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Fun Moto Facts

GTM®

GTM®

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Motorcycling in America – 1971
Posted: 13th December 2010 by Competition Accessories in 1970s, News

Life In America
1971 – The median family income is $10,000. President Nixon makes historic trip to China. The New York Times releases the Pentagon Papers. DB Cooper jumps from a passenger jet with $200,000, never to be seen again. On TV the Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour debuts. Peter Falk begins his long shuffle as Columbo. The Doors Jim Morrison dies in Paris. Joy to the World, by Three Dog Night is the number one song. Dirty Harry cleans up the streets of San Francisco, and Gene Hackman creates havoc in the Big Apple in The French Connection. A Porsche 911T is less than $7,000; a gallon of gas is $.40 and an MV Agusta 750/4 is $3,200 in Italy.

Number One Motorcycle Trend For 1971:
Two motorcycles, the Honda CB500/4 and Suzuki’s GT750 point the way to the future. The Honda demonstrates Honda’s willingness to produce smaller displacement four-cylinder motorcycles, which will eventually lead to today’s biggest class 600/4s. Suzuki’s GT750 is the first mass-produced water-cooled bike since Scott went out of business and starts a trend that will gain momentum in the ‘80s.
European Brands
Montesa Cota 247, 125 Cappra MX, Cota 25. BSA Victor 500 MX, 650 Lightning. Triumph Bonneville T120R. Moto-Guzzi Ambassador 750. Ossa Pioneer 250 Enduro. MV Agusta 750/4. Bultaco Matador 250, Sherpa T. Ducati 450 R/T. Bronco Apache 100. Zundapp 125 Enduro.

Asian Brands
Kawasaki 500 Mach III, 125 Enduro, 350 S2. Yamaha 360 RT-1B, JT-1 Mini Enduro, 200 CS3B, CT-1C 175 Enduro, XS-2 650/2, LT-2 MX. Honda SL125, CB350K3, SL70, CB500/4. Suzuki TM499R, TS250 R Savage, GT750.

American Brands
Carabella 125 Caliente (Mexico).

Racing
Harley-Davidson and Cal Rayborn unseat Don Vesco as fastest motorcyclist on earth.

ISDT Malcolm Smith and Ron Bohn win Gold Medals. Czech’s win team awards in trophy and vase categories.

Baja 1000 won by Yamaha 350 ridden by Phil Bowers and Mike Patrick. Cars still win overall.
Trans-AMA MX series introduced.

Inter-AM MX series won by Czech rider Valek Valastimil. Current Victory honcho Mark Blackwell takes 12th place.

Other Issues
Hercules introduces a Wankel-powered motorcycle.

Demand for motorcycles outstrips the ability of OEs to provide parts. Dealers hard-pressed to find technicians to service bikes.

According to Wards Automotive; motorcycle consumption in the US is up 44.7% over 1969 with 928,374 units sold, vs. 641,526 in ’68.

National proposal to mandate honking horn and flashing lights when vehicle exceeds 85 mph.

In effort to fight noise problems, MIC adapts slogan; “Less sound = more ground.”
 
Re: Fun Moto Facts - 1971

Thought I'd add some other interesting facts ....Taken from the People History site

How much things cost in 1971
-Yearly Inflation Rate USA 4.3%
-Yearly Inflation Rate UK 8.6%
-Year End Close Dow Jones Industrial Average 890
-Average Cost of new house $25,250.00
-Average Monthly Rent $150.00
-Datsun 1200 Sports Coupe $1,866.00
-United States postage Stamp 8 cents
-Movie Ticket $1.50

This could well be the year that marked the start of the digital age when the Microprocessor was invented.
-Intel releases world's first microprocessor, the 4004.
-Texas Instruments releases the first pocket calculator
-The First Internet Chat rooms appear .......Guzzitech? :)
-The First Cat Scanner Produced by EMI
-BBC Open University broadcasts begin in the UK.
-The Aswan Dam is completed in Egypt
-The Worlds Largest Tanker 372,400 tons Nisseki Maru is launched...... :eek:hmy:
-Apollo 14 lands on the Moon.
-Apollo 15 astronauts become the first to ride in a lunar rover a day after landing on the surface.
-First Soft Contact Lens became available commercially in the USA
-Kevlar goes on to the market, Kevlar had been discovered by Stephanie Kwolek while working as a chemist for Du Pont, Kevlar is a polymer that is five times stronger than steel ( Weight for Weight ) and can be spun into thread, It's uses range from bridge cables to Lightweight body armor.
 
Re: Fun Moto Facts 1976

Life In America
1976 –Its the year of the Bi-Centennial. Family income continues to rise, but is eroded by ongoing inflation. Jimmy Carter is elected president. Microsoft and Apple are formed. The US Naval Academy accepts its first female midshipmen (err…women). Musically the nation’s rocking to The Eagle’s Hotel California, their album Greatest Hits, becomes the number one seller. AC/DC serenades us with Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap. On TV it’s Laverne & Shirley, The Gong Show and Charlie’s Angels. At the movies we’re inspired by Rocky and infatuated with Taxi Driver…”You lookin’ at me?” Gas is now $.59 a gallon, cars are pretty boring and Suzuki’s new motocrosser, the RM250 will set you back $1410.

Number One Motorcycle Trend For 1976:
Off-road and motocross motorcycles have been the traditional turf of European OE’s Their products are being displaced increasingly by Japanese competitors. Every Japanese OE now has several highly competitive machines for sale.
European Brands
Bultaco: Sherpa T350, 125 Pursang. Hercules: Wankel 2000. Husqvarna: 250WR, 360 Automatic. KTM 250M/C-5. Maico: 250WR Cross Country. Montesa: Cota 348.

Asian Brands
Hodaka: 250ED (Thunderdog). Honda: CR125M2, CR250, CB400F, MR250, XL250, CB750F, CB750A. Kawasaki: KH400, KZ400, KZ750 Twin, DX250, KZ1000, KD125. Suzuki: RM100MX, GT500A, RM250, RM125A, GT380, PE250. Yamaha: RD400C, YZ250, XS500C, XS750D, IT400C.

American Brands
Harley-Davidson: RR250.

Racing
ISDT at Isle Of Man. W. Germany breaks Czech stranglehold on series to finish in first place. USA finishes sixth.

Trans-AMA series won by DeCoster, but Americans take seven of top ten places. First American is Tony DiStefano in third.

Roberts lights a fire in AMA dirt track series with TZ750 based bike run at Indy Mile.

Daytona, Steve McLaughlin wins first Superbike race, a 50-miler on a BMW. Venezuelan Johnny Cecotto wins 200 miler aboard a Yamaha.

Trans-Atlantic series is again won by Brits 412 to 384, but America’s Steve Baker puts on a stunning performance.

Jim Weinert, Kawasaki, wins Superbowl of Motocross Series.

Other Issues
Motorcycle sales are down. Hardest hit are the Euro brands, only Hodaka and Suzuki suffer decline on Japanese side.

NVT in trouble, Wolverton factory goes into receivership. US operations lay off most staff.

Albert B Kelley, VP Insurance Institute for Highway Safety proposes nation-wide ban on motorcycles, American Automobile Medicine VP agrees.

AMA officially becomes the American Motorcyclist Association, as opposed to the American Motorcycle Association.

“Willie G.” is introduced to American motorcyclists for the first time as designer of the XLCR.
Cycle World initiates Ten Best Awards.

Color pictures start to appear in the editorial sections. Everyone seems to have long curly hair.

It appears that trials will not be the salvation of the off-road side of the business as inventories of these bikes stack up in dealerships across the nation.
 
Life In America 1980

The average income has increased to $19,500/year. The US boycotts the Moscow Olympics. Mt. St. Helens erupts. John Lennon is gunned down in New York City. 30% of US auto sales are now imports, primarily from Japan. We’re listening to Queen’s, Another one Bites the Dust, and Willie Nelson’s, On the Road Again. On TV CNN has just introduced 24-hour news. Fox and HBO are introduced, breaking traditional network monopolies. At the movies, The Empire Strikes Back, and Airplane are the films drawing our interest. The average new car costs, $5,413. The new Yamaha XS1100 will set you back $7,609. A gallon gas is going for $1.19/gallon.

Number One Motorcycle Trend For 1980:
Single shock, link suspensions are appearing on dirt bikes; Kawasaki has introduced their Uni-Track system on a production bike, and Honda introduced its Pro-Link system on a factory MXr at the Anaheim Supercross, soon others will follow and eventually the system will become standard in both dirt and street bikes.
European Brands
BMW: R100T Cagiva: WMX125. Husqvarna: 250WR. KTM 250 Enduro. Maico: M1 250, 250 Enduro. Montesa: Cota. 349.Moto Guzzi: V50. Moto Morini: 3 ½.

Asian Brands
Honda: CBX, CB400T, CB900 Custom, XR200, Gold Wing GL1100, CB125, CR125R, CR80, CB750C. Kawasaki: KDX175, KDX250, KZ550, KZ1300, KZ440 Ltd, KZ750, Z1 Classic, KX250, Vetter Mystery Ship. Suzuki: RM 25T, GS550GT, GS750GT, GS1100E, GS850, DR400, PE400, GS450S, PE250, GN400, GS1000G, GS250T. Yamaha: SX850G, XT250GYZ250G, SR500, YZ465G, XS1100, XJ650 Maxim I, IT250, Exciter I SR250, YZ125Z, IT175G.

North American Brands
Can-AM: Qualifier 250, 250MX. Harley-Davidson: FXB80 Sturgis.

Racing
Kent Howerton wins first “Superbikers” race at Carlsbad, CA on board a Suzuki RM400.

Brock Glover wins 500cc National AMA Championship.

Steve Eklund wins GNC, first privateer to win since Dick Mann in 1963.

Husqvarna, led by Larry Roessler and Jack Johnson sweep all five classes in Baja 1000.

Daytona – Graeme Crosby on a Suzuki wins Superbike race. Eddie Lawson wins 250cc GP class. Gina Boivard becomes first woman to qualify for the 200 miler on her TZ500.

Kenny Roberts wins 3rd World 500 GP Championship.

Terry Vance wins the IDBA Pro Stock Championship with a record breaking 8.82 quarter-mile.

Other Issues
All four Japanese OEs introduce water-cooling on their factory MXrs.

Both Harley-Davidson and Kawasaki introduce belt final drive systems; HD Sturgis and Kaw KZ440LTD.

Kawasaki introduces first mass production motorcycle equipped with fuel-injection, the Z1 Classic.

Editors express concern that with the rising popularity of cruiser-style bikes there are fewer sport and standard bikes available.

The “safety motorcycle” a rear steering contraption developed at a cost of millions of dollars by the NHTSA is declared by the SAE to be, “unrideable.”

The MSF releases data indicating that motorcycling is getting safer in terms of deaths per crash and crashes per mile, along with deaths per registrations.

MXL introduces a plastic boot to compete with Scott’s, unfortunately, it leaks.

All Japanese OEs have recognized the “touring” market and are providing motorcycles to meet the demand, though fairings and luggage for the most part is still an aftermarket purchase.
 
Life In America - 1981

The average income is $21,050/year. Ronald Reagan is elected President. Unemployment is 7.1%. Charles, the Duke of Wales marries Diana Spencer. The virus we now know as AIDS is identified. MS-DOS is released by Microsoft along with the first IBM PC. On TV we’re watching Hill Street Blues, and Married with Children. At the movies, the number one flick is Raiders of the Lost Ark. Kim Carnes has a big hit with, Betty Davis Eyes. The average domestic car will cost you $8,912. A hot new Suzuki RM125X is $1,579 and a gallon of gas $1.25.

Number One Motorcycle Trend For 1981:
Though it’s been evident for several years, the European brands are rapidly falling by the wayside as evidenced by this year’s crop of European road test bikes, six models from three manufacturers. Though they’ve been able to hang on over the past few years in the off-road segment, their glory days are past.
European Brands
BMW: Krauser 1000, R80GS, R100CS. Maico: 490 Mega2, 250 Omega2 Triumph: Bonneville 750

Asian Brands
Honda: CR450R, CB400T, XR500R, CB650X, CB900F, GL500 Silver Wing, CR250R, CBX, CB750F, CX500 Turbo Kawasaki: KZ750LTD, Gpz1100, KZ1000J, KX420A2, KZ305 CSR, GPz550, KZ750, KZ1300T, KDX80 Suzuki: PE175X, GS1100E, RM125X, GS650G , DR500, GS750EX, RM250X, RM465X, SP500, Katana GS1000S Yamaha: YZ250H, 650 Midnight Special, XJ Seca 550, YZ465H, Virago XV750, IT250H, 750 Seca, XV920, IT465, YZ125

North American Brands
Can-AM: 400 Qualifier. Harley-Davidson: FXRS.

Racing
Larry Roessler scores a 6th as highest ranking American at the ISDT held in France. Italians win World Trophy, USA Tenth.

Motocross style knee cups are introduced for roadracers.

Ontario Motor Speedway is bought by Chevron and demolished for commercial development.

Mike Hailwood and his daughter are killed in an auto accident in England.

Daytona – Pig Farmer Dale Singleton, wins 200 miler aboard a Yamaha TZ750. Wes Cooley wins the Superbike race. Darrell Schultz the Supercross – both mounted on Suzukis. Gina Boivard becomes first woman to finish the 200 miler. Speed reached by Superbikes at Daytona would have qualified them for 10th position on the F1 grid.

US GP won by Chuck Sun on a Honda.

Bruce Penhall becomes the first American in 44 years to win the World Speedway Championship.

Other Issues
A group of employees purchase the Harley-Davidson division from AMF.

The lack of kick starters on new motorcycles is causing anguish among some Cycle World readers.
A study by the National Athletic Health Institution indicates that motocross riders, as a whole, are the most physically fit athletes.

For $69.00 you can buy a faceplate and recalibration for your 85 MPH speedometer.

The AMA reports that there are now 5.68 million motorcycles registered in the US.

At present there are no Federal sound regulations for motorcycles, though most modern bikes meet an 82 dbA standard.

On Any Sunday II is slated for an ’81 release. It’s hoped that it will stir the market as well as the original did.

Cycle World editors predict the end of the 55 MPH speed limit is near an end as over 50% of the drivers in the US are reported to be exceeding it.
 
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