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I READ JIM RICHARDSON’S in the August issue (“Maserati Boogie and Offenhauser Blues,” #203) over and over as it not only drew me in with his writing, but the way he could turn words into music. As I read it, I could hear those sounds, including the Matra at the Long Beach Grand Prix in 1978, as I also attended that event (I still have the poster). There is one engine that I would include among those producing the most addictive sounds: the 1978-’79 Honda CBX, with six-into-two open exhausts, especially at wide-open throttle. I owned one many years ago and I think that it could be the reason I am having hearing issues now. That screaming exhaust would drill its way right into your ear canal, as if it were a serpent hunting its prey. I am lucky that I did not become the victim on the TV show “Deadly Neighbors,” as even though it was the world’s greatest opera, rock & roll, and rap all bundled up and passing down the same conduit, there were others that did not enjoy it, or at least would not admit to it. I still have a CBX engine in the shop and maybe I will take it out and fire it up one more time, just to satisfy my love of gasoline motor music. Thanks for the column!
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