Are our favourite motorcycle magazines Dying? If so Why?

[@anthonyprice5596]

I blame the Editors and unqualified journalists, I used to work for Suzuki GB and we were doing a press launch in The New Forest for the then new GSX 1400, well a journalist turns up on one of the Suzuki press bikes he was borrowing, a GSXR 750 and was complaining how the rear suspension was a bit hard, as he had just done a track day and apparently the bike was fighting him!! Well we said we'd have a look, well the chain was like a guitar string, if you'd put frets on the swinging arm you could have got a tune out of it!! And Dry.......dry like the Sahara in mid summer dry!!! And rusty! Now this was a guy who had "adjusted the chain" and was giving his opinion on something when through fault of his own had made the bike effectively dangerous and complained about it! I believe thats why the motorcycle press have declined, the journalists haven't any idea about motorcycles or how to maintain them, then they pass judgement, owners who own the bikes and see poor road tests then believe the journalists don't know what they are talking about, then they don't buy the magazine. I'm not saying any names but there are KZbin channels that are quite successful being run by people who unlike you Stuart are new relatively to motorcycling and point out something like its new, when a well known Japanese manufacturer did it back in the 80s, but they weren't riding until a few years back. Again lack of knowledge, but getting away with it. Your channel is refreshing because you know what your talking about, because you have life experience and a sound knowledge that only a seasoned biker could aquire. And also no bull. Long may you continue.

[@brianperry]

This is the problem with ''experts'' they believe they know everything and forget or rather ignore there are many riders out there who have vastly more experience in the real world of everyday riding.. I rode a BMW R80 and R100RS back and forth to work in rain and shine.I soon learnt to try to be relaxed and 'bunny pawed'' on wet roads plus staying focused at all times, which after fifty seven years I still am, although I have to allow for age related reaction time now. I owned a Guzzi Le Mans that had linked brakes in 1978, a BMW whose fairing (R100RS) had down force wings in 1979... and they wax lyrical about new tech knowledge......

[@nightster6378]

Around 1986 I was a CNC Machine tool engineer travelling around the UK and abroad with much of my work in the ROI. Stayin in hotels and TV being very limited I used to buy about 6 m/c mags a month. When in a company in Shannon being there regularly and having some friends there one of them gave me a Cycle Magazine (not readily available in the UK from the US other than specialist newsagents) as some of the bikes featured in a group test he knew I owned or had owned. This magazine was about 3 months old, on reading the most recent up to date UK mags most of the bikes featured in Cycle were featured individually in 3 of the mags over 2 months, the roadtests had been copied almost word for word from Cycle. The offenders were Bike, Superbike, and Performance Bikes. I will still have these magazines including Cycle - somewhere. I also found especially in the Classic mags when a bike was featured especially favourably almost definitely the asking price for those bikes went up almost immediately especially with dealers, some of the bikes featured being owned by dealers. Being a self-professed sceptic I often wondered did privileged dealers manipulate this. I also worked in the Newspaper and publishing industry for 20 years, bar books proofreaders were done away with many years ago I would say late 60's. I recall in the late '60s though still a boy, men, usually unemployed or disabled sat outside the main publishers in Belfast reading the papers and magazines hot off the press looking for spelling or punctuation mistakes when found the companies would give them I believe 6d per mistake.

[@timsatch9198]

Thanks Stuart, that was excellent and so true. I am 63+ and remember buying the first couple of copies of Bike magazine as an apprentice with a Garelli Cross sports moped. KZbin definitely fills the space. I can't say I don't miss a good bike magazine, but there aren't any.

[@tommykidd8179]

Hi Tom here ,read my reply!!!!!

[@brianperry]

I remember picking up a copy of what I'm sure was Bike magazine, I never bothered again it was full of language I was used to hearing on a building site and what the journalists thought was normal English diction.... very unprofessional.

[@jonnycando]

I came up in a time when print was the only way to get information, I get that the internet has largely replaced it but I’m NOT willing to give up my print magazines….

[@Xanavi23]

Another great video featuring so much good sense. Back in the 1970s I read everything that was published relating to motorcycles and it helped me to learn about the passion that is still with me today. I will occasionally still pick up a copy of MCN, but the magazines don't warrant the cove price anymore.

[@krola1023]

Yup. Here in the US, Cycle World, the largest bike magazine, just published their last print issue (having gone from monthly to a quarterly issues). They were sold and will now be online only. Having been a subscriber since my teens in the 60’s, it was a shame to see this turn of events, but inevitable. I honestly can’t remember the last time I was in a brick and mortar bookstore or shop to browse the print magazines. We do appreciate your work... press on!

[@bsimpson6204]

Cycle World, my favourite magazine back in the day, I bought it at WH Smiths, it was the only place you couls buy Amaerican mags

[@tinniswood2577]

I remember studying BIKE, Road Racer and MCN to almost degree level! Nothing like a mag and a comfy chair! a screen will never replicate that! its just a different media, somewhat sadly

[@alansawford6167]

You do ride some amazing roads like the background to this article. As for me, being an old silvertop I still buy one paper every month which I really enjoy & that’s Old Bike Mart. It still retains the old style of motorcycle journalism albeit about old bikes & times & written by old sods like me! Enjoyed the article Stu keep ‘em coming, helps keep me sane.

[@henryhartley9993]

Spot on Stuart, I returned to biking when my kids had grown up, leafing through the latest magazine's at the time (the mid 90s) was a real eye opener, Group tests of race replica's that I couldn't care less about and the latest must have starship trooper leathers with matching boots and lid that cost as much as the bike! That was it for me...

[@bonza167]

I haven't read or bought a magazine of any sort for years here in Oz. Back in the day I used to read them all the time, but I still like a hard copy newspaper as more convenient to read at work during the lunch break

[@subliutenant]

Couldn't agree more Stuart! I stopped buying them years ago, though I did used to have the 'Old Bike Mart' delivered. Motorcycle News, Motor Cycling, Motorcycle Mechanics and Motorcycle Sport, they all had interesting stuff in, with language that we understood. Modern motorcycles aren't my scene, much too sophisticated, expensive, complicated and fast! The same with the modern magazines, I quickly lose interest, if the topics, jargon and machines go over my head! Seems to me, that today, it's all about money and profit rather than being part of the 'Motorcycling fraternity'.

[@Ken-jp1gr]

I would love to sit down with a coffee and read a good motorcycle magazine but as you say there aren't any. They are full of reviews and who needs to look at reviews of bikes, helmets, clothing etc. every month. What I would like is a general motorcycle lifestyle publication, maybe something on the same lines as your U Tube channel Stuart.

[@geoffreynhill2833]

How I agree, Stuart! My first decent-size bike was a 1949 Matchless 500 single-cylinder I bought for £25 in 1963, having passed the test on an unreliable two-stroke BSA Bantam 125. I looked for further bikes via those £1.20 mags with hundreds of photos & details. When the Great Nero-Lib Hallucination descended over the world, the only mags I could find were glossy & expensive ones about the latest "Superbikes", the price of petrol multiplied, likewise the cost of annual MOTs (from £17.50 to £65+) and even second-hand prices multiplied exponentially. I miss the old bargain bikes but can no longer afford even those.😩

[@stevesteve1965]

You put into words what I thought about 10 years ago when I gave up magazines of my various interests, Bikes, cameras and guitars.. they all have done exactly what you have described the same brands the same stories, re-visiting, theory off, why it's so good, up against, top 5, on a Budget... Ect ect. Now I get to research on KZbin and I do the filtering and and decide if 'you are' making any effort, I have found through extensive research that there are more motorcycles out there than a BMW GS.

[@paulstoker7650]

I can totally relate to this, I dread to think how much I used to spend on magazines. I'll give you a perfect example of how things are now. Yesterday my wife asked me to pickup a TV magazine while I was at the garage filling the car up. I spotted a classic bike magazine in the rack and thought I might treat myself until I saw the price. £4.80 for a magazine, needless to say I didn't buy it. Before buying my Interceptor I watched every video I could find, including your videos and didn't have to spend any money. Great video. Take care Stuart

[@jfro5867]

100% Paul. I could literally have written that myself.

[@ed.barker7069]

£4.80 is about the price of a pint of Beer. It's not a lot of money to spend once a month.The journalists have to be paid for their work, at least they don't beg unlike KZbinrs who always push you toward their patreon account.

[@stuartfillingham]

Hmm thing is youtubers need to live as well. and payment is voluntary!

[@richardvoller9204]

The modern adult is the product of the computer age and is not able to sustain consentration long enough to actually read an article of any length in a magazine. I used to buy "motorcycle sport" with stories and articles running into several pages. No one will buy these publications ever again, sad but true.

[@jamessloanofficial]

Motorcycle Consumer News (US) was my favorite for years. No advertising, basic paper printing, and wholly unbiased reviews and information. I was truly sad to see it go away.

[@kevinsmith8328]

I feel the same. It was the best U.S. mag out there. I wish they would come back..........

[@jamessloanofficial]

@@kevinsmith8328 I had renewed my subscription just 2 weeks before they shut down...never saw that $$ again!

[@robertakerson7186]

@@jamessloanofficial I became worried about this publication when they replaced some motorcycle content with articles on general psychology, legal, and medical issues Otherwise it provided an unbiased look at bikes, although I thought that the reviewers became less journalistically talented as time passed.

[@ianwilson2064]

Pre Covid my weekly treat was to ride out to a cafe somewhere to read a bike mag or that weeks MCN. I really do hope some will survive, reading on line is just not the same - vinyl records are making a real comeback, there is hope!

[@tommykidd8179]

Cheers Stuart,. Will never forget BIKE MAGAZINE when I was a kid in the 70s. THE KING IS DEAD, LONG LIVE THE KING!!!! This was the all enthralling Kawasaki Z900 review ,pictured on London Bridge , sparkly green ,most fantastic bike of my dreams!?! Or so these mags made me feel!Not forgetting OGRI! People of my age will remember! Now ,they all copy each other!?!?!?! Electronic this and modes that! BHP that real people can't handle! Road tester/journalist bullshit,lean angles BOLLOCKS. These are motorcycles for pleasure,wind in the hair , FREEDOM!! Mags should return to that!!

[@peter7624]

Aye, traction contol, anti-wheelie and riding modes are all proof the engines are too powerful for normal road use.

[@peva7945]

@@peter7624 I agree but, alarmingly, Honda now produce a 20bhp 350 single with traction control. One can't help but think that if someone feels the need of traction control on such a bike they'd best be giving serious consideration as to whether they should be on a motorcycle at all.

[@stevenhill6214]

Well said and spot on, particularly the bit about proof reading (lack of it). I am sure that job doesn't exist anymore because i constantly see glaring examples of bad grammar, spelling mistakes, omitted words etc. It sounds like you have talked yourself into producing a digital magazine, you can't fail!

[@geoffhalsey2184]

Bike magazine was my favourite, but after they dropped Ogri it changed. It was obviously aimed at a different economic group, that being rich.

[@stevewaller9346]

Totally agree with everything you said. I must be an old timer (60) as i still enjoy actually reading a proper magazine. Bought 2 yesterday plus MCN this morning. Must agree they seem to be full of very expensive motorcycles. Take care of yourself and stay safe. Nice to occasionally hear the bike engine note on the video.

[@canopus101]

I pretty accurate summation of where motorcycle magazines went wrong. I am a similar age to you, like you I gave up on magazines in the 1990's, I think it was 1999 since I last bought a magazine on a regular basis. A shame as I did enjoy them, I loved Motorcycling Monthly and Motorcycle Mechanics in the 1970s and would often read an issue several times.

[@SteveInskip]

Good subject Stuart. My favourites were Motor Cycle (weekly paper), Motorcylist Illustrated, Motorcycle Sport and Bike (which I’ve had since the start and is the only one left). MCN was always crap and full of adverts, that’s actually what’s saved it up to now. I get Bike online now coz the only places you can pop in and buy one are service stations and you’re always waiting behind shedloads of people checking their lottery tickets and paying for petrol. All the newsagents have gone. Supermarkets and petrol stations have killed them. And you’re right, everything I read now is on my IPad!

[@HippieBiker1369]

Hit the nail on the head, I once had stacks of motorcycle magazines but stop buying them a decade and half ago basically for the reasons you articulate. Very good observation.

[@daveharriman2756]

You've just got me checking, I've still got my Classic Mechanics no.1 to 24 in bound cases from 1983 to 1986, just flicked through a couple, and they were a mine of information , a bit like the old Motorcycle Mechanics, but like you, I stopped buying them when they started dumbing down, so I agree the standard of journalism declined, I think in the late 80's, thanks for the upload, very interesting, cheers, Dave

[@MrCapri78]

Bought my first Motorcycle Mechanics in 1972 when I was 12 and it taught me so much about maintenance, a great read, I loved it. Also the first few years of Bike magazine. Totally agree with what you say, the same applies to most TV programs about motorcycles, very superficial and not really aimed at enthusiasts.

[@birbeck87]

Great video .Stu have you heard of old bike mart -£2.20 per copy only available on subscription but many choices of how many copies you want to receive.Old school bikes parts and stories from the past it’s in a news paper type format . Just thought it was worth a mention 😃

[@chrisbryan3624]

Always enjoy browsing through my monthly Triumph Owners’ Motorcycle Club (TOMCC) Nacelle magazine that comes with Club membership. Written by members for members, no ads BS just stuff of interest, both pertaining to new and old machines. I guess that’s because it’s not a commercial mag... 100% agree with your sentiments Stu.

[@kevinluxford8022]

Quite right fella, the successors to LJK Setright, John Robinson and Mark Williams are poor shadows of the old school, technically minded journalists., with the possible exception of Rupert Paul. My daughter bought me a subscription to Classic bike for this year and I have enjoyed reading that but nothing else draws me back to buying the main rags. Shame because like other comments on here I bought bike from its start and enjoyed TonyThacker’s stewardship.

[@thomaslawry5238]

I stopped buying "Classic Bike" when the cover read "Ducati MHR 900, how much like Mike's? " The article didn't even answer the question. They didn't even examine the race bike to compare with the roadbike.! The last "classic bike" magazine I every brought. "Classic Racer" was far superior, and quarterly as well!

[@alandavies7127]

Stuart hit the nail right on the head. I lost interest in the 90s when it was all superbikes that I could not afford and would not wish to ride anyway. all time favourites were Motor Cycle Sport and Awol, nothing like them in print now, except Real Classic,which is subscription only.

[@greentrumpet]

I've always enjoyed Frank Westworth's biking output, RC used to have a regular column by Dave Minton 'til he retired. It's a great mag and very individual.

[@peter7624]

My favourite was used bike magazine. All bikes I could afford and relate to. Honest journalism, a reference section with specs etc. and a bit of humour thrown in.

[@rhonda-my_honda_cb500x3]

On MCN's swanky offices, staff count and motorcycle fleet, I'm reminded of a salient 'rule' or truism I read aeons ago: "The opulence of the business' reception area is inversely proportional to its actual solvency"

[@bsimpson6204]

Hmm, I used to work for Jarvis Rail and you could tell how well Jarvis was doing by the state of the fish tank in reception, if the tank was full of big golden fish, all was well, if the fish were gone things were not good, when the tank was empty, things were bad, Jarvis Rail, what a bunch of bandits!

[@themoog3889]

Like you I stopped buying magazines a long time ago , now if I want information KZbin is my main focus to watch people do honest reviews that tell it like it is warts and all ! Its because of your channel I ended up buying an Interceptor ! At the time I was trying to decide between a W800 & a V7 , you did your ride on the RE and then bought one and I followed suit a little while later . Not a single magazine was consulted 👍

[@Paul-de5mm]

Yes, even now I prefer the old 70s and 80s Classic bike magazines to anything from 1990 onwards...Same with books. The only good thing about later magazines is better quality colour photos....for cutting out and framing where as my collection of 70/80s Classic bike/motorcycle magazines are in perfect condition.

[@guillermomaclachlan1072]

Common sense, accuracy in reporting, honesty and a no Bull crap atitude are the reasons why i suscribed to your Channel Mr. Fillingham. Keep Up the good work! 👍

[@markfoster2033]

As a teenager back in the late 70's I looked forward to reading MCN every Weds & Bike magazine every month.Pre internet I still bought MCN evey week for the classifieds & race results,post internet printed press can't compete... Regarding the monthly's,like yourself I also thought their content went downhill through the 80's & into the 90's.I got the impression that they'd all been to the Hunteer S Thompson school of Gonzo jounalism & the bike launch reviews were more about the journo's ego's than the actual product they were 'reviewing'.I occasionaly buy MCN & Ride magazine if I see a review of something I'm interested in but that's all.

[@martinowl]

As a teenage new motorcyclist in the late 70’s, I bought just about all the magazines available in the UK. BIKE being my favourite. Into the 80’s and most magazines were only interested in the biggest and fastest models. I lost interest in them. The 90’s onwards were all about the race replicas with some content on bikes like bandits etc. From about 2000 to 2019, I got Motorcycle Mechanics on subscription, cos I had an old Honda and like reading about old bikes. Stopped getting it because it had become staffed by ex MCN journos, who were turning it into an old race replica magazine. Also found KZbin provided far better content on every aspect of motorcycling. Havent bought a magazine for about 2 years now, don’t even bother looking at them on the supermarket shelves.

[@henryhartley9993]

You're absolutely spot on, your comment is exactly what I was going to write..

[@nigeh5326]

I still have a quick look at the various bike mags as from time to time you find an article that appeals. The last mag I bought was before Xmas and that was because it had an article on 2 v nice BSAs and a piece on Yamaha RD350LCs. Generally I use the internet for information now. It’s the same with books, I still buy the occasional book but I’ve lost count of the books I’ve given away to friends, my son who is at Uni and others. The internet doesn’t take up a wall of my house as my books do

[@alancampbell1008]

You hit it on the head again Stu. I got fed up because most reviews were on a track or were about how stupidly fast the bike could be ridden. I was more interested in what it was like day to day for my 60 mile round trip commute. The internet has a lot to answer for, just look at our high streets. I'll keep watching you Uncle Stu, love your content.

[@JLOSTAFF1]

Can't disagree with anything you say Stu........................but I still look forward to my weekly MCN and monthly Bike mag arriving in the post! Probably a throwback to when I was a child and got excited about my Buster and Giggle comic arriving - which would still probably be a better read!! ;-)

[@steveclamp4488]

I remember the choice we had was either Iron Horse or Easyrider then BSH came along.

[@andrewlaister9816]

Its just a repeat of the decline and fall of the great British motorcycle industry in the 1960's. Failure to adapt means extinction

[@peter7624]

Well said. They're turning their back on what made them successful.

[@davidcoudriet8439]

So true! We have the same problems in the U.S. with our bike magazines . In the mid '80's I consumed all that I could find, then they became non-entertaining..

[@zedcharlie]

Excellent vid. You tube is brilliant. Actual owners for the most part. Saying it like it is. Including yourself.😀👍

[@jfro5867]

Used to buy 3 or 4 mags a month but lost interest in them maybe 10 years ago. It all gets re-cycled after a while, same reviews re-gurgitated, too many adverts, too much journo BS to be honest. Knee down, wheelie, nonsense. Oh yea and at least one Gitanes reference somewhere in a European 1000 mile high speed 24 hour dash that no one else actually does.....

[@mikehamilton9128]

100% agree! Got to do wheelies, stoppies, knee-down, 1000 mile trips in 8 hours, TFT screen, etc, etc or it is rubbish. About the only magazine I read now is Classic Bike and that is regurgitating the same stuff now. Nothing for real world motorcyclists who actually pay for their bikes.

[@bryanduncan1640]

@Jon B - you are so right! I stopped buying magazines about ten years ago, but was loaned one last week; the intervening ten years made no difference, I was reading the same old tosh, knee down, mega mile munching trips, wheelies, stoppies, everything that does nothing matter in the least!

[@jimsadler8704]

I still find Classic Bike a reasonably good magazine, Stu, especially as it often reminds me of the first proper motorcycles I purchased, a Norton 650SS in 1962 (cost around £370 new) and a Velocette Thruxton Venom in 1968 for which I can't remember the exact price but I believe it was well over £500. The Norton was customised with a bunch of Dunstall goodies but I left the Velo as it was. It's amazing what those bikes are worth now.

[@keithstovin1482]

Another great video, Thanks. Your thoughts and views on the motorcycle magazine industry mirror mine exactly, I also stopped buying bike mags a fair few years ago, I started to despise the journalists and started to get in a bad mood reading their utter drivel, just for the record I bought MCN from 80 to 05 without missing an issue but in the end it was more just out of habit and enough was enough, haven't bought it since and its not been missed. Thanks again on great vids, well appreciated here.

[@swhedge71]

Agree with all you said. I guess I'm old school like you Stuart. Thanks for bringing up memories of when I enjoyed reading magazines that had good content. Cheers mate!

[@KRAM-zb2vc]

Brilliant video as always Stuart and your absolutely right, I used to buy MCN and bike magazine but I don’t buy any of them anymore, because I found there was less and less in full road tests and more and more about adverts 🤔👏🏻

[@hobnob15]

That’s because you read mine 😂😂

[@bluesplayer59]

The internet has had an impact on everything , along with mobile phones our lives can now be manipulated checked and controlled . We watch and read and buy stuff on web sites and its become a way of life . As a guitarist i buy all my stuff on line .. all my music shops have gone .more because of high local rents than the internet .and You tube has taken over from newsagents .. i would rather watch one show of yours than spend £5 on a bike mag featuring reviews of 70s four and two strokes . Mind i do believe things might change when the gov announce the online purchase tax . ..and i also think at some point You tube will be subscription run . Anyway too big a subject. Great viewing Stuart ..keep it up !!

[@Reyals_81]

we live in a new time....but even with my 39 ages i prefer my newspaper for breakfast. love youtube with chans like this, but for sure, for me it is a quality of life to enjoy my magazine/newspapers in their original shape. i hope some day people will recognize how good things were and hopefully some magazines will be revived :)

[@markb5985]

I remember Bike magazine having all its Honda advertising pulled when they were unkind about the goldwing when launched, cant imagine many magazines having the balls to do that these days 🤔

[@bsimpson6204]

I don't think it was only Honda that did that back in the day

[@steve_miller_automotive]

You make some interesting points, and as someone who works in magazines (not bikes) I have my own opinions on this. There is a lot to be said for sitting down and reading printed media, away from tech and screens. Whist people complain about there being too many ads, the ads in most niche magazines relate to the subject matter, thus presenting the reader with products or services they're likely interested in. I too watch a lot of KZbin, and KZbinr's reviewing bikes tend to be just as bias towards whatever it is they're riding, for fear of not blagging the next free ride. When was the last time you watched a video where the bike wasn't spoken about positively? It is fair to say magazines are in decline, and only those who evolve will stand the test of time.

[@peakrider4886]

Well made points Stuart. I used to regularly pick up copies of Bike and Ride magazines, but like you, became largely disenfranchised by the same reviews of the same bikes, usually by the same journo, but in different magazines. As my tastes matured, I moved over to Motorcycle Sport and Leisure, which did offer some different aspects to motorcycling like touring and routes to places to see in the UK. Most recently, I subscribed to Adventure Bike Rider magazine and was impressed by some proper journalism and real world editorials by real people. How long printed media will remain? Who knows. But I suspect the writing is on the wall for many.

[@garryhackett1053]

Best lunchtime ever as an apprentice electrician, sent to shops for tradesmen’s Lunch,bought bike mag road tests Honda, Yamaha Suzuki & Kawasaki 250. Nearly 17 so looking to upgrade my 50

[@sanclewphotographic]

Good Morning, nothing gives me greater pleasure than sitting on the tank of the bobber ( strapped on of course ) and being driven through the countryside on what in my opinion is this best motorcycle in your collection, and this video content was again great, you can see that an amount of research goes into making this type of video as accuracy is paramount, I love this type of content because it reminds the public and indeed your subscribers what has taken place over the years, It jogs the memory, kindest regards.

[@gavinspencer1796]

How true... I only recently stopped buying bike magazines. I had two regular ones I bought. (No names mentioned) but one amalgamated with an old title (only interested in knee down and top speed) which completely contradicted with the ethos of the magazine I had been buying. I noticed that it was getting thinner and thinner and took less and less time to read. The second was starting to carry more and more adverts. I’m a bit of a hoarder and still have boxes of old magazines. In fact one being the magazine prior to amalgamation. Utterly different and still worth reading through back editions. I will throw them out. One day.

[@KevinRodgersGB]

Cheers Stuart. I used to buy several bike magazines a week. Pretty soon it became clear that unless you wanted to ride a pocket rocket and do track days you were not valued as a reader. New bikes were all that was cared about or, if you were lucky an article on a used pocket rocket. Even today I don't read them because it's the same old story only this time it's the BMW GS that is the aim of their piss poor articles. The only two magazines I miss are AWOL (like BSH but featuring custom bikes fashioned from cheaper bikes) and UBG (prices and specs of used bikes with several articles about real bike ownership). The history of bike magazines almost replicates the history of motorbike manufacturers.

[@bsacrazy]

One of the best magazines is real classic, Frank westworths tales from the shed is a total joy, a lot of the articles in the mag are penned by the people who buy and read it. Used bike guide was another fab mag...real world articles by people who own and ride the bike day in day out, I subscribe to real classic...I get bike magazine free as part of my bank account deal.

[@mr.145]

Motorcycle Sport,Motorcycle Mechanics,Bike,Classic Bike fan here,Memorable items inc,2 guys who did the Pan am Highway on 2 Commandos(bike mag)Royce Creasys item on "Alternative" biking (late 70s bike mag)caught my imagination,making me buy a Matchless g12 and rebuild it, then touring Europe on it.Advice on bikers using truck stops i still do 40 years later.I buy Mcn every 3 weeks or so now,and very occasionaly a classicbike. (Age 60)

[@glaicogobbo4046]

I really liked your detailed analysis. I hadn't noticed this gap between magazines and the Internet until 2000. Because the standard in Brazil in terms of Internet for the masses in 2000 was just an opportunity for few well-educated people. Whenever there are massive buying movements or fads with motorcycles, there is a great adventure film in parallel, or youth fashion meetings that are always traveling abroad, in this case in Europe in the 90s, relatively short trips led abroad, as is the case with TT and other races that are too famous. To save interesting technical articles, especially from vintage machines, it is still necessary to print, as websites often disappear with their main supporters, who in their youth were masterpieces to change customs and fads. Only the owners' clubs remain, of which the majority publish private articles. Sad news was the passing of Sammy Miller and the unfortunate fire of his magnificent museum. Grateful for the excellent and enlightening video!

[@blueteeth.spooker]

Glaico Gobbo - ??? Sammy Miller, according to a brief check, seems to be still alive at the age of 88 or so.... and fire? at his museum?? Can't find mention of it. Was there not so long ago. There was a tragic loss of 230 bikes including over a dozen Broughs, in a huge fire at the Top Mountain M/Cycle museum at Timmelsjoch in Austria last month - at 7,000 feet up it took a while for the crews to get there, and all in a beautifully designed building too. Look it up, terribly sad to see so many irreplaceable machines lost. Great pictures of the display on Google maps and you can easily find stories of this fire. Bloody heartbreaking. Great video, Stuart, thank you; my sentiments on the content echo many others - great in their heyday but times move on and one can so easily zero in on one's particular area of interest on KZbin without a load of superfluous guff. Really liked your sound mixing too - just the right level of background twin cylinder rumble to accompany your words. Yes, and I miss Ogri too, Paul Sample was brilliant.

[@petebird7171]

Some very good points made there Stuart, as with all your videos I love em, (I think we are of an “age”), thanks 👍👍👍

[@raydean9330]

I admit to still receiving BIKE magazine & forwarding each copy to two more friends in sequence However, quality of proof reading could be better & if you take other publications you see similar reports in them As always Stuart, be safe & best to your family

[@hermitmonk52]

It's great how you put in to words things that have been in the back of my mind. A free copy of Bike arrives each month courtesy of my Lloyds Bank account, 50% stay in the cellophane. In the 70s and early 80s I couldn't wait to see what the wildly eccentric LJK Setright had on his mind. Doubt if the great man would get a job these days. Hope you're keeping well.

[@Pch100]

You're right the magazine lost the honest reviews and became all adverts

[@Seasidesurfer]

I think that can be said of just about ALL magazines that supposedly cater for leisure activities, shooting, golf, cycling et al.

[@ashleyreynolds6604]

Expensive to produce and distribute these days and ads get it paid for.

[@charlesharrison2248]

Excellent article, last sub was to ride magazine, the touring articles and guides provided useful information ,and gear and accessories articles were useful at the time,but with a 12 month sub it all became very repetitive,then I discovered u tube and it was a revelation,whatever bike interest I had could be served with excellent article from around the world. ,maybe it's an age thing but I think the rot has spread to all media,serving up a constant diet of drivel.

[@frankysworld]

I think I bought my last bike mag - somewhere in the 1900's. And then it was the more life stylish US magazines like Iron Horse, etc. , which I eventually out grew. The mainstream magazines never had much of an appeal on me because of the simple reason that while the reviews or the latest and the greatest were simply not in my budget; In all my years of biking - my first new bike I purchased just 2 years ago and that was a Royal Enfield Classic 500. So it felt like reading a porn magazine - drooling over things you'd never could afford and just taking you to fantasy land until the indulgence left you feeling rather weird... like discussing with your mate how you want to have a go on your neighbour's most coveted. Now I'm sure there are some magazines out there that would appeals to me in terms of the classics, but there is hardly any incentive for me to search for them, as the internet, so conveniently, displays the coveted content deftly sorted by relevance of brand, model, year and even specific drive impression in combination with aftermarket parts and maintenance tasks. I'm sure there are still people who like to put their feet up and holding a hardcopy, but I think printed media in general is following the same route as the radio - as The Buggles used to croon in the 80's "Video Killed the Radio Star" - The internet is killing printed media.

[@TheThaggs]

I used to really enjoy Cycle World here in the U.S.; Cancelled my subscription when they changed formats a couple years ago. Their columnist, Peter Egan was a joy, one of the best writers anywhere, ever. He has a few books I keep meaning to read.

[@AsyouwereNZ]

read them he is the best motorcyclist journalist to ever grace this world

[@direktorpresident]

It is the same with Model Plane mags, both sides of the Atlantic; and not only the Internet to blame...as you sadly observed, editorial content diminished until the preponderance of the advertisements squeezed out the entertaining reading. No wonder there is a growing tide towards Vintage, and better times, discernible in many Hobby publications.

[@stanleyknife1967]

Yes, very true. Like you I used to buy many magazines, but the information they gave did not justify their cost. Glad your channel is doing well. Personally, I would rather watch one of your videos and glean a nugget of information or food for thought, than read a dozen biking magazines.

[@johnturner6677]

Pretty much agree with you Stuart, most are simply sales pamphlets for the manufacturers these days. All the pics are more about the "testers" egos with their knees out and wheelies, whatever the bike. The constant demands for the latest fancy electronic screen and "rider aids" and annual model updates or replacements are really tedious. One or two useful items on looking at equipment or clothing, but otherwise not worth the money. Readly gives the opportunity to browse bike and loads of other mags for the price of a sub to one paper mag - no brainer.

[@peterk6077]

Interesting vid Stuart. I haven’t bought a bike mag for years but I’m sure you’re right. I used to buy Ride magazine which at the time was more about riding bikes than new bike tests. They used to do good tour articles but maybe you tube has taken the lead there. I do think there is room still for good journalism probably irrespective of the format. Thanks for sunny vid in this freezing lockdown!

[@johnmillar479]

Stuart, your spot on. I’ve been of the mind that the publications are very biased. BMW, Ducati, Triumph. Reviews over and over. Read Ride then Bike and they are almost identical month after month. MCN not much better. Being of the same opinion I will be cancelling my subscriptions. Thanks for your confirmation of my own opinion.

[@brettwicks2615]

MOTORCYCLE TRADER was a magazine i looked forward to reading here in Oz , it seemed to have good reviews on new bikes , and was good reading with its other articles and stories from different people , but it has now been scrapped from production . I would buy JUST BIKES MAGAZINE and a bloke at work would buy MOTORCYCLE TRADER , once we had read them we would swap mags to read . I can understand how they would be slowly dieing due to the internet - utube . Thanks for the ride and this video, Take care .

[@michaelglynn2638]

Accurate analysis there, haven't bought a magazine in 25 years. They lost interest in me! I too scout the internet for intelligent unbiased review of models, and even better, some by long term owners!!👍

[@redleadervfr-v4906]

I’m with you Stuart I stopped buying the Mags 10 + years ago. They are full of adverts that I’m not interested in and as you say the motorcycle content had got down to about 10%.

[@SuperMarge123]

I absolutely love a magazine but sadly you are correct. I used to buy my three favourites every month despite the cover and index telling me they were of no interest. Now I'm lucky if I buy three a year. If you made a mag I would definitely buy it. Thank you. Regards Gareth Wiltshire UK. Gratitude. Quality. Respect.

[@boomerguy9935]

What!!!!!! I've been reading and re-reading motorcycle magazines since the early 60's. Hard copy rules over digital magazines. I hi-lite and scribble in them and keep them for future reference. Today I only subscribe to Motorcycle Classics magazine which shows all vintage motorcycles plus one or two new ones. It comes out every other month and it has excellent stories about the general history, the specific bike, the condition with or without restoration. It is far better than the ones I used to read which were basically advertisements. It is also published digitally and you can get a thumb drive of many issues. I am sad to see the demand for hard copy magazines dwindling.

[@paulwhiteley6235]

Excellent video Stuart, true words reference the magazine's decline in the 1980's and onwards, their loss was money back in my pocket, roll on spring and summer and hopefully Thursday night bike night at Warley cross

[@HighlandRider]

Hello Stuart. That was an interesting video. I subscribe to Ride as a digital, as I do now for a national newspaper, and that came about through lockdown. I agree with much of what you say, content is generally 'same-old-same-old, and reflects a journalistic bubble of free kit, free bikes and time the rest of us don't have. The bike reviews seem more inclined to keep the manufacturers happy, but in defense of Ride, they do seem to have a wider content and I find the kit reviews pretty good. Having said that, they still fall into the trap of the traditional bike mag, as you have described. Events that could benefit from strong bike press promotion, like the National Rally or the Iron Butt are ignored as the home of the bearded oldies. Yet these events bring motorcyclists together and form part of the life style many of us enjoy. When it comes to bike reviews, I turn to the KZbin VLOGGers because they tend to be independent, more thorough and more real world, so relatable. Many of these guys are building strong relationships with the manufacturers and must be careful not to fall into the same trap as the magazines, in becoming an extension of the marketing department. Bike magazines just have not moved with the times and don't reflect the audience, and at £5 GO, OFFER VERY POOR VALUE FOR MONEY.

[@nickbrown3232]

Used to buy motorcycle weekly obviously years ago. Totally agree about the mcn support of Norton perhaps helping them fool people into exchanging cash for a myth, also helped by a prominent TV motorcycle celebrity. I get my bike news free on here, and other online outlets.

[@TheRealWindlePoons]

Good commentary Stuart. I had stopped reading motorcycle mags by the end of the 1980s. My biggest favourites from the 70s/80s were Bike (Ogri, "Running out of Road" etc., good reviews) and from America Easyriders (mostly for the excellent photographs - if you like Harleys). Happy days. I also like vinyl for my music but mostly I like my amplifiers to glow in the dark. Ahh valves - now we're talking...

[@robertakerson7186]

Journalism in general has fallen on its face in the last few years; it is all editorial content with no unbiased reporting anymore. What has happened to the schools of journalism?

[@triumphrider572]

Good subject. I agree with you on the lack of quality in today's magazines and that KZbin provides an excellent alternative. When I started riding in the 70s, my required reading was MCN every week, Motorcycle Mechanics every month, and when Bike, (the motorcycle magazine that dares to be different, or so they said) arrived on the scene, Ogri became the hero. Also, when I first read Easyriders, that put my riding career on the right lines for a few years until BSH provided a down to earth, British perspective. Motorcycle Sport provided excellent articles from the likes of One Track. Classic Bike used to be a marvelous mag to have a look at the oldies I couldn't afford. I've always been interested in motorcycling history. This led to me gaining access to the real old publications such as the Green 'un and the Blue 'un. I have quite a good selection of those dating from the early years of the last century and they are marvelous reads, capable of giving the reader a great deal of insight into the dawn of the motorcycling movement. Looking and comparing those with the plastic, poorly written drivel on the stands nowadays, is like comparing a Manx Norton with a Hiyabusa. I know which I would prefer to own!

[@TheAjs71]

Here in the colonies, exists a fantastic motorcycle publication by Jim Scaysbrook and his team, Old Bike Australasia. They have both print and online versions. As the name suggests, the mag is all about older bikes, the riders, restorers, etc. I'm a subscriber which means I get my issues delivered, so no more trips to the newsagent for me. You make several valid points Stuart and yes, Two Wheels was my magazine of choice, until it ceased publication a few years ago. I bought my first issue in 1989 (still have it) and it too over the years had morphed into something you could read in 17 minutes, full of ads and unrealistic bike reviews (personal opinion). I notice quite a few folks in the comments talk about their love for print media and I get it. Personally, I don't think there will be many printed motorcycle magazines still available by 2026, so enjoy them while they exist guys and girls. In a World where information can be obtained in an instant, waiting 3 months for a review of a Royal Enfield does not meet the needs of the modern consumer. Vale motorcycle magazines, thanks for the memories...

[@WayneWoodruff]

I think your analysis is spot-on. I paid for MCN until they went bankrupt. I liked them because they didn't accept ads. I get my Matchless News and BMW-MOA in paper these days.

[@jjnewman65]

I must add to my earlier comment. After a little bit of internet google digging the magazine I used to buy was called “Heavy Duty” and the editor was Ian Mutch. I’m very happy to say the man is very “mutch” (sorry) alive and well and still writing and riding motorcycles. Please accept my apologies Mr Mutch for reporting your early demise. Ride safe everyone 🙏🏻

[@andreVE4BK]

100% Uncle Stu... Heading towards 64 now. Been biking since 76... I noticed towards the time when I stopped buying mags that reviews were more about the parties and elbow rubbing than an honest review. Rehashed wording that did not say much; one review pretty much mirrored the others. One of my main reason to get a magazine at the time was Ogri 😉... Sifting through the adverts hunting for an article to read... Have not purchased a magazine in over a decade now.

[@stuartfillingham]

OGRI should have a mag all to himself!

[@Shinysideup]

Unfortunately Good quality journalism died years ago.

[@robbikebob]

I stopped buying most bike magazines when they went above £4. I'd rather buy £4 of fuel or a coffee and butty while I'm out. Most mags I finish within a day anyway...

[@retromechanicalengineer]

I used to read Performance Bikes in the 80s but now it only caters to those with 15k to spend. Classic Bike is the one I read now, every now and again but it started to get a bit hipster/coffee shop/bobber. I buy it when there's something in there worth reading.

[@grahamclutterbuck583]

Summed up perfectly uncle Stu.

[@1990-t1j]

I got out of the habit of motorcycle magazines in 2011 when I left England. I did think, though, that the level of writing had deteriorated to an unacceptable level long before then.

[@fishingwiththomas]

I used to buy all the Aussie magazines from when I started riding in 1992 until 2004. Haven't bought one since then.

[@burtweaver1306]

I started buying motorcycle news and Bike magazine way back in the 70s and rather like yourself couldn't wait to see a copy in the newsagents , the standard of journalism and content did drop off around 20 years ago or more , I'm afraid the publishers are responsible for their own demise.

[@stephenmassie1520]

I'm nearly 63 now and I completely agree with your summary about the demise of the MC mags. I basically got less interested in there juvenile reviews full of sexual innuendo and childish banter, same thing has happened for me with some of the you tube video reviews.

[@daveinwla6360]

I miss the writing of *Gordon Jennings* (of Cycle World and then Cycle), who combined a love of bikes and good journalism with an engineer's understanding of how bikes worked. His articles showed good and thorough research and interviews with manufacturer's engineers, and they were educational and worth archiving. There were other writers who had Jennings's level of quality, but Jennings's career in motor sports journalism spanned decades.

[@paulfitzpatrick9231]

Well said Stuart!I stopped buying them 10 years ago.Same photos regurgitated over and over again.Same reviews (often in different publications!) BIASED reviews always in favour of the model and the company providing the booze,food,and Southern European mountainous locations! Never ever a bad review unless it was Royal Enfield as they liked to bash Enfield but never any one else !KZbin for all your reviews,details,mechanics,touring,everything without the expense!simple! !

[@blueteeth.spooker]

- they quite often liked bashing Guzzis too!

[@rodbowes5309]

Woah Stuart, stop sitting on the fence and tell us what you really think! It is difficult to argue with the circulation figures, but I think that the internet/ KZbin effect is the greater factor rather than the quality of the journalism. That said, I remember a Bike road test which revealed the Suzuki Kettle had a 1mph top speed advantage over the Kawasaki 750H2, which was reckoned to be the badass bike of the day, but I can't remember what bikes were tested in last month's magazine..

[@peter7624]

I found myself nodding in agreement with many of your words Stuart. They all moved "upmarket" with ever more powerful sportsbikes and Adventure bikes in which I had no interest whatsoever while getting thinner and more expensive. Choice now seems to be how to pull a mega wheelie or a longwinded account of touring through the alps etc. Nothing for the "ordinary" motorcyclist. They've done it to themselves.