Letters
LETTERS
BIKE BLINDNESS
On my way home from class, a car making a left turn out of a side road plowed into me and my Honda as I turned left onto that side road. “. . . But I didn’t see you,” the driver said repeatedly. Before I could activate my dual air horns, I was rolling down the tarmac.
Speculating on this phenomenon of bike blindness I recalled when 1 was learning to drive a car years ago. I was turning at an intersection where a biker had the right of way. I did see her but somehow she had no significance. Is it because the image of a person says ‘pedestrian’ and not a vehicle? Is it too small to be a threat to the automobile driver? Is it the habit of yielding to traffic when riding a bicycle?
We need more serious research and driver education to find the cause of this phenomenon. In the meantime, to be safe on a motorcycle, one must assume that all other road users are nearsighted incompetent fools who have no control over their vehicles. Andrea O’Reilly Canon City, Colo.
CALIFORNIA LAPTIMES
I am writing in regards to Slipstream in the March 1981 issue. We here in the midwest are at last given a glimpse at the possible cause of those fabulous California laptimes.
In dog racing, artificial rabbits for the dogs to chase have been replaced by a bundle of rags, which is just as effective. I also understand that the more speed-oriented tracks, in an effort to speed up the show, are experimenting with a new lure: one that might improve laptimes even in California, a model of a tiny human figure on a miniature motorcycle. J.J. Winters Champaign, 111. >
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IT'S OFFICIAL
It gave me great pleasure to read in Roundup (February, 1981) that the State of California has granted temporary approval for state employees to use motorcycles when private vehicles are used for state business. They have agreed to pay 1 2.5 cents per mile for using a private motorcycle. I always thought California was the heaven of motorcyclists but for once 1 can say they are way behind in one aspect. Mississippi has never made any discrimination in which mode of transportation an employee chooses to use. He can use private plane, horse, motorcycle or even hitchhike . . . and he gets 20 cents per mile.
I am interested to learn if other states make a distinction in the private transportation of state employees. Bill Wright Dept, of Archive and History Clinton, Miss.
DISTRACTED BY NUMBERS
Once again my heart skipped a beat when I saw the Kawasaki GPzl 100 on the cover of your February 1981 issue. As usual, your coverage of the bike was veryinformative but the shocker was the title displayed on the opening page of the article. It was correctly titled GPzl 100 on the cover and the contents page but you entitled the article GPzlOOO.
Was this a typo or a deliberate lead into the opening sentence, . . . “It’s easy to get distracted by numbers.” If it’s deliberate then perhaps we should retitle the KZ750 test in the July 1980 issue as well as the GS1100E in April to keep within the realm of numbered distractions. James Simonsen Pewaukee, Wis.
While reading the test on the Kawasaki GPzl 100 I was amused by a misprint on page 28. In comparing the similarities of the 1 100 to the 1000, you once referred to the KZ 10,000! I had to stop and ponder. Do I want my grandchildren shooting by me on 10,000cc, 995 bhp, 64 valves, 200Ö lb. spaceships? Hell no. Where can I get one? R. B. Wind Meshoppen, Penn.
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SILKY SMOOTH
I read your article on Yamaha’s new Midnight Maxim. Your views were very accurate except your comment on the buzz between 4500 and 5000 rpm. I own a Midnight Maxim and it is silky smooth from start to whatever. 1 also owned an ’80 Maxim that was smooth from idle to redline.
Surely you must agree that the bike is very strong in performance, has seat comfort, and is economical in gas consumption. It’s not fair to criticize a bike that’s about as terrific as they come. Stephen Kay Anderson, S.C.
OHIO PROGRAMS
The state of Ohio has responded to the increasing number of new motorcycle riders, and the subsequent consequences, by initiating public awareness programs, upgrading licensing procedures, improving motorcycle accident reporting and recording procedures, and by adopting the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Motorcycle Operator Manual (MOM) and helping train MSF certified Motorcycle Rider Course Instructors.
It is felt that the state of Ohio has therefore demonstrated its awareness of the need for more comprehensive motorcycle rider training courses such as the Motorcycle Rider Course developed by MSF. Several of these programs have been implemented independently but due to economic and organizational reasons have generally been short-lived.
In order to add credence and support to the critical need for more of these programs, we are proposing the formation of an association of MSF certified/trained instructors and other persons and organizations sincerely interested in actively supporting the advancement of motorcycle safety within the state of Ohio. Those interested should contact: William A. Reis, Jr. 82 Bartley Avenue Mansfield, Ohio 44906 >
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IT WORKS
After reading the GS450 carb fix in your January issue describing the simple needle washer position swap, I rushed out to the garage and did it.
My 1980 GS750 now takes about one minute to warm up instead of five. Gone is the four grand flat spot and power is delivered smooth and quick from idle to redline. The entire job took about 45 minutes just as you stated. And it works! Wayne Williford Orcutt, Calif.
AN AMERICAN GP?
The last U.S. World Chamionship GP road race was held at Daytona in 1964. America has World Championship 125, 250 and 500cc MX rounds but not one GP road race. Since America has the best road racers, doesn’t that set the stage for bringing a GP road race to this country?
A sharp promoter should make a small fortune from a GP road race. What are the obstacles? Finances? A track? Politics?
If any one motorcycle race has the potential to capture the attention of the mass media and dramatically improve the visibility, image and prestige of motorcycle racing in America, it’s a World Championship GP road race. But where is it? When? Russ Whittinghill Louisville, Ky.
HIGH-SIDING HARLEY
An advertisement in your February 1981 issue shows two Harleys returning to Ruidoso. Well I don’t think the one in front is going to make it. The direction his front wheel is turned shows that he is about a half sec. from high-siding and finding his passenger, bike and himself all over the side of the road. 1 hope this painting wasn’t taken from a photograph. Jim Davidson Vancouver, Wash.
