Hotshots
HOTSHOTS
Dim Daytona
Just read David Edwards’ “Daytona, Dimming” column in the June issue and must agree. I live in Jacksonville, Florida, only 90 minutes from the track (unless I ride my Suzuki SV650, then it’s either 70 minutes or 350 minutes, depending on my mood). I go to Bike Week (actually I now spend most of my time in nearby Deland with its more interesting collection of classic motorcycles), but have not been to the track for several years. Racing there has become like Formula One in that it is merely a fast freight train with the winner already known, unless he breaks down or crashes.
Norman Stringfield Jacksonville, Florida
I would first like to thank you for a great mag. The Internet is a good place to keep up on daily news, but it lacks the depth and understanding of our sport that Cycle World brings to the table. Your insights and suggestions are always great brain food. The recent addition of a few more girly shots here and there is a welcome addition, too (sorry Mom).
Now to the heart of the matter: David Edwards’ negative remarks about Daytona International Speedway seemed pretty harsh. As far as getting the FIM and AMA to co-sanction the race, these are for-profit companies and would balk at the thought of splitting the sanctioning fees and rule reconciliation. If you were the AMA, would you want to share your biggest spotlight with another sanctioning body? No! Who would pay all the increased fees and travel expenses for the European riders? And jumbo TVs at $40,000 per? I would love that, but they are not economically feasible for a track with halfempty bleachers.
As for reprimanding Jim France publicly, good grief! The guy rides to work more days than not, his company was the only promoter that didn’t sell out to Clear Channel when they gobbled up every race with “cross” in the title, and when the big showdown between the AMA and Clear Channel went down (don’t get me started on this one), it was France who stood by the AMA, alone. I heard him say once regarding the Daytona Supercross, “The fans need to know that the sun will rise in the morning, and there will be a race at Daytona.” Now that is a quote worth publishing, and demonstrates his commitment to motorcycling as a whole. Cut the guy a little slack, he’s done pretty good by us so far.
Greg Gimbert Daytona Beach, Florida
No one here doubts Mr. France ’s commitment to motorcycling; it has been previously documented on these pages. The point of the column is that between the AMA and Daytona International Speedway, something drastic needs doing if the 200 is to stand a chance of regaining the prestige it once had.
Burns returns...
Thank you very much for providing a platform for the prodigal “Burnsie” (“Riding with the James Gang,” CW, June). When I realized he had left that second-rate rag I’d been forced to subscribe to (sub cancellation sent 10 days ago), I could only hope he would land back at Cycle World. Any chance he might reprise his “Bitter Fittle Man” column? Either way, I thank you for compiling the best minds in motorcycle publications available today. I have long been a fan of Egan (two wheels or four); Cameron manages to explain physics so even I can understand them; Edwards’ column is always refreshing. Nick “Chainsnatch,” Girdler, Canet, et al. You have indeed assembled a formidable cast. I am presently signed up through 2004; do you offer a “lifetime” option?
Henry Dunn Phoenix, Arizona
I subscribe to all the major motorcycle magazines. You guys have always been one of my favorites, but there has been a little something missing over the years. Dare I say...a little attitude? Well, much to my surprise, I was delighted to read “Riding with the James Gang” by none other than John Burns. Instant attitude!!!
Michael Smuck Westwood, California
I like Burns’ style of writing. He comes across as honest and human. No pretense that he’s a GP racer or too-coolfor-you outlaw custom guy just because he’s writing about them. Jesse James’ suicide-clutch, hand-shift chopper was way more macho than him, and Burns freely admitted it. Reuben Clamzo
Posted on www.cycleworld.com >
Great move, snagging the “Bitter Little Man.” Now I don’t have an excuse to read Motorcyclist. Brad Nash
Clermont, Georgia
I’m glad to see the Mark Twain of motojournalists return to the fold! I think John Burns’ blend of motorcycles and humor is about the best in the business, and I look forward to his work under the CW banner. Steve Fowler
Reynoldsburg, Ohio
I see you’ve got a piece by John Burns in your latest issue. Good job. I just hope he’s a permanent addition.
Gordon Duffy Sherman Oaks, California
I was recently very distraught with one of your nameless competitors after noticing the conspicuous absence of one John P. Bums. His were the first articles I read every month and then, poof, he was gone, no forwarding address available. Then, going through this month’s edition of CW, there he was, sitting on one of Jesse James’ latest creations! Burns has the guts to say things that the rest of us just keep to ourselves and giggle about quietly. Burns is Da Man! Long may he rave! John Sabine
Columbia, Mississippi
Return Burns...
Sorry to hear of Burns’ arrival at your great maga zine. At Motorcyclist he was the Andy Rooney of moto-journalism, someone who just bitches a lot-truly a bitter little man. I won’t presume to run your business, I’m just casting my vote. Maybe hangin’ out with you guys will smooth him out some. I look forward to every issue, with or without his contributions. John Burrows
Indianapolis, Indiana
I don’t really care for Burns’ writing style. It’s too ...familiar. I don’t know him, he’s not my friend, so why does he write like he’s jotting down a phone message for a buddy? watergap
Posted on www.cycleworld.com
Chop shop
Yes, Jesse James and his gang are real tough guys. Hey, John Burns, I’m glad you missed his last Discovery Channel special, because the seat flew off the bike $ you were riding, they r blew the engine on another bike on the way to Sturgis, another didn’t even make the 600-mile break-in period. But thank God their chase van was close by with mechanics, tools and spare parts. No wonder you have to be a millionaire to own one of his bikes-you need a whole pit crew to follow you around! Lee Alvarez
North Las Vegas, Nevada
Finally! The mainstream motorcycle press has gotten wind of Jesse James’ amazing creations! I have been a diehard West Coast Choppers fan ever since seeing his first Camel bike, and have been trying to figure out a legal way to come up with an extra $75K to afford one of his totally amazing works of motor art. Jesse’s designs push the limits of technology and yet hearken back to the grand old days of twowheeled adventure. I can only imagine the thrill of riding a jockey-shift hardtail from Long Beach to Sturgis, and living to tell about it! Lee Metz
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Ninja Road King
To David Edwards: That’s the problem with press intros. You go to exotic places, ride magnificent machines at someone else’s expense, but if you make a mistake, there are witnesses who have their own magazines.
I enjoyed your recounting of our ZX12R romp down the Pacific Coast Highway (“Bullet Train,” CW, May). Yes, my technique was a little ragged. I made a deal with the devil 30 years ago. I got to work for Playboy, but I had to live in the Midwest. It’s a long way to the long and winding road. Whenever I see that road sign just south of Carmel, the one that says “Curves and Hills Next 63 miles,” I have to remind myself what those terms mean. Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive used to have a bend, but it proved too much for the corner-impaired locals. The government spent millions to straighten the road. The nearest twisties are somewhere up around where that Egan guy lives.
As for braking technique, mine can be explained simply: I slow down for turns. And while I freely admit to “romping” into the Kawasaki’s throttle, and smiled at your inference that my corner exits were “king,” I have to call attention to your own abilities. At some point on that stretch, you passed me. When I came around the next corner, you were nowhere to be seen. Not diving into the low switchback down at creek level. Not climbing the rise on the flank of the hill facing me. Not rounding the far corner, or any of the successive corners visible in the distance. I thought you might have gone off the road, into the Pacific. The day being what it was, I didn’t stop to investigate.
When the group stopped for lunch near Hearst Castle, I again noted your absence, and expressed my concern. The group, comprised of guys who ride with you all the time, assured me that you were already back in Los Angeles.
Who was King? Jim Petersen
Playboy Magazine
In the groove
Thank you for the great article on Richard Pollock’s “Blue Groove” Yamaha 650 street-tracker (“American Fly> ers,” May). Not only is Richard an artist and craftsman, he also sends a very important message to all of us through the bikes he builds. He takes us back to a simpler time, and reminds us that motorcycling before anything else is to be fun.
Hats off to Cycle World for exposing us to Pollock’s imagination and playfulness. I just wish you could have been there the day he took his 125 Penton ISDT bike to an Ontario roadrace. He won the 125cc Production class, loaded the bike in the truck and headed to the Elsinore TT the same night, where-same bike, same tires-he won his class. Like I said, fun. Bruce Kochsmeier
Carson City, Nevada
Mountain biking
I’m a photojoumalist and producer with NBC News in San Diego. Recently, I produced a special report about sportbike riding on Palomar Mountain, east of San Diego. Like many other twisty two-lane backroads, the south grade of Palomar is a favorite with weekend riders. The problem is the same old stalemate: tree-huggers vs. loud and fast sportbikers. After the story aired, I got hate mail from both sides. The campers felt I romanticized the motorcyclists, and the riders felt I made them look reckless.
The point missed is that if the .« riders don’t find a way to A make peace with the locals, T they will organize and try to take away the privilege of motorcycling on the mountain. This is a battle that all motorcyclists should be worried about. The clock is ticking... Frank Laird San Diego, California
3 × H-D?
I kind of enjoyed the thrust of June’s “3 x 3” all-comparison issue, but do not understand how a manufacturer (Harley-Davidson) that sells over 200,000 bikes per year fails to have a single model that makes it to the list of the 18 bikes tested. I did find the closing comment of the “EuroCruisers” comparo interesting, in that you say they pose “little threat to Harley’s market position.” Let’s see more on the bikes that have that position. They have it for a reason.
Jay Kelley Lake Lure, North Carolina
Plywood Flyer
As you can see, I am currently deployed to the Middle East, and haven’t seen my motorcycle in quite some time. So I built my own, and this is the finished product. It weighs-in at less than 50 pounds. Quarter-mile results are pretty slow, considering
that I have to carry the bike. A couple of trips to the base treadmill should help drop the time! Thanks for the great articles and information.
S. Sgt. Daniel C. Smith U.S. Army
Love letter
The beautiful woman on the June cover and table of contents took my breath away. 1) Who is she; and 2) when can we expect to see more of her?
Michael Sweet
Posted on www.cycleworld.com
1) Our June trophy girl is model/actress Angela Fratto; and 2) in your dreams, Michael.
Secrets of Extreme Street
Why are extreme streetbikers always lampooned by older riders as a bunch of fools? Because they don’t have beer guts? Because they aren’t dressed in black and covered with embroidered patches? Because they aren’t traveling in packs down the highway, top speed 55 mph? Or is it because they get all the young, hot women. I think so.
Chris Dunk
Salem, New Jersey
Just don’t let us catch you sniffing around our trophy girl, Dink... er, Dunk. □
