25 Years Ago August, 1975

25 YEARS AGO AUGUST, 1975

ROUNDUP

Cycle World traditionally has presented a microcosm of motorcycling in every issue, and this edition was no exception. Road tests ran the gamut from a streetbike to a dirt-tracker to an enduro to a motocrosser. Editors enjoyed the Honda CB550 Super Sport’s “ponycar” approach to midsized performance; said there was “no question” the Bultaco 360 Astro could win short-track races; acknowledged that the Montesa 250 Enduro “required fiddling”; and christened the Yamaha YZC125 monoshocker “the best Japanese 125 motocrosser currently available.”

• Competition coverage was no less diverse, with everything from motocross and roadrace reports to a Can-Am desert-racing project and a trials-riding-technique feature. It was a proud time for Americans, as Kenny Roberts led the Yanks to victory over the Brits in the Transatlantic Match Races, and Jim Pomeroy won a moto in the Belgian 250cc Grand Prix.

• Meanwhile, closer to home, a product evaluation introduced readers to a man who would figure prominently in CW lore. Without a big-bore desert rig on which to test a set of Red Wing shocks, the editors borrowed a Husky 400 from racer Ron Griewe. Soon after, “The Ogre” joined the staff, and stayed until he was replaced by Jimmy Lewis in 1993.

• Less positive was the ad for the Posi-Stop linked-braking system. “No time is lost reaching for the front hand brake lever in emergency situations,” proclaimed the copy. Thankfully, the concept never caught on. Not yet, anyway...

Brian Catterson