Letters
LETTERS
Angeles Crest incident
David Edwards’ November column, “Incident on Angeles Crest,” struck a somber chord we should all take heed of. How many times has every one of us had too close of a call slamming through a corner quicker than we should have. Today’s motorcycles are not to blame—the cutting-edge technology they possess is unreal—user-error is almost always the cause of calamity. This sport is supposed to be fun, isn’t it? Smell the air, feel the Gs but leave the spatter to the insects.
Eric Larsen Lawrenceville, Georgia
Thank you for such a strong commentary in November’s Up Front. plan on making sure my husband and his riding friends see this article. Hopefully, it will keep them from becoming the guy on the center line with a tarp pulled over him. not wish to participate in mega-bucks competition at the corporate level, but somehow 1 think a few private Triumphs on the starting grids of America would bring even more interest in American roadracing, both at the admission gate and on television.
Long after the “messy blotches on the pavement” have been cleared and forgotten about, the incident on Angeles Crest will live on. While I would never suggest that what happened that morning (and on so many others), wasn’t a tragedy...news flash, folks: Motorcycles didn’t kill those people. Poor judgment did.
Now, I’m no veteran rider myself, and certainly not in any position to offer instruction on the finer points of cycle safety. But I am a proud graduate of the Illinois MSF courses, and I'll never forget my instructors chanting like a mantra the one thing we were to take with us above all else: Know your limits, and ride within them. What’s more, a rider’s lust for speed should never, ever, outweigh his common sense. I think the asphalt on the Angeles Crest can pretty much vouch for that one.
K. Roewade Chicago, Illinois
High speeds and big egos are a deadly combination; they belong on the track and not on our public roads.
Traci Morgan Apopka, Florida
In reference to “Incident on the Angeles Crest,” I offer my best wishes to those involved and their families. For years, 1 have carried a first-aid kit in my saddlebags when I ride. With cellular phones becoming more and more common, they represent a major safety item, also. Tossing one in the tankbag before a ride could be useful in helping anyone on the road in need of assistance. If major injury is involved, the few minutes saved in calling for help could make the difference between life and death.
Don’t forget to pack a little common sense and a dash of caution, as well. We all share two important things, the love and freedom of motorcycling, and the fact that we’re mortal.
Ron Casselman Puyallup, Washington
Totally Triumph
Just received your November issue-had to write to tell you the ’95 Triumph Thunderbird is a bike I have to own! Let others choose repli-racers, others yet, weird-looking Teutonic dual-purpose bikes; for me, just one look at the Thunderbird strikes a deep chord of approval and abject longing. Yes, I say, to the (nearly) flat seat, exposed engine and spoked wheels. Yes, I say, to the curvaceous gas tank, shiny paint and “garden gate” Triumph logo. Yes, I say, to its modest, understated elegance, its compactness, excellence in execution and total lack of banal, screaming graphics.
Dave Roe "Terryville. Connecticut
I applaud the gutsy efforts of Triumph to return to the simpler days of riding with its beautiful new Thunderbird, a “standard” American motorcyclists have been asking for. I’ll proudly park one next to my Gold Wing anytime. (Now, if only we could convince Triumph to bring back the BSA Victor-a real kick-ass fun bike with few equals!)
Sheldon J. Bruffman Reisterstown, Maryland
Wow, Triumph making a return to the U.S. The new T-Bird is hot, but the $10,000 price is not\ Get real Triumph-a Sportster is $4995.
Nice “harmonica” tank badges, though. This bike is definite chopper material. Can’t wait to hear those pipes blasting up Main Street USA!
Dave Rossi Scottsville, New York
Please pass along my wishes to the AMA Competition Committee to allow 900cc three-cylinder motorcycles to compete in the Superbike class. I am aware that Triumph does
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May the distinctive howl of a fullstrength Triple return!
Ron Casselman Puyallup, Washington
Wing nuts
I thoroughly enjoyed the Cycle World test of the '95 Gold Wing 1500, but take exception to two statements by Jon F. Thompson: 1 ) That the Gold Wing 1500 is too much motorcycle; and 2) that anyone not content with touring on a Honda S T 1 1 0 0 or a BMW should take their car! Mr. Thompson, for your information, 1 have owned and ridden three fully equipped Gold Wings, the 1100, the 1200 and, last and best, the 1500. I can say with some personal experience that the 1500 is by far the best touring motorcycle 1 have ever owned! But then, what the heck do 1 know about motorcycles? I’ve only been riding a little over 43 years. Please tell Mr. Thompson, no, I won’t take my car; I'll take the GL 1500!
Glenn E. Copas San Jose, California
If Senior Editor Thompson really can’t discern the difference between a Gold Wing and a Honda Accord, he can come up here in the middle of January right after a snowstorm, drive each one for a few miles, and see if he can figure it out.
Peter Laird Haydenville, Massachusetts
I think if Jon really gives the GL1500 a chance, he may feel differently about it. The Gold Wing Road Riders Association has over 40,000 members; telling them to “take your car’’ instead of riding is really an insult to touring riders who add to the sport, hobby and lifestyle of motorcycling.
Richard Ardito Bloomfield, New Jersey
As for Jon F. Thompson's minimalist ranting, give me a break. I've done plenty of tours on a CB35Ö and a CB750 with a bunch of duffel bags strapped on. You end the day with a faceful of bugs and dirt, and a very sore butt. I'll take my GL any day.
Besides, we need the radio so the wife and I can listen to Rush Limbaugh as we travel.
Mark Schuttenhelm Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
Trials on trial
It’s about time you folks got on the bandwagon and put out a decent article on trials. I really appreciated Jon F. Thompson’s report on the U.S. world championship round in the November issue.
Hundreds of local meets, much like this, go on almost unnoticed every month across the country. Trials is great bikes, friendly competition, wonderful people and terrific fun. Plus, it’s affordable. Vintage bikes can be had for less than $400. So, bring on the trials coverage. Keep your feet up.
Florin Owens Cedar City, Utah
Thompson especially likes that there are no Gold Wing classes in trials.
Indian reservations
Who in the hell designed that IMMI Indian clone? (See Roundup, October.) It looks like an H-D reject. Please, please don’t build 4000 of these things-one’s enough.
IMMI, quit while you're ahead, there may be five collectors in the world who will buy your misfit. But the riding public? No way. 1 used to think the Japanese had the corner on ugly, but IMMI just took it over. I've been a reader of your magazine from Day One, and have never written in about the things that rankled me, but this really got under my skin.
R.D. Wood Port Huron, Michigan
Ted back at work
Thanks for bringing back Ted in your November issue. I have been following his zany escapades in your magazine for years, and when he didn’t appear in recent issues, I missed him. I was afraid that under heavy pressure from CATS (Coalition for the Advancement of TedS ) you had been forced to end his illustrious career because he had become politically incorrect. Renew my subscription.
Mario Caruso Sarasota, Florida
Not to worry. Ted is hack on the job, having just returned from doing some freelance design work on the new Indian. ^
