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/128599
Jimmy, J dig watching you pin that Yamaha Cubic centimeters? I just finished Chris Jonnum's recounting of his Costa Rican off-road trip with Moto Adventura (Issue #4, February 2). I did the same trip four years ago, but rather than the exotic WR400 Yamahas Jonnum rode, we were supplied with clapped-out Huskys. WE barely kept our guide (the same Larry Larrabure) in sight through the jungles of Costa Rica. I must, however, state here and now that if I was riding the same 4000cc Yamaha that Jonnum states he was riding, I might have stayed a little closer to Larry than I did on the Husky 350s we rode. 'Rene La'Prevotte Novato, CA Yeah, but are you 320 years old, like Chris? .. Editor Just like it I hope by now Cycle News subscribers will stop crying about the new format you guys have implemented. It works fine. For those who don't like it, get over it. Otherwise, you will (hopefully) see more sarcastic responses from the editor to whiny letters that are sent in. Deal with it, crybabies. Shone McCarthy Shonemlflfoaol.com Likin9 the stars I just finished reading my newest issue of Cycle News and saw the page on Mike LaRocco's bike (Issue #4, February 2). I have read every issue of Cycle News from cover to cover for the past seven years and have never seen you do something like that. I thought it was great. I don't know if I have missed it before or if it is new, but either way keep doing it. Being a big race fan, I like to see the race bikes and hear a little bit about them. Although I am not trying to prove a point or anything, the last time an over/under bridge was used was in 1992 in Pontiac and Houston (and Bradshaw won both of them). I went to the first three rounds that year (lucky me!) and the announcers even said that it was over a decade earlier that they had done an over/under. I also thought the article titled "On the Tracks" by Chris Jonnum was one of the best columns I've read. First off, I totally agree that the track designs this year are great and things are definitely headed in the right direction. They are getting incredibly creative, not only with the layouts, but with the new jumps. I love it. And secondly, I thought it was funny how some of the riders complained about some of the things at Anaheim II. The track might have been gnarly, but the one rider who made the most of the situation was Jeremy. I think one of his best characteristics is that he is able to make the best out of everything. He doesn't complain about tracks or bike problems, and that is why he wins. Mark Rodgers Big Bear Lake. CA Jimmy Button I was present at the San Diego Supercross, but I didn't see Jimmy Button (right) fall during practice. However, throughout the entire night, my mind was on Button. To me, it seemed as if even Jeremy McGrath was a bit off. I know he and Jimmy are good friends. Since Saturday night I have looked everywhere on the Internet to get an update on his condition. I know that I am not the only one who was anxious to find out how he is - and I knew that somehow you guys at Cycle News would come through. I just read your latest update on him (cyclenews.com), and am glad to see that he is doing much better. From a guy who lives for motocross and records even the Supercross races that I've been to, thanks for keeping us informed. And, Jimmy, I dig watching you pin that Yamaha. My family and I will be thinking of you while you get better. Geoff 'Patterson Valencia. CA Don't forget the Concours I was surprised that your recent comparison of Sport Touring motorcycles used a Kawasaki "standard" 750 with no fairing and add-on bags. The perennial Concours was conspicuous by its absence or mention. Then it dawned on me that like most years, Kawasaki has sold every unit it produced (the 2000 model has been available since last summer). The Concours, whether tearing up Bear Tooth Pass or droning across the country on the Interstate, is the favorite of thousands - most of them repeat buyers. I'm not going to claim the Concours is better than the others in your comparison, but simply point out that there are other very serious choices out there that have passed the critical test of time. If objective things like quarter-mile times, etc., are important to you, the Concours can easily holds its own - think Kawasaki and more often than not, you think performance. You made note that the Honda ST11 that you couldn't obtain was "King of Sport Touring." Yes and no. I'm biased, so I direct your attention back 10 years ago when Nick lenatsch and Lance Holst, then editors of Motorcyclist magazine, did a punishing shootout. They took the Concours this year - PACE or Dirt Wurx? I hope all of you who love seeing the riders fly through the air, one-line racing, and the most trips for riders to the hospital than any other year, are happy. Sure riders have been hurt while training at their own tracks, but they need to push themselves to the next level just to hope for a win. And at what cost? To have broken arms, broken wrists, collarbones, comas, etc. This is not what racing is all about. Once again, thank you for only caring about putting on a show to make money and forgetting about the people who bring in the fans. Mark Moore 'Perris. CA Where's the Blast? I subscribe to several monthly motorcycle magazines along' with Cycle News. I expect to read more indepth articles such as road tests, travels and tours, product evaluations, etc. in the monthlies. But I expect to find out the latest news from Cycle News first. Imagine my shock and dismay when I received my March issue of Motorcyclist and it had a picture and article of the new Buell Blast singlecylinder bike. What happened to news in Cycle News? Bob Paolella BikerbobZOprodigynet and S lIon a non-stop, round trip from Los Angeles to the Grand Canyon - on mostly secondary roads. They ranked the ST11 slightly ahead, but "not $ 1000 better" - the difference in price between the two bikes at the time. For the year 2000, the Concours lists for $7999 - almost $3000 less than the Honda. Want ABS on the ST? Add another $2500. Say you ride two up, you'll have enough money left over to buy a couple of sets of Hein Gericke leathers or Aerostitch suits, plus gas, oil, and tires. The motto of the Concours Owners Group has long been "Sport Touring at its Finest." Now we can add, "Most Bike for your Buck." 'ROM Bob, welcome to the ridiculous world of embargoes. The manufacturer gives us the information on a new bike, and they then tum around and tell us that we can't release tfiat information until a certain date. Such was the case with the Blast. All the publications were given the information at the same time, then Cycle News gets screwed because we couldn't do anything with it until last issue (Issue #4, February 2) because of the embargo. Meanwhile, your monthly magazine shows up in the mail and you see it there first. And you think you're pissed... Editor "Romlow South Pasadena. CA Ramlow is the former executive director of the Concours Owners Group... Editor Safety Well, who do we have to thank for the loss of so many riders in Supercross cu cle n e _ s • FEBRUARY 9, 2000 5