Real world rides, real world riders

It’s all bad, apparently (that is, according to others)

I have worked in areas of this business where the doom and gloomers are always just itching to leap from the sidelines, intent on telling anyone who will listen that this “won’t happen” or that “can’t succeed”.

Often they base their premise on the fact that something hasn’t worked before. So it can’t work this time, surely.

And there were a few voices of dissent, following this tired old path, at the NEC motorcycle show this winter. Now I’ve heard these very same people spouting their stuff for years now. Previously it’s been all about there not being enough new models to grab people’s interest.

This year, hilariously, there was a lot of the same people telling me that there are now too many new models coming out!

It beggars belief.

True, we do have a lot of new bikes this year and that is at a time when money is tight around the world. But for me, and I bet for you too, it’s a wonderful thing just to see the shiny shiny and enjoy how the market is moving forward.

In fact I think that the whole Motorcycle Live show was an especially good one this winter. There was a real buzz about it across all the different types of motorcycling. It’s an amazing time to be a biker right now.

Not only do we have those new models appearing but it’s easy to get on your bike and have a life-affirming ride. No matter what else is going on in these darker times globally we all know the joy of pulling on a helmet and putting a few miles in on two wheels.

So don’t let the miserable sods put us down. Yes it is tough all over but for goodness’ sake this is about something we love. This is about motorcycling, the last bastion in a modern world gone mad on ridiculous Health and Safety edicts where it is we who are responsible for our own actions. Where we can ride and enjoy. Where we understand just how good life can be when experienced from our unique viewpoint sitting on top of an engine at speed.

I can’t say that I agree with this close-minded view of motorcycling that some sectors seem to perpetuate. I love biking and that’s not going to change. We are the enlightened among the masses, which is why you’ll never see a miserable face on a biker fresh from a ride.

New bikes, more second-hand bikes on the market, recent modern bikes that are now becoming stunning classics and the retro lads – we’ve all got lots to appreciate and enjoy.

Which is the message that runs through every page of this magazine.

All of us on MSL are motorcyclists. We’re all riders. We all love bikes.

And with MSL we can explore every corner of that passion. Not for us the blinkered view of biking as performance machines only, or adventure bikes only, or modern bikes with some money off only – we’ve got a much broader view.

If it’s got an engine and it’s interesting, if it’s the sort of bike you’d cross the road to look at or the sort of riding story that you’d pull up a pint and listen to then we’re there.

I can’t think of anything more boring than limiting oneself to one type of biking.

Imagine focusing on one part of two-wheeled life and one part only.

So in MSL we are continuing our journey of motorcycling wonderment and appreciation with you. We’re continuing our one-stop shop for anything and everything on two wheels. We’re bringing your stories to the global stage.

And as we tuck in a bit behind the fairing and wind on the power towards whatever 2012 brings I just wanted to take this moment to thank you for all your support.

MSL’s readership is growing, our message is getting out there and the industry is taking notice.

None of it could happen without you. Thank you.

So please continue to spread the word about us, let’s keep the upward trend going as we embrace more of the biking world.

And don’t forget that this is your MSL. Tell me what you want to see in here and keep your wonderful tales of terrific rides and experiences coming in for our MSL Touring section too.

Have a safe ride.

Tony