Letters
LETTERS
Sweet 16
Just got the July issue of Cycle World. I found the “Sweet 16” comparison informative, but I feel at odds with some of your opinions. The Honda VTR1000 as best bike? Come on, it barely made headlines because of its lack of real performance and finicky choice of replacement rubber, and you guys pick it first? It looks like Honda is payin’ this month’s check at Cycle World.
Jodie Adair Sussex, New Brunswick, Canada
How is it that the VTR1000 can be 10 pounds heavier, .4 second and 5 mph slower in the quarter-mile, 7 mph slower on top, make 11 less horsepower and 4 foot-pounds less torque, be .3 second slower from 0-60 mph, yet add up to a better sport-Twin than the Suzuki TL1000S? Scott Haralson Miami, Oklahoma
Just finished reading the cover story in July’s issue. I couldn’t agree with you more on picking the VTR1000 as best of the best. I sold my ’91 ST 1100 to get one of these in my garage back in April. After the initial 600-mile break-in period, I took it out for a 2000-mile trip. Not once did I get fatigued after spending hours in the saddle. And the bike rips! As you said, Honda gave us just what we asked for.
David “Doc” Watson Richmond, Virginia
Please tell me why the Yamaha VMax was not included in July’s “Sweet 16” shootout. Taylor R Reeder Lavallette, New Jersey
So “Sweet 16” contained “virtually every sportbike over 900cc equipped with a fairing,” huh? Well, where was Moto Guzzi’s Sport 1100 or Triumph’s
Daytona 1200? Guzzi was the first to offer a sport-fairing as standard equipment back in the ’70s. I realize Guzzi is the best-kept secret in America, but surely somebody at CW has heard of them. Then again... Mike Petersen Appleton, Wisconsin
I guess I’ve finally and officially reached Old Curmudgeondom. In “Sweet 16,” the Suzuki Bandit 1200 is criticized for not having a clock? Absence of a clock on a motorcycle is a problem? Why, I suspect the Bandit also may not have a digital gear indicator. It certainly doesn’t have plastic covering the motor or a radiator. Must be a piece of junk...
Do you have any grown-ups on your staff to do some of these bike evaluations? Good grief. Terry Wiggs
Leander, Texas
Thanks for July’s issue. Fantastic stuff! I really can’t remember a better issue. I was a mite confused about your “Sweet 16” evaluations, but an old Les McCain/Eddie Harris tune,
“Compared to What?” kind of helped.
My current ride, for longer than I care to remember, is an old strokedout Sportster. It rides like someone dropped a quarter in the headboard, the seat is the stool of discipline, and at 60 mph I hear voices scream, “Slow down, you’ll kill us all!”
So, you’re probably right, the ergonomics of the YZF might be too sporting, the driveline lash of the CBRXX would be disconcerting and the front-end feel of the Sprint would be disappointing. Guess I’ll just have to hang with the Sportster.
Hell, I don’t envy the job you fellows do, must be absolute agony.
Terry Collens New Bern, North Carolina
Made bearable only by the fat monthly allotment checks arriving from Honda...
Ride for life
Thank you, Peter Egan, for the “Swords of Damocles” column in July’s CW. Last year, my wife died of cancer at age 45. Because we rode our Yamaha extensively over the course of her seven years of illness, Peter’s words bring tears of joy for good times remembered, not opportunities missed. Listen everyone: He’s right. Work hard, love well, and ride to live. You may not get seven years’ warning that your time is up. Ken Rock
Thousand Oaks, California
Peter Egan’s “Swords of Damocles” really hit home. As the beginning of my sixth decade approaches, I become more aware of the need to enjoy those things I hold dear as much and as often as possible before the hair holding the sword breaks.
The aspect of motorcycling that re> ally keeps me coming back for more is touring in foreign lands. Fortunately, my sweet and tolerant wife indulges my passion by accompanying me on these forays into different continents and cultures. So many countries, so little time. Gary Prickett Mission Viejo, California
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Busted!
I am not a cruiser fan, but your “Rock & Roll” article made me want to run out and customize a Yamaha Royal Star. That bike is sweet! Almost every detail was pure eye-candy. One thing I did notice, though, about Cobra’s screamin’-yellow Valkyrie: In the “running” shot, the bike had stock carbs and radiator, as opposed to the Mikuni Super 3Ns and custom rad as fitted to the bike in the studio pics. What gives?
Thomas Slaske Franklin, Wisconsin
Good eyes, Tom. The action photo was taken during the bike’s shakedown run. A tight deadline precluded additional action shots with the proper pieces in place.
V for Victory
In regards to the Polaris Victory shown in June’s Roundup, I have one question and one piece of advice for Polaris: 1) Where do I send my deposit? 2) Make lots, they are awesome!
Leslie L. Rayburn United States Army
At the risk of inciting additional droolage, Leslie, turn to page 32.
Hansen says hi
I just read Allan Girdler’s article on the great Bob Hansen (“One-Man Museum,” July) and I am hoping that Girdler was the victim of multiple editing mistakes. He certainly told Mr. Hansen’s story differently than I know it-and I suspect differently than Mr. Hansen knows it, too.
Norman E. Gaines Jr. Hartsdale, New York
Eh, Norm, meet Mr. Hansen...
Received my July issue of your great magazine. Thank you very much for the article written about me by Allan Girdler. I find said article to be accurate as well as complimentary. Pictures are excellent, too. Bob Hansen
Fallbrook, California □
