Cycle World, October 2010 issue...

The Prophet · 09-14-2010

Cycle World October 2010

This is getting curiouser and curioser. One month the issue is embarrassingly horrid, the next month it’s great. I would never stroke my own ego to think that anyone from CW (or anywhere else for that matter!) ever reads my boring and over-wordy diatribes, but realistically it may very well have been numerous other like-minded readers seeing the same decline in the recent months, and forwarding letters to CW. Something has changed dramatically for the better.

This Month features:

A very nice opening monologue by Chief Editor Mark Hoyer on Vintage… wait for it… Triumphs!

An excellent column by Kevin Cameron on the ‘Economic Crisis’ eventual impact on MotoGP and other race venues, and how the Racing world is attempting to cope. IMHO, this reads clearly as if the folks with deep pockets and shallow sportsmanship concepts seem to inevitably figure out ways to continually force the racing scene to evolve into an expensive venture, or playground for folks with excess currency. Maybe it’s just me.

Peter Egan reminds us of the after-effects of being… dumb? A short story around his recent Dirt-Bike fall-off and sans safety gear injuries sustained. Food for thought as always.

The new Norton Commando 961 SE Test ride and “behind the scenes” article.

A Triumph based chopper/café racer/custom bike by Falcon.

A Triumph Drag Racer / Legend story.

A Peter Williams derived Norton 750, Isle of Mann TT winner story!

A short tribute to Kenny Dreer, Norton resurrectee #1.

Reviews of new products that are reasonable in price and the “average Joe rider” could afford! (New Ideas).

Responses to Technical Letters (Service) that are very respectful, well thought out in content, and do not attempt to ridicule or belittle the sender.

An historic story of vintage British Motorcycle Racing (Brands Hatch)!

Zero publication of lame, "I'm so full of myself" comments from the tragic and sad CW Forum lifers. Thank you CW!

All in all, a fabulous issue, selfishly voted as such by myself what with all the Triumph and Norton articles.

Also – I couldn’t resist – if you recall Hoyer’s past very ill advised comments (coming from the Chief Editor of a world renowned periodical) on helmet-less and safety gear-less riding being… O.K.

In this issue, not one single motorcycle rider is pictured ANYWHERE in the magazine without a helmet on. Great job CW!

Oddly, there are only two helmet-less people seen ON motorcycles, anywhere in the magazine. Both are seen in advertisements. Most oddly, both advertisements are for Motorcycle Insurance – Allstate and Progressive! You would think that insurers, of all people, would want to present a safety conscious image. It’s a wild and wacky world out there!

Last minute serious disclaimer here – By no means do I intend to preach, or insinuate whatsoever that everyone MUST wear a Helmet. That is YOUR business. To each hizzone, etc., and everyone can do whatever they please. No dictators allowed on this Forum, especially me. The “Big deal” I’m trying to make is around the Chief Editor of a Major Motorcycle Magazine needing to take mature, adult responsibility as well as the big title and pay check, and be careful about declaring such things publicly. Young, impressionable, new riders take this published stuff they read as gospel. Teach new / young folks to ride with the proper safety gear and training, later on they can choose whatever path they wish to take, and all of our fellow riders will provide sincere mutual respect for each other , brain bucket attired... or not!.

End of story.

Cycle World October 2010: Worth the USD$4.99 newstand price – Yes, this month definitely. Fantastic job CW staff!!

Ride (and read) Safe!

Bob