Cycle News - Archive Issues - 1970's

Cycle News 1971 06 22

Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles

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M ~ '" Q. .... en ~ " .., " I: /963 ~ ""- w Through the years: A unique dirt bike, a serious flat-tracker. the Ultimate Hog, and recently. a surreal cartoon. Z W ...J U >- Here's an interesting racer... By David Swift A couple of weeks ago we received a letter from a fellow named Jim Robertson. He told us of a sculpture he had recently completed and sent along some snapshots. The letter, liberally embellished with nifty cartoons, was passed from 0 ffice to office and quickly vanished. With what little evidence left, we located him in the hills of Los Gatos, south of San Francisco, where Robertson lives with his folks. When Robertson got his first bike at 13, he spent most of his time in class doodling, drawing, and otherwise creating images of motorcycles. Some were real but most were imagined. Even with the impressive talent the young Robertson displayed then, today he is still reluctant to let the old drawings be seen by someone else. Years later, at a point when Robertson began main taining a level of realism; he moved in an entirely different direction. Comic books were enjoying a revival and the movement was centered in his own backyard. Local • • .. , .if The carb looks like a Bing, the cylinder looks like a Yamaha, and the lower end looks like a Montesa. The Universal Bike. Knobbies were ingeniously constructed by bending long strips of sheet metal. The helmet is a perfect proportional replica of a Bell Star. The rider's face is magnificently crafted; it must be touched to be appreciated. Superficially, the sculpture looks rough but detail, whether real or implied is uncanny. reserves a year ago. I just got off active recen tly." The rigid regimen tation has not really bothered him, but the fact he has those monthly meetings does. He has been to Europe three times, thanks to the fact that his father is a commerical airline pilot. Another trip now would be nice but his current military status won't allow it. Recently Robertson acquired a Zundapp-based American-Eagle, installed a silencer, and went racing. After a couple of times out he did well enough, finished third in a recent meeting at Santa Maria. He's back in the 01' groove. Jim is taking it easy - "just floating around, mentally. I'm not really that interested in fine art. I'm not trying to get in to any magazines or art galleries. It would be nice to make a living at it, but it'll probably end up being a hobby. I consider myself an average clod and everyday guy." ,> cartoonist Robert Crumb began publishing his very own "comix ", a collection of raunchy,. but brilliant, cartoon strips that ought to be hidden when the minister comes over for a chat. Crumb, who did Big Brother's classic "Cheap Thrills" album cover, is generally regarded as the best of the so-called "underground" cartoonists and has had a powerful impact on Robertson's work of the last year or two. Now 23, Jim has a BA in Fine Arts from San Francisco State, ("that's really insignificant"), and is currently sitting ou t th e reserves. "I figured I would have gotten drafted after I graduated, so I joined the Ii ., PUCH HAS PUNCH Indian Dunes Valencia, Calif. June 6,1971 125 SENIOR \ Motocro·ss· 1st ABOUT THE SCULPTURE In his final year at San Francisco State, Robertson departed from his normal program and taught himself basic welding fundamentals. "I'm not great, but can do simple welds and brazing. " He has made other sculptures that were snatched up immediately, one by Taubers, manufacturers of riding leathers. It nOw sits proudly in their display window. Robertson is currently commissioned to do a Triumph-based model, made entirely of welding rod. Jim Robertson's "motocross rider crossed-up in the air" (it is untitled) is the result of several month's effort. Coming in sporadic bursts, it was nearly a year before the initial conception was completed last April. The motocrosser stands about 40 inches high and is entirely fabricated from welding rod and sheet metal. Being his first sculpture of this magnitude, it is remarkably free from aesthetic flaws. The artist is not completely happy with it, but says, "It came out a little better than I though it would. " Robertson has been badgered with a few offers, and the current appraisal is at 11000. Now he's waiting for the right person to sell it to. He lives lIt 2121 Via • ••&.Galc{QuUU ~ItAA.C4/j.{.,fta.Q~a..'h - JOHN RICE - PUCH John R. has been winning races for a long time. He knows that in today's competition it takes more than a good rider. it also takes the very strongest and toughest bike to be found. That's why he picks Puch. Puch has a six-speed gearbox, real Ceriani forks. a Bosch electronic ignition. Girling shocks, a big deep-finned cylinder, a sunburst head, and lots of PUNCH! So, take a tip from John R. - get more PUNCH WITH A PUCH. WHY PAY U MORE? Puch Dist. Co. 9825 Mason Chatsworth, Ca. 91311 (213) 882-8860 Dealer Inquiries Invited

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