TESTS__________________

36 Suzuki VS700 Intruder

Finally, a custom that really is.

50 Honda VF1000R

A leading cause of the

smuggler’s blues.

70 Honda XR600R

An off-roader for rides that are

measured in days, not miles.

FEATURES_______________

44 Loose On The Dunes

War of the wheels: two vs.

three vs. four.

—by David Edwards

76 Boxer 1000 Vecteur

The French answer to Italian

design. —by David Edwards

84 In The Beginning

Motorcycling celebrates its

centennial. —by Bill Stermer

TECHNICAL

65 How Motorcycles

Work, Part 8

Rear suspensions illustrated.

—by Steve Anderson

ROUNDUP

22 Motorcycle

Ergonomics: Trouble

In The Fitting Room

The case of the shrinking

inseam.

26 Letter From Japan

The Oriental connection.

28 Letter From Europe

Transatlantic hotline.

DEPARTMENTS

7 Editorial

Soul-searching.

10 At Large

Finding the right bag for the

right reason.

15 Letters

Words from the dirt writers.

93 Race Watch

The life and times of Barry

Sheene.

98 Things To Do

Runs, rallies and riding for

charity.

100 Service

Questions for the service

manager.

109 Summary

Specs and speeds.

114 Slipstream

They’re here!

COVER_________________

The most custom of

the customs: Suzuki’s

new Intruder.

Photographed by Stan Sholik

Studios