Cycle News - Archive Issues - 1960's

BONNEVILLE from 1 • • ,. • ,. • • (All records subject to A.M.A. confirmation.) manly see in drag strip results to a series of record speeds previously thought impossible. The machine and rider traveled faster than any open (no streamlining) bike had ever before achieved. Tl)e record of old was 182 miles per hour (one way). It now stands at 194.910 miles per hour. The two way record was 164 miles per hour and has been raised to 191.302 by the team effort of Boris Murray and Jim' Cook. This record could bave been faster yet but once a start bas been made you may not turn back. Boris had forgotten to turn on the double's fuel valves and so the machine was' brought to a halt a half mile into the speed run, the fuel turned on and the tow for starting resumed. The engInes fired at approx. the one mile mark and accelerated to the traps for a clocked speed of 187 miles per hour. The return run was timed at a speed of 194.9io whtch produced a two way average of 191.302 for the.AA 3000 class record. The .fastest machine on tWb wheels is now Bob Leppan's "Gyro Naught". This is the finest example of design and construction with a heavy emphasis on team work. Leppan's str'eamliner is powered by two fairly mild Triumphs and looks as though it were built to a military aircraft specifications. Every object on or in this machine is functional. Hydraulic skids which can be raised and lowered by the rider prevent upset at slow speeds. The rider's compartment is functional but made comfortable with neat ~tuck and roll" upho1stery. The exterior finish looks sleek enough to penetrate any barrier that friction or wind resistance may set up. The two-way average for this machine was a flashing 245 miles per hour and one way its fastest was 247 miles per hour. That, is speed in any language! Leaders in breaking records with the smaller displacement machines were James Prescott of Mississippi City, Miss., Kerry Clark of Los .Alamitos, Calif. and pan Anselm of Brea, Calif. In their respective order Honda, Bridgestone and Yamaha shared the glory and the fastest was James Prescott. James ran the 125cc Honda on a low percentage of fuel mix to turn a two-way average of 107.577 to better the old record of 102.375. He als'o established two other records previously open. , Richard Keirn of Los Angeles and Ira Mahoney from Ridgecrest, Calif. took the SflOtlight with new innovations. Ira was running 700cc of blown Triumph power mounted in a frame built especially for its purpose. At the time I left the salt he had not yet set a record, but further results may show victory • Ke1m ..s double overhead cam 500cc Triumph was not" making a debut but rather a return engagement. This machine set a class record of 131 mph and will probably turn much faster speeds in the future. A four-speed, close ratib box was used and the engine tached better than ten thousand rpm. G'ripes and Groans' The event!; at the salt were run in a highly efficient manner. Only one complaint was voiced and that in a quite loud protest. If you' succeed in .qualify.ing b.y turning a speed greater than the existing record in' a one way run, the following day you may make an attempt at the official record for a two way average. If you do not break the reco,d on the appointed attempt then you must again make a qualifying run for the rig!)t to try again on the followtng day. The case in question arose when two machines did not arr-ive at the starting line in time for the two-was run . .As a result they had to make runs late r in the, day to reQ\jalify. Since they had proven their capability it was thought unjust that they· need jeopardize blowing their highly-stressed machinery, with an additional run. This was a logical and just gripe but they had to go by the book and try to smile at the hard rule. Don Harris established a new record in the C-A-650 class with his Triumph that was· recently purchased from Rich Richards. Don felt that 148 mph was not all the machin,e was capable of and in an attempt to prove this he fell member to the "bits and pieces club." When' the sump plate was removed, oil 'and small metal slugs covered the ground. Close inspection revealed .cracks in the primary case that gave it the appearance of a slightly damaged hardboiled egg. Needless to explain, this ended his week at the salt, but Don promises a return next year. Gary Richards and Benny Holtan brought a well constructed 650cc Triumph streamliner for record attempts but went through embarrassment .and frustrations unlike any other. . There were skids on the .machine but they were only partially functional. The skids were spring loaded and could be used for stopping only. Several times (about 9 or 10) the engine failed to respond for starting and beford the pushers could reach, it. the machine would collapse upon its side. Gary Richards felt rather ridiculous in the shell with his 'head next to the salt. The incredible thing is that Gary and Benny held their heads high and spoke of things ahead. not of those moments .passed. True Sportsmen! HAYWARD In their regular night TT Scrambles, tbe Haywa,d Motorcycle Club promotes sportsman races at the Hayward Speedway. tbat are truly first class. For the event of August 20th, tbe races were li vened up a bit by the appearance of a few class C riders trying to get in a li ttle extra practice before tbe big 'IT on the 26th. Among the bappenings that were of special interest was the 250cc go. In this race. winner Jimmy Odam had to fight it out with first night expert Ceil SIMPSON MOTORS 5475 San F"rnando Rd. West Los Angcl", 39. California DISTRIBUTOR of JUDSON products (including Cycle-Tron transistor Ignition) a~d FRANCISCO OILS and chemicals, • PROfESSIONAL. SPEEDWAY RACES • 1/3 MILE - AMA SATURDAY NITE SEPT, 3rd & 11th. • $.A1~~ARI~S~E~D~t Gates Open 6:30 pm - Racine 8:00 pm 250cc Class Only Cecco. This new expert put on a real show and proved that he deserves the Expert classification. Electrifying action was provided in a 500cc beat when a competitor came over the jump all out of shape and landed astride the fence! Miraculously, the rider was not hurt but the spectators a few feet away were really shook! The HaywlUd M.C., the Hayward speedway, the competitors and the fans that support them all deserve a rousing cheer for their exciting races. It's been said before and you'll hear it again -the spprtsman scrambles held here each saturday lUe easily the equal of the class C .races held in many parts of the country. (Results on page 16) CANOGA PARK l':JR..l., no. .. ··.1I'P (,.MiM P .: H--",. '. '~ ,7233 CANOGA AVE,346-3700 CYCLE WRECKING YARD Allllakes All Models TOM CLARK'S . Cycle Specialties 725 8th St,eet (209) 524-2955 Modesto, CallI. SAVE u!J If) $I()().f)f) NEW 1966 HONDA'S Two Big Locations MAYWOOO-BELL HONOA 6101 Atlanl'c Blvd, 583-3409 LOMITA HONDA 2073 W, PaCifiC Coa,f Hwv, 326-3810 CYCL.E'SAFETY CLINIC SHOW "DrUllken" pedestrian stumbles Into street preHntlnc problem. Expert rider sIlows how to stop a cycle and stay with It wilen a COllision Is, Imminent. "Don't Ditch" was offered as slocan 01 tilt day. .. - - CI> oCl 'S ! ! "There is' a real need for more a.nd opening car doors, careless walkers, better driver training for cyclists. While tbe dangers of riding in the curb lane, there are indications of more and more and automobiles making unpredictable legislation to be expected in the offing, turns in front of them. Tbe proper ina.nwe are firmly convinced that the best ner of meeting such dangerous situations approach is that of education." so spoke was explained to the 0 bservers after John R. Thompson, Director of Public each example. The "class" session was Information for Buco Products at the followed by an open question and anrecent Cycle safety CHnic in Detroit. swer period. Michigan. The Clinic was widely puhlicized In The Clinic, held on July 24, was an the press and broadcast media, and experiment in driver education and was colorful posters were distributed to considered successful In promoting cycle shops in the Greater Detroit area. cycling safet;v through good riding habits' .Clubs were contacted and tbe general and techniques. The lour hour program public was Invited. To add colorful apwas sponsored by the Traffic safety 'peal. tbe Detroit Polic,\! Motorcycle Drlll Association of Detroit and neighboring Team opened the first part of the prosouthfield and Buco Products, the well- ' gram and the Shriner Club Precision known manufacturer of motorcycle safe- Riders touched off the second half with ty equipment and accessories. a colorful display. Driver training experts from Detroit's Further' Interest was added to the Police Motorcycle Traffic Bureau dem- day's events by a quiz and essay-type onstrated how defensive driving can safety contest, open to all spectators. mean the difference between fun and Major piizes were three new motorcycles. death. More than 1500 spectators, most A selection of safety helmets and other of them young motorcyclists, were on cycle 'accessories were contributed by hand to watch the dramatic live presen- Buco ·a.s additional prizes. tations of typical hazards and emergenCertainly the two-wheeled population cies which face cyclists daily. Police of California is greater than Detroit instructors broke every rule in the safe- whY have not the safety conscious ty book to show the audience what not officials' of this, the m 0 S t forwardto do on a cycle and showed what can thinking state in the nation come up be done to cope with the dangerous with a series of such clinics? Not just situations that come up. one in a palticular area - a whole serle s Demonstration riders encountered them. They are needed. you know. ~~~ special izinl in •••••••••••••••••• ITALY SPORT CYCLE Distributor for: ITAL JET Dealerships available immediately Contact: Lee Cowan 989-4540 HONDA 620 N, Main-Corona, Calif,-135-5600 100% U fiNANCING OAC ~ :-Iatinnal sal~s "anagpr 626-l "an :-I U,"" 111 vd. "an :-Iu,"s, ('alifomia 19401 •••••••••••••••••• Open 7 DaysA ",~~4 OSSA (f4~ Hoclcie's Motorcyc'e S 22025 5 ~ Phone 328-1242 -.. Figueroa Torrance tJ?~.- L _ DSA -HODAKA-~~ ~Il NATIONAL MOTOR SUPPLY CO , OISTRIBUTOR FOR (j~~ SpeecluKM! RON JONES PRESENTS IN EL TaRO $Juvd ~~ ~k. Largest stock on West Coast Oealer Inquiries Invited RGCt14- QUALITY MOTORCYCLE ACCESSORIES ALSO IN STOCK EVERY WEDNESDAY NIGHT Pit cate opens 6 p.m., Pract;,:. 7 p.m., Racine at 8 p.m. FREE PARKING GENERAL ADMISSION S1.50 DIRECTIONS: On 5anta Ana Freeway between Lacuna Canyon & EI Toro turnolls. A.C.A. 5anctioned PHONE: 213 633-5178 15710 Garfield Avenue, Paramount, Ca,lifornia 90723 ---~-- HARLEV- DAVIDSON HURRY OF WHILE THEY LAST' LONG BEACH n SPECIAL" 1966 XLCL SPORTSTERS 365-4 No. Long' Beach Blvd. 426-7101 -

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