XS750 improvement mods
Thanks for the article on the XS750. I bought one new in early 1978 as the improved SP version came out in preference to the ubiquitous Honda, Le Mans 1, BMW etc. offerings at the time, and in preference to the XS1100, which we [South Africa] seemed to have gotten a year earlier than the U.S. The 1100 was just too heavy for my 75kg weight and it had horrible handling in the twisty stuff. I still have my XS750 and it remained my favorite street bike in my collection until the Guzzi V85TT appeared a few years back.
There were two things I didn’t like on the new XS750. The second-gear-issue, which I had fixed under recall by the agents, but also the rear shock absorbers had too little compression and rebound damping for sporty riding and were soon replaced with a pair of linked S&W air shocks, which made a world of difference and were easily adjustable for load with an air valve.
The bike still runs extremely well. In the first 20 years, the only other issue was a leak on the rubber seal on the rev-counter-cable-drive which was fixed for cheap and a tiny bit of wrench time. Fifteen years down the road, second gear began to cause issues again and I took the opportunity (while the cases were split) to modify the selector clearances and refresh with XS11 pistons, rings and bearings. I put new diaphragms in the petcocks while also adding heated grips and a bikini fairing. The XS11 pistons with the XS750 head gave higher compression and a lot more torque, now a nominal 850cc. It would have been a great factory mod. I haven’t put it on a dyno but would estimate around 80hp now.
It’s a lovely bike that I enjoy riding. The next thing I will tackle is the brakes, which were good (not excellent) in 1978, but are far behind a modern bike’s, and need fettling to be safe in today’s traffic conditions.
Ian Huntly/Lanseria, South Africa
Memories of Laverda
Thank you, your staff and contributors for publishing an entertaining publication that I have enjoyed over the years. The article by Richard Backus on the Laverda RGS brought back memories.
I had the good fortune to have known Perry Bushong of Haltom City, Texas. I would stop at his shop sometimes, staying with Perry and his wife, Merry, overnight. Perry, as you may know, sold MV Augustas, Laverdas and BMWs. The particular Laverda, I remember well, was an SFC being uncrated that elicited plenty of passion from the observing entourage. I was saddened years ago on learning of Perry’s passing.
One of my many overseas assignments had me based an hour outside Munich at a German airbase in the town of Leipheim. Leipheim was probably 20 minutes from the town of Ulm, where I had a favorite cafe next door to the Muenster cathedral. Across the markplatz was a parking area. This particular morning, a red Laverda RGS stood there in all its splendor. I believe that was the only RGS I’ve ever had the pleasure to bear witness to.
Thank you again for your efforts, and only the best for the new editor Ms. Christine Stoner. Best of everything for the future, Mr. Hall.
Robert A Krause/Grand Junction, Colorado
Robert,
I appreciate you sharing this memory and your enjoyment of the magazine. Landon was an excellent leader and will be missed. However, I am pleased to see him take on this new adventure. I have spent years learning from him and shall do my best to fill his large and capable riding boots! – Ed.
Craig Vetter’s Hurricane
This is regarding “A Tale of Two Triples” by Robert Smith. Mr. Smith writes Craig Vetter donated his prototype Hurricane to the U.S. National Motorcycle Museum, Anamosa, Iowa (now defunct). The reality is, several years ago, Craig donated a large collection of his personal objects, to mention just a few, the prototype Hurricane badged as a BSA along with a production Triumph Hurricane and his Mystery Ship No. 1 to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum in Pickerington, Ohio, where they are currently on exhibition.
Frank Laskowski
X75 Hurricane Prototypes
Though badged as a BSA, Craig Vetter donated his personal prototype of the Triumph X75 Hurricane to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum in Pickerington, Ohio, not to the U.S. National Motorcycle Museum (as noted in your story by Robert Smith).
In fact, while I worked at the AMA, Craig also donated a lightly modified 1970’s Bonneville and an early copy of his Z1/KZ1000-powered Mystery Ship. In addition, though they are currently in storage, he also gave the Museum one each of his roughly 15 fairing designs and saddle bags. As an Industrial Design student at Ohio University in the late 1960s, guys like Vetter, the Rickman brothers and Paul Dunstall were my heroes, cafe racers my interest. Vetter was not only timely with his designs but a great marketer, and was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999 for his work. A great biography resides there. By the way, after 23 years in Anamosa, Iowa, the late John Parham’s wonderful non-profit National Motorcycle Museum closed Sept. 4, 2023.
Mark Mederski
Thanks for the notes to clarify and correct these details. I hate to admit we are human, however things occasionally do make it through the fine-tooth comb of editing and it’s great to have readers help with the details.
To read the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Biography of Craig Vetter, visit their website – Ed.
Generational Dream
That was a great article in the May/June 2023 issue of Motorcycle Classics (Oh, Those Sweet Dreams). I have owned a 305 Dream since 1969 and I’ve learned so much. Dain is such a great writer and spun real facts into his article. I did not know a lot of that.
I have a great Dream story. No one has photos over 54 years with the same kid.
I bought a 1967 Dream still in the crate in 1969 when they were getting rid of them. I paid $398 for it, brand-new. I have owned it for 55 years. It’s totally unrestored and has 11,000 miles on it. I rode it as a daily driver. Later on, I decided to take care of it. The seat is still original and I do have new Coker tires on it. But, I have something no one else has. I have my son, Kenneth Smith, next to it when he was a 1-year-old with my helmet in 1969. I have another photo of him with it at age 35 (same helmet), and even riding it at age 54.
Lloyd Smith/Washington
Lloyd,
What a beautiful story in pictorial form. I am impressed with the preservation that was involved in both keeping the Dream in such excellent condition as well as creating this memory over the years. I wonder if any other owners have had the foresight to document their children growing up with their motorcycle. Thank you for sharing! – Ed.
