25 Years Ago December, 1980
25 YEARS AGO DECEMBER, 1980
The Yamaha XV920R coverbike was well received by mag-men of the day, but not by the general public as it never really caught on. The enclosed chain, rear-tire-hugging fender and large headlight gave a Euro-flare to the Yamaha V-Twin. Back in the day, CW Chief David Edwards even bought one with intent to roadrace it, but ultimately opted for a lighter, more track-worthy Kawasaki EX500.
• Roundup previewed new offerings for 1981 such as the unmistakably styled Suzuki Katana 1100. Yamaha’s quarter-faired Seca 750 looked good in red and white, while yellow-andblack livery graced the first waterpumping YZ125 motocrosser.
• On the ad side, Hella said its lights “took the slowdown out of sundown.” You have to love the old slogans.
• There was no need for Hella lamps in the travel story, “Land of the Midnight Run.” Late millionaire motorcycle enthusiast Malcolm Forbes and company rode from Norway to the Artie Circle during summer’s midnight daylight.
• The Moto Morini 3!4 received a full test, but bad carburetion, a grabby clutch and very little power held it to a 17.23-second quartermile run. Its 115-foot 60-0 braking distance was, however, exceptional.
• Better received was the Cagiva WMX125, which was billed as "Fast, light, well-made and outrageously expensive." The liquid-cooled tiddler had an alloy swingarm and twin air shocks, plus a trick perforated front numberplate to let the radiator breathe, all for a heart-stopping $2295, nearly double the price of Japanese 125s. -Mark Cernicky
