25 Years Ago August, 1974
25 YEARS AGO AUGUST, 1974
If it was scary-fast, this was the issue for it, as the intrepid Cycle World road testers sampled everything from a six-cylinder superbike to a demonic motocrosser. Of Benelli’s revolutionary 750 Sei, the editors raved, “We can’t remember a machine that could light up the rear tire for such a distance.” Penton’s 250 Hare Scrambler earned a “for experts only” rating. Suzuki’s ill-handling TM400 MXer was termed “as yet, still untamed.” Even the seemingly sedate Moto Guzzi 850T Interceptor was said to have been designed “for the touring buff who can’t do without a sporting machine.” Serious, one and all.
• The CW staff has always strived to be good role models in terms of wearing protective apparel, and this issue’s cover photo of the Benelli was no exception. Except coverboy D.
Randy Riggs apparently forgot the gloves to go with his “Team Cycle World" leathers.
• Proof that all is not as we remember can be found in advertisements for bygone bikes like Benelli’s 65cc “Econocycle,” CZ’s street-going 125 and 175, HarleyDavidson’s on/off-road SR-100 and Suzuki’s RL-250 Exacta. The latter was aimed at the burgeoning trials market that never quite burgeoned in the Ü.S.
Speaking of ads, a moment of silence please for the ubiquitous Norton girl, who was suddenly and sadly absent from her familiar spot on the inside front cover. Another fine tradition brought to a premature end? -Brian Catterson
