
East Thetford. Vt. 05043 (802) 785-2252
MEMORIAL DAY TRIP
I am a minister and have been riding bikes for the last 15 years. Last year I organized a Lake Tahoe Gold Country tour in which 20 people participated. This year we are planning a motorcycle tour of northern California and southern Oregon. All interested individuals or couples are welcome to write for more information. The tour will be over the Memorial Day weekend. May 26-30. The tour will be a great opportunity for riding and seeing beautiful scenery, as well as good Christian fellowship.
Jim Parker, Director Encounter Ranch P.O. Box 303
Grass Valley, Calif. 95945
MORE FOR THE HELMET
Thanks for C. Keenan Wood’s letter in your Lebruary issue, “Thinking Twice Might Save Your Life.”
After hitting a bump at 95 mph and losing a little health in the process, Mr. Wood said, “It doesn’t matter if you’re doing 95 mph or 25 mph, if you don’t wear a helmet your chances of survival are slim.”
Lor two years I’ve been working to show my congressman, representatives and nonriding friends that people like Mr. Wood really do exist. It’s hard to explain that simply wearing a helmet gives some people a false sense of well-being—a feeling that just because of the helmet on his head a rider can do 95 mph without caution.
Trying to explain how a helmet can hinder reasoning as well as sight and sound can only be done by giving examples, such as Mr. Woods, who doesn’t condemn 95 mph’ers, but rather people who complain about helmet laws.
John P. Carpinski Piscataway, N.J.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
In your September 1976 issue there was an advertisement for ND Spark Plugs (Nippond) wherein the Automotive Loreman of the Motorcycle shop for the Los Angeles Police Department supposedly endorsed this product. Department rules and regulations strictly prohibit the endorsement or condemnation of any commercial product by its employees.
The Los Angeles Police Department does not use these spark plugs as a regular replacement item, nor have we found them to be superior to competitive makes.
It is requested that your magazine and your readers be aware of these facts.
G.R. Wynne, Director Commanding Officer Motor Transport Division Los Angeles Police Department Los Angeles, Calif.
ALL YOU NEED IS TIME
I enjoyed “One Way Trip” in your February 1977 issue, but I think much of the enjoyment of touring can be lost this way. A round trip can be exhilarating and the return route needn’t be the same.
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A friend and I recently rode 8000 miles around the U.S. The only problem with the trip was that it ended too soon.
Doug Allinger Rochester, N.Y.
MORE ON WHERE INDIAN WENT
The Indian Motocycle (no r) Co. fell into the hands of the Atlas Corporation in the late Forties. Subsequently, it was sold (and the name changed to Indian Sales Corporation) to Brockhouse Engineering of Southport, England, manufacturers of the folding Corgi Scooter, and of all things, railroad locomotives.
In the mid-Fifties they imported several models of the Enfield line under the Indian nameplate (the best of the bunch being the re-named Bullet 500 cc) but Enfield simply supplied motorcycles, not capital.
Bob Jones
Rolling Meadows, 111.
COULDN’T THEY JUST WASH YOUR MOUTH OUT WITH SOAP?
In the “Daytona Guide” in your February issue there is a list of “no-nos” handed down by the Daytona Beach police. One of the things listed was the use of “profane or indecent language in public.” I was at Daytona and saw a lot of people get ticketed for this. I would like to know where the law gets off telling us what we can and can’t say. I consider it a violation of the Constitution which guarantees free speech and think it is ridiculous as well.
Todd Demers Colorado Springs, Colo.
SUZUKI GS750 TEST
Something has been bothering me regarding your road test of the Suzuki GS750 in the January 1977 issue. I don’t agree with the part about the GS being a production Q-ship (a vehicle that looks like something it isn’t or doesn’t look like something it is). I haven’t seen anything that looks better. The only part of the description that’s correct is that it will leave a lot of bikes, “in a cloud of rubber dust.”
Mark Woolf Fresno, Calif.
INVITATION
The West Coast Chapter of the Velocette Club will hold its second annual rally July 22, 23 and 24 in Eugene. Oregon. An informal get together will be held Friday evening, with a concours display and banquet on Saturday.
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The club extends an invitation to any Velocette enthusiast to attend the rally, and anyone interested in classic bikes is invited to come and see the show, which will include a swap meet.
The club now has over 50 members from all over the United States and Canada, with a newsletter and the big rally being the main functions of the club. Anyone may join the club by sending $3 to Steve Kesey. 654 Tipton St., Eugene. Oregon 97404. Information on the rally is also available from Steve.
Long live the British single!
Richard C. Renstrom
Caldwell. Idaho
MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE
I enjoyed your March article “A Skeptical Look At Motorcycle Insurance.” 1 agree, buying insurance for your bike can be a hassle. I’ve lived in three different cities in the past 23 months, and I’ve dealt with three different companies during that time. None of them made me feel that 1 was getting a bargain by using their company.
My last residence in Vallejo, California, is a good example. The cost for a one year policy through Midwest Mutual was $429; but if I had chosen to live in Oakland (a mere 20 miles south) the premium would have been 20 bucks higher!
You mentioned in the article that the AMA has established an insurance plan for its members. How do I join?
Jonathan S. Bach Idaho Falls, Idaho
The easiest wav is to write to the American Motorcvlist Association, Membership Division, P.O. Box 141, Westerville, Ohio, 43081. Membership dues are $12 per year.
ZUNDAPP PART NEEDED
I am the owner of a 1974 Zundapp Motorcycle, and I have come to find out that Zundapp dealers on the east coast are far and few between. Last fall while riding I blew an oil seal (Part No. 285-01.194) and have not been able to buy or even find a replacement. I have noticed in your “Letters” column that you have been able to help some of the readers by supplying them with needed information. 1 would appreciate it if you could supply information of a reliable source I could contact to get this part. I'm desperate to get riding again. I would have contacted the dealer of Zundapp, but they have gone of of business.
Wesley W. Ditzel. Jr. Cranford. N.J.
We had good luck with British bikes and mopeds. Anvbody out there have a source for Zundapp? Ë8
