The Mother Of All Typos
I purchased the July issue with the "Forgotten Bunch" story because I had been waiting to see head-to-head comparisons of the new '08 Road Star and the Kawasaki Vulcan 1600. For the Road Star, you mentioned its "bulk, heavy flywheel and shaft drive." I thought, "I don't know what is accurate-the (reviews) sound all mixed up." What a wasted opportunity.
I have owned a VTX 1300R and am now looking to buy another step-up bike. I am trying to decide: '08 Road Star, Vulcan 1600 or Star 'Liner. Please clarify the details for me. And wake up!
Brian Porter
Via e-mail
Never let it be said that we don't go to great lengths to get a response. You're absolutely right, Brian-the new Road Star is belt-driven, not shaft-driven. That bike always has been belt drive, and it continues on with the '08 and '09 models.
We really screwed the pooch on that one. That line was accidentally inserted from the Kawasaki 1600 write-up. Star's Strato- and Roadliner bikes are also belt-driven.
And now we should probably go take a nap. -Ed.
Just got my June issue and turned to the Sportster/V Star comparison, "Stuck in the Middle With You." I noted the table on page 30 showing horsepower and torque. Who'd 'a' thought the Harley would produce 61 hp at 13,500 rpm? I guess Hogs really can fly .or perhaps you guys missed something?!
Randall Davison
Via e-mail
Typo #2. I know the Sporty ain't that sporty...
Peak horsepower comes on at 3500 revs. We got it right in the spec box on page 36, though. And it still revs higher than most other bikes in its class. -Ed.
A Second Opinion
I'm surprised neither you nor your optometrist mentioned cataract surgery in your article about night vision in the June issue of Cruiser. It is a simple procedure that takes about one hour per eye where they remove the lens and install an artificial lens. You don't even have to be knocked out. If you are interested, you should talk to an eye surgeon rather than an optometrist-they are somewhat different disciplines. I had mine done at age 65 and am still going strong.
Chas. Stevens
Bellefonte, PA
Any surgery is invasive, Chas., so we're loath to recommend it as an easy cure-all. While cataract surgery is a common procedure that can be done on an outpatient basis, we'd rather give tips riders can implement instantly, easily and safely without going under the knife. -Ed.
You Meet the most helpful People ...
In your latest articles concerning night riding and Honda Motor Co. of Ohio you failed to mention two very important points of reader interest.
First, Honda Motor Co. is by far the largest employer of manpower in the state of Ohio. The cutback of motorcycle production manpower will be absorbed in the automobile production part of the company. The home office of Victoria's Secret in Columbus, Ohio, doesn't even come close to Honda's manpower!
Second, when stuck in the middle of nowhere without a motel reservation and it's pitch black on the freeway or highway, you'd best find a semi truck, fall in behind and let the truck clear all the livestock off the road. Motorcycle headlights seem to draw the live animals out onto the road for some unexplained reason.
When you ride a Honda, you ride the best!
Bob Frank
Via e-mail
You sound suspiciously biased, Bob. In any case, your points deserve attention.
First, thanks much for the little tidbit about Victoria's Secret. I mean, maybe Honda can work out some sort of co-op deal with them.
Second, good point, though equally chancy as you're placing yourself at the mercy of the truck. -Ed.
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