Low fat, high fiber

The global recession has not been kind to the publishing industry. Because of that, there are far more titles hitting the skip than new ones appearing, and none seem to be harder hit than the publications that cover motorsports and/or special interest subjects. This of course mirrors the motorcycle industry itself, and when times get tough the market is flooded with toys like boats, RVs, ATVs and oh yeah, motorcycles. Call it a byproduct of the casual enthusiast, the fallout eventually reaches those of us who take this stuff seriously. Internet availability and/or popularity plays a part in the print media’s woes, but not as much as the lack of ad budgeting. Less interest means less advertising for magazines, and you don’t have to be Warren Buffett to figure out what happens after that.

Bouncing between the internet and print media are several recent start ups that, by virtue of their sheer content are cutting their own path. Not exactly new, Greasy Kulture in many ways represents what once made the motorcycling press great; before advertisers dangled their corporate carrot and made editors dance to their tune.

(Click to enlarge pictures)

The man behind GKM is Guy Bolton, a British enthusiast who’s digging in for the long haul. What’s it about? Choppers mostly, but GKM is far more than just another custom Harley catalog disguised as a magazine. The content focuses on the homespun with an editorial slant that favors keeping the spirit of interest alive through participation. That said, it’s hard to say just what exactly will appear from issue to issue, but whatever is featured will be interesting, poignant, well photographed and technically accurate. The issue sent to me for review had Harley choppers, bobbers and builds (including a stunning Sportster-powered Dresda) a chopped Triumph and a Buick powered Model A. Tidy and jam packed, GKM offers this and all the other things that make reading fun.

All hail the hot rod magazine. All hail Greasy Kulture. I read it, I liked it and I’ll buy it. Nolan Woodbury

Greasy Kulture Magazine
Published four-times a year
$38.00 worldwide.
Visit: http://www.greasykulture.com/ for subscription and product information.