Cycle World Letters

CYCLE WORLD LETTERS

Yamaha RZ350

Your preview on the '84 Yamaha RZ350 concluded more than a year's worth of research into government EPA regulations and international custom laws regard-

ing the import of the this bike of my dreams. No more futile schemes, legal or otherwise, to obtain a two-stroke pavement burner. See you in line down at my local Yamaha dealer! J.K. Ives Danbury, Conn.

Harley XR750 parts

After reading your story on the XR750 Harley racer I’m all turned on about building one, too. But where am I going to find a frame and engine to make one work?

You just don’t run to a swap meet and pick these things up.

After checking with a friend I found a motor. Then a friend who is a pro flat tracker worked out a deal with me for his XR750 frame.

My bike never won a national race but it did blow up on the back straight at the July Syracuse Mile.

John Albanese Newark, N.Y.

I would like to build my own XR750 or a facsimile but my ability to find components locally is restricted. One of my first problems is to find the right people with a frame, engine, etc. If you can tell me where the parts are and what people to contact, I’d appreciate it.

James Eads

West Monroe, La.

As at least two people have proved, it can be done. But it isn’t easy and it isn’t cheap. First step, subscribe to Cycle News, Classic-fieds, and Motorcycle Trader and find a shop with a subscription to Motorcycle Industry Shopper. They have the best ads for used parts. Sportster stuff can be found at any Harley-style swap meet, as put on by clubs, dealerships, MM A or ABATE.

Dealership bulletin boards are the best places to find such swap meets. The XR parts will almost surely come through racers. Hang around the local fiat tracks, either pro or amateur short track and TT. It’s amazing how many people have leftover frames, tanks, glass, etc. piled in the back of the garage.

Another hint. Don’t forget that Yamaha and Triumph Twins were good racers not long ago. These bikes won’t earn money any more, so they’re much cheaper than Harley equipment. The parts are still available, the street equipment can be added, and a 350-lb. Triumph or Yamaha 650 can be one fine pi ay bike.

New BMW

As the proud owner of a K100 with 500 miles and four days under its wheels, I want to say “Wait for it!’’ It’s worth it.

The engine has real bottom-end power with relatively low weight and marvelous brakes to make the rider feel he is on something special.

For this BMW enthusiast, my advice to anyone in the states who is contemplating the new Beemer in 1985 is, ride it, you’ll buy it.

Bob Vass Poynton, England

Ten best categories

I agree with your choices but your categories should be changed. Because the 1982 motorcycle sales statistics show 62 percent of all bikes sold are for the street, I suggest no distinctions be made between tourers, cruisers, commuters or sports bikes. (Under 525cc; 526672; 676-825; 826-1025; 1066 and up.)

The next category should be dual purpose, any displacement; enduro and motocross, any displacement*

I would also like to mention the need for larger gas tanks, better owners manuals and easier maintenance.

Herb Waring Liberal, Mo,

Ten is an arbitrary number. With over 200 models the best aren’t limited to a single purpose. The Suzuki GSI 100E, Honda V45 Interceptor and the Yamaha Vision are full sporT bikes of mid, light and superbike weight. Furthermore, I suspect you picked the Venture over the Gold Wing because it can beat it in a race.

If everyone at your magazine is into sports riding perhaps you should change your title to Sports Cycle World.

Peter Stegner] Bedford, NT

Ted is alive and well

Two letters in two months from Ted Beers? And all he does is complain, too. I used to race with him when I lived in St. Louis and trust me . . . Ted is an appropriate name for your Slipstream page.

My deepest gratitude for returning Ted to his position of honor and prestige. It reminds me of my racing days in the Gateway City.

John Long Topeka, Kan.

BMW boo-boo

Your road test of the 1983 BMW R80 ST contains an incorrect statement.

You state that each valve cover is held onto the BMW-, with one nut. This is wrong. There are three nuts holding each valve cover on: two 1 Omm and one 13mm in the center. This is the third time you have reported Chis on BMW tests in the past few years. Obviously, your staff never looks at

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lems should be directed to these phone' numbers. ^ Back issues from 1980 to 1983 (except 4/80, 4/81,5/81,7/82) are available for $2 each from Old Del Mar Emporium, P.O. Box 1621, Sprinà Valley, Calif. 92077. Please add 75 cents postage and handling per order. Advertising: See SRDS. Circulation auditéd by ABC.

MEMBER MDTORevGU

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lihe BMW closely enough or removes the valve covers. Tom Cash Cincinnati, Ohio

You’re right; in writing the test, we 'simply forgot. On recent BMW boxer Tiwins, each rocker arm cover is secured by three bolts: two on the sides and one in the center.

That still doesn't change our observation, though. Setting valve clearances is a breeze.

Back to biking

Eight years ago my wife and I sold our five motorcycles because we wanted to raise a family. After the births of two successive daughters I thought about who would carry on in my place enjoying the freedom of motorcycles.

* I finally realized that if I had a son as tall as my six-year old girl he’d be riding already. So we bought a used ’79 Z50R, good boots and a helmet and a couple of long sleeved sweatshirts. She took to that bike like a fish to water. Pretty soon my wife and I were taking turns fiding the bike. Then we found a good deal on a 1982 CB650 Nighthawk and ffow we’re all riding again. It had to happen.

Stephen Gerish Hubbard, Ohio

Pulsing light

The foolishness of banning pulsing lights from the road is really burning me up. The irresponsible drivers of America have led us riders to use this method to protect ourselves from their driving techniques. As drivers become more aware of motorcyclists on the road there won’t be the need for pulsing lights.

I plan to install one on my bike -immediately.

Sam Henry Augusta, Ga.

Bad images

While I was out stretching the legs of my CB1100F, I met another rider on a CB1100F. “How do you like yours?” I qsked. “Faaast!” he replied and proceeded to do a burnout/wheelie combo across a major intersection in the> middle of the day. When I caught him at the next signal, I reminded him that when people see that kind of stuff they get a bad impression of motorcycle riders. Oh, that’s only for the Harley guys, he says, and takes off again at

irresponsible speed.

I hope that young man (and others like him) recovers from his horsepowersyndrome displays in time to help promote rider safety and the better biker image.

Darrell Durfee Costa Mesa, Calif.

Those of us who enjoy motorcycle riding, regularly curse the automobile drivers who blow us off the road or otherwise try to take their piece of the road out of our hide.

Well, I have another gripe. While riding my bicycle one sunny morning some jackass masquerading as a motorcyclist and without looking or slowing down, came blasting out of his driveway on his 600 pound Yamahog and nearly nailed me.

How about reminding the brethren that there are smaller targets than motorcyclists on the road?

Jack Boyd

National City, Calif.

What a deal

I am an 1 8-year old high school student who had to sell my bike because' when winter arrived, a car was the mos£ practical. I am totally addicted to the sport of motorcycle riding. Because my car is all I can afford right now'I was wondering if you guys could loan me a V45 Interceptor, CB1100F or a GPz750 or 1100. I would be forever grateful and maybe could even do a long-term test or something.

PS: My buddy is writing to Cycle and it’s gonna look bad if he gets a bike and I don’t.

Larry Ridenour Fort Wayne, Ind,

We’ve been getting this request for 20 years. If it works for your buddy, let us‘ know.