As we were preparing this issue for “print”, we got the news that Cycle World was shutting down. Motorcycle publications have come and gone over the years, but seeing a brand with Cycle World’s history go down is sad.

Founded in 1962 by Motorcycle Hall of Famer Joe Parkhurst, it was a giant in the industry. It survived a number of ownership changes over the decades before becoming a property of Octane Media in 2020, the same year the final print issue of Cycle World was delivered.

Now, in 2026, apparently Octane Media got what it wanted from Cycle World and unceremoniously terminated it, along with other long-time titles under the umbrella, including Motorcyclist (since 1912), Dirt Rider (1982), and Motorcycle Cruiser (1996). Dirt Rider especially hurts, as Editor Andrew Oldar is an Ultimate Motorcycling alumnus, and I recommended him for the Dirt Rider job. There is nothing enjoyable about seeing so many valued colleagues out of a job.

Cycle World came into my life as I started riding a dirt bike. After my parents bought me a Yamaha HT-1B 90 Enduro trail bike for Christmas in 1970, my dad came home with the February 1971 issue of Cycle World. I read every single word in that magazine countless times. Even though I didn’t understand all of it, each reading revealed a bit more to me. I still have that issue, and the memories flood back when I go over it.

A Montesa Cota 247 trials bike was on the cover. I was initially confused, thinking that they had somehow misspelled “trails”. Later I went on to own a couple of Montesa Cotas.

Opening up the cover, my 12-year-old eyes were greeted by my first Norton Girl. She was blocking the latest Norton Commando 750, but I’ll forgive her. Note to the latest owners of Norton: Bring back the Norton Girls in your ads!

There were plenty of stories to kickstart my interest in motorcycles. All the road tests were of dirt bikes, including the Cota, the aspirational Yamaha RT1-B 360 Enduro, and a first ride of the Yamaha Mini Enduro. I just missed out on the Mini Enduro, as my parents opted to buy me an adult bike.

The Previews are epic. They had the first look at the Suzuki GT750 Le Mans. Later, more colloquially known as the Water Buffalo, it was an audacious three-cylinder two-stroke with liquid cooling. The failing BSA/Triumph concern had debuted a new DOHC 350cc parallel-twin engine. The Brits had planned to put it in a sport bike and a scrambler; however, the company’s collapse meant it never reached production. A pity.

A technical article on a motorcycle with a monocoque chassis fascinated me, even if I couldn’t figure out how to pronounce “monocoque”.

Another cool artifact was an advertisement for the 1971 Ducati R/T 450 dirt bike. It looked every bit as sexy to me as the Norton Girl. Sadly, I didn’t see an R/T in person until a visit to The Quail Gathering (now The Quail Motofest) in this millennium, and I never met a Norton Girl.

Cycle World inspired me to delve deeper into the world of motorcycle magazines. At one time, as a teenager, I subscribed to no fewer than eight motorcycle magazines: Cycle, Cycle Guide, Cycle World, Dirt Bike, Modern Cycle, Motocross Action, Motorcyclist, and Popular Cycling. I read every one of them cover-to-cover, unknowingly preparing me for my career here at Ultimate Motorcycling.

While losing Cycle World is difficult, it inspires us to redouble our efforts to provide our readers with authentic motorcycle journalism in a world where dubious influencers hold increasing sway. Thanks for sticking with us. We appreciate it.