Cycle World Letters
CYCLE WORLD LETTERS
Realistic approach
I'm interested in but not supportive of Jim Baxter's Citizens’ Coalition for Rational Traffic Laws (Roundup, July, 1983).
I drive a truck for a living and a motorcycle for pleasure. While doing both I see many inept drivers who are a peril to themselves and everyone around them. To think of them driving faster than they already are makes me fear for everyone who must share the road with them.
A more realistic approach to higher speed limits would be the implementation of higher standards and more stringent requirements for driver education and testing.
Until then, I’ll stick close to the limit and prepare for evasive maneuvers. And I wish you'd do the same.
L.D. Boldt Reedley, Calif.
We disagree. The arbitrarily selected 55 mph speed limit has no relationship to the causes of most accidents. It was a politically expedient move during a gas crisis and even its contributions to energy conservation have turned out to be negligible. (For the details you’ll never see on television or in the mass media, see Road & Track for May, 1981, or Car and Driver for July, 1983.)
Meanwhile, the political leaders who imposed this farce on the rest of us are themselves exempt from its burdens, the enforcement is where the accidents aren't, and we are all for Jim Baxter.
Who is that man?
Is that really John Ulrich on T.V. doing the Honda commercial?
Jeff Waugh Temecula, Calif.
No, that isn’t John Ulrich riding the Nighthawk. The rider was hired by Honda's ad agency and is wearing a replica of John’s leathers which the agency had made.
This was done without the knowledge of the editorial staff, although it had been cleared at a higher level. We knew nothing of this until the commercial appeared.
Editorial comment
Is your listing of pages 66-67 in the June issue as a Honda ad an editorial comment on the Daytona Superbike Race?
Beecher Wooding
Woods Hole, Mass.
No. It’s a comment on what happens when you stop the presses to make changes in the contents.
No sympathy
In response to Richard Roche’s letter in the July,
1983 issue, we wonder what kind of a five line dealership would stock only 650 to 1400 parts for their motorcycles? We work for a one line dealership and our stock is over 6500 different replacement parts for one motorcycle. We like to sell motorcycles too, but we are also interested in making sure our customers can obtain the parts and service that they deserve.
We respectfully submit to Mr. Roche that the model proliferation he stated as one of his problems is totally voluntary on the part of his dealership by stocking five different brands. While we can empathize with his dilemma, we do not sympathize with his situation. Paul Beierschmitt James McKee Mechanicsburg, Pa.
A solution
May I point out that the solution for the heat problem is both obvious and simple: add a computer-controlled air conditioner.
Parker Newbanks, Jr. Hugo, Colo.
Day-Glo
We have noted a reference to Day-Glo in your Tourmaster Touring Jacket evaluation in the March, 1983 issue. DayGlo is a registered trademark of our company for a wide variety of fluorescent colors. The generic name for these colors is “fluorescent or “daylight fluorescent.”
Reader information
Editorial offices are located at 1499 Monrovia Ave., Newport Beach, Calif. 92663. Editorial contributions are welcomed, but cannot be considered unless sent only to Cycle World. Not responsible for return of unsolicited material unless accompanied by self-addressed, stamped envelope. Rates on request. Letters cannot all be answered. Nor can all Service inquiries be answered. We appreciate correspondence sent to the editorial offices and will use the most interesting and appropriate letters in the magazine.
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We trust that you always specify and insist upon use of Day-Glo color, but we would
appreciate it if you would use the generic words in describing regular fluorescent colors.
T.J. Gray
Day-Glo Color Corp. Cleveland, Ohio
Rollie Free
At last someone in the motorcycle press has recognized one of motorcycling’s great men, Rollie Free.
For many years I was a member of the Southern California Vincent Owners Club which centered its activities around the Kountz Motor Center in Los Angeles. Rollie would come down to
Kountz’s on Saturdays and we’d all go to lunch. Rollie was a master of sharp wit; to joust words with him, one needed to have all facts properly in place, otherwise Rollie would make mincemeat of you. And if he says he waxed the Harley boys, then wax them he did!
Thanks for an excellent report on a great guy.
Bob Schneider Vancouver, B.C.
Please, please tell me I may obtain a copy of the famous Rollie Free Vincent ride, suitable for framing.
Carl Uehlinger Manorville, N.Y.
Wish we could, but the picture was on loan. Maybe if demand was there, posters could be made. Anybody?
No leader
I ride a sharp looking, spit shine and waxed to mirror finish Honda 750 Custom.
I'm proud to park it next to any bike. It was good to be next to a Harley at a signal because all he could do was
make noise. Now Honda wants to take away my pride with the new Shadow (shadow of a Harley).
All the Honda ads say “Follow the Leader”. How can I follow the leader if they're.going to follow the competition?
Brian Erdman Riverdale, Md.
Visions
In response to Steve Ross’ letter in the July, 1983 issue I would like to tell you my experience with my Yamaha Vision.
The mid-range flat spot was not a serious problem but nevertheless it was eliminated by a Yamaha mod kit installed free by the dealer. I now have 5300 mi. on it and it handles beautifully. It gets over 60 mpg in combination city and country use and no water has been added to the cooling system.
His letter may reflect an abused machine, or just a one-of-a-kind situation.
Tim Temple Dallas, Texas
After reading Mr. Ross’ letter let me give you the 24,000 mi. report on my Vision. I also got stung by the price reduction which did little to endear me to Yamaha. I’ve only managed to get 58 mpg once while breaking it in on the freeway. Since then it’s a consistent 50 mpg. It was in the shop once at 1000 mi. to adjust the carbs in response to a service bulletin. I only experience a flat spot now when I roll on at 5000 rpm. The valve adjustments were such a pain that I didn't look at them again until 20,000 mi. The alternator burned out and I developed a water leak. But my biggest complaint is the handlebar buzz that puts my hand to sleep after 25 mi. or so of highway driving.
And because I commute 300 mi. a week plus some weekend riding, all in all I’m satisfied with the Vision’s performance. I prefer shaft drive and the lighter weight bikes.
Barry Baxter
Westminster, Calif.
Where to ride
For about the last year and a half I’ve had trouble finding places to ride my Honda CR250. I like to ride in places where there is lots of mud, big hills, rocks and lots of jumps. I’ve been looking for books or maps on places to
ride. Can you help me out?
Fred Schoenefeldt Pittsburgh, Pa.
You need the AMA’s excellent guide, Trail Riding in America. Try your dealer or order it from the AMA, PO. Box 141, Westerville, Ohio 43081.
$4.95.
Photo credit
Imagine my delight when I turned to the Slipstream page of the July, 1983 issue and saw the picture I had taken at last year’s CMA Nationals.
Imagine my disappointment when I realized why I didn’t get photo credit. I had forgotten to include my name and address.
Stew Bailey Agincourt, Ont.
DANA LAMB
