1965 White Shooting Star 250cc - 3-Page Vintage Motorcycle Road Test Article

Description

1965 White Shooting Star 250cc - 3-Page Vintage Motorcycle Road Test Article
Original, vintage magazine article
Page Size: Approx. 8" x 11" (21 cm x 28 cm) each page
Condition: Good
The White Shooting Star is a new breed of two-stroke motor-
cycle design. The unique characteristic is its bigness, both in
size and in performance, for a relatively small displacement
machine. The White was designed in the United States with
the American rider in mind, although it is assembled in Europe.
Although many typically European features are employed, overall
design will no doubt appeal to a large number of American riders,
especially when they glimpse at the low price tag (9.50 list
price).
White International distributes several models including a com-
petition scrambler. The Shooting Star, however, is strictly a
road model. It features an enclosed rear chain, large chrome
fenders, and a touring-style fuel tank. Also impressive to the
eye, and an aid to performance, are the twin exhaust pipes,
somewhat unique for a single-cylinder machine.
Starting the Shooting Star also hints at bigness. The kick
lever (lefthand side) exerts a healthy force against the rider’s
foot because of the gear ratios therein. But starting is not dif-
ficult, and a handy choke lever in front of the seat helps.
Once underway, we were made fully aware of the machine’s
size. Rider position is such that you are not at all “hunched up”,
but instead can stretch out with plenty of leverage for controls.
Brake and clutch levers are of sturdy alloy. They operate easily
with no excessive play. Large, soft handlegrips are a real blessing
on long trips. Handlebars are the full western type. The large
steel tank has rubber knee-pads and a synthetic cap. Our test
bike was painted a bright red enamel, and was offset beautifully
with gold pinstriping. The fork head is brightly polished alloy
and houses the steering damper.
The seat is extra large and extremely soft and comfortable.
It combines nicely with the machine’s overall soft suspension
for comfortable touring. A strong leather seat strap is a welcome
addition for passenger comfort.
The 4-speed gear pattern is: Neutral - down: up for first,
second, third and fourth. A gear indicator is mounted atop the
engine case, but cannot be read while the bike is in motion.
We would like to see this changed. Performance is surprisingly
good for a 250 of this size. Acceleration from a dead stop is
swift, and going through the gears is in true big bike tradition.
Fast shifts into second and third produce a considerable jolt of
acceleration. Top speed is approximately 75 mph. The engine
is rated at 20 horsepower, and we feel that this figure is well
on the conservative side.
Back to the “big bike” comparison; In addition to rider position
the qualities that contribute to this impression are the handling
qualities, and the suspension. Highway or open road maneuver-
ability is good, but this machine is definitely not road racer
material. Normal cornering is accomplished effortlessly. Braking
is good thanks to the large diameter full-width brakedrums.
Gear ratios seem ideally spaced for everyday riding.
Dual exhausts on a single cylinder machine are somewhat of
a novelty. On the White, these pipes add to the bike's substantial
appearance, as well as contribute to engine efficiency. The exhaust
ports are extremely large; In fact each of the twin openings is...
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