jimla (12/20/82)
I'm interested in news on new bikes. There are lots of exciting models available only in Europe and Canada that are fun to read about. Japan, Inc. seems to send their best cafe racers over there and all we get are midnight cruisers! Hope I haven't offended any cruisers out there! Honda has some neat 250-500 cc V-twins that we won't be getting. Has anyone read a road test on these jewels? Another interesing bike is the street version of the Yamaha RD350 water pumper. No 2-strokes allowed here, of course. After waiting 2 years for a Ducati 500 Pantah to arrive in the Pacific Northwest, I just couldn't afford $5000+ for the bike. In desperation, I bought a Yamaha 400 SECA which has rewarded me with some great rides.
david (03/15/83)
I didn't see any new articles today so it's time to write One of the new mags has a price list of most of the 1983 bikes. Some points of interest on the new road burners.... Honda 1100F 3698 Honda VF750 Interceptor 3498 Honda 650 Nighthawk 2798 Suzuki 750ES 3398 Suzuki 750E 3198 ? Suzuki 550ES 3000 Suzuki 650 Tempter 2195 Honda V65 Magna 3898 The last two entries are of interest as new bikes stirring up the recent press. I was down at the local Honda shop looking at the new models and made a few observations. The 1100F is the same basic package from the 1979 750F. Four years of refinement have left us with with a great bike at a super price, too bad basic black is not offered as a color. The 750 Interceptor is an expensive piece, but Suzuki is not far behind. The Interceptor package is beautiful and businesslike at the same time. 16 inch front wheel, water cooling, (the radiator hoses stick out) single shock rear, anti-dive, and another one of those paint jobs the police notice. I'd love this bike if I could keep it from being stolen. The new Suzukis are due to be tested in the May issues of the mags. The 550's are really going after the Gpz 550 market. The 750's are light and strong and should give the Interceptors a run for the money. The 650 Tempter has already won a Best Buy of the year award from one magazine. It falls on its face above 7000 RPM but will dethrone all last years 750s (except Kaws) in a high gear roll on. Could this be a bike for those people just trying to get out of the way?(snicker) This leaves the V65 Magna as the power every editor wanted in a chassis that was needed to sell bikes. One magazine could not keep the front end on the ground when going into second gear at the drags. So they settled for 11.07 seconds. I would appreciate hearing from the guy that owns a new 750 Interceptor or 750 Suzuki. Since it is tough to get a test ride out of parking lot, I would value your experiences. Rid'em David Hayes teklabs!tekid!david