25 Years Ago April, 1979
25 YEARS AGO APRIL, 1979
This issue was tailored for the touring set, as evidenced by the coverbike, a Kawasaki KZ1300 outfitted with Vetter Windjammer fairing and hard saddlebags. Along with a full road test of the formidable Six in standard trim, an entire section, seven articles in all, was dedicated to long-distance two-wheel travel, including a comprehensive fourpage evaluation of the aforementioned Vetter accessories.
• The lead-in to a road test of Suzuki’s GS750 read, “The competition has had three years to catch up, but the GS is still the best 750.” Sounds familiar, at least to anyone who has paid attention to the impressive run Suzuki’s current-day GSX-R1000 has enjoyed atop the performance charts.
• One of the longest stories in this nearly 200-page issue was “The Professional,” Barry Coleman’s indepth look into the riding skill and strength of character that helped Kenny Roberts claim the first of three-consecutive 500cc Grand Prix titles. The subtitle summed it up best: “Roberts is cool, analytical, confident, friendly and a mean bastard...a real world champion.” The man who would later be dubbed “King” was already well on his way to creating a racing dynasty unlike any the sport had ever seen.
• My personal favorite came from the New Ideas section: “How about an exhaust with a pipe and muffler for each cylinder for that Honda Six?” asked Denco. Strikes me as a sweet-sounding idea.
-Don Canet
