25 Years Ago December, 1982

25 YEARS AGO DECEMBER, 1982

ROUNDUP

A prototype Honda V45 Interceptor graced the cover of this issue, with editors granted an exclusive early ride of the innovative new sportbike. The 750cc V-Four machine was designed with the intent to race, as the AMA had reduced maximum Superbike displacement from 1000cc for the 1983 season. Editors said the new bike was “hard to fault” and claimed the forthcoming streetbike would “boldly go where only racebikes have gone before.”

• Other new-for-’83 models were showcased from Harley-Davidson and Can-Am, with everything from fulldress touring models to a 250 Grand Prix racer; you can guess who made the respective bikes.

• A full test on Kawasaki’s KZ1100 proved that there is no replacement for displacement with its four-cylinder torque monster of an engine leaving quite a positive impression.

• America’s first 250cc Motocross World Champion, Danny LaPorte, was featured is this issue, fresh off of taking the title. The 25-year-old had been the U.S. 500cc champ in '79 but struggled throughout the next two seasons. The move to Europe was apparently the right decision as he won the title in his rookie year.

• LaPorte may have been the first 250cc champ, but it was Brad Lackey who had scored the first-ever world title for an American motocrosser with his 500cc victory. Test Editor Ron Griewe had the chance to ride one of Lackey’s factory Suzuki RN500s.

The only production pieces on the entire bike were the front exhaust-pipe hanger and the Full Floater decals on the swingarm!

Blake Conner