Cycle News - Archive Issues - 1970's

Cycle News 1974 04 09

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

Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/125854

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- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - photograph y : J. David Ulrich their stuff at several Southern California locations, I imagine that conventional motorcycles may be too tame for them. After all, motorcycles have ground clearance, suspension, brakes, and rubber tires designed to grip the terrain. All that stuff takes the fun out of it! Who 'can prove he's a stud in front of the local third grade tootsies if he can't take the jolts on a rigid frame off roader? Now a Big Wheel...that's a totally different thing. It is a unique experience to blast down a steep incline with "quick move seat adjustment" (read "seat falls off easily"), " Iow slung suspension" (read "grou nds out on cigarette butts, flips on anthills), "engine sound" (read "people throw beer cans at you to shut you up") , and " Ionghorn handle bars" (read "bars hang up on knees, preventing turning to avoid cliffs" ). Add to this the hard plastic "tires" that set new traction substandards, and your ride is very interest ing. The hard wheels do serve a purpose. They are the secret upon which is based the advertising of "peel out pedal power with skid act ion," and "drift into a turn" handling. The rear wheels break loose easier than an Eso on ice. One boy power can produce front wheel burn outs. In spite of all these features conspiring to keep the Big Wheel safe and sound on the sidewalks of America, and a slightly involved assembly procedure, the hills of many parks are covered with Big Wheels mounted by kids of all ages. They don't stand much of a chance to make it to the bottom without crash ing. The long uphills are a little rough . But long practice and ded icat ion reward the BW rider with a new high in excitement. Marx knows that this excitement potentail is there, and that it sells Big Wheels. The factory assembly instructions include an order blank for a new front wheel assembly in case the original "wears beyond use " due .to excessive sliding or other extreme rough usage." The Marx Big Wheel is great for min iature riders kept off public streets where they might damage innocent Hondas. More than that, it opens up experience possibilities of the strangest imaginable for the criminally insane ; mentally lacking, masochists, and Bazooka Pete types. In essence, everybody who is reading this should love owning and riding a Big Wheel. I wonder how many I can get if I trade in my Honda??? .don't stand much of a chance. " " ..ride is very interesting.. " "" ... .- ..... .' ,~ • . -.. t ... . . .... ._ .. ;; "" ; .... . ,:::... \ -

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