Letter
LETTER
Mad about Max
As the owner of a 1985 V-Max, I applaud the article on the return of “Mr. Max” in your August issue. Also, thanks for the look at “Mod Max” and “Mad Max.”
Even though the V-Max is an easier machine to live with in everyday traffic than many people think, sometimes, while poised at the entrance to a freeway on-ramp, I remember the words of Alexander Pope, who said: “For fools rush in where angels fear to tread.” Obviously no angel ever rode a V-Max.
George Callis Sunnyvale, California
I’ve readjust about every article ever written on the V-Max and have had the great pleasure of riding a few of these bikes. All I can say is that the Max is fast as light, the muscle bike of all time, the king of torque, awesome, cool, simply the most. Thanks for such a great August issue on such an outstanding motorcycle.
Vance Larsen Belle Glade, Florida
Don V pussyfoot, Larsen, tell us how you really feel about the V-Max.
The V-Max might be back and as bad as ever. However, I am constantly reminded of my 1985 Honda V65 Magna that I bought brand-new last year for $3599. With “only”
116 horsepower on hand it will easily stay with any Mad Max in my town. And when the roads get a few curves in them, my Magna will not fare second-best.
Look out Mr. Max; just when you thought it was safe to pull up to a stoplight, there is a V65 Magna lurking somewhere.
A Horsepower Fan Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Watch it, or we'll have Callis and Larsen pay you a little visit.
A friend of the Sporty
The V-Twin comparison (August,
1988) was very enlightening. After reading it very carefully I hopped on my 883 Sportster and went for a long ride.
By golly, you’re right: It does vibrate. I always wondered what that pleasant sensation was. After 4000 miles the vibrations have diminished quite a lot, though. Low on power? Plenty enough for me. Looks? Every time I see the Intruder I am reminded of a Mattel plastic model.
You say that as delivered, the 883 leaves much to be desired. By whom? The person buying a cruiser knows they are not tourers or canyon carvers. The buyer is interested in image, function, cost, reliability, etc.
What your comparisons should take into account are matters of ease of maintenance, parts availability (in 5 to 10 years) and resale value. How many of the Japanese cruisers will be around in four more years?
After owning Japanese cycles for years, I found none of them had the heart and soul of the Harley. And that is what motorcycling is all about.
Norm Hardy Seattle, Washington
Bass-ackwards Springer
On page 24 in your August issue you have pictured Harley-Davidson’s Springer Softail. I hope you are aware an error was made in the model designation. The bike pictured is a FXSTS-LH. It is primarily for lefthanded riders or for driving in England. C’mon, laugh. That’s good.
A.J. Siles
Greenwich, Connecticut Yrros J.A., tub ew tsuj Vnod teg ti. 0
Reader Information
Editorial offices are located at 853 W. 17th St..,Costa Mesa, CA 92627. Editorial contributions are welcomed, but must be guaranteed exclusive to Cycle World. We are not responsible for the return of unsolicited material unless accompanied with a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
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. Subscriptions in the U.S. and territories
are: one year, $15.94; two years, $27.94; three years, $37.94. Canadian subscribers, please add $3.00 per year, all other countries add $5.00 per year. (Remittance by money order or draft on a U.S. bank payable in U.S. funds.) Single copy $2.00; $2.75 in Canada.
Subscription service: P.O. form 3579 and all subscription correspondence should be addressed to Cycle World, P.O. Box 51222, Boulder, CO 80321-1222. Please allow six to eight weeks for a change of address to become effective. Include both your old and new address, and if possible, a
mailing label from a recent issue. For faster service, call toll-free 1-800-525-0643; in Colorado (303) 447-9330.
Back issues from 1984 to current year are available for on a prepaid basis for $3.75 each from Cycle World, P.O. Box 754, Holmes, PA 19043; 1-800-345-8112. (Canada and overseas: [215] 532-8687). Advertising: See SRDS. Circulation audited by Audit Bureau of Circulation.
MEMBER MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRY COUNCIL,INC:.
