I must be in the mood to stir things up, so here comes another thought. After looking at a couple threads a thought hit me, Do dirt bike magazines represent "real" dirt bike riders and riding. I'll never get to meet the US Suzuki rep(or be related to). Once I get a bike, it's what I ride. I don't have the choice of a room full of bikes. When I go to the dealer, I'm not the guy from a mag. I just another schmuck with money they want. I can't just jump on the bike on a work day and call it research. I can't get hurt riding and have my boss understand. How big of a grain of salt should we take when reading a magazine review?
Joined Jul 2001
3K Posts | 1+
El Sobrante, Ca. 94803
Hello bksavs,
From personal experience I can safely state that a fair portion of "self proclaimed" Moto-Journalists (albeit some accomplished racers) are neither qualified test / development riders and / or journalists.
The requirements vary though most often if one can read, write, ride and is willing to work for low wages you are deemed qualified.
Sincerely,
Dale
From personal experience I can safely state that a fair portion of "self proclaimed" Moto-Journalists (albeit some accomplished racers) are neither qualified test / development riders and / or journalists.
The requirements vary though most often if one can read, write, ride and is willing to work for low wages you are deemed qualified.
Sincerely,
Dale
REAL DIRT BIKES
I agree with Lineaweaver. One other problem with magazine tests, is the riders, pro to novice have their bike that they ride on a regular basis and I believe that the evaluations are somewhat based on comparison to what they are used to riding and not an objective look at the bike in question. Most of the magazines are based in so. cal so most of the testing is on an MX track or desert, not the ideal place to get a good feel for a woods bike. An MX racer is probably not the guy to ask about the performance of a woods bike being riden in the desert. Of course this is an opinion, just like the ones printed in the magazines. I still believe the highest paid advertiser wins, or the bikes have been massaged to remove any production defects.
I agree with Lineaweaver. One other problem with magazine tests, is the riders, pro to novice have their bike that they ride on a regular basis and I believe that the evaluations are somewhat based on comparison to what they are used to riding and not an objective look at the bike in question. Most of the magazines are based in so. cal so most of the testing is on an MX track or desert, not the ideal place to get a good feel for a woods bike. An MX racer is probably not the guy to ask about the performance of a woods bike being riden in the desert. Of course this is an opinion, just like the ones printed in the magazines. I still believe the highest paid advertiser wins, or the bikes have been massaged to remove any production defects.
Joined Oct 2004
1K Posts | 14+
nova scotia
Hi BkSAVs,
If you really feel that you "are just a smuck with a pocket full of money that the dealer wants",when you enter your local dealership then I believe you are in the wrong shop.If your dealer or at least someone in that store does not know you by name you are in the wrong store.If you do not ride with some of the people where you shop then it is time to change where you do business.The motorcycle industry is unique in that from top to bottom it is filled with people who really love what they do and if you are not feeling like you are apart of this motorcycle community then you are missing out.
As far as moto/journalists are concerned good ones are hard to find,I truly miss the days of COOK NEILSON and my all time favorite GORDEN JENNINGS......nsman
If you really feel that you "are just a smuck with a pocket full of money that the dealer wants",when you enter your local dealership then I believe you are in the wrong shop.If your dealer or at least someone in that store does not know you by name you are in the wrong store.If you do not ride with some of the people where you shop then it is time to change where you do business.The motorcycle industry is unique in that from top to bottom it is filled with people who really love what they do and if you are not feeling like you are apart of this motorcycle community then you are missing out.
As far as moto/journalists are concerned good ones are hard to find,I truly miss the days of COOK NEILSON and my all time favorite GORDEN JENNINGS......nsman
Joined Oct 2004
1K Posts | 14+
nova scotia
Hi Dale,
When many of the major motorcycle publications were introduced in the (19)fiftys and sixtys they were privately held companies.The owners were often the editors and they searched the country looking for people who were exceptional motorcyclists as well as accomblished writers.As motorcycling grew so did these publications,eventually to the point where the titles were worth more money than the owners could resist and were sold to large corporations who then published to a" formula "that is used for all enthusist publications.While I believe there are many capable moto/journalists scattered among the titles available to-day I fear the great days are forever behind us.....nsman
When many of the major motorcycle publications were introduced in the (19)fiftys and sixtys they were privately held companies.The owners were often the editors and they searched the country looking for people who were exceptional motorcyclists as well as accomblished writers.As motorcycling grew so did these publications,eventually to the point where the titles were worth more money than the owners could resist and were sold to large corporations who then published to a" formula "that is used for all enthusist publications.While I believe there are many capable moto/journalists scattered among the titles available to-day I fear the great days are forever behind us.....nsman
I've found 2 shops where they know my name. One is in Mississippi, I still exchange X-mas cards with them 6 years after I moved. There is 1 local shop that's been real good to me, today they sold me some Maxima 5-50 oil at 60% off. In fact I do ride with one of the guys from that shop, he sold me the Berg. In my experience, good shops are few and far between. I make sure I tell the good ones how much I appreciate their service. I beleive if your a magazine editor, you'll get special treatment at a dealership.
I've talked to other customers, and they treat most repeat customers this way. Back to the subject, I'll be riding my Husaberg long enough to get really comfortable on it. I won't be riding 20 diferent 2005 model bikes this year. I like Cycle Worlds long term wrap up. People who own the bikes send in their feelings on them.
Joined Jul 2001
3K Posts | 1+
El Sobrante, Ca. 94803
nsman said:
As I you must be growing long in tooth Mr. nsman :lol:
The very first addition to my technical library was indeed "The Two Stroke Tuners Hand Book" by Gordon Jennings. As a matter of fact I still reference said volume on occasion.
In addition to Gordon Jennings Kevin Cameron, Phil Irving and Harry Weslake are amongst me favorites.
Cheers,
Dale
Eh ...
I have my opinion, other have theirs.
I have read in this forum that many loves Husaberg due to the stability in the desert races. They can go so much faster than the other brands. They like the high power output as well. For me these arguments above should give that Husaberg should get very high rating in these desert tests. MX is similar. Bends between the straights and fast condition.
In the forest: Since the bike is very stabile, stated above, it's hard to turn. This should give lower rating in the forest tests.
I have my opinion, other have theirs.
I have read in this forum that many loves Husaberg due to the stability in the desert races. They can go so much faster than the other brands. They like the high power output as well. For me these arguments above should give that Husaberg should get very high rating in these desert tests. MX is similar. Bends between the straights and fast condition.
In the forest: Since the bike is very stabile, stated above, it's hard to turn. This should give lower rating in the forest tests.
Joined Apr 2004
518 Posts | 0+
Arizona
Long in the tooth applies her. Remember when Rick Siemen (Super Hunky), Chet Heyberger, Crazy George (CZ fanatic), Pete Zi%&???? (Never could pronounce his name yet alone spell it) , Jim Connely and the likes were at Dirt Bike. They told you if a bike was a piece of crap and did it with such humor. Miss those guys.
Dan
Dan
Last I checked, Jimmy Lewis was the editor of Dirt Rider Magazine. He's a hard-*** dirt rider who turns his own wrench, changes his own tires, and doesn't mind getting up at 4:00 in the morning to drive out to a race.
He's always the first one to throw a leg over any new bike that rolls into the shop for a test, and never fails to speak his mind (regardless of who's buying the back cover that month).
~ Ken
He's always the first one to throw a leg over any new bike that rolls into the shop for a test, and never fails to speak his mind (regardless of who's buying the back cover that month).
~ Ken
Joined Jul 2001
3K Posts | 1+
El Sobrante, Ca. 94803
PowerCell said:
Hi ken,
I agree 100%.
From personal experience I belive Jimmy to be a capable and honest critic.
Jimmy gave Husaberg the thumbs down and sent it to the van early during last years Cycle World evaluation.
All I can say is: "This time the bike had better be in perfect tune and smok'n fast"
Note:
Coming from Cycle World Jimmy is now with Dirt Rider Magazine.
Kind Regards,
Dale
Last November I ask Jimmy what he thought about the new 2005 'bergs... his only complaint was that the FE550 they sent him may have too hard a hit.
Then Dave Donatoni takes the same bike and has a great ride at the Tecate Hare Scrambles taking 3rd overall in the A class and winning the 40+...
I think that's a pretty good finish for a 550 with a BIG hit! Tecate's not known for it's fast straight-a-ways... of course, that says a lot about Dave's riding ability too...
~ Ken
Then Dave Donatoni takes the same bike and has a great ride at the Tecate Hare Scrambles taking 3rd overall in the A class and winning the 40+...
I think that's a pretty good finish for a 550 with a BIG hit! Tecate's not known for it's fast straight-a-ways... of course, that says a lot about Dave's riding ability too...
~ Ken
nsman said:
I concur, my dealer caters to me. When on a club trail ride, I saw my 470 never knowing me before he told me take it for a ride. His 10 yr old son made the sale. He came over to my camp site with new parts. (After a bad crash) Just to make my bike better looking. “He said. I can't have you making husaberg look bad! "He can’t do anything about my riding skills.â€Â
Joined Jul 2001
3K Posts | 1+
El Sobrante, Ca. 94803
Opinions regarding overall feel and performance are indeed subject to an indiviudal riders style and personal preference.PowerCell said:
The issue regarding Cycle World was that of a bent and improperly tuned motorcycle being supplied for evaluation. Jimmy stated to me that said motorcycle was dirty, bent, ran poorly and produced excessive engine noise. Said evaluation was that of mid displacement motorcycles with the Husaberg 450 being down on peak power. (some 10% compared to that of the other entries)
The above mentioed goof has been guaranteed never to happen again.
I beleive BMG and Brett will see to it that the best of the best regarding production Husaberg equipment is delivered for testing.
It is of my personal opinion that a properly prepared and tuned 550 and / or 650 Husaberg compared only with that of other large displacement singles shall rate quite high all the way around.
Sincerely,
Dale
Register CTA
Register on Husaberg Forum! This sidebar will go away, and you will see fewer ads.
Sign Up
