Letters

LETTERS

Want-ad Wonders II

I was impressed with your article, “Want-ad Wonders,” in the August issue. Your staff got some pretty good deals, but I think I beat you guys on this one. Recently, I purchased a 1983 Honda Nighthawk 650 for $1000. The bike was in excellent conditon and came with a shop manual, a battery charger, and cover.

I hope readers who are discouraged by new-bike prices realize all the good bikes that are available.

J. T. Schrier Blytheville, Arkansas

I just finished your article, “Want-ad Wonders.” It was great. Can I play, too? In January I struck out to replace the 1987 Honda Magna that I sold in September. I found a 1981 Yamaha 1100 Midnight Special for $ 1000. It was garaged, adult-owned, and had a windshield and carrier. I was reluctant because it showed 19,000 miles, but there were no oil leaks or smoke, so I went for it.

I changed all the fluids, cleaned it and had the local Yamaha dealer tune it up. The rear tire was new but the front needed replacing; a matching Dunlop was $29.95. My total investment was below $ 1200.

Was my old Honda a better bike than the Yamaha? You bet. Was it four times the purchase price better? No!

Bernard Sakel, Jr. Colorado Springs, Colorado

Last May, I drove by the local grocery store parking lot and saw my future bike for sale. It was a 1984 Honda V-65 Sabre in immaculate condition, showing a grand total of 600 miles. With a Hondaline sport fairing, lowers, engine guard, and two helmets included, it cost me $2700. It had been stored every winter, and the previous owner swears that the tires never once touched wet pavement.

Although I’ve owned many a Honda before, I’ll admit I never considered a Sabre as my first choice. But it's proven to be a smooth, reliable, fast commuter that I thoroughly enjoy. Some weekends I go all out and drive the entire 30 miles of our island.

Thomas O. Graham Ketchikan, Alaska

Given your long winters and little island, we'd say you've been taken. Someone sold you a high-mileage bike.

Convertible views

Your CW Convertible (September, 1989) is a splendid idea and it reminded me of my favorite bike, a Suzuki GS750E. I think the Big Four are trying (slowly but surely) to bring the UJM back, evidenced by the Honda Hawk GT, Kawasaki Zephyr and Suzuki GS500. Hopefully, the new model year will bring some surprises from the manufacturers; maybe there will be a motorcycle like your concept bike in the showrooms. Unfortunately, my GS750E met its fate on a beautiful Colorado road. But maybe the “bike fairy” will leave a CW Convertible in my garage some day soon.

Joe Simonton Fort Leavenworth, Kansas

The Cycle World Convertible is a good idea that could be even better by making a variety of bolt-on accessories to really vary the bike’s look. Besides the sport fairing, have a touring fairing that offers a lot of wind protection, perhaps one that could be attached in two stages for varying levels of protection. Make the exhaust system convertible from a quiet, dual exhaust to a singleheader type. Offer some other bolton sport, touring, and performance accessories: clip-ons, rear-sets, tankbag, etc.

I envision a basic, multi-purpose bike, with all the plastic and performance pieces being sold separately at reasonable prices, allowing the owner to create the bike which best meets his individual riding style.

Justin Wagner Los Angeles, California E3

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