Intake

Intake

WHY BIG PIPES -> TOO MUCH TECH -> THAT EGAN -> BIKERIDERS

HÊEHSTHHT THE EOfíVEHSHTÈOn

The new Suzuki GSX-R1000 looks like an incredible bike: computerized, sophisticated, intelligent, and yet the monstrosity of an exhaust hangs on the side of the bike begging to have an aftermarket take its place. Is this a conspiracy between the bike and aftermarket companies? Haven’t the Japanese learned to hide their exhaust cans like the Italians?! Just wondering.

BRAD PAULEY ESCONDIDO, CA

Brad, the only conspiracy at work is meeting EPA noise requirements. Exhaust system cubic volume is your friend, and there are only so many places to put it. As a rule, large-volume manufacturers like Suzuki leave a lot of safety margin to noise limits.

DOWN WITH TECH?

Okay, you need Easy Start System (unable to hold start button while engine turns over?) and Low RPM Assist (haven’t learned how to leave a stop using a manual transmission?) and you think you have the capability to pilot this ungodly fast “racebike with lights”? Isn’t this obsession with electronic helpers going just a bit too far? Much of the joy in riding is the involvement with the machine and the satisfaction of mastering a skill. I once lowsided from adding a bit too much throttle while leaned over. Had my bike had electronics to prevent that I suppose I wouldn’t have the scratches on the bike or a sore knee today. But it was worth the trade. I learned something. Electronic assist would have robbed me of that. How many readers of this magazine have the skills to handle what the GSX-Riooo is engineered to attain? Be honest!

DANIEL PRUSAITIS POYNETTE, Wl

Honestly, Daniel, technology is good. Shall we also trade modern engine management for manual spark timing? Why have an electric starter at all? Accessibility is the aim. Not

everyone will get the most from a GSX-Riooo, but if a rider doesn’t try the bike, they never will. Goal? Strive to gain the skills and build a new relationship with the motorcycle.

EGAN AT IT AGAIN

I am happy to report that I have purchased my first copy of Cycle World since, well, a long time ago. I was attracted to the magazine again for one reason only: Peter Egan and his Leanings column back again! Paul d’Orléans was an excellent addition previously, and of course Mr. K. Cameron remains as an essential anchor; but if I could describe the joy I felt seeing Leanings included again... Holy cow, what a relief. My hope here, Editor Hoyer, is that you as well as Peter, Paul, and Kevin (allegory to the folk trio intentional) will remain an integral part of Cycle World for many, many more years. Semi-retirement does not suit Mr. Egan, whatever his initial thoughts may have been. On the bike is the best place for him and all of us.

D. ELLIOTT ALBUOUEROUE, A/M

Thankyou, Mr. Elliott. Hoyer says, under the heading “Words Have Meaning,” that Egan’s

Leanings returned for that issue and select issues moving forward. Egan is trying to semiretire, but we’ll keep getting his column in periodically and enticing him with tests and travel story ideas.

Regarding Peter Egan’s article, “Down to the Crossroads” (Sept. 2016), now you have two banjo players who have written in. I play banjo and love bluegrass and don’t want to see it as the butt of jokes.

JENNIFER ROSENBERC LITITZ, PA

BIKERIDERS

Thanks for the great story about the Bikeriders (“A Tale of Two Bikers,” Wandering Eye, Nov. 2016) by Paul d’Orléans.

I learned things about Danny Lyon and Cliff Vaughs that I never knew. I cut that story out from the magazine and it now lives inside the cover of my copy of Lyon’s The Bikeriders. Keep up the good work.

DALEVANCLEEF PORTAGE, IN

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