WORKING FOR THE READER

On 58 years and a new start

- MARK HOYER

Safe to say in 1962, when founding Cycle World publisher Joe Parkhurst started the magazine, he hadn’t envisioned how big a truly independent motorcycle publication that served the reader first might become. And before his death in 2000, could he have envisioned how the next 20 years would change publishing?

No, 2000 was not 1962, and 2020 definitely isn’t 2000. Yes, the changes have been remarkable, and I am thankful that our mission to bring the best writing and testing to motorcycle enthusiasts has remained constant. Our mission remains inspired by what Joe Parkhurst wrote in the first issue, published in January 1962: “Cycle World is dedicated to the cycle enthusiast, no matter what he rides. Whether they be full-size motorcycles, scooters, or minibikes, they are within our realm of interest—motorized two-wheel vehicles. Cycle World’s first love is motorcycles, and always will be, whether they are on the highways, tracks, tearing across some unsettled expanse, or being used as everyday transportation.”

Other than switching the pronoun to “they” to include significant, and growing, female ridership, this has remained our philosophy.

As I shared on cycleworld.com, where much of this piece was first published, we are happy to report New York-based powersport fintech company Octane has acquired Cycle World and the rest of the Motorcycle Group from Bonnier Corporation, including Motorcyclist, Dirt Rider, and Motorcycle Cruiser, plus ebike and electric-mobility title Cycle Volta, as well as UTV Driver and ATV Rider. Our two-wheel titles retain their first love, and we’ll apply similar enthusiasm to our four-wheel websites.