Intake

Intake

I think your “Making It” comparison test of adventure bikes didn’t quite “make it” for me. If your comparison was directed toward something not as expensive and lightweight, then why didn’t you include the BMW F800 or the Triumph Tiger 800 instead? Most of these big bikes will never get off road much more than a hard-packed gravel anyway. The adventure bike market is popular now

because a lot of us like the big-bike performance, long-travel suspension, and the upright seat/ride position. I still want some horsepower but don’t need the latest GSX-R, nor do I need to go that fast! As for the expert-level KTM, I’ll take one. A better bike can make a better rider. KTM 1290 Super Adventure for me.

DENNIS KALTHOFF COLD SPRING, MN

BOLDLY WE MARCH INTO 1975

I just read about Peter Egan selling off his Norton Commando and buying a new Triumph because the Commando did not have an E-start button. I would like to tell him that in 1975 the 850 Commando came with electric start that works very well. There is also a retrofit system for his 1974. He is going to miss the Norton.

GEORGE GOULD GALVESTON, TX

George, thanks for the tip. Please see page 46 to

read how little Egan is missing his Commando.

LOVES REGULARITY

Not that you’ve been totally gone, but a promise of regularity is a good thing for me, as years advance.

I’ve also enjoyed riding the Buell Ulysses, though my favorite of the Sportster-engined models is the tubeframe Lightning.

But, for the love of god, at least get an Alton-France electric-starter conversion for your Commando. Would also suggest a single-Mikuni carb conversion...

Dammit, I just read the jump page on the column where Egan says he sold the Norton. “If ’twere done, ’twere best done quickly.” Pass the starter/carb advice on to the new owner—time comes for us all.

You’ll enjoy the new Bonneville. Still haven’t forgiven you for selling the Lotus Elan.

RUSSELL BUONASERA HOUSTON, TX

MILWAUKEE 8 THE HEAT

Love the “Milwaukee-Eight” article. It was very well written. After reading how smooth the engine is and with the elimination of the heat, I feel like I just need to buy a car and take the windshield out. Just hope Harley doesn’t forget where it came from and who got them there.

HERB GASKIN CYCLEWORLD.COM

Herb, it’s true, a nice Shovelhead will make you feel truly alive.

Reading through the Milwaukee-Eight article by Kevin Cameron, I started to wonder about the lack of valve adjustment. If one tubular rocker actuates two valves, how do they plan to allow for differences in seating height of the individual valves and differences in component wear rates with apparently no adjustment method for the individual valves? Maybe their materials engineering and manufacturing processes are predictable enough that it is not a concern?

LYLE MATHER CALGARY, CANADA

Yes, Harley-Davidson says that seat and valve material are such that deviation in wear between the paired valves on the single rocker will not be an issue.

Comments? Suggestions? Criticisms? Write us at intake@cycleworld.com.