Photo: Motorcycle-usa.com
Putting things bluntly, you've got until tomorrow to prepare to say goodbye to motorcycle-usa.com. This major motorcycling website will be shut down, a brief message on its official Twitter account reveals. No reasons or other explanations were provided at the time of writing, so we're trying to delve deeper into this to bring you more info.
It's been 20 years since the epic journey of Motorcycle USA commenced, first as a rather shy motorcycle blog started by Don Becklin in 1996. The website grew into a bigger enterprise and was expanded with an online gear shop, the Motorcycle Superstore.
The two continued to grow until they became a part of Motorsport Aftermarket Group (MAG), itself owned by Indianapolis-based LDI Ltd., the very LDI referred to in the Twitter message. According to Revzilla, the Motorcycle Superstore was supposed to relocate to the Dallas - Forth Worth area in Texas, to be closer to other MAG operations most likely in an effort to optimize costs.
However, the editorial operations of Motorcycle USA were not to be interfered with, remaining in Oregon and California... until now. Neither MAG nor LDI issued any statements regarding shutting down the Motocycle USA operations, but such declarations are most likely being prepared as we speak.
Motorcycle USA's website also didn't publish anything about the imminent end. A&R received a laconic statement from Motorcycle USA's Editor in Chief Bart Madson, which reads as follows: "It’s disappointing news to be sure, but I’m extremely proud of what MotoUSA accomplished over the years. We put together one of the best crews in the business and leave behind a body of work that speaks for itself. We also had a lot of fun working together, and I wish all my colleagues past and present great success in their future endeavors. I’d also like to thank our readers for their support. It’s been memorable ride!"
We can, however, guess, that it won't be long until the top professionals who have been working at Motorcycle USA find new jobs with other publications, but learning that such enterprises can be shut down almost overnight is just unsettling.
The two continued to grow until they became a part of Motorsport Aftermarket Group (MAG), itself owned by Indianapolis-based LDI Ltd., the very LDI referred to in the Twitter message. According to Revzilla, the Motorcycle Superstore was supposed to relocate to the Dallas - Forth Worth area in Texas, to be closer to other MAG operations most likely in an effort to optimize costs.
What a long strange trip its been...Breaking news. LDI is pulling the plug on Motorcycle USA Friday. Thx for the 20 year run readers.
— MotorcycleUSA.com (@MotoUSA) February 24, 2016
However, the editorial operations of Motorcycle USA were not to be interfered with, remaining in Oregon and California... until now. Neither MAG nor LDI issued any statements regarding shutting down the Motocycle USA operations, but such declarations are most likely being prepared as we speak.
Motorcycle USA's website also didn't publish anything about the imminent end. A&R received a laconic statement from Motorcycle USA's Editor in Chief Bart Madson, which reads as follows: "It’s disappointing news to be sure, but I’m extremely proud of what MotoUSA accomplished over the years. We put together one of the best crews in the business and leave behind a body of work that speaks for itself. We also had a lot of fun working together, and I wish all my colleagues past and present great success in their future endeavors. I’d also like to thank our readers for their support. It’s been memorable ride!"
We can, however, guess, that it won't be long until the top professionals who have been working at Motorcycle USA find new jobs with other publications, but learning that such enterprises can be shut down almost overnight is just unsettling.
Google News