| Author |
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Dave
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 09, 2002 - 10:28 pm: | 
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Hey if that place is in Tok, (sounds like toke), I stopped there for a sub sandwich.
DAve |
Racerboy
| | Posted on Thursday, October 10, 2002 - 01:19 am: |
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Jim...Point taken and you're right that this thread has morphed...As a matter of fact it did so in about three posts...I think Battle2Win lasted as long as it did simply due to Reg...He is really knowledgeable, loves Buells and can write, to boot...I know that Reg is/was trying to make a living (read money) from Buell and Buell owners but unlike some others, that was never your first or lasting impression...And that's quite an accomplishment and speaks to his sincerity...Maybe, if more models are added to the lineup in the future, there will be enough interest and things to cover to resurrect the mag...Reg even had Clement Salvadori write in some of the early issues and he's my favorite motojournalist...
Okay DAve...Let's hear about the 22 cal bear gun...You be tok'in and jokin...
Bill...Over the last winter our local HSTA group kinda sprouted DP's...A whole bunch of KLR's,
650GS's, DRZ's, T-Alps, etc...Now there's a whole bunch trailering both their street bike and DPer to the rally's...As a matter of fact Fred Zigler, natl pres of HSTA, is big time into Bultaco's...Don't you think it's kind of funny the way Blue is marketing the FJR's here?...They sold every one and are still only "taking orders"...I hear that April is about as soon as you can get one...Saw one on the road this evening...
See Ya!
Bob |
Nevco1
| | Posted on Thursday, October 10, 2002 - 09:49 am: |
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Madduck...
Must apologize for missing your point. Have to admit that the recent postings on General Discussion Board clouded my objectivity.
Agree that given a broader mix, Battle2Win can survive. So, how can we help make that happen in the short term while the publication is being restructured?
Bill |
Nevco1
| | Posted on Thursday, October 10, 2002 - 10:26 am: |
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RacerBoy...
Glad to learn of the diversified interests in the various forms of motorcycling. This type activity will keep the industry strong and in a growth mode. Not to mention it adds a lot of excitement to the gatherings.
Yamaha's intro of the FJR1300 is a conservative "test the waters" approach. In the marketing mix, the product is proven. However, in the US Market, they were/are concerned with another failure in the small but growing sport touring niche. They finally conceded to the many email lists demanding that they bring the bike to America.
Considering their primary rival is the ST1300 and Honda's secrecy concerning availability and price, Yamaha introduced it with a promotional strategy which has been quite successful for controlled growth.
Of interest, I understand it was listed on two different dealer order forms. One for the Promotional August delivery and the other combined with the Showmobile/ATV order for November delivery. This created a little confusion, and locally, some dealers delivered in August and others are still receiving nasty comments from those having to wait till November. LOL
I would look for both gradually increasing quantities and unfortunately prices until they feel they are properly positioned and the market will sustain a continued volume.
The irony is that it is not the bike but the parts and service logistics that can make or break a new model. Six plus weeks from time of order to receipt of parts from Japan is not unreasonable and that was when I was living in La La Land. (Thank you, SUZUKI. I even offered to pay for the Air Freight on that Carburtor.)
Bill |
Court
| | Posted on Thursday, October 10, 2002 - 11:07 am: |
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>>>while the publication is being restructured?
Important to point out that the publication is NOT being restructured, it has ceased operation and I understand Reg has entered into an agreement with another manufacturer to provide services.
Also, if I am not mistaken, even with the huge number of Sportsters floating about, the Sportster mags have struggled on their best days.
I, for one, will REALLY miss Battle 2Win.
Court |
Gwcrim
| | Posted on Thursday, October 10, 2002 - 11:48 am: |
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Sort of a 'Hot Rod Bikes' rag except that it really IS for hot rod bikes. Not yer typical chrome HD barges........ Something that caters to the HD/Buell performance motorcyclist, not the 'biker wannabe' crowd.
Now there's a possible niche! |
Nevco1
| | Posted on Friday, October 11, 2002 - 10:30 am: |
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Court,
Agree that the premature demise of Battle2Win is devastating. Additionally, saddened to learn that it will not be reincarnated in a different form. However, between possibly archiving Battle2Win and new ventures initiated by the dedicated, perhaps a substitute will be on the horizon.
Keep the faith, Dude.
Bill |
Court
| | Posted on Friday, October 11, 2002 - 11:06 am: |
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>>>saddened to learn that it will not be reincarnated in a different form.
That MAY be an inaccurate statement. |
Mikej
| | Posted on Friday, October 11, 2002 - 11:16 am: |
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"That MAY be an inaccurate statement."
Just as I suspected and alluded/speculated to sometime back.
It's interesting taking a Non-Fiction for Publication class where the instructor is actually getting regularly published, gives one all sorts of insights into the print industry. |
Nevco1
| | Posted on Friday, October 11, 2002 - 11:41 am: |
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Court...
Now this is getting interesting. If Battle2Win is not being restructured yet it may be reincarnated in a different form, what are we to believe?
Just teasing with you. I sincerely hope that something will come along to replace Battle2Win even if it is just a column in another publication.
Bill |
Steve_A
| | Posted on Friday, October 11, 2002 - 12:34 pm: |
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Just a few thoughts on magazine economics: It'd be damn difficult to support a magazine such as Battle2Win on Buell numbers. Discount most Blast buyers as unlikely readers, so you're left with Buell Twin owners, a market of perhaps 25,000 - 35,000 (guestimate; I didn't go back to look up sales numbers) in total. You'd be doing phenomenally well if you got 5-10 percent penetration, and that won't buy much editorial, promotion, or newsprint.
I suspect Reg was subsidising the publication, counting on faster growth in Buell owners than has occurred. It was a noble effort, but required several things: 1) extremely rapid Buell sales growth; 2) an extremely healthy Buell aftermarket; 3) and, most important, deep pockets and patience.
Just by comparison, there are damn few single brand/single-line newspapers/magazines focused on Japanese/German/Italian brands not put out by clubs. The amazing thing is that Battle2Win did as well as it did, not that it's gone. |
Spiderman
| | Posted on Friday, October 11, 2002 - 01:43 pm: |
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AMEN |
Neals3t
| | Posted on Saturday, November 09, 2002 - 06:21 pm: |
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I know this might be a little late, but what about a mag that was dedicated to the battletrax bikes. It would encompass many more makes,models,and owners, could still include many articles on Buells and and many other popular makes and models that people use to compete in the series that are gradually being nurtured around the country. I know that here in PA and MD there have been at least 10 - 12 Battletrax events this year and they seem to be attracting many more people each time they are held.
There could be articles on riding techniques and it would certainly appeal to a much broader audience than battle2win while still having many of the same things that we all loved about it. |
S320002
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 12, 2002 - 02:20 pm: |
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"Make it an XL magazine including Buells and it might be able to support itself."
Those of us who remember, and still have, the first couple of issues of Battle2Win know it included both Buell and hot rodded Sportsters.
I sure will miss the mag. At least the man is still around.
Good luck in your future endeavors Reg.
(Keep the change.)
Greg |
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