Hot Shots

HOT SHOTS

A polarizing subject

Great article by Steve Anderson on the current state of electric motorcycle technology and cost (“Electric Motorcycles,” April, 2011). Based on Steve’s insights, we can see that for an electric motorcycle to have both performance and range similar to that of the new Honda CBR250R, the e-bike would weigh over 550 pounds, cost over $20,000 and require 20 hours to recharge using the 110-volt outlet in your garage. I think I’ll stick with the 337lb., $3999 Honda (which I can fill up in five minutes) and check back in about five years to see how e-bikes are coming along. Gary Brush Houston, Texas

I was really happy to see you featuring elmotos (as we call them). While the piece was pretty balanced, it was defi nitely discouraging. Most of all, I think it missed the point. Here's an example: Comparing the weight of gas to the weight of batter ies isn't really that useful. You have to look at the weight of the whole system. This simple gas-to-batteries comparison only serves as a way of highlighting that electrics are still way, way off from ICE bikes. And, with all due respect, that is the problem with the whole article. It's all about comparing elmotos and ICEs. Last year, CWhad a piece about the Falcon Kestrel (October, 2010). How fast and far does it go? Not a word about that in the article-it was (rightly) all about the ingenuity, creativity and passion that went into the build. The Kestrel is a thing of beauty to those who

appreciate it for what it is. You'd never compare it to a GSX-R750 or a Speed Triple; if you did, people would correct ly point out that you just didn't get it. So, here's my suggestion for your next article: Get up to speed on what really motivates our movement (and it is a movement). Sure, we love to see Chip Yates put it to ICE bikes, and if the Mission R ever makes it to production we'll be ecstatic. But that's not really what drives us. I hope you'll see that the heart and soul of an electric motorcycle isn't the batteries. It's the history, the challenge and, most of all, the people. Noah Podoletsky Boulder, Colorado

Noah, Steve Anderson did compare the weight of the "whole system," stating that it would bepossiblefor an entire electric powertrain to match or be slightly heavier than sportbike or racing engines, fyou only include a gallon of gasoline energy capacity. We stated the d~(ferences between ICE and electric motorcycles be cause they actually are still way, way off Hey guys! I think Steve Anderson forgot one word in the title of his feature ar ticle in the April issue. It should've been "Electric Motorcycles Suck." Oh, and they're ugly, too, especially that Chip Yates/S WIGZ machine. Will Allen Brentwood, Tennessee

Another plug

The moto gods are a fickle bunch. They created the Honda Cub 90 step-through in order to save the world (and almost did). But then they created the Ri, GasGas, West Coast Chopper, VMax, Rokon and even a Monster. Why? Not because we really needed any of them, but because they keep life interesting. I remember a time when Cycle World was hip to the chopper craze-and no one needed to ra tionalize those bikes based on practicality or range. Perhaps you are missing the point of why some people like electric bikes. Maybe you should test a high-per formance electric bike based on fun fac tor alone. We offer our Moto-Electra Racing bike. It will go over 130 mph and, with Thad Wolff in the saddle, won the first-ever officially sanctioned Gas vs. Electric race at Barber Motorsports Park

on October 9, 2010, in front of a recordsetting crowd (sorry, Chip). Cycle World can have our pride and joy to wring out until she busts her Zener diode, but on one condition-you must do it in the name of fun! No men tion of fossil fuel, range or practicality, just describe the smiles per mile. Brian Richardson Moto Electra Racing Blue Grass, Virginia

Art critic

Interesting article regarding the CBR25OR ("Kawasaki Ninja 250R vs. Honda CBR25OR, April, 2011). I wonder what it looks like? Kent Wieland Lansing, Michigan Kent, here is the lead spread to the three-page riding impression of the

CBR25OR in the March issue since we are guessing you missed it. The author states in the 250 streetbike shootout article that the Ninja 250R engine "runs without a balancer." If

that's the case, then what is Kawasaki part number 13234-0039 (Shaft-Comp, Balancer) doing inside the engine case of the 2011 Ninja 250R illustrated parts listing? GregZ Posted on forums. cycleworid. com Our bad, GZ. The Ninja 250R does in deed run a balance shaft.

Seeking credit

A few year~tgo, you guys published a letter from me advising then-struggling Ducati to dump its designer, drop the 999 and replace it with a sportbike based on the MotoGP beauty, redesign the Multistrada and, most controver sially, offer a unique cruiser. I wonder which million-dollar consultant read my letter? And not even a thank you! William Mostow Phoenix, Arizona

Nobody forgets when you `re wrong and nobody remembers when you `re rightE. Knievel.

Leading with a smile

Barry Hathaway's "Cannonball!" (March, 2011) was the best piece I've consumed in several years. Thanks for giving it the space it deserved. I am, however, writing to take exception to Allan Girdler's Vaquero review, in which he defends identity theft (Harley copies) as progress. No, I am not a Harley owner, unless you include my Buell 1 125R, and, yes, I have owned many Japanese bikes. Victory, Triumph, Moto Guzzi, Ducati and even BMW have made cruisers and retro-bikes without copying H-D; in fact, they did so while purposely and proudly maintaining their own identity in the process. It's probably too subjec tive to be illegal, but trying their best to look like another brand is wrong and

underhanded on so many levels. Okay, rant done. Thanks for a great magazine. I especially appreciate Don Canet's brutal honesty while evaluating bikes. Wayne Wittrock Anchorage, Alaska

Liked the pancakes

I like what Peter Egan writes, but his "Catalina Grand Prix" (April, 2011) missed it. This was not the Catalina Grand Prix, but a motocross run on Catalina Island! I knew the Catalina Grand Prix and this was not it! The real one started in the city, raced through the city and was largely fire-roading. Racing across the golf course was a great sight! I was there in the mid-Fif ties, twice. The new course was a full on motocross track. It would've been hard for anyone to navigate on a bike with relatively smooth tires and three inches of suspension travel. Like the Isle of Man, this race should have been run as intended or not at all. History should not be changed! All the vintage guys should get a full refund for this scam. Peter, the pancakes at the airport were great, too. Stan Burak Lake St. Louis, Missouri

I enjoyed reading Peter Egan's Catalina GP story. What caught my eye was the battle for first in the highly contested Senior 250cc Intermediate race between Cycle World's own Mark Cernicky and Ed Paulsen. Egan implied that Mark, being on a brand-new motorcycle that

he had never ridden before, had some type of handicap. Ed also was on a new bike. Well, at least new to him-a clapped-out, 15-year-old CR25OR he just paid 200 bucks for. Actually, Ed invested a few additional dollars buying a set of inexpensive plastic (sans graph ics) to spruce up the Honda. Most likely, without the plastic facelift, the bike wouldn't have been allowed on the ferry. Please promise to be kind to my club member Ed, as he isn't aware he's racing aroach. Jeff Heine Four Aces MC Camarillo, California

The Daytona 148?

After many years of reading about it in Cycle World, I finally had the chance to attend the legendary Daytona 148. No, that is not a typo. The race was stopped for over an hour and shortened by 15 laps in perfect weather conditions so teams could make a mandated tire change at the 27th lap. Then it was red flagged again on the restart when a bike left oil on pit row and there was a minor crash in Turn 1. The trackside announc ers seemed as confused as the fans, and there appeared to be no sense of

urgency in getting the race restarted af ter either red flag. Only the AMA could take the inherently exciting activity of riding bikes elbow-to-elbow at 160 mph and make it an exercise in tedium. I have been to many AMA roadraces at several tracks, but I won't go to another one until they make rules changes that ensure a decent product for the fans. And don't even ask about the music played over the PA during the delay! "I Can't Fight this Feeling"? Are we at Senior Prom?! Good grief Larry Clagett Greensboro, North Carolina

For insight into the situation at the Speedway, see "Road to Daytona," by Kevin Cameron (p. 114).

Couples therapy

I coukf hardly believe what I was read ing-apparently, you guys are working old Kevin a bit too hard lately. April's TDC ("Coupling to the Load"), in which Professor Cameron discussed the virtues of continuously variable transmissions, stated that "this transmission allowed the engine to operate constantly at its rpm of maximum torque so that vehicle

acceleration was also maximum." There were a couple of other slip-ups, too, again referring to the notion that maxi mum vehicle acceleration is obtained while holding the engine at the rpm at which maximum torque is produced. As any textbook on the matter will reveal, it is actually peak power that defines vehicle acceleration potential. And of course, anyone who's ever made a pass down a dragstrip will attest to that fact, too. Is this some clumsy attempt at an April Fool's joke? George Szappanos Mentor, Ohio

Kevin Cameron responds: Sorry, folks. This is what ’s known as a mistake. Clearly, whatever adds energy to the vehicle at the greatest rate causes it to accelerate at the greatest rate. That is achieved by holding the engine at its peak rate of energy production, which is peak power.

I was so engrossed in Kevin Cameron’s last column, I burned the quinoa. Again. During that annoying cruiser craze, there were entire CW issues with no content of even moderate interest to me except for your ever-fascinating column.

I may not understand everything you write, but I have a wonderful time try ing. I'm glad the rest of the magazine is rising back up to meet your level. I just have to remember to put your colunm down before turning on the stove. Cheryl Stewart New York, New York

Sarcasm (lost on us)

I am writing this letter in referen~'e to your April issue. I was wondering if there were the possibility of depicting more photographs of motorcyclists pull ing wheelies. I honestly feel that you do not exhibit enough coverage of bikes with their front wheels in the air. I am deeply fascinated by this concept and would love to see as many pics as possible. I just cannot seem to get enough of this wonderful exhibition. It is absolutely amazing, and I think very beneficial for motorcycling, not to men tion for mankind. GM New York, New York

GM, we understand your desire and hope you aren `t hurt by our shift in em phasis this month (seep. 70).

Tool Time

FedEx just delivered two metric sets of Wiha ball-driver hex keys as reviewed by Paul Dean (Service, April). I’m a machinist and spin hex keys a lot. I own several sets (Bondhus, which are very good in their own right), both inch and metric. I keep sets all over the shop and even in my apron pocket. I’ve dealt with rotating wrenches so I could access smaller keys for a very long time, always thinking how crazy it

was, but it is nice to keep the wrenches in order and be able to quickly see if one’s missing.

Paul is right: This setup is super cool and a great solution to a problem I knew I had but did nothing about. Thank you very much for bringing this product to my attention. I wonder when they will sell an inch version. I gotta have them!

Walter Lassy Terryville, Connecticut

Topic A

Great mag, but what’s up with the advertising? Prevail Sport—Men’s Swimwear, Underwear & Thongs. Thongs? Are you kidding me? Adam

& Eve-Adult products & novelties. Increase your sex appeal scientifically! (Athena Institute). Larger Size, Permanent penis enlargement (Avid Pro Medical).

Viagra, Levitra, Cialis (Via Medic).

I guess the ad for Cigars (Thompsons) is okay but is still a little out there for a cycle mag. Okay, so the economy is bad. Can we expect ads for Escort Services in the near future? Walt ClOlidt

Richmond, Virginia

Check your local paper for those, Walt.

I just don’t understand why you have some of the ads that you do. For example, being a traditionally married (PC way of saying married to a woman) middle-aged guy, I don’t understand why you would place an ad of a guy in a pretty small and I can only imagine God awfully uncomfortable pair of “shorts.” Thong underwear for men? All this time I thought I was your target market. With that said, there are a few other ads referencing adult products, increasing your size and how to chemically alter your ability to attract women. By no means am I a prude, but this magazine has been proudly placed on my coffee table for all to see. If my 87-year-old grandmother decided to pick up my Cycle World, I wonder what she would think. With ads like the ones you’re running now, Cycle World will be stuffed away/ tossed when finished. Bummer.

Craig Saxe

Tucson, Arizona

How does Granny react to the Viagra commercials during the evening news? We hate to break it to you, but she probably knows all about sex. Anyway, there ’s an important lesson here: Print advertising works!

Correction: Contrary to what was published in “Four Helmets for the Road’’ (April, 2011), the HJCIS-MAXBT does have impact foam in its chinbar. □