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/861665
CN III VOICES W H A T Y O U A R E S A Y I N G "And as far as a total nationwide ban on gas and diesel engines in 23 years, I call BS." Talkin' Schwantz A little more on the incredible talent of Kevin Schwantz. I was emceeing the Suzuki dealer shows back in the '80s. We were in Reno and Suzuki had brought in a motorcycle video game for the dealers to try. You insert a quarter, get on a stationary bike and by leaning back and forth as the track unfolds in front of you, attempt to keep the bike on the track. I think it was American Suzuki's Larry Vandever who talked the mechanic who was servicing the game to increase the speed to the maximum possible. The guy said something about "we've never done this before," but he did it. Then we called Kevin to ride the bike without telling him about the speed modification. He mounted the bike and rode it perfectly with no problems whatsoever! Larry "Supermouth" Huffman Peoria TT It's good to see Kawasaki on the podium for Henry Wiles and Briar Bauman. Factories may dominate the high-speed tracks but independents have the right engine to take them on when the going gets rough. James Edward Zeiser Henry [Wiles] built a motocross-based machine. Motocross swingarm, motocross forks and rear suspension, motocross seat, rear fender and a custom-built twin spar motocross frame adapted to the 650 twin. So much for getting away from a motocross-based machine and look. Mike Makila Tennessee Knockout Not one Japanese bike [in the top 10]. They need to take notice and give us bikes that we want. Peter Aviles Tomac & Unadilla When it comes to Eli Tomac, fast is good, but the old diesel consistency tactics Ryan Dungey used worked for most of his career. Ricky Carmichael and Ryan Villopoto eventually had the gift of both speed and consistency, but it took a while for that to develop. In my opinion, Tomac had it going on until he hurt both his shoulders in one hit and it brought him back to earth regarding the pain of racing. If he really has flicked that switch, we're all in for some great racing and everybody will have something to deal with in the [remaining races]. Jerome Britting I think that brutal crash Tomac had in Colorado a couple of years ago really set his career back. He's 24. By 24, Carmichael, Villopoto and Dungey all had multiple premier-class championships. The other things they all had in common were they were all good starters and retired by the age of 26. Tomac is probably going to win this championship, but it shows just how hard it is to win championships. Terry Heath Lowside: The Future Is Now When the battery technology exists for electric vehicles to complete with internal combustion engines, they will become common. I'm sure the major manufacturers have done a lot of research on this subject. Batteries aren't ready. And as far as a total nationwide ban on gas and diesel engines in 23 years, I call BS. There aren't any alternatives yet for agriculture and construction equipment and large trucks for shipping yet, just to name a few things that are vital to any modern society. And if and when there is, where will all the electrical energy come from? Lots of changes need to happen first. It's all talk at this point. Phillip Batho Letters to the editor can be sent to voices@cyclenews.com. Published letters do not necessarily reflect the position of Cycle News. Letters should not exceed 150 words and are subject to editing. Anonymous letters won't be considered for publication and each letter should contain the writer's name, address and daytime phone number… Editor P6