Author Topic: Motorcyclist Magazine says hi (Read 6428 times)

mitchell184 · « **on:** January 07, 2008, 11:04:54 AM »

Hi Everyone

I’d like to introduce myself as a new member, fellow CB750 owner (’70-spec, red), and also let all of you know about a new magazine I’m putting together as part of the Motorcyclist/Dirt Rider family.

It’s called Motorcyclist Classic, and the first issue will hit newsstands in mid- to late-April. Motorcyclist Classic will cover both dirt and street, and will concentrate primarily on the two-decade period from the mid-'60s to the mid-'80s - the period when motorcycling exploded here in the U.S.

Obviously, Honda Fours will figure prominently in its pages.

I'm busy putting together the guts of the thing now, but I'd like to have some input from folks who live and breathe these bikes. So let me know what you'd like to read about, what sort of story angles you'd like to see, which people, what sort of tech, restorations, interviews, etc. We're not only going to feature in-depth stories on bikes and people from the era, we're also going to do a ton of how-to and restoration stuff, stories that'll also get folks excited about buying, restoring, riding and enjoying the bikes they grew up with, owned and/or lusted after.

Anyway, all input is appreciated. Feel free to respond here, or email (or call) me directly.

Thanks very much!

Mitch Boehm
Motorcyclist Classic
Mitch.Boehm@Sourceinterlink.com
323.782.2587

Killer Canary · « **Reply #1 on:** January 07, 2008, 11:29:19 AM »

Classic Motorcycle Mechanics from Britain would be a decent template,Mitch.
Love the articles you did on vintage superbikes last summer. I've cancelled my subscriptions to the Canadian magazines; just have no interest in billet barges and new bikes anymore, they cater to people who won't be "bikers" for long.Sites like this are the grassroots.

steven400/4 · « **Reply #2 on:** January 07, 2008, 11:36:30 AM »

welcome

paulages · « **Reply #3 on:** January 07, 2008, 11:48:10 AM »

glad i will finally see a domestic motorcycle magazine on the shelf i'll actually want to buy!

SteveD CB500F · « **Reply #4 on:** January 07, 2008, 11:54:36 AM »

CMM is indeed a good start.

You have to be very careful about how you define your market. Mid 60's to Mid 80's suits me - but would you include a VFR750? To many people that's a classic (I'm sure the early ones will be as collectible as sandcasts in 20 years time).

I've met most of the CMM guys and most of them agree - a classic is a classic, be it a Z1 or a RRN 'Blade!

Rod Gibson gets loads of mail from people who believe there's too much 70's, too much 80's or too much 90's - you can't please them all. Best to treat any "classic" as based upon whether it moved the market or not:
Fireblade
GSXR
VFR
GS1000
CBX
CB750 etc, etc

Note that I don't go back past 1969 - Brit twins are a foreign country to me (and I live here!)

Looking forward to your first issue - let us know when and how to get a copy.

Steve

PxTx · « **Reply #5 on:** January 07, 2008, 12:04:48 PM »

Welcome!

I would love to open a discussion on what I would like to see in a magazine!

I never tire of hearing people of the era talk about the evolution of bikes and how they feel the influence of different ones changed their respective classes.

Explaining the lineage of Russ Collins and Vance & Hines would certianly be cool as well.

Interviews from the guys doing the vintage racing would also be a nice treat.

I should really organize my thoughts and get back to you!

Killer Canary · « **Reply #6 on:** January 07, 2008, 12:38:57 PM »

You could also sound out the members of GSResources and KZRider.

333 · « **Reply #7 on:** January 07, 2008, 04:56:37 PM »

Welcome! We have a mutual friend. I used to work for R.L. in Falls Church Va. a couple of years ago. He had mentioned you when talking about Heritage Racing. I even touched a couple of the parts of that CB350. Wicked bike! I was in there a couple weeks ago and saw him, and of all people, Jack was in buying parts.

I hope that you consider R.L. when collecting articles for the new mag. He has quite a collection.

smack doogle · « **Reply #8 on:** January 08, 2008, 04:04:54 AM »

This sounds great, really looking forward to seeing this on the stands, looks like another subrscription but if this is as good as motorcyclist than the money should be well spent.

mitchell184 · « **Reply #9 on:** January 08, 2008, 03:39:21 PM »

Hi Everyone

Really good info. Much appreciated. Thanks a bunch!

Yep, we'll cover VFs and VFRs (and 900RRs and RC30s and GSX-R LTDs and such from a wide range of companies.) Can't ignore the more recent classics, eh?

Now, this is important...

For this whole thing to work, and for the magazine to survive, it'll need fairly brisk newsstand sales. There won't be any subscriptions available until early '09 (if we even make it that far), so it'll be all newsstand. Which means, the more like-minded folks who know about MC Classic and when its first issue hits (late april, early may at better bookstores only), the better.

And that's where all of you come in. If you like the direction I've laid out, and want the thing to be around more than an issue or two, I need you folks to spread the word, by word-of-mouth, on any other forums you're on, at rallies and meets and rides, wherever it makes sense. Our parent company is a bit shaky on the concept, esp after Motor Trend Classic went belly up last year. It lost a lot of money, and they won't do it again.

So help if you can. I'm on a mission here to make this thing really, really good. But for it to last, I need help from you.

Anyway, that's my pitch. Hope things are well, and as always, ping me at the office if you have any questions, comments, suggestions, etc.

Best,

Mitch
Mitch.Boehm@Sourceinterlink.com
323.782.2587

DarkRider · « **Reply #10 on:** January 08, 2008, 04:50:36 PM »

Welcome to SOHC/4 Mitch! I have been a subscriber to Motorcyclist since November 06 and just recently renewed my subscription till 09. I agree with the others on what should be in the mag. The issue that i read most heavily was the one mentioning the history of the VF/VFR. (it was the one that had the Ducati 999 vs the 1098 cant recall the month it was offhand) However i have been waiting to see a story on the CBs and the Kawi Triples much like the story you did on the Suzuki GS series. Def gonna be keeping tabs on this till the first mags hit the shelves...and will def subscribe once its avalable to do so.

mattcb350f · « **Reply #11 on:** January 09, 2008, 09:47:21 AM »

Hi Mitch, Love the idea of a domestic mag on classic bikes! and welcome to the forum.

As a relitively new classic bike enthusiast, I really like to see articles on restoration projects, and more specifically pics and descriptions much like the ones that are found on threads on this site. I find CMM does a nice job of this.

the other thing I like, but haven't seen much of it is that when a bike is featured, there is period advertisments and descriptions about how the bike was marketed and it's enginering and development in it's day etc. I often see lots about what the bike is and who owns it but I personally just find that other stuff interesting. I'm not sure if most readers agree though.
Will we see the mag up here in Canada?
Matt.

dusterdude · « **Reply #12 on:** January 09, 2008, 01:44:47 PM »

welcome mitch and no offense to anyone,isnt motorcycle classics a domestic magazine?

BobbyR · « **Reply #13 on:** January 09, 2008, 02:34:54 PM »

That is a great idea Mitch. If you can find the old time tuners for these bikes and have them share the go fast and handling tricks they used, it would be very appealing.

jkotsi · « **Reply #14 on:** January 09, 2008, 03:50:37 PM »

Where can I get a subscription?

Jim

PxTx · « **Reply #15 on:** January 09, 2008, 04:20:51 PM »

Quote from: mitchell184 on January 08, 2008, 03:39:21 PM

...

Now, this is important...

For this whole thing to work, and for the magazine to survive, it'll need fairly brisk newsstand sales. There won't be any subscriptions available until early '09 (if we even make it that far), so it'll be all newsstand. Which means, the more like-minded folks who know about MC Classic and when its first issue hits (late april, early may at better bookstores only), the better.

Best,

Mitch
Mitch.Boehm@Sourceinterlink.com
323.782.2587

sparty · « **Reply #16 on:** January 09, 2008, 05:56:45 PM »

Mitch,

I echo the remarks of my fellow members. I hope your idea works because I would love to have a subscription if it makes the grade. One thing I would suggest is that you have a short 1/4 page column in the new magazine devoted to the Honda Fours which feature the bikes of some of our forum members and a short story behind their builds and restorations. We can easily accommodate you with great photos and interesting material. Please seriously consider this idea.

All the best,
Art (Sparty) Entz

DarkRider · « **Reply #17 on:** January 09, 2008, 06:01:59 PM »

Is that an Interceptor without the front fairing i see in your avatar Jkotsi?

SteveD CB500F · « **Reply #18 on:** January 09, 2008, 11:39:06 PM »

Looks like a CB1100F to me.

Jeff · « **Reply #19 on:** January 10, 2008, 07:53:58 PM »

I'd love a tech article on rebuilding carbs for a 77 CB550/K.

Seriously though, I have a few thoughts. Short answer would be emulate Classic Motorcycle Mechanics. That is an outstanding British mag.

I'd also suggest using only full color photography, unless it's for stylistic purposes. Especially if the photo in question is a full bike "beauty" shot. After that, try to find a good balance between bike genres. Don't focus on cafes only, or stock, or chopped, etc. Although I'd be most interested in cafes and the sportier side in general.

Maybe a long term project bike that takes a garage find and brings it to life?

Thanks,
Jeff

BTW. I had an email conversation with you shortly after the Blowing the Lid Off article. I used to work at Dennis Kirk and emailed you to see what you were wearing after that article. Take care and good luck with the new magazine. Oh yeah, I've also subscribed to MC since 1994 or so.

Pip · « **Reply #20 on:** January 11, 2008, 04:39:32 AM »

Hello, Mitch!

As far as the suggestions to emulate Classic Motorcycle Mechanics, it's a great suggestion. I like picking that magazine up almost as much as I like geting my new Motorcyclist in the mail. The great thing about CMM is that they concentrate on all states of the bikes in question. From nasty old barn finds to the nicest catalog (erm... catalogue) correct restorations. There are articles on specific bike families (Honda singles, Royal Enfield Bullets old and new, and so on), common technical questions, used motorcycle pricing guides based on condition, shops that cater specifically to vintage bikes, and those little guys who make magic in their own garages, on their own off time. I'm definately not telling you how to do the job that you guys do so well, but I think it would be advantageous to approach this magazine as Joe Average with some cash in his pocket, trying to decide which of the old motorcycles in front of him would be the most fun to repair/restore, or just ride.

Thanks!
-Pip

BTW, any chance of getting this magazine out to AAFES? I would kill to be able to go to the Base Exchange and snag a copy.

jkotsi · « **Reply #21 on:** January 11, 2008, 06:14:43 AM »

My bike in the avatar is a CB900 with 1100R tank and seat. This is a before pic, the after isn't so clean.

bender01 · « **Reply #22 on:** January 13, 2008, 08:26:12 PM »

I would like that mag too. Would a Barnes and noble get it? If so Ill make the trip. A back in the day account of actual wheel to wheel comparisons / events/ myths would be a cool monthly story. Especially like to read about the two strokes of the 70s.
Ben

Badger 5 · « **Reply #23 on:** January 16, 2008, 06:07:29 PM »

Please keep us informed

ekim98 · « **Reply #24 on:** January 16, 2008, 06:24:38 PM »

Sounds good, but can you cut the harley articles. I can go anywhere and get tons of magazines about those. And stay away from the dirt bikes to. But then they won't make much money, so it looks like they won't be selling many magazines to me.

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Author Topic: Motorcyclist Magazine says hi (Read 6428 times)

mitchell184

mitchell184