25 Years Ago May, 1980
25 YEARS AGO MAY, 1980
ROUNDUP
The full-rig touring class had bloomed by the beginning of the 1980s, and the cover this month a quarter-century ago reflected the trend:
“Six Ways to Go the Distance.” Inside was an elaborate comparison test featuring the BMW R100T, Honda Gold Wing GL1100, Harley-Davidson FLT-80, Kawasaki KZ1000, Suzuki GS850 and Yamaha XS1100. As ever, the Gold Wing topped the heap.
Long-distance bike travel was further highlighted in a feature that described group European tours offered back in the day.
Average cost was $1500-$2000, and according to the story there were only about six motorcycle-tour operators in business at the time.
On the final touring front, there was even a story on the “Art of Passengering” that described the joys and hazards of riding secondseat, particularly if the pilot was ignoring your suggestions about road or bike hazards. To wit: “Pull over! We’re in flames!" said the author. The touring Triumph in question leaked oil and a rag used to stave the flow had caught fire while underway.
Dirtbikers found relief from all the fairings and top trunks with a test of the Honda CR125R. “News Flash: Honda discovers the 21-inch front tire,” it read. The previous model had a 23-incher up front, and there were nothing but raves about the 1980 version’s smaller hoop, not to mention the rest of the package. MSRP on the twin-shock Elsinore? Just $1329. If only I'd had a job when I was 11...
-Mark Hoyer
