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.”
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.”