Intake

Intake

KICKSTART THE CONVERSATION

TREASURES -> PULITZERS -> PACE 2.0 -> SCOOTERS -> PARENTAL CONSENT

I REALLY ENJOYED “TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE” IN THE AUGUST ISSUE. I LIKE SEEING INDIVIDUAL RANKINGS OF BIKES. ALSO, TIME GIVEN TO INDIVIDUAL SUPERBIKE DAILYDRIVER QUALITIES, WHICH IS WHAT REALLY MATTERS TO 99.9 PERCENT OF US, RACER FANTASIES ASIDE.

JOHN G. GRIFFIN PINNACLE, NORTH CAROLINA

BOTTOM LINE

In response to “Treasure of the Sierra Madre,” I realize that performance encompasses more than just horsepower numbers, but dividing cost by horsepower numbers is very interesting. The cheapest horsepower is the BMW S1000RR, at $84 per. The most expensive turned out to be the Honda CBR600RR! It is hard to deny that the BMW, the most technological and powerful bike in the lineup, isn’t a fantastic value. Yes, I want one.

MIKE BROWNE ORANGE, CALIFORNIA

PULITZERS FOR EVERYBODY!

The only difference between Peter Egan and Dave Barry is that Dave has a Pulitzer Prize and Peter doesn’t, and that Dave’s hilarious insights into human nature reach a wider audience. Egan’s insights only speak to us motorcycle maniacs. Too bad so few of us are on the Pulitzer Prize Board of Governors. Good luck with that, Mr. Egan.

GREG PAPPAS PLYMOUTH, MICHIGAN

Don’t forget the car nuts Egan speaks to in Road & Track.

PACE 2.0

I got more clarity on riding and cornering from his article than I have from a few trackday schools and books by a famous expert. The information he provides on braking and cornering and how a compressed fork aids in cornering is invaluable. Thank you!

Nick Ienatsch deserves a Pulitzer Prize for motojournalism (“The Pace 2.0,” August).

BARRY KRIVISKY DIX HILLS, NEW YORK

EIC HOYER

Regarding Mark Hoyer’s “Long-Ride Essentials," (Up Front, August), I would also suggest carrying two good quality hemostats in addition to a tourniquet. They can be applied quicker, offer site-specific applications and, in the case of self-use, only require one-hand operation. Also, a tube of Super Glue to close cuts, etc.

GARY TUCKER SUGAR LAND, TEXAS

What? Hemostats have a medical application?!

JAMIE E.

Terrific reading and thought-provoking work. Cycle World, you done good when you hired Jamie Elvidge!

KEITH INGRAM CLOVIS, NEW MEXICO

Cancel my subscription. I can’t understand your new format; it is awful. As soon as I saw Jamie Elvidge’s name, I closed the cover and threw the mag in the recycling bin where it belongs. It is garbage.

STEVE FIORINI GILFORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE

Just like you to throw garbage in the recycling bin, Fiorini.

BREAKTHROUGH

Either Cycle World really did just improve or I did: I just got through an entire Kevin Cameron column and understood it!

OUENTIN SMELZER MONROE, CONNECTICUT

IT GUY

I just got the August print issue and I’m having technical difficulties with it. I keep clicking on the thumbnail photos of the bikes, but they don’t enlarge so that you can actually see them. You might want to look into this.

TOM MARTIN BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA

DON’T CALL IT A SCOOTER, DAMMIT...

I’ll be 84 in two weeks and have had 30plus motorcycles in the last 60 years. With my wife in a nursing home, the ST1300 wasn’t practical for grocery shopping or trips to the home, so with deep regret, I bought a scooter. Damn, I hate that name “scooter.” It’s a Burgman 650CC Executive!

It took me 10 minutes to get used to it, and I’m happy as a clam.

I won’t be around to see it, but 10 years from now, people will move from shifting to automatic just like it happened in cars. I’ve gotten an additional six years of great riding even if my son calls it a “girlie bike.”

CHARLIE MILLER WAUKESHA, WISCONSIN

They’re never too old for a good old-fashioned spanking, Charlie. Godspeed, buddy!

CONSPICUOUSLY ABSENT

In your Ride Smart story (“Conspicuity,” August), you could have also mentioned that slowing or stopping in the middle of a lane is becoming increasingly dangerous in this era of texting while driving. My suggestion: Always give the driver behind you a place to go to avoid hitting you.

Never stop in the middle of a lane!

DAVID WAYNE EDWARDS JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA

PARENTAL CONSENT

Being from Egan’s generation, I, too, had to wage a battle with my parents to get my first motorcycle, a 1967 Kawasaki 120 (“The Parental Consent Form,” Leanings, August). Their argument had nothing to do with safety. They were convinced I was going to join the Hells Angels. I reversed the trend and bought my son a motorcycle when he was able to ride a bicycle, and he’s been hooked ever since. Thanks for the memories!

JIMHERSHEY ISSAOUAH, WASHINGTON

I was lucky to have understanding parents. About 1968,1 was saving my lawnmowing money so I could rent a Yamaha 60 for four hours. My Dad would rent it and I would ride around an elementary school parking lot on Saturday. I wasn’t old enough to have a license, but they knew I had the bug. Now, I’m 60 and have a ZZR1200, ZRX1200 and an SV1000S in the garage. My folks are gone but their guidance remains.

VICTOR JIANNINE ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

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