CYCLE WORLD'S MOTORCYCLE SHOW continues to be the largest show in the world. Over 143,000 people jammed the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena this year. The giant three-way extravaganza of custom cars, dune buggies and hot VWs, plus more motorcycles than you can shake a stick at, is the biggest crowd-drawing affair at the Sports Arena during the whole year.
I have some questions that I hope you can and will answer. 1) Does the high compression ratio of the engines of Ossa, Maico, Bultaco, Greeves, etc., cause extra stress which would wear the motor out more quickly than the lower compression of Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, etc?
"If You Get Busted" (April '70) is one of the most revolting pieces I have ever read. It is full of discrepancies. I have been closely associated with our courts in California for some time, and even closer to California’s law enforcement area.
THIS issue of CYCLE WORLD features a very controversial figure in motorcycling, namely Wester S. Cooley, a man I have known for 10 years and yet not really known. The reason for publishing the article should be plain: It is time that the public knew about some of the behind-the-scenes power plays that are threatening this country's motorcycling future.
The "Ugly Duckling," Powered By The World's Most Sophisticated Mass Production Four-Stroke Engine, Has Blossomed Into Beauty.
HONDA
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HONDA
CB 450
$1049
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WHEN YOU'VE GOT a good thing going, don't change it" has never been one of Honda's mottos. When it is time to update one of their models, Honda designs a new one from the ground up. It is usually superior in every way to the model it supplanted. The CB 77 Super Hawk is a classic example of their design philosophy.
When The Performance War Began, Kawasaki Entered With A Hot 250. Three Years Later, It Shows No Signs Of Making Peace.
KAWASAKI
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KAWASAKI
SAMURAI A1SS
$715
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IT'S BEEN AWHILE since we've tested one of Kawasaki's "small" roadsters, or any 250, for that matter. One reason for the lapse is that the big-bore performance game has been rather distracting. Kawasaki itself has been one of the more aggressive players in this area, with the 350 Avenger and then the revolutionary Mach III. A look at the high-pipe version of that company’s latest two-fifty, the A1SS, brings us full circle to what is basically the same motorcycle that joined an industry-wide stampede to higher performance figures in 1967.
FOLLOWING IN THE WAKE of Daytona, as it does, the Kent AMA road race national hardly makes big time waves. But it was worth attending, if only to reaffirm our convictions about who the real road racers are in this country. Kent twists and loops.
IF ATTENDANCE FIGURES are any indication of the state of motorcycling in this country, then we can only conclude that it is booming (but we already knew that). More than 140,000 people filed past the turnstiles at the Los Angeles Sports Arena for the 1970 CYCLE WORLD SHOW, an all-time record.
A BEAUTIFULLY PROPORTIONED FLEAWEIGHT, TAILORED FOR THE MICRO-BOPPER
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NOT MANY "SERIOUS" motorcyclists took note of a little bike in the Yamaha booth at the CYCLE WORLD show. But there were hordes of sparkly-eyed kids casting envious glances. The machine, dubbed the "Mini-Enduro," was barely knee high, yet it was a perfectly scaled down version of Yamaha’s full-sized dirt Singles.
The Agreement Between Two Opposing American Organizations to Jointly Affiliate With The Governing World Body Of Motorcycling May be One Of The Best Things Ever To Happen To Motorcycle Racing. But Dissension And Power Politics May Doom The Effort To Bridge Two Worlds. It Is Time That We Look Behind The Scenes...
PART I: SKIRMISH IN YUGOSLAVIA
PART II: THE FIM SETS SAIL ON A STORMY AMERICAN SEA
PART III: "WHAT IS A WES COOLEY?"
PART IV: THE END GAME
PART V: EPILOGUE
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DAN HUNT
CHANCES ARE that you may have heard about an agreement between the American Motorcycle Association (AMA) and another U.S. organization which represents the world governing body of motorcycling and international competition. Very good, you say.
A new line of fiberglass fairings, saddlebags, and luggage carriers is now available from Fibre-Mold. This quality "Tourmaster" line is constructed of heavy duty fiberglass and has undergone extensive testing to insure proper fit and lasting durability. All of the glass components are shock mounted in neoprene rubber to eliminate the problems encountered in this type of installation. Models are available to fit all the major brands, including the 1970 Suzuki line. Prices and ordering information are avaliable from Fibre-Mold Products, Dept. CW-7, 5315 East Admiral Place, Tulsa, OK 74115.
TRAIL-A-BIKE, INC.
NEW CYCLE-TOW
$32.95
TRAIL-A-BIKE, INC. has announced a device that allows the cyclist to tow his bikes which are too large for car bumper carriers. The Trail-A-Bike unit bolts onto a car’s trailer hitch with only one bolt. The towing device is so flexible that it will handle anything from a small 50cc bike to machines in the 450cc class, depending on the sturdiness of the trailer hitch. The Trail-A-Bike is manufactured in both single and dual models. The single model retails for $32.95 and the dual unit for $64.95, including running lights. Complete information is available by writing to TRAIL-A-BIKE, INC., Dept. CW-7, 221 S. 19th Ave., Yakima, WA 98902. Dealer inquiries are invited.
TRAIL-A-BIKE, INC.
BONANZA MINI-CROSS
Bonanza Industries, makers of the world's fastest minibike, introduces the Mini-Motocross, reportedly the first minibike designed for European type cross-country racing. It is designed to be a replica of famous European motocross machines. Built for the rough treatment that is the very nature of motocross competition, the scaled-down Bonanza has an optional Ceriani-type front suspension, while the well-known Bonanza double-loop frame cradles and protects the engine. The Mini-Motocross is powered by the same five-speed l00cc Hodaka engine that has won the U.S. Cross Country Trail Bike Championship for the last four years. For best handling in the rough, the knobby-tired wheels are about 50 percent larger than conventional minibike wheels. The combination of special suspension and larger wheels not only makes this a superior machine for cross-country racing, but also a better compact trail bike for sportsmen. For further information write to Bonanza Industries, Inc., Dept. CW-7, 1775 South First Street, San Jose, CA 95112.
TRAIL-A-BIKE, INC.
NEW AIR FILTER ASSEMBLIES
$9.95
Air filter assemblies featuring a totally new concept in light weight are now being offered by A & A Manufacturing Co. of Redwood City, Calif. A large assortment of filter lengths and opening sizes offers 50 combinations which will fit most motorcycles. The complete assembly weighs only 4 oz. and is available with center or offset flanges with various diameter openings. The filters are available with a choice of 3½ or 7-in.-long paper elements, or 1 ½-, 2 5/8-, 3 3/8and 7-in. lengths using the popular FILTRON elements retailing at $9.95 to $11.95. A waterproof air filter that breathes through a snorkel is also available for some motorcycles at this time. A full line of waterproof filters will be released soon. All filters are available at your dealer or write to A & A Manufacturing Co., Dept. CW-7, 2771 El Camino, Redwood City, CA 94061.
TRAIL-A-BIKE, INC.
TWO-WAY HELMET RADIO
$89.50
This handy device allows riders to communicate with each other without having to stop. Great for touring, trail riding, or competitive events, the radio unit is easily detachable and can be mounted on any type of full coverage helmet. The two-way radio is water, dust, and shock proof. The $89.50 price includes one radio with mounting bracket, face guard with mike, and instructions. Range is limited to a quarter mile, and the price does not include a helmet. Further information is available from Advanced Communications Equipment, Dept. CW-7, 2377 St. Francis Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94303.
TRAIL-A-BIKE, INC.
WEBCO HANDLEBAR MOUNTS
$6.95
Extra-strong cast aluminum alloy handlebar mounts produced by Webco, Inc., are now available at Webco dealers throughout the country. Engineered and manufactured for enduro series Yamaha and Sachs models, the new mounts can be fitted to most other motorcycles using 7/8-in. bars. Four heat-treated Allen hex screws are supplied with the kit. Designed with the enduro and competition rider in mind, these mounts cost $6.95 a pair. Write to Webco, Inc., Dept CW-7, Box 429, Venice, CA 90291, for additional information.
TRAIL-A-BIKE, INC.
BIG "ONE" ACCESSORIES
Harley-Davidson features a full line of motorcycle accessories in their new 1970 catalog. Available through authorized H-D dealers, this line includes everything from riding apparel to chrome polish. For your free copy, visit your nearest Harley-Davidson dealer or write directly to Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Dept. CW-7, Milwaukee, WI 53201 for the address of the dealer closest to you.
TRAIL-A-BIKE, INC.
ENDURO BUFFS, LOOK!
$10.95
Metal Trends, Inc., Dept. CW-7, 910 Jonathon Drive, Madison, WI 53713, announces the immediate delivery of their new Enduro Guide Route Sheet Holder for motorcycle enduro and reliability run use. Measuring 4-3/4 in. by 2-1/4 in. by 1-5/8 in. deep, the unit features easily adjustable thumb screw clamps for secure handlebar mounting. A foam rubber strip under the box protects the finish of the handlebars. Twin "positive action" rollers feature rubber rings for tension adjustment and will accept paper up to 3 in. wide. Snap-apart design allows easy loading with no loose parts. The Enduro Guide has been tested and approved by some of the best enduro riders and is guaranteed for one year against defects in materials and workmanship. List price is $10.95. A descriptive brochure is available from the manufacturer.
TRAIL-A-BIKE, INC.
ROCKY CYCLE CATALOG
$2
Over 1000 different motorcycle accessories and parts are featured in the 1970 Rocky Cycle catalog. Custom seats, exhaust systems handlebars, and many other items to dress up and modify your bike are featured. All merchandise is available through authorized motorcycle dealers only. If you wish to peruse the selection before visiting your local dealer send $2 for a catalog to Rocky Cycle Co., Dept. CW-7, 440 Convention Way, Redwood City, CA 94063.
TRAIL-A-BIKE, INC.
NEW TIRE SEALANT
$2
Dyron Distributing Company offers an aid to tire safety—Flat Proof. Flat Proof is guaranteed to puncture-proof any size tire, tube or tubeless, for the life of the tire. This tire sealant was subjected to severe tests by the Detroit Testing Laboratory, Inc., to determine its special characteristics and effectiveness in use. It does not affect wheel balance and will not "ball" or "gum-up" in a tire. Flat Proof instantly and permanently seals punctures up to 1/8 in. in diameter in all types of tires, and is odorless, nontoxic and nonflammable and noninjurious to trees. A bottle containing enough Flat Proof for two motorcycle tires is available for $2, with a money-back guarantee, from Dyron Distributing Company, Dept. CW-7, 8213 Compton Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90001. Dealer inquiries are invited.
TRAIL-A-BIKE, INC.
FILTRON FILTER COMPOUND
A new filter compound has been developed for the off-road enthusiast who previously had to rely on trial and error or guesswork in determining which oil to use in his Filtron Air Filter. Filtron FFC-300 works longer and more efficiently under all conditions-wet or dry, desert heat or sub-zero cold—and has exceptional adhesive properties to catch and hold more airborne dirt. FFC-300 filter compound is now available at your Filtron dealer.
The occasion was the road test of the new Yamaha 650 by CYCLE WORLD'S counterpart in Japan, Motorcyclist. The staff asked us to go along with them to ride the big Yamaha and give our impressions of this first four-stroke roadster from Nippon Gakki (the name of Yamaha's parent firm).
Irresistibly attracted by the prospect of a new, ferocious Ago-Paso scrap, not only in the 350 but also the 500 class (which Pasolini was facing again after two years with an improved version of the Benelli Four), no less than 60,000 passionate fans, armed with flags, cameras and posters, invaded Riccione on a beautiful Easter Monday.
Slamming the opposition in an amazing 1-2 victory, Suzuki teamsters Joel Robert and Sylvain Geboers set off on the 1970 motocross 250-cc world title hunt in grand fashion at the first round in Spain, held just outside Barcelona. Having warmed up in pre-season international meetings, the two Belgians were in fine form.
Flat track at Ascot Park, Calif., has been in a slump for the last few years. The ultimate bottom came this Spring, when a rock concert took place on a Friday night, a time normally reserved for the exciting dirt oval contests. Such musical aggregations as the Glass Family and Them echoed their hollow electric meanderings across the Ascot clay, cluttered with groupies doing their thing.