MCN goes color

[Ken C]

Motorcycle Consumer News has been black and white since it began, but is now in color as of this month's issue.

Most of you probably don't even know about MCN. It's subscription only- no ads. Subcriptions are higher than other rags because of this fact. I've been a subscriber since 1995, because it is actually informative. Some of you might not know that I write the monthly Proficient Motorcycling column so I'm biased, but take a look at the new cover and read the topics and maybe you'll consider subscribing. And no it's not available on newstands.

MCN

[Doc]

Ken, I might need a little help writing a motorcycle safety article for an Army safety magazine... Think you could help?

[OreoGaborio]

Huh, how bout that? That's cool. I bet it'll increase membership, too. Hell, at only 22 bucks a year, I think maybe I'll finally sign up for a year & start asking for renewals for Christmas

[schleppy]

Does subscribing give you access to older issues? I.E. free downloads?

[Ken C]

Does subscribing give you access to older issues? I.E. free downloads?

Man, you want me to come over and wax your bike, too? There are some articles on line, but not many. These guys are on a tight budget, so they can't exactly give stuff away. You can get back issues though. Check out the link on the home page.

[Ken C]

Ken, I might need a little help writing a motorcycle safety article for an Army safety magazine... Think you could help?

I'll take a look at it for you.

[OreoGaborio]

Man, you want me to come over and wax your bike, too?

I dunno about him, but my bikes could use a good waxing

Ken, how long ya been writing for them now?

[schleppy]

I figured I would ask, you never know. The whole downloadable issues thing is what made me think they would give you access to back issues.

Subscribing now...

[Ken C]

I dunno about him, but my bikes could use a good waxing

Ken, how long ya been writing for them now?

Since 2001.

I also write the Street Strategies column in the back of the mag.

I'm always looking for article ideas... Bueller? Anybody?

[ChR1s]

Ken, if I were just anybody, I might've suggested a look at current bikes' ABS technology.

In my experience, the non-linked ABS on my 990Adv is totally tit. I hadn't much experience with ABS-equipped bikes prior, and had mostly poo-poo'ed it as being just another device of isolation between rider and bike. But the shit just plain works. And once you learn to exploit it a bit, it can be kinda fun to force it to (dis?)engage. Not really a sportbike thing, but now that I've used it and benefited from it first-hand, I feel there's no reason to NOT have it on a standard-type bike.

[Ken C]

Interesting idea, Chris. Maybe you'll need to show me this ABS technique of which you speak.

[keet]

......i subscribed back in November i think.....how long will it take before i actually get a magazine in the mail???.......should it take that long?......i have a bunch of old mags....and it its really a VERY imformative magazine...

[Daytona440]

I dunno about him, but my bikes could use a good waxing

Ken, how long ya been writing for them now?

I detail cars...i suppose i can do a bike...but it'll cost you...

Ken has been with them for 6 years Pete...
http://www.mcnews.com/mcn//staff/MCNStaff-Profiles.pdf

[brady]

Since 2001.

I also write the Street Strategies column in the back of the mag.

I'm always looking for article ideas... Bueller? Anybody?

How about an article explaining the huge benefits of street riders on non-SS bikes taking a trackday?

[Ken C]

How about an article explaining the huge benefits of street riders on non-SS bikes taking a trackday?

I tout the benefits of street riders on non SS bikes attending track days as much as I can without sounding like an advertisement. The article I just sent in to MCN has a photo of the guy who was dragging his knee on a Gold Wing last year at a TTD.

I try to make 60% of the topics about physical skills (how to brake, turn, etc.) and 40% mental skills (street smarts/strategies). After 6 or 7 years you can imagine how tough it is to write about braking for the tenth time and add some new tidbits to make it new. I manage to do it, because I keep my eyes and ears open for any as-yet discussed situations or new information.

Being a TTD and MSF instructor helps me come up with new ideas because I'm exposed to riders who are trying to become better. When someone struggles with a particular skill it gives me a new perspective on specific issues pertaining to that skill and what might help them get past their problem. I put it into an article and 50,000 riders benefit.

[Ken C]

Ken,

I think you should hand out free copies at the update

That's a great idea. I doubt I can get them shipped to me in time, though. Of all the people who should subscribe, it is MSF instructors. IIRC, MCN gives a very good discount to MSF instructors.

[TheIglu]

Subscribing now.

Used to get it, but if I recall, it used to be MUCH more expensive?

Good reads though!

[TheIglu]

Just subscribed. Sweet!

[joeswamp]

Many thanks for mentioning this Ken, just subscribed.

[Degsy]

MSF RiderCoach discount eh?

I'm listening , I'm listening. Let's talk Sunday.

[Ken C]

Wow. I didn't know I would generate so much business for the mag. I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

[OreoGaborio]

Hell, i'm thinkin about becoming an MSF coach just so i can get the discount!

I kid, kid But I am pondering it.... both subscribing & becoming an MSF RC.

[Ken C]

Hell, i'm thinkin about becoming an MSF coach just so i can get the discount!

I kid, kid But I am pondering it.... both subscribing & becoming an MSF RC.

You'd be good at it.

[OreoGaborio]

You'd be good at it.

Well thanks, Ken. That means a lot comin from you.

Like the ninja edit, by the way. Good catch, Greg

Honestly, the commitment is what's kinda putting it on the side burner for me right now as I've got some other things taking up my time with racing coming up, TTD's, blah blah blah. I know it's like 4-6 very long weekends in a row or something, right?

[OreoGaborio]

Just saw on the MSF website it's only 3 weekends... Not bad, I thought it was more than that.

Think someone could post up when the next round of classes comes up?