Letters

LETTERS

Cruiser complaints

HECTOR CADEMATORI

How come nobody is making a nice laid-back cruiser with a kick-ass in-line-Four? I like the styles everyone is putting out, but I'm getting really sick of these damn V-Twin clones! So, here it is, my concept bike for the cruising future: Why doesn't Suzuki yank that Vee motor out of an Intruder 800 and slap in the Bandit 1200's fire-breathing Four? Peter A. Fréchette Newport, Vermont

There sure are a lot of overpriced, supposed high-end cruisers nowadays. If I'm going to cruise, however, I'll just ease back on the throttle of my 1985 Suzuki GS1 150E. It runs perfect at any speed. Jason Sanftleben Sauk City, Wisconsin

Having worked for both the Ducati and BMW importers, the September Cycle World was a real roller coaster ride. First, I came across the test of the BMW R1200C cruiser, followed by the excellent Schilling/Neilson recollection of their Daytona-winning "California Hot Rod" Ducati. The significance? Well, BMW, like Ducati, built its reputation on racing victories-the Isle of Man, seemingly unending sidecar championships, multi ple Paris-Dakar wins, an early Superbike championship. I, like many BMW enthusiasts, was drawn early to BMW for the same reason younger enthusiasts are today drawn to Ducati. I hope BMW's dalliance with the cruiser theme is short-lived. Bruce Armstrong Santa Barbara, California

What were the Harley design people thinking when they drew up the 1998 FLTR Road Glide? The name evokes images of smooth lines, low-slung power and comfort. However, that "all new" fairing looks like an afterthought, as if someone took the rear tour trunk and slung it over the handlebars to haul the groceries home. It stands out like a wino's bulbous nose. Minimalist? I don't think so. Ugo Debiasi Ladysmith, British Columbia, Canada

Keepers

I thoroughly agree with Peter Egan's Leanings essay in the October issue. We Americans do live in a throwaway society and have increasingly lost the will or ability to treasure, preserve and use older objects in favor of the latest styles or Madison Avenue hype.

I ride a 1993 Suzuki GSX-1100G, a wonderful standard. It is an all-pur pose steed that admirably handles the backroads of the Hudson Valley as well as tours to the Smokey Moun tains, and a 26-mile commute to work.

Perhaps in 20 years my bike will be considered a collectible. It will certainly be a rare commodity given how few `90s standards exist on U.S. roads today, not to mention our continued, but inex plicable, aversion to this capable and formerly popular style of motorcycle. Lawrence Tsao Scarsdale, New York

Single seeking same

When Suzuki and Honda released the TL and VTR1000 V-Twins stateside, it put a smile on my face. I only wish that the manufacturers would pay some at tention to us Singles types. The MZ is fine but just doesn't get my heart thumping like, for instance, Yamaha's overseas-only SRX66O, or Ducati's gor geous, high-fashion Supermono, or that sexy little red-and-white cutie, Honda's Supermono 644 showbike. This season's Twins are tempting, no doubt about it. But I'm holding out for my true love, a modern sporting Single that I can take canyon dancing. Michael D. Boles Bakersfield, California

Flexible terms

I've been riding motorcycles for the last 25 years, and I'm always amazed at the technological advances that have been made in that time. I am a little amused, though, to find that motorcycle technology is like the fashion worldwhat goes around comes around. I'm talking about the latest trend that Honda has taken to heart, which is to make their frames more flexible.

A couple of years back, I had a Suzu ki GSX-R1 100, and at the time I thought it was the best-handling bike I had ever ridden. But I sold it when I went back to school, and I'm now riding a 1976 BMW R7516. It is my first non Japanese bike and I enjoy it quite a bit, except that it brings new meaning to the word slow, which is actually good since the brakes suck. I never really thought it handled very well, but after reading about Honda loosening up its sport bikes, I realized it must be the best-han dling bike I've ever had on the road. I realize now that what I thought was a lot of pitch, wallow and shakes was just my Beemer letting me feel the contours of the road. I'm sure that if I can just get over that initial fear that I'm about to be flung violently to the pavement, my pretty Beemer will outcorner any of today's crotch rockets. Of course, if I really want a good han dling bike, I think I'll try to find a `75 Suzuki Water Buffalo. David 1. Gay Miami, Oklahoma

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Street Xtreme

The "Xtreme Street `97" article looked great! I am always amazed at the ability you guys have to make us look like heroes when, in fact, we aren't much more than a bunch of overgrown kids still playing with toys. It is always a pleasure to work with Nick Ienatsch, Jason Black and Don Canet. It gives me considerable peace of mind knowing I am turning my bikes over to guys with the ability to "turn `em loose." Terry Kizer Mr. Turbo Houston, Texas

"Xtreme Street `97" was beautifully done. The thought of pulling the string on that kind of rip makes the mouth water. Cecil Golden Montgomery, Alabama

I am glad to see Nick Ienatsch now contributing to Cycle World. I think Nick is among the most talented of the younger generation of American moto journalists. I am sure he will be an asset to your team. George von Klan Mill Valley, California

Wild about Wendy

I'm curious about Associate Editor Wendy Black. Where does she live? How old is she? Where was she born? What type of motorcycle(s) does she own? How many pairs of shoes does she have? Any work or hiking boots? Is she married? Does she own a dog, or a chainsaw, or a dog named Chain saw? Finally, may I have an auto graphed picture of her, or maybe more than one? Thank you. J. H. Scheuer Williamson, New York

California. None of your business. Tennessee. Honda NX250. Huh? Dou ble-huh? Yes, happily. No, no and no. Finally, J.H., get yourself a life.