Fast Torque #9

Fast Torque is our Letters to the Editor page, where you can win stuff for commenting on stories and bike reviews

The latest edition of Fast Torque is shaping up to be the most controversial yet, but also tinged with sadness at the passing of colleague Ken Wootton. Nevertheless, this is where you'll find out which articles are getting the most comments and what topics are trending - and why. And if you want you can then reply to the posts in seconds. Disagree with Macca? Then let him know.

Winning!

Macca has won a USB laser mouse for his comment about a Biker who died during an anti-helmet protest, and we're giving away another one of these computer mice (pictured) for this ninth edition of Fast Torque.

Most talked about stories
1

Biker dies in anti-helmet protest
2 Vale Ken Wootton
3 2012 Husqvarna Nuda 900
4 Study shows helmets can damage hearing
5 2012 Harley-Davidson range revealed

KTM SPRINGS A LEAK

KTM Moto3 350cc junior sports bike?? Yes! This is awesome news. Finally a sports bike that's not a 250 or a 600 but something in between. This sports bike will be totally worth the wait. I just hope it's not the single-cylinder engine from teh Indian-made Duke 350. But if it is, perhaps it'll get a modded cylinder head for more top end. *begins saving cash*
- SJ

Ed: There's every chance this 350cc Moto3 replica sports bike could come to Australia, and it brings back memories of the RVF400, an 'in-between' capacity sports bike that took itself very seriously. If KTM's previous efforts are anything to go by, it should be kitted out with a reasonably high level of standard equipment too.

2012 HARLEY-DAVIDSON PRICE CUT?
The value of our dollar should make it easier to buy the new 2012 Harley-Davidson Switchback, but I am a Kawasaki fan. Funny how it looks a bit like my old Nomad Kwaka.
- Chebsie

PLUG IT #1
I usually wear ear plugs to block out wind noise (especially on longer rides). The wind drone is very loud, and this study confirmed my personal belief that it was harmful. I remember getting headaches before I used ear plugs.
- Justin B

- Ed: We've had a lot of feedback on the topic of motorcycle helmets damaging the hearing of riders, and earplugs are a simple, cheap and effective way of blotting out the monotonous high frequency sound of wind streaming over and around the helmet. I have a pair of moulded earplugs specially set for my ear canal, while my right hand man F. Torr prefers the non-moulded plugs you get at the pharmarcy (it's not the only he likes buying at the pharmacy...). There is a growing body of evidence that suggests wind noise is detrimental to the inner ear, and anything that can reduce this damage has to be a good thing.

PLUG IT #2
I've never liked full face helmets much and as a result, have hearing problems now after 35 years riding. Wish I had been a bit more careful and used earplugs used earplugs. More and more society is full of noise everywhere, so in my view do everything you can to protect your hearing. Hearing aids are b....y expensive!
- GB

PLUG IT #3
I don't wear earplugs earplugs, probably should... No ill effects yet. I think.
- John

REST EASY KEN WOOTTON #1
Great tribute Mav, Ken Wootton was a legend and reading his and AMCN's articles from an early age made me the bike mad person I am today. RIP Ken and thanks for your outstanding contribution to Ozzie motorcycling and journalism.
- Jay

Ed: I'd like to thank everyone for their kind words - Woose will be sorely missed. I also reckon he'd be stoked with the outpouring of goodwill. It shows just how tight-knit this industry is.

REST EASY KEN WOOTTON #2
Well said Mav old man. He nearly drove me to distraction, worked me to the bone. But I learnt a lot and now realise how much affection I actually had for him.
- Greg Leech

REST EASY KEN WOOTTON #3
Very sad news. He will be greatly missed. Motorcylce Trader became a much better magazine during his time as editor, which is testament to his talent and dedication. He was one of the most interesting, entertaining, informative and influential motorcycle journalists in the 40 years that I have been reading motorcycle magazines.
- MotoRain

HAMMY YAMMY YESTERYEAR STARS
That is a classic motorsports spoof video. Perhaps Colin Edwards has a future in comedy movies! His bit with Fabio is great "That's how we roll". I like it when they don't mind having fun, show's these racers actually hav a personality. Great way to start my monday morn. Cheers.
- Gertail

Ed: We came across the video and everyone who watched it had a few laughs. The old LOLs were in abundance, as the young hipsters would say. And I concur, the Fabio cameo is competely bizarre - but very funny.

CF MOTO 650 'GOOD'
Outputting 68hp for what should be stuff all money? This could be a good buy. Awaiting the review, please deliver Bikesales people!
- Frankston

Ed: Thanks for the comment Frankston (?), and we'll be sure to throw a leg over the Asian bike when it lands on local soil early 2012.

CF MOTO 650 'BAD'
At 20% less than the real market bikes for the 650 naked bike from CF Moto... I would not buy this junk for 50% less, the paint will probably give you cancer or make your sterile.
- Kimo216

* Some emails have been edited for length and content.

Fast Torque #9

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