25 Years Ago March, 1969

25 YEARS AGO MARCH, 1969

Ever ponder the swing of motorcycling's pendulum away from European bikes, toward Japanese bikes? A look at this issue’s cover is evidence of that movement. Blurbed front and center on this issue’s cover are tests of a Triumph TR6R and a Suzuki TS250. We liked the Triumph. Who wouldn’t? We loved the Suzuki, calling it “great fun at a veritable bargain.”

The Europeans weren’t giving up without a fight, though. This issue carries an ad that pictures a return salvo from that fine old British manufacturer, BSA. The ad is headlined, “BSA launches the Rocket 3,” and depicts a red example of the same, with a pretty model draped over it. How interesting that now, 25 years later, Triumph’s apparent return is founded upon its fine Triple.

• In an unsurprising forecast, publisher Joe Parkhurst used the magazine’s Roundup column to warn readers that “Big brother is coming! It will not be long before the BLM will tell desert recreation seekers where and when they can ride on public lands.” Indeed, Bureau of Land Management bureaucrats under pressure from organizations like the Sierra Club do now control and manage much of the desert.

• A final evidence of change? Look no farther than the subscription card bound into that 1969 edition. A non-discounted three-year sub was 12 bucks. Today, it’s $49.94. A lot of loot but still, we hope, as good a value as that $12 offer represented.

Jon F. Thompson