Hotshots

HOTSHOTS

Dirty Dozen

“Hot-Rods & Hooligans” (October, 2006) was superlative! A dozen naked beasts, no-holds-barred riding and reviews; I can die and go to heaven right now. As the owner of a BMW Rockster, a 2005 Tuono and an on-the-way 2007 Tuono, I can say that naked is my way of life. H.T. Dang Rialto, California

An amazing spread of motorcycles, both in price and style. The Guzzi Griso was an interesting pick and one of my new favorites. I recently walked into my local dealer and was stunned by the looks of this bike. If Indian Larry were still with us, I believe this bike would meet his “gadget-as-beauty” standard. Great textures, great symmetry, lots of exposed mechanical stuff to look at again and again-whoa!

Lastly, where was the V-Max, the living legend of this category and still crazy after all these years? Throw some Progressive 440 IAS shocks on the rear and embarrass a bunch of the new riders who don’t know what this Frankenbike can do. S. Sinex

Everett, Washington

While every bike in the piece deserves to be there, it bothers me that the one naked bike that hit cult status was dropped from Kawasaki’s lineup last year. I’m referring to the Kawasaki ZRX. I own a 2000 ZRX1100 and have never had more fun on two wheels. Check out the ZRX Owners Association (www. zrxoa.org); there are about 7000 of us who just love our ZRX1100s and 1200s.

Jeff McDonald Jonesville, North Carolina

Great October edition, especially the “Hot-Rods & Hooligans” comparison. But I do not believe the 2006 Suzuki SV1000S can run a 10.76-second, 126-mph pass down a dragstrip. I assume the bike is bone stock. The only feasible way for that to happen is with Andrew Hines in the saddle or someone who weighs 110 pounds.

I have a 2005 SV1000S, and the best I can get is 11.24 at 121 mph. I’ve heard of modded ones running 11 flat, and SVs on nitrous running 10.3s. I do weigh around 190 pounds, though. Should I go on a diet?

Dave Tysdal

St. Bonifacius, Minnesota

Time to start counting calories, Dave. Our SV was pretty stout (112 rear-wheel hp) and had Don Canet (155 pounds) in the saddle.

Where’s the Suzuki 1200 Bandit? The bike does everything without any strain at all. The engine is bullet-proof, it’s big enough for real humans (not just micro racers and teens), has thoroughly competent suspension and is as reliable as gravity. What gives? Scott R. Walters London, Ontario, Canada

In the U.S., Scott, there was no such thing as a 2006 Bandit 1200. The model was discontinued, though as you can read in Roundup, that situation has been remedied for '07.

Troublesome rash

Just read Mark Cernicky’s brief article on the Kawasaki ZX-10R hooligan bike in the October issue (“Road-Rashed & Reborn”) and I am overjoyed that someone finally recognized the need for what many of us have desired for years: naked but undiluted versions of the most powerful Japanese sportbikes. I’m tired of being catered to with “tuned for midrange torque” bikes that are 100 pounds too heavy just to get a reasonable seating position and upright bars. Good corporate citizenship and fears of litigation went out the window with the advent of the Hayabusa and ZX-14, so let’s not use that as an excuse to avoid producing these real-world gems. I’ve been waiting for this bike for years; please let the manufacturers know that we want them and we want them now. I’ll be good. I promise. Bruce R. Meinsen Hamden, Connecticut

Whew! Thank you! It’s finally settled. Loud pipes do save lives and don’t risk rights. Or is that just for non-Harley riders? I guess I’m more mixed up than before I read Cernicky’s article about the naked ZX-10 with (almost) nonexistent mufflers. Can you clear it up, please? Pete Vera

Albuquerque, New Mexico

More confused after reading Cernicky? Hard to believe...

Joe’s Bike

Hats (or at least DOT-approved helmets) off to you, Mr. Edwards, for reminding us about the contribution made by the late Joe Parkhurst to motorcycle journalism (Up Front, October). The huge difference in the early Sixties between Cycle World and every other bike magazine then available is all too readily forgotten by readers who have come to take your editorial excellence for granted.

Paul Kleinpoppen St. Augustine, Florida >

David, I have just read your column on the restoration of Joe’s 125 Zundapp and visited the CW website for the additional photos. Your article was great, and I am truly thrilled that the Zundapp has been restored to its former glory. Joe would have been at Rick Doughty’s shop watching over each step of the way and reminiscing about the glory days of the ISDT!

The photos bring back many happy memories at 1812 Alaska St. and the day that the bike came down from the rafters. I was so scared it was going to crash! But with all the expertise there, of course, it didn’t.

Thanks again. Claire Parkhurst Sydney, Australia

Texas gusher

Kudos to Kevin Cameron on his Race Watch report about the Laguna Si USGP (“Hayden Beats the Heat,” October). Interesting, insightful, informative and very « , entertaining. The man knows ■ ~ his stuff and this piece was an excellent readj (Hope I didn’t gush too much.)

Mike Rigsby

Dallas. Tex^

In 2005, my wife and I went to the MotoGP at Laguna Seca and really enjoyed it, especially as Nicky won with Colin Edwards right behind him. Couldn’t make it this year, so watched it on TV Kevin Cameron’s print coverage was superb. I learned a lot about MotoGP bikes and what it takes for them to be competitive. Keep the good stuff coming!

Ken Schmidt Wichita, Kansas

Egan Across America Tour

I just finished Peter Egan’s column (“Time Travel,” October), and as usual I enjoyed it. My wife and I have recently started doá kVf!| ing touring, some light and llJiSi we’ve noted similar (high) prices for meals and lodging. We came to a different conclusion, however, preferring to stay in motels and eat in cafes rather than trying to lug food, cooking gear and camping supplies with us.

What surprised me about the column, however, was the implication that the Egans are less than fabulously wealthy. For some reason, I find this troubling. While I have certainly enjoyed Egan’s “everyman” writing style over the years,

I assumed that-as befits a superstar in the motorcycle journalism business-Cycle World paid Egan so handsomely that he and Barb were filthy rich. Now he writes that he doesn’t have the scratch to pursue an idyllic retirement riding motorcycles from town to town, dining in fine establishments and lodging in comfortable surroundings. Shame on you, CW, give this man a raise! Jeff Margrave Concord, California

Nice try, Peter The Madison, Wisconsin, postmark was a dead giveaway...

Editor-at-Large Egan seems too modest to embark on a “Mooch Tour” when he finally finds time to travel America on an extended basis. That said, I’m certain he and Barb would find willing hosts from coast to coast should they ever set out on that dream ride. Viewing Peter’s extensive readership as friends he has yet to meet may put him at ease. Should the Egans find themselves in the Pacific Northwest, I hope they give me a shout. We have great local beers and the riding is superb.

Dave Murray Beaverton, Oregon

Please let Mr. Egan know that he has a sailboat waiting for him at the South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee. It’s the least I can do for all the fun we’ve had at the Slimey Crud runs over the years.

Timm Rivette Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Army post

Mr. Egan, my name is David Vickers. I am a squad leader with A Company, l/506th Infantry, 101 st Airborne Division (AASLT). I am writing you from Ar-Ramadi, Iraq. Your books, Leanings and Leanings 2, and your Cycle World articles have helped keep my mind off the hardships that we face here. Your words express many of the same feelings that I feel for motorcycles and the freedom they give.

I’ve used some of my combat pay to buy a new Ducati GT1000 in silver and have spent many hours poring over maps, planning trips. I have one laid out with a fellow squad leader to go from Fort Campbell to Lynchburg, Tennessee, to pick up some single-barrel. From Lynchburg, it’s backroads into Birmingham, Alabama, with a stop at Barber Motorsports Park. After a night of BBQ and whiskey, we head to Memphis along the curviest roads we can find. In Memphis, we will immerse ourselves in blues, booze and more BBQ. The last day will have us finding the long way back to Fort Campbell.

There are many more trips planned. Again, thank you for the distraction. You will never know how much it helps.

David Vickers

U.S. Army, Ar-Ramadi, Iraq

Desperately seeking sound bite

The Vincati, oh my, what can I say? Another great piece of literature by Egan (“Rapide Transit,” CW, October). He may be getting gray, but he still has it right.

And I cannot thank you enough for the full-page Vincent engine picture, which is pure art. I absolutely salivate at the sight of a nicely done British vertical-Twin, but the Vincent... The only thing better would be a centerfold with a sound chip. Tom Hilsendeger

Puyallup, Washington

Playboy has the same problem, Tom. □