NZ motorcycle magazines?

[Ender EnZed]

We got a 'free' copy in the post yesterday...didn't everyone?...

I did, but it was from my insurance company.

[Maha]

I did, but it was from my insurance company.

Protecta?..

[F5 Dave]

KR does have a lot of content for sure. Now what is there in BRM that would make anyone buy it?

Well occasionally they have an article that Dr Bob has penned on suspension & I'll buy it for that alone, but I rarely check. KR had in the past but seems to have fallen from favour. I don't think I have read a technical article from an NZ journo that doesn't miss the point, however this is an increasing trend for all mags. Not everyone can be Jennings or Robinson.

[Ender EnZed]

Protecta?..

Yes.

I haven't read it yet but a high proportion of KR issues that I've read in the last few years have had articles ending mid-sentence. Which is fucking annoying.

[Big Dave]

Yes.

I haven't read it yet but a high proportion of KR issues that I've read in the last few years have had articles ending mid-sentence. Which is fucking annoying.

Yeah - that's a pain. It can happen in any magazine when the layout is changed at the last minute - if an advertiser cancels eg.
I duplicated page three in 35,000 Foodtown magazines once. (I've still got stock).
It does happen much less since Lynda has been proof reading them.

If you catch one again - let me know and I'll put it online immediately and make sure it's finished in next print.

[merv]

I don't think I have read a technical article from an NZ journo that doesn't miss the point, however this is an increasing trend for all mags. Not everyone can be Jennings or Robinson.

Yeah sounds like the hardware business too - Brights at Paremata used to stock all matter of things for a DIYer and many a time I'd buy the odd thing there that allowed me to do MacGyver type work around the house or on the bike even. Now try and find a hardware shop like that - they've all turned into basic Mitre 10 types with cheap prepackaged stuff probably all made from the highest quality materials in China.

The problem with bikes we aren't buying enough to fund the advertising, race teams etc like we were in the 70's and the mid to late 80's. So how can a mag do better, let alone when competing with info on the net.

[Oscar]

Protecta?..

That was my idea!!

[Big Dave]

That was my idea!!

So much for denial!

[merv]

So much for denial!

.... and modesty

[Oscar]

So much for denial!

I wasnae working for the mag at the time, I was consulting.

[F5 Dave]

. . . So how can a mag do better, let alone when competing with info on the net.

Research.

+ co-opting experts to write peices.

[scumdog]

Just picked up my March edition of BRM, I'm enjoying every minute of it @ $9:20 I'd BETTER enjoy every minute!

Nah, all good, enjoy it better the KiwRider.

Heavy Duty will be picked up on my next visit to my favourite bookshop.

[slowpoke]

GARETH MORGAN - In this, the first in an in-depth four-part investigation, Dr Gareth Morgan of MOTO NZ seeks out and analyses the statistics on motorcycles and accidents in this country.
BD: Considering the amount of posts generated on here this should be of interest to a lot of people.

Why is an economist/businessman writing supposed motorcycling articles? I'm intersted in his economics opinions but have no interest in what he has to say about motorcycling.




FASTEST BIKE IS KIWI CREATION
Kiwis love a challenge. So it was when Richard Assen, Jason Swan and Simon Ward set about breaking a world land speed record.
KR Editor Ross MacKay has the story.
BD: Ross has won the QANTAS Motoring Journalist of the Year previously. He has tertiary Qualification, strong opinions and experience to back it up. If you don't agree with him, he's prepared to listen to reasoned argument and debate. Send a letter to the editor.

Sounds great.


LAUNCH REPORT: BMW S 1000 RR
Still chasing success in the World Superbike Championship, BMW Motorrad has upgraded its S 1000 RR. A suitably impressed Racing Dave reports from the recent Australian launch.
BD: Dave is a regular on here and is a good cooont with vast experience. Knows how to steer them and use the right verbiage.

Old news about a bike with few changes.


ROAD TEST: HONDA CROSSRUNNER – 33
Honda’s new Crossrunner is not the easiest bike to get excited about. Until you ride it. Racing Dave and the Ed explain why.
BD: Wish it was me - Very interested in that bike.

Yawn.


ROAD TEST: KAWASAKI W800
KR’s staffers are big fans of Kawasaki’s W800.
Now, after riding one, long-time contributor and columnist Roger Moroney is too.
BD: Roger has a big following according to our reader surveys. Lots will be interested in his take on the bike. Personally I'm still a Bonneville fan.

Yawn, and to use Steve McQueen to advertise the new ones is a travesty. If cool as fuck Steve McQueen was in his prime today no way in hell would he be seen on a W800.


ROAD COMPETITION
The Classic Festival is a Pukekohe institution. But whether it can remain so is a moot point, reckons keen 2011 event spectator Michael Esdaile. We also visit the 19th annual International Island Classic at Australia’s Phillip Island circuit.
BD: Michael is the book of motorcycle racing knowledge on two legs. Historical racing facts and contacts go back to when he was the Editor of Revs. Knowledge respected on both sides of the ditch.

Yep,sounds interesting.


3IRT TEST: KTM 450 SX-F – 9D
Nick Franklin had the bike, Ben Townley the track. So new dirt tester Sam Greenslade and regular Callan May had company when they rode KTM’s latest 450 SX-F!
BD: A few creditable names there. More comment about that below.

Nup, not interested.


DIRT FEATURES: JAPAN MX
The All Japan Motocross Championship is a veritable hotbed of prototype development. Hence visiting Kiwi MX fan Chris Ritchie’s interest in the last two rounds of the 2011 series.
BD: Dunno probably not me - but I'd give it a scan for the tech angle.

Same, vaguely interested in tech.


DIRT COMPETITION – 110
Kiwi international Ben Townley kicked off his 2012 season in style at the annual Honda Woodville MXGP in late January. We also feature the No Way in Hell extreme enduro event plus round 1 of the enduro champs
BD: The man won a World Championship. I'm cheering for him and I think it's a coup to have him in the mag.

Nup.


ADVENTURE: YAMAHA SAFARI – 125
It was a case of all change for this year’s Yamaha Safari. And that wasn’t such a bad thing as Bryce Hayward reports.
BD: Probably the first story I'd read. There has been some controversy in the past.

Nup.


KR KIDS: KAWASAKI KX100 – 130
Kawasaki’s KX100 could well be the ideal stepping stone between the various 85cc MX machines and adult-size 125s and 250s. We put KR Kids testers Jake Wightman and William Eyre on one to see what they thought.
BD: The kids dig it and the magazine invests in the future of the sport.

Nup.


RIDDEN
Gilera Runner
BD: Like lots of people lately - since I've ridden some, I'm actually quite interested in modern Scooters.

Double nup.


MORONEY
BD: Accoding to our reader surveys is one the most popular contributors.

Of the few issues I've read hasn't made an impression to know the name or know what he writes about.


NASH
BD: A lot of people follow him and think he should write a book.

Same as Moroney.


CLASSICS
Norton Commando
BD: Rhys is a legend. Been there - rode it - wrote the book. One of *my* heroes.

Sounds intersting, but it's such a common article that there won't be anything we haven't heard before if you've ridden/read for a coupla years.


GASTROM RIDER
BD: I like it from a ride destination angle. Very popular with Fatt Max's crew too.

Not really intersted, won't be anywhere near me.


RIDING TIPS
Philip McDaid
Darren Sweetman
[I]BD: Valued, professional experts. Very interested in what they have to say

Has potential depending on how it's written, what/who it's targetting and not just another countersteering article.


LONG TERMER
Yamaha FZ8
BD: Can add a Harley Street Glide to that next month too. Not just a few weeks - but a few months, running them in and living with them properly. I'll work hard on it. Images and video too.

A Camry of a bike, with non-adjustable supension, on NZ's goat tracks? Why would you bother.


HANDY ANDY
BD: Andy McGechan *is* motorcycle sports news reporting in this country. He's been in KR 27 years.

Good stuff.


JOSH COPPINS
Straight talking
BD: I've never met Josh, but I believe his record and reputation speaks for itself.

Could be good, depending on how he writes and what he writes about.


CHRIS BIRCH
Body position – braking
BD: I have met Chris a few times and have always been impressed with what an outright good bloke he is - and what a superlative rider he is. I'd read it just because I really like him.

Great rider but not my cup o' tea.


LOOKING BACK
It was five, ten and fifteen years ago today!
BD: I always find that interesting.

I like this tuff too, but it will only be frustrating snippets hardly worth reading.


BIKE MART
BD: There is a ton of ride and event information in there. I picked up on some good ADV rides. The services guide is handy.

Doesn't interest me.


NEW PRODUCTS PAGES.
BD: I skim it to see if there any new doohickeys I covet.

Usually nothing special.


IF you do really think that is no good, I don't agree with you.

So at a $1/page I'm interested in it just doesn't stack up for me. Some of the articles/bikes are so boring/generic they actively counteract the good stuff, making me angry I had to pay for them. Shame, there are so many interesting characters and bikes in NZ that could be written about.

[Big Dave]

Whatever. Refer to Post #70.

I'm over this thread anyway. Oscar! - take over :-)
Might go for a ride on my test bike.
Beautiful night in Brisbane.
Mwahahahaah!

[Edbear]

I buy them for the articles...