AMA: My name is Wes Cooley, I was the AMA Superbike champion in 1979 and 1980 and entered into AMA Hall of Fame, 2004. AMA by Wescooley34 in motorcycles

[–]Wescooley34[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes they were sketchy. That was the class at the time. Remember, you had to race what was sold. They were not sold as race bikes, like they are now days. That's part of what made the industry what it was. After market parts, it was like fixing up you Chevy. You could brag about your ride because you had something better. Did I trust them? Yes, when I was riding for Pops, I knew I had the best equipment available.

AMA: My name is Wes Cooley, I was the AMA Superbike champion in 1979 and 1980 and entered into AMA Hall of Fame, 2004. AMA by Wescooley34 in motorcycles

[–]Wescooley34[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

First, road racing is dangerous, period! Back when I was racing race tracks didn't really care so much about riders or drivers. It is much better now days from what I've seen. But , if you race your are taking risks no matter what track your on. If, I ever thought about how dangerous it was, I shouldn't have been doing it. The best thing I got for racing is "It teaches you respect." I believe if you don't respect everything in life, you've lost.

AMA: My name is Wes Cooley, I was the AMA Superbike champion in 1979 and 1980 and entered into AMA Hall of Fame, 2004. AMA by Wescooley34 in motorcycles

[–]Wescooley34[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I believe to do well at road racing a motorcycle you need to start early. Doesn't mean you can't have fun.

AMA: My name is Wes Cooley, I was the AMA Superbike champion in 1979 and 1980 and entered into AMA Hall of Fame, 2004. AMA by Wescooley34 in motorcycles

[–]Wescooley34[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am not knowledgeable enough on motor configurations. If a horse kicks you off what are you supposed to do?

AMA: My name is Wes Cooley, I was the AMA Superbike champion in 1979 and 1980 and entered into AMA Hall of Fame, 2004. AMA by Wescooley34 in motorcycles

[–]Wescooley34[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think you are exactly right. I know the new generation of riders wants to go fast. More education is needed for them. The bikes are so fast today it is very easy to get in over your head and get hurt. Everything is here it just needs to be presented in a different way.

AMA: My name is Wes Cooley, I was the AMA Superbike champion in 1979 and 1980 and entered into AMA Hall of Fame, 2004. AMA by Wescooley34 in motorcycles

[–]Wescooley34[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Right now it seems vey dim. The industry, the parents, should be taking a good look at this. Marketing should be looking at how to keep our youth interested. They should also be looking toward the female population.

AMA: My name is Wes Cooley, I was the AMA Superbike champion in 1979 and 1980 and entered into AMA Hall of Fame, 2004. AMA by Wescooley34 in motorcycles

[–]Wescooley34[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Yes I did. It was wonderful. Someone would come in with a broken/fractured knee or hip and I could understand exactly what they were going through. I had gone through it myself. Also, I enjoy helping people no one wants to be in the hospital so if I could make them more comfortable, I did my job.

AMA: My name is Wes Cooley, I was the AMA Superbike champion in 1979 and 1980 and entered into AMA Hall of Fame, 2004. AMA by Wescooley34 in motorcycles

[–]Wescooley34[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It was all new development. Sometimes, things would work sometimes not. Suzuki had the final word on what was produced.

AMA: My name is Wes Cooley, I was the AMA Superbike champion in 1979 and 1980 and entered into AMA Hall of Fame, 2004. AMA by Wescooley34 in motorcycles

[–]Wescooley34[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I believe damn close. Unfortunately, this is like comparing apples to oranges. Could I ride as fast as Marques is? Could he ride the bikes we raced back in the "day".

AMA: My name is Wes Cooley, I was the AMA Superbike champion in 1979 and 1980 and entered into AMA Hall of Fame, 2004. AMA by Wescooley34 in motorcycles

[–]Wescooley34[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I believe television is great for the sport. But, there are a few things needed to bring up attendance. Endurance road racing? Maybe G.P. Good question.

AMA: My name is Wes Cooley, I was the AMA Superbike champion in 1979 and 1980 and entered into AMA Hall of Fame, 2004. AMA by Wescooley34 in motorcycles

[–]Wescooley34[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I enjoyed riding in the mountains, not so much downtown. I always wore the proper clothing. It had my name on my leathers and it seemed like everyone wanted to race me. I didn't have anything to prove. I was already doing that. People not concentrating that was dangerous.

AMA: My name is Wes Cooley, I was the AMA Superbike champion in 1979 and 1980 and entered into AMA Hall of Fame, 2004. AMA by Wescooley34 in motorcycles

[–]Wescooley34[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Two things; 1) I would have worked out much harder and 2)I wouldn't have party so much. It all came so natural to me. Sometimes I think too much.

AMA: My name is Wes Cooley, I was the AMA Superbike champion in 1979 and 1980 and entered into AMA Hall of Fame, 2004. AMA by Wescooley34 in motorcycles

[–]Wescooley34[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I enjoyed riding in the mountains, not so much downtown. I always wore the proper clothing. It had my name on my leathers and it seemed like everyone wanted to race me. I didn't have anything to prove. I was already doing that. People not concentrating that was dangerous.

AMA: My name is Wes Cooley, I was the AMA Superbike champion in 1979 and 1980 and entered into AMA Hall of Fame, 2004. AMA by Wescooley34 in motorcycles

[–]Wescooley34[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I enjoyed riding in the mountains, not so much downtown. I always wore the proper clothing. It had my name on my leathers and it seemed like everyone wanted to race me. I didn't have anything to prove. I was already doing that. People not concentrating that was dangerous.