Letters from the Road

Letters from the Road
The Great Debate

Editor:

I’m writing in response to the letter from Bruce (from Shelton, Washington) in the October issue. Having ridden Harleys for a number of years, I moved to a Victory seven years ago. I didn’t buy it because I thought it was a counterfeit Harley but precisely because it wasn’t a Harley. Don’t get me wrong, I like H-D and think they build an outstanding bike. But for me, I felt the Victory gave me the ride I was looking for and frankly, it was less expensive. It’s not perfect but I’m trying to make it so. Here’s the other thing: when I was ready to buy a new bike, I was amazed by the number of guys who were new to riding and thought they could only ride a Harley. I didn’t want to be confused as being one of them. Bruce’s statement that Victory and other manufacturers are copying Harley’s V-twin design is misleading (false, actually). Glenn Curtiss, Indian, and a few others were using a V-twin engine years before H-D used it. To say that metric bikes are copying that design is like saying all V-8 engines are simply copying the French dude who first invented that engine layout. Baloney! I happen to believe that Victory, in particular, has helped encourage H-D to build better bikes. How is that a bad thing? What’s more important to Bruce: that he rides a Harley or that he and I are out riding our bikes, cruising around the country? It has nothing to do with the name on the tank. Contrary to what he believes, my Victory is not a copy; it’s the real thing just like my buddy’s Suzuki or my brother-in-law’s Heritage Classic. As long as I’m writing, I’d like to add that I really enjoy the mag. Sure, I’d like to see more custom metrics but I really enjoy seeing what others are doing to their bikes. Feel free to ditch the articles on rides in exotic locations (China, Japan, etc.). Most of us will never go there to ride our bikes and there is too much to see here in the US and Canada. I’d like to see you do an article on Iron Butt rides (you find out real quick what’s important in a bike and I can tell you it has nothing to do with the name of the tank).

Keep up the good work!
Blaine, via email

Blaine thanks for the email. Unfortunately, just like using models in the magazine, it seems there is always going to be debate as to what brands of bikes we should and shouldn’t show. Also I am working on an endurance riding article as we speak. EE

No Offense

Hello, I just wanted to comment on a letter in the October issue concerning the Sik Pipes “Green Fiend,” well the reader was a bit offended by the girl in the article, I just wanted to let you know that I, and the many readers of my issue at work, were NOT offended in any way and hope to see more beautiful ladies in all your upcoming issues, maybe even her specifically in another issue! Keep up the good work, love the rag and if there are any posters laying around with such offensive material I would proudly display them in my garage (hint hint).

Dom Petrore, via email

Dom, don’t worry the tasteful images of the beautiful girls and bikes aren’t going anywhere soon. EE

Keep ’Em Comin’

Hey there! Just want to say what a great rag. I look forward to it every month and love the tech articles and fresh ideas on baggers. I’m not one to write much, but thought I’d add in my two cents. I want to commend you folks on adding the young ladies in the pics. I notice they’re tastefully done and they dress up the rides real nice. I know it’s not policy, but keep ’em coming. You’d have to be a total hater or puritan to find offense with art. Besides, this is America; I wish more people would remember that and start living that way! Censorship is an enemy of free press and a free people.

Thanks,

Bonecrusher

Exactly Bonecrusher, ’Merica!!!! EE

Socializing

BM: August 13th caption contest Monday!!!!!! EE

WINNER—Martine Gidoni: I don’t even wanna know where she put the arrow!

Richard Duncan: Love is in the hair…

Keith Anthony: I hope you guys think my tramp stamp is sexy.

Rick Wagner He must think baggers are sexy, because that’s one big heart on!

Bill Wright: “Seriously, they don’t look like angel wings?”

Dave Vaught: “My wife shaved the H-D logo on my back before I left for Sturgis without her, how’s it look?”

Julio Guzman: Looks like a male elephant sat on his back!

James Aubrey Hill: ”Lookin’ for love in all the wrong places”

Mike Kamber: Care Bear all grown up.

BM: Why do you read Baggers? Bikes, tech, touring, road tests, events, new products, chicks, product reviews? JM

Frank S Barbagallo Jr.: All of the above!

Freddy Thiel: Bikes, tech

Jon Lewis: Touring and tech.

Steve Steele: Went back looking at issues and see that you have been hitting Vics up. Will have to start reading it again.

Tanner Mcclung: Bikes and chicks

Jeff Wright: I like everything except the stupid looking huge front wheels. This is fad that I hope fades fast.

Deron Hayden: all the above

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