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Best Dirt Bike Magazine?
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Posted by: Imho

If you consider content, quality of advice, value for money and relevance, which of the current dirt bike magazines would you recommend (emphasis on motocross)?

Posted by: Patman

DirtRider.Net

Posted by: RM_guy

I voted for TWMX but I do have to aggree with Patman too

Posted by: super rat

RacerX

Posted by: rv6junkie

DRN. I can't interact with a printed magazine (well I can with the bathroom door closed...but that's a whole other issue).

The only thing we are missing are factory test rides.

Posted by: XRpredator

well, since I don't have a phone jack in the can, I gotta pick RacerX

Posted by: Timr

Quote:

Originally posted by XRpredator
well, since I don't have a phone jack in the can, I gotta pick RacerX

wireless networking and a laptop...just be careful which hand you type with and which hand you wipe with.  :scream: :thumb:

Posted by: HobRoff

I think the forums here are outstanding, most of the mags tend to make me want to throw'em in the trash bin. Poor writing, biased, advertisements out the ying-yang, much too glossy, too expensive, not much in the way on application to the average Joe or Jane, pretty much all the same reasons I pulled the plug on the TV over a decade ago. There are exceptions of course, even between what month's issue we are talking about but overall I give the mags thumbs down. VMX - now there is a magazine! The best thing going are these forums!!!

Posted by: Timr

I did enjoy the excerpt from MC's book in this month's RacerX.   Looks like his autobiography is going to be a good read.  Should be available in Jan of '04.

 

Posted by: Mrobbins

Trail Rider for enduro and HS racing, not interested in MX.

Posted by: TheJunkMan

i know it is not all dirt bikes all the time but Cycle World is THE authority on EVERYTHING motorcycles

Posted by: ktmracer

Cycle News, Trailrider, Racerx

all three are great and each of them covers a different part of the sport.

Posted by: dirt bike dave

Cycle News.  By far the best race coverage.  Good industry info.  Some bike tests and new product evaluations. 

Posted by: JuliusPleaser

Cycle News if we're sticking to ragazines. DRN if we're talking about the dirtbike info superhighway. I haven't bought a magazine in a long time. I subscribed to Cycle News for race coverage. Everything else I get here.

Posted by: Yogurt

Here's my vote for RacerX. But I like to interact on DRN. The only two MX "mags" I have a subscription to. And I get Cycle USA with my District membership, I enjoy checking out the local Amatuer coverage in there.

Posted by: pyrofreak

I can't pick just one. I loved REV, but thats no more. AMong my favorites are Cycle World, DirtBikeMagazine, and Dirt Rider. But DRN doesnt even compare with any of these. It is the ultimate dirt bike source. Part of the reason i like the mags is so that when i'm all done going through each issue a hundred times over i cut out the pictures, put them on cunstruction paper and plaster them to the walls in my room. Im on the cieling already, but theres plenty of wall space in the spare room. :-P I guess i may be a little Obsessive-Compulsive. Too bad dad wouldnt let me bring my bike in the house so i could sit on it and watch TV. :-/

Posted by: Y2Z

dirtrider.net

Posted by: Imho

Well, I have to agree. Personally, my #1 source of information on dirt bikes is DRN, no question. It hasn't let me down once when in need and the mix of opinions, personalities and the ability to interact only add to it's appeal. Unfortunately there is one major failing and that's portability. When stuck in the boonies overnight or longer, you can't take it with you.

The other thing I have found is that the mags let me know "what's new". I haven't found a huge source of that on DRN yet. The funny thing is, if I have a question about a product, new or old, I know I can ask here and get an opinion (or 100) but if I don't know it exists, I can't ask/search.

Posted by: CR Swade

For print, I like Cycle News & Cycle World...for on-line stuff, DRN is good and KTMTalk kicks ass for KTM info, Thumper Talk is just OK for me

Posted by: 2smoke

Racer X and VMX.

Posted by: Okiewan

I'm a little biased

. For print, RacerX

Posted by: shifting

Motocross Action has to be on Yamaha's payroll!!!!!!! Dirtrider gets my vote.

Posted by: Michelle

Quote:

Originally posted by Imho
The other thing I have found is that the mags let me know "what's new". I haven't found a huge source of that on DRN yet. The funny thing is, if I have a question about a product, new or old, I know I can ask here and get an opinion (or 100) but if I don't know it exists, I can't ask/search.

Do you ever read the product reviews forum & the new products forum?

A local bike supplier shop (they don't sell bikes, just accessories) used to get pissed off with me coming in & asking about stuff all the time because I'd read about it here. One time I went in & asked about something & he just rolled his eyes & asked me where I'd read about it this time - I had to admit it was in a Kiwi magazine

(meant he had to get it in for me, no excuses).

As for printed magazines, Sidetrack most definitely. It doesn't cover FMX or MX, but that's fine, it's not what I do. Another magazine I'm impressed with is Moto-Kids. Dirtbike Rider (or something like that) from the UK, is okay & interesting as it has trials in it, but I got put off buying it when someone told me how much it was (I'd buy it at the servo & it didn't have a price on it) but I don't think it's worth $20 (which btw is almost the same amount as a subscription for a year to DRN - once converted to Kiwi money).

I also buy Kiwi Rider, just to figure out what rides are coming up & to see if there's anything interesting going on. Not a fascinating magazine, but a local one.

Posted by: jeffd

Quote:

Originally posted by shifting
Motocross Action has to be on Yamaha's payroll!!!!!!! Dirtrider gets my vote.

Ya think?

Funny how the blue bike wins every year at that mag.

Dirtrider covers more than MX, so I read it for that reason. But RacerX is my favorite. Gotta love the articles. Ping is greatness.

-jeffd

Posted by: Tony Eeds

I voted for DRN!

As far as rags, I like REV, but I am doubtful that is will make it. The last (Nov) issue that I received is reall thin ...

Posted by: 490Dave

I voted TWMX for the overall content

Racer-X for the "who's who"
TWMX for the "whats-what"

Posted by: VintageDirt

I only like the magazines that answer my numerous emails.

Posted by: zio

Pitting DRN against print mags in a poll that asks for your favorite mag? Oh well. I picked RacerX. It is, after all, my favorite mag. DRN is my overall favorite source for dirtbike info and socializing with molesters and perverts, though. Okie is my favorite transvestite. Orange is my favorite color, and I prefer boxers to briefs.

Posted by: Imho

Yeah, I thought that was going to happen. If the question was "What source of dirt bike information can't you live without?" my answer would be different. I would give up every mag and survive quite nicely with DRN only but I can't say the same thing about any magazine.

Posted by: shnalln

Quote:

Originally posted by zio
Pitting DRN against print mags in a poll that asks for your favorite mag? .

Right! I couldn't resist and picked DRN! Way better info than any rag! But if I honestly had to choose I'd pick Dirt Rider...

Posted by: Kav

if Rev was still around I'd go for them.

Posted by: slideways11

DRN by a long way. If you need parts, if you need technical info,if you need to buy a bike, if you need to adjust your suspension , if you need to laugh, if you need to bitch it is all here.

Posted by: JPIVEY

Cycle News

Cycle torqe ( Australian version of CN )

SDOR ( I'm an FE so I need to throw it in here )

Posted by: RAHRAH

Easyrider for the clean streaks
Performance Bikes for the real way a mag should be and they are even European.
Trailrider is the way I like doin it though so its pretty coool
Rev is a fun mag and I really wouldn't want them to go down they really need to be saved.
Dirt Bike is starting to be more like dirt rider when it should really stay like dirt bike
Dirt Rider is for those who are really too gooddy gooodie stay on a bike and put the miles down in the desert or even a southern enduro.

DIrt rider adventures rreminded me of what dr is really about.
CRF 450 1st
CR 250R 8th

RC 250R 8th- why would Ricky ride the worst? 2 1st

Posted by: kmccune

I voted  for RacerX as I don't consider this a magazine, it's more like a home

 

 

Kevin

Posted by: BRush

Come on, how can I take a poll like this seriously if it does not include Trail Rider Magazine?

It's the only USA db mag that acknowledges that there is life east of the Mississippi!

Posted by: JPIVEY

What?!?!, there's an east of Mississippi, is't that Kawait ????

Posted by: kmccune

Nope, I live there (WI) and I had a supscription to Trail Rider but it just didn't apply to me. Its a great Mag but VERRY local.

 

Kevin

Posted by: extrememoto

I love Dirtrider.net for the interaction and forums, but as a magazine MX Machine Magazine is my preference...they are into being out of the "box" and different from all the other mags. Also they were the only one mag so far that has printed anything about my backyard nightmare or expressed an interest in seeing me win the battle. Of course dirtrider.net has been great and informative with many helpful ideas also, two different medias though.

Posted by: maxkiks77

Has anyone heard of MX MACHine? IT is awesome!! It is all freestlye and has awesome pictures, but Racer X is prolly the best for info, cuzz it aint full of adds.

Posted by: MXN4FUN

Well if I have to choose I'd say RacerX. Yet I'd rather thumb through my issues of Dirt Bike and Moto Action from the 70's through early 80's. You know Jody's stuff when it was first printed. Bazzer, Super Hunky, Clipper back when they told you when something sucked.

Posted by: Uchytil

Speaking from a 45 year old frame of mind. Let's face it, when I was 17 electric typewiters were the rage. I could not wait to get my hands on a rag that had dirt bikes. We were riding two cylinder yamaha 2 stroke street bikes in the woods alongsode other roaches. Now I get it all, the internet, as many subscriptions to mags that my wife can put up with, etc... I still like holding paper in my had or rolling it up and taking it to work for my many breaks. So what if there is bias. If your hung up with peety things like that go see George Carlin, he'll straighten you out. Anyways, I thing this site is way cool, and all magazines take second equally. RacerX is awesome but it's just as biased as the next - ain't it (plus where's the bikes? I can look at chicks at the mall, but bikes, now that excites).

Posted by: Can Can Kev

its all about transworld motocross and mx machine, ya i know most of u guys dont like freestyle, must be a generation thing...........

Posted by: KDX'r in IN

Depends, Racer X is more "inside" stuff. Transworld is pretty funny and covers quite a bit. Although they really seem to push their favorites. Dirtrider covers alot of racing, mx to offroad. These are the three mags. I subscribe to and plan on continuing. :thumb:

Posted by: Rcannon

Order the book "Monkey Butt" It basically tells a person what is up with the magazines.

It Actually helps me tolerate the mags a little better knowing how much nonsence they have to go through to stay competative.

Nothing compares to this forum, however.

Posted by: rockrider

Dirt Bike magazine sucks. I have let my subscription expire after keeping it continuos from 1996. I have been reading DB since '85 and either subscribed or bought the mag since then. The past few years have gotten worse and worse. I don't care what I can buy for a Z50R, don't want to see hop up articles on them, and am totally sick of reading about what trick pieces are on every factories MX bike. Who cares? In the most recent issue that had a small write up on a $150+ foot brake lever for a CRF450! Who even buys crap like that?

The curent Mr. Know-it-all column is a disgrace to the legacy. People have probably long forgotten that it used to be funny and witty. Tom Webb's editorals seldom entertain me, it's like he writes them just to invent new words hoping they will become a catch phrase.

My biggest probelm is the magazine is more like a showcase for new products. They don't do enough reviews on them, instead they just provide a catalog. BORING Do they not realize that most guys who ride don't give a poop about all the latest billet triple clamps you can buy?

It's really too bad that Trail Rider doesn't test more bikes and products, and focus less on the racing scene onthe east coast. I suppose that's there nitch, but it alienates a lot of readers. I really enjoyed the editorials and the few tests they did in the mag when I subscribed for 2 years, but I just didn't feel like I was getting my money's worth. As of now I subscribe to no dirt bike magazines. Maybe I'll subscribe to DRN? Not sure.

That's how I feel

Posted by: Tony Eeds

Quote:

Originally posted by rockrider
Maybe I'll subscribe to DRN? Not sure.

That's how I feel

:thumb: Great Idea! Check the bottom of my sig line :thumb:

Posted by: Rcannon

 Rock, buy Monkeybutt.. It explains everything you are mentioning. After reading the book, it sort of makes sence. Still, Dirt Bike blows.

Posted by: rockrider

Well I did it, I'm going to try the trail sub.

Posted by: mxchamp85

Racer X and Transworld are definately the best motocross magazines out there. They give the most coverage on Motocross, however the also hit on other areas (hairscrambles, freestyle, supermoto, etc) so you get all aspects of the sport. Also, the articles are written well, and the pictures are great. However, the price tags on these magazines are fairly high.

Also note that Racer X has a greater amount of advertisments than the other magazines.

Posted by: buckeyebilly

Several earlier posts mentioned REV as a decent magazine but thought it might have been circling the drain. Well, last week I got the "Dear John" letter that they are folding their magazine. They said that for the remainder of my subscription they would send me ATV Sport (whoopdey doo).

As for magazines that remain in print I like Trail Rider.

Posted by: Lissa

Dirt Rider.net is really great but I don't consider it a magazine since we make the topics, not the editors (which makes it all that more interesting). As for paperback products I've always loved Trailrider! It's a great mag dedicated to us eastern tree dodgers. Second to TR would be Dirt Rider since I like Tom Webbs rantings and the fact their not afraid to write off-road stories now and then. MXA is like recycled DirtBike at times. MXracer has nice photos of MXers but is sparse in material.

Posted by: jpm200

Sidetrack (from Australia)

Posted by: Jackpiner57

As for the net, I can't say enough good things about DRN!
As for the printed page you just gotta love Trail Rider. It covers the type of riding that I do here in Vermont and throughout New England.

Posted by: KX02

I've subscribed to most of them at one point or another. I can't say any of them are "good". Some of them do have good pictures.

Posted by: showtime586

I read them all, but my favorite is Motocross Action Magazine. I especially like the Jody's Box feature.

Posted by: xTYBALTx

Am I the only person who finds bike tests / 'reviews' in magazines utterly useless?

Lets see. . .a recent review says a Husky is, "a nice bike, not tuned for American style riding, expensive and hard to get parts for." Gee whiz. What genius.

Then we had all the WRF250 v. CRF250X reviews in the past months. Now I don't think I'm in the minority when thinking that for a _trail bike_, reliability is of paramount importance. How can a review be of any importance to me if the most crucial aspect, reliability, isn't tested seeing as the bike has only been out for a week (or not released at all to the general public) at time of testing?

Oh, and lest we forget the "reviews" of modified machines. Sample: "After we had Big Gun pour $2500 into this CRF450R, it rocked! The handling was awesome! The power was awesome! It's awesome! Two time SX champion Whoever said the bike was great! Awesome!" What great information. Of course, the bike probably breaks some $100 part every time it's ridden from being overstressed, but who cares about that when you have 5 fully trained Big Gun technicians standing right there? Riiiiiiight. . .

If you want information you can actually use, "Actionable Intelligence" I believe they call it, stick with internet forums.

Posted by: d36RM racer

Motocross action is the best mag for product test they will say a bike is slow and handles like crap they dont go its a good bike just not as good as the next one up.

Posted by: CHIP

DRN is where I go when I really want to find information pertaining to our hobby(life)and to participate in the "community" of..... Trailrider is the magazine of choice for me since I enjoy mostly the woods but I have read and have had(and still do for our boys) subscriptions to about half the magazines on the list.

Posted by: XR-MAN

Since I ride 4 strokes I have to call it a draw between DRN and ThumperTalk. DRN has a better web page, but TT has more 4 stroke info. I am glad to have both. MX action is the only printed mag that tells the truth. I find DirtBike and Dirt Rider entertaining but not really informitive.

Posted by: Tony Eeds

Quote:

Originally Posted by XR-MAN

Since I ride 4 strokes I have to call it a draw between DRN and ThumperTalk. DRN has a better web page, but TT has more 4 stroke info. I am glad to have both. MX action is the only printed mag that tells the truth. I find DirtBike and Dirt Rider entertaining but not really informitive.

I'm sure Okie appreciates the pat on the back for the web site appearance. Goodness only knows that we probably don't say so enough. That being said ...

You have been around DRN longer than I. Let's be proactive. This is OUR website. Okie only gives us the key to the house. It is up to us to make it what we want it to be.

What can we do to make the 4 stroke offerings stronger?
What can you add?

This thread has been around a long time and I am amazed at the feedback that people willingly give, but even more amazed that they wait to have "it" delivered like pizza.

If MXA is the best rag on the market, what will make DRN the best website on the market? Undoubtedly some folks see the value in the offerings as guests outnumber members almost every time I log on in the wee hours of the morning. What will convert guests to meaningful members?

Posted by: XR-MAN

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony Eeds

What can we do to make the 4 stroke offerings stronger?
What can you add?

I don't think DRN has to be the ultimate all inclusive forum. If that's what members what then you are right, they need only contribute more.

Posted by: Tony Eeds

Quote:

Originally Posted by XR-MAN

I don't think DRN has to be the ultimate all inclusive forum. If that's what members what then you are right, they need only contribute more.

I totally agree. In many ways DRN is as much about the interpersonal relationships as it about bikes, and perhaps in some ways more.

Posted by: Angel

It's a pain, but we can not enjoy all this magazines here in Spain. Only what we can read on web sites.

Posted by: twoofeach

dirtrider.net...who cares about the shootouts? By the time the magazine gets in our hands, the topics are usually ancient history.

Posted by: Patman

If I HAD to pick a paper magazine I think that the "new" Dirt Rider Magazine with Jimmy Lewis at the helm is pretty darn good. So good that I'll actually subscribe. The guys has the right idea with real world bike build ups not crazy mega buck pipe dream bikes and the biggest reason is Dr. Dirt is back!

Posted by: Jay Burdick

Racer X it is cool to here from riders

Posted by: rydesred

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jay Burdick

Racer X it is cool to here from riders

ditto..... but i still prefer DRN

Posted by: pyrofreak

Moto Playground is by far the best amatuer magazine. And when REV was out it was the best trail riders magazaine.

Posted by: crf250r rider

i am subscribed to dirt rider but i prefer racer x just because of how big it is i like big stuff!!!!!!!

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Best Dirt Bike Magazine?

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