The Jersey Devil
There were so many beautiful machines in your September/October issue that it would be hard to guess which garnered the most reader response. Nevertheless, I’m sure you heard from a lot of Honda Scrambler guys.
If your Jersey Devil was a ’66, it must have been from late in that model year. Pictures seem to show the later, much larger, and much needed Super Hawk front brake. Also, on earlier models the ugly can muffler was easily unbolted. Jerry Dowgin’s was clearly sawed off leaving pipes that appear to be, but in fact are not, equal length. At least it seems to be jetted right; they’re not discolored near the heads.
As for me? Approaching eight decades I tell myself that another CL77 is the last thing I need. But I still check Craigslist on occasion and I still have a pair of Snuff-R-Nots in the original packages.
Joe Arnstein, Portsmouth, NH
Electric Start
In the September/October issue of MC you covered the X-Start system for the Yamaha 500. Having installed one of these on my 1981 SR500H model I can say it is a very professional and well executed kit. The installation instructions were clear and easy to follow, all the parts were well made and fit with no extra modifications. And fighting two bad knees, the kit made it so I can still ride. Only extra piece needed was a plug adapter so the Euro-style battery charger will plug into U.S. sockets. All in all 100%.
Bill Fulmer/via email
THE Mile
The story “San Jose — THE Mile” brought back memories of the many times I witnessed some of the best dirt track racing ever by the biggest stars of the sport. I’ll never forget Bubba Shobert on the works Honda battling the Harleys. Bubba would fly into turn one, lay it over, barely putting his foot down and was the first to get his left foot back on the peg and then unleash those 100 horses down the back straight. An incredible sense of rhythm, timing and balance. Great to see the picture of Bubba at Quail alongside Rainey and Lawson. All my San Jose Mile T-shirts have long worn out, but I still cherish an original hat from the track.
Russell Anthes/Malo, Washington
Remembering the Kanemoto Dragon
The excellent article by Dain brings back memories. Ron Wood and I loaded up the trusty Norton and headed to Northern California for a dirt track race. My memory seems to think it was Hanford, but as it was 50 years ago, I could be mistaken, anyway the big excitement was the appearance of the Kanemoto Kawasaki.
Come practice I knew we were in big trouble, Scott was complaining of clutch slip, but examining the track it was obvious that the big triple was indeed spinning the rear tire on the straights. The bike was a rocket ship, just like Roberts Yamaha. Although the multi-cylinder era was short lived it was very exciting to see and left an indelible impression.
Brian Slark/via email
Not Stock
Regarding the story about Don Cronin’s Medaza Wasp (Not Stock, Sept/Oct 2023). WOW! A terrific article. Don’s creation is the best combination of motorcycle as art, and art as motorcycle I’ve ever seen. I visited his website and found it a great introduction to his work. The motorcycle looks like it is moving even when it is standing still. The overall design and length he went to on every detail is outstanding. An incredible undertaking with the results being a true work of art. I can imagine it being in the Museum of Modern Art in New York. He has to have a great mind to have pulled it all together. A true inspiration to artists and to garage tinkerers. Also, thanks to writer Phillip Tooth.
Everett Davidson/Prescott, Arizona
