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/128601
He may never have won the World Championship he wanted so badly, but I guarantee you that he is a champion nonetheless_ Jim Pomeroy: Still a hero Jim Pomeroy With all the negative stories out there in our society, I just wanted to share a positive one. I just had the pleasure of meeting one of my heroes at an open house put together by the Weaver family out here in upstate New York. Without a doubt one of the foremost authorities on Bultaco motorcycles in this country, they flew in the world's most famous Bultaco rider - Jim Pomeroy. He is a super-nice guy who graciously spent hours on end seeing that everyone's requests and questions were answered, and he made everyone there feel like we'd known him for years. He also brought some great old photos of his career and told some great stories. He seemed as thrilled to be there as we were to have him there. Pomeroy is a fine example to any young rider on how to handle yourself with your fans. Hopefully, this is one of many trips back east for this outstanding motocross legend. He may never have won the World Championship he wanted so badly, but I guarantee you that he is a champion nonetheless with everybody who attended this fine event. Bob Leskonic mpm-equipOworlcJnet.att.net WWJD /I I hesitate to write about this subject only because Cycle News is supposed to be about motorcycling, but I was compelled to respond to Cindy Sanders' letter (Issue #6, February 26). Do you know what I hate about all of you "so-called" Christians? You have virtually no sense of humor or proportion; you are belligerent beyond all possible reason; and you are offended by almost everything done by non-Christians. I think that most of you are so easily offended because your faith rests primarily on trivial slogans like "God is my copilot: "Not Perfect, Just Forgiven: and "WWJD (What Would Jesus Do)." WWJD isn't Holy Scripture - and it isn't blasphemy to change what the letters stand for. It's just a slogan. Did you ever stop to ask yourself if Jesus would waste any time at all on something as benign and unimportant as "What Would Jeremy Do"? Was the Cycle News author's use of WWJD really in "the worst taste you have ever seen"? Come on! Really? Motocross apparel alone is worse than that. You must never watch TV, open a book, or read a newspaper. If you must comment, please make it about something that actually matters to the motorcycling community (or to anyone). And one more thing: Lighten up! Jim Dover XR600guyOaal.cam Get lignter I suggest that the time has come for a re-evaluation of the minimum weight rules for motocrossers. With the advent of commonly available titanium and aluminum bolts, the use of aluminum for frames, and the everlowering cost of carbon fiber, I think builders should be allowed perhaps a 10- to 15-pound reduction in weight from the current limit. Then, in a few years, it should be reviewed again to see if another possible reduction is possible without a major cost penalty. This is the one area where technology has made great strides, but motocrossers have been held back by the rules. Even without high-tech materials, finite element analysis can result in significant weight reduction. Look at the Yamaha Rl street bike. Heck, the new Honda 929RR has a titanium exhaust system that amazingly has not increased its price over last year's model. Maybe the days of 190-pound stock 250s are upon us. David Bell Castro Valley. CA Touring wars I was going to stay out of the controversy over the best Sport Touring motorcycles until I read Ron Ramlow's letter about the Concours. Actually, I don't have much to complain about, as I think all of the bikes that were mentioned are great motorcycles. The STl1 and the Concours are both excellent Sport Tourers - no doubt about it - but for the 455 members of the FJ11 00-1200 Owners Group, the FJ still reigns supreme. Even though the FJ has been out of production for several years, it has maintained a loyal following, with many new owners looking for and obtaining used FJs rather than succumbing to the so-called latest and greatest. Too often in the world of motorcycles, there's too much emphasis placed on the new rather than the used, even if the used in question is more than up to the task of keeping up with today's new releases. Ramlow.was accurate about the comparison between the Concours and the ST, but for years in a row many magazines proclaimed the FJ king of the road. Slap on a tankbag and some soft luggage and there is no limit, especially when the ride emphasizes the sport side of Sport Touring. The FJ compares favorably with today's newest releases, and when you add ease of service (thanks to its air-cooled motor) and its massive powerband and legendary roll-on performance, the FJ has few peers. The FJ was the first of the Sport Tourers and remains the epitome of what a Sport Touring motorcycle should be. By the way, I love the new Cycle News format. C"ri~ Knudson Atascadero. CA Knudson is a co-founder of the Yahoo Yamaha 1100-1200 Owners Group... Editor Racer X man I am very honored to have been hired by Filter Publications to be publisher of Racer X Illustrated magazine. My goal is to utilize the skills I have acquired in the past 25 years to lead this very devoted staff to a higher level of publishing excellence and to carve a niche for Racer X as a very viable and important publication in the motorcycle industry. I want to express my sincere thanks to all the companies and people in this great industry who have supported me and my efforts in my 21-year career at Hi-Torque Publications. In particular, former Hi-Torque editors Dick Miller and Rick "Super Hunky" Sieman, who recommended to Hi-Torque's founder, the late Mr. William R. "Bill" Golden, to take a chance and hire this "21-year-old Midwest kid" who raced factory Maicos. Of course, it was the new ownership of Hi-Torque by Mr. Roland Hinz that allowed me to expand my horizons and be involved in the start-up of several successful publications. I want to thank Mr. Hinz and the rest of the staff there for their support and friendship all these years. I also want to thank the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) , which placed my name on the ballot for the board of directors. I have no idea whether I'll make it in, but I am honored to be cue I e even thought of for such a prestigious post. Thanks again, and see you at the races. Scott Wallenberg Las Angeles. CA Godspeed, Jesse On a cold, clear and windy January day, we laid to rest the great Jesse Goldberg in Gardnerville. Nevada. Jesse died as a result of a head-on collision while trail riding near his home in December. He was 73 years old. Jess rode and raced motorcycles for close to 60 years, starting before World War II. He didn't ride like your usual old guy. At 73 years of age, he rode faster and looked better than most 20-yearolds. In 1985, at the age of 59, Jesse fmished in the top 15 overall in the HiMountain National Enduro, beating several national AA riders. In later years, Jesse's friends looked forward to hanging out and riding with him in dual-sport rides. Jesse always took the hard routes, never conceding to his age. It is with misty eyes that I write this letter. Motorcycle riding will not quite be the same for some of us without Jesse. Bi/l r ullmer Vista. CA Be patient, Jimmy Thank you for keeping us updated on Jimmy Button's progress. I have been a fan and a racer for over 20 years and I share the same injuries as Button, so I am very empathetic to his recovery. I would like to let Jimmy know that Rome wasn't built in a day. This is an old expression, but it's true: You have to be patient. We all know Jimmy has the strength to get through the physical and mental challenges that lie ahead because he has proven so throughout his career. I will be wearing Jimmy's autographed jersey in many of my races to show the support and love we all have for him. Shelly Macaluso Costa Mesa. CA neVIl'S FEBRUARY 23.20005