Motorcycle News

Motorcycle News is a weekly British newspaper and website dedicated to motorcycles, motorcycling, road racing, motocross, touring and industry news. It combines race reporting, product tests, classified advertising and features on riders, manufacturers and events, serving both enthusiasts and professionals. Launched in the mid-20th century, it has chronicled developments involving manufacturers, teams and riders across national and international competitions.

History

Founded in 1955 during a period of postwar growth in British publishing and recreational motoring, the title emerged amid rival titles such as Motor Cycle and The Motor Cycle Weekly. Early coverage reflected connections with British manufacturers like Triumph Motorcycles, Norton Motorcycle Company, BSA and Royal Enfield, alongside profiles of prominent riders including Geoff Duke, Mike Hailwood and John Surtees. Across the 1960s and 1970s the paper documented shifts in racing governed by bodies such as the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme and tracked the rise of international series like the Grand Prix motorcycle racing World Championship and the Isle of Man TT. Ownership and editorial control changed hands several times, intersecting with media groups that also owned titles such as Haymarket Media Group publications and other specialist sports outlets. The publication adapted to technological change as competitor titles consolidated and Japanese manufacturers—Honda Motor Company, Yamaha Motor Company, Suzuki Motor Corporation, Kawasaki Heavy Industries—expanded their influence in road and track markets. Coverage expanded to include emerging disciplines promoted by organisations like the Motocross World Championship promoter and endurance series run under FIM Endurance World Championship regulations.

Coverage and Content

Content spans race results from circuits such as Silverstone Circuit, Donington Park, Assen, Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit and the Isle of Man TT Mountain Course, model tests of machines from brands including Ducati Motor Holding, BMW Motorrad, Aprilia and Harley-Davidson plus technical features on suppliers like Öhlins and Brembo. The title reports on teams and riders in championships run by organisations such as MotoGP, Superbike World Championship and national series like British Superbike Championship. Features examine touring routes across regions including the Scottish Highlands, the Alps and continental corridors linking capitals like Paris and Berlin. Classifieds and bike reviews connect private sellers and dealerships, including outlets for marques represented by groups such as Pendine and retail chains akin to Halfords. Investigative pieces have addressed regulatory changes enacted by bodies such as the Department for Transport (United Kingdom) and debates involving lobby groups like The Motorcycle Action Group and standards organisations like British Standards Institution.

Notable Contributors and Columnists

The pages and web columns have featured journalists, former racers and industry insiders with ties to names such as Valentino Rossi, Casey Stoner, Cal Crutchlow and commentators who once raced for teams like Repsol Honda Team and Yamaha Factory Racing Team. Veteran reporters have cross-referenced work with broadcasters and outlets including BBC Sport, Sky Sports and specialist magazines such as Rider and Cycle World. Contributors have included former mechanics and engineers who worked for manufacturers including MV Agusta and Gilera, race team managers from organisations like Team Suzuki ECSTAR and historians with archives referencing publications held by institutions like the National Motorcycle Museum (United Kingdom). Columnists frequently debate safety and policy alongside representatives from unions and advocacy groups such as RoadPeace and lobbyists linked to transport committees in legislatures including the House of Commons of the United Kingdom.

Circulation and Digital Presence

The print circulation has evolved amid wider trends affecting periodicals across publishers such as Reach plc and Immediate Media Company, with digital readership growing on platforms that intersect with social networks and video channels run by personalities affiliated to racing teams and circuits. The website aggregates news, test media, galleries and classifieds, linking to multimedia coverage often produced in collaboration with broadcasters like Eurosport and streaming partners associated with Dorna Sports for grand prix coverage. Analytics and audience metrics are tracked alongside advertising relationships with insurers, gear manufacturers and event promoters, mirroring industry practice used by major media groups including Time Inc. and WPP subsidiaries.

Events, Awards and Influence

The publication organises and promotes awards, reader polls and events that spotlight machines, riders and retailers, echoing ceremonies run by institutions such as the Motorcycle Industry Association and fan-driven awards like those at the FIM Awards. It reports extensively on major events including the Daytona 200, Suzuka 8 Hours and endurance meetings that attract manufacturers and privateer teams. Editorial campaigns have influenced safety debates in parliaments and regulatory bodies, intersecting with investigations by transport authorities and insurers, and shaping consumer choices through long-term test programmes and buyer guides used by dealerships and training organisations such as IAM RoadSmart.

Category:British newspapers Category:Motorcycle magazines