25 Years Ago April, 1969

25 YEARS AGO APRIL, 1969

ROUNDUP

Some things don’t change much. With the introduction of the 500 Mach III, Kawasaki strengthened its name as a maker of very fast motorcycles. Sounding like we were reviewing a ZX-11, we said, “It’ll raise the hairs on the back of a rider’s neck, or turn them gray in 13 seconds flat...yet is as docile as a kitten.” The Mach III put out a claimed 60 horsepower and hit the scales at 415 pounds. Those numbers added up to a 13.20-second quarter-mile time, most impressive for the day.

• A historical review of the Isle of Man TT race, found in this issue, was titled, “The Greatest Race of All.” Certainly, other races, have grown in status, but the loM still has great stature and action. Airborne bikes on the course are nothing new, as evidenced by our photos.

• Aside from publishing the magazine, Cycle World was, as we are now, involved in things other than publishing. CW's Los Angeles bike show was described as “The largest, most complete motorcycle show in America."

• Some things do change a lot. A look back shows how far entertainment technology has advanced. A Cycle World advertisement gave racing fans a chance to hear the sport on their hi-fi sets. Video tapes are readily available now, covering races, racers and other topics.

Back then, mono records were it. We featured loM discs with the Honda six-cylinders, MV Agustas and others at a full wail.

-Robert Hough