Harley to Relaunch 'The Enthusiast' After 12-Year 'Retirement'
Just as many print publications are embracing an uncertain online only future, Harley has decided to look back to its future where rider communications are concerned with the relaunch of its eternally popular 'Enthusiast' magazine.
Described as a "redesigned publication to inspire riders and celebrate motorcycle culture," and in a move almost certainly prompted by new CEO Jochen Zeitz' stated desire to rediscover its core, 'The Enthusiast' will return as a print and digital magazine - hurrah for our side!
“This is the return to a great tradition,” said Jochen Zeitz, Harley-Davidson President and CEO. “We believe today 'The Enthusiast' title is more relevant than ever. In a year when so many people have been stuck inside, we passionately believe in inspiring riders and aspiring riders to get out in the world to rediscover adventure through socially-distanced riding.”
The first new issue of 'The Enthusiast' magazine appears in the United States this week with a cover story featuring Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman, stars of the new Apple original series “Long Way Up”. The series follows the epic motorcycle adventure McGregor and Boorman experienced on a 13,000-mile journey aboard two LiveWire electric motorcycles through South America, Central America and Mexico [aka "The Electrifying Road Trip Adventures of Obi-Wan Kenobi and his Padawan Learner"].
Printed four times annually, with a circulation of more than 500,000 print copies in the United States, plus 150,000 copies internationally, 'The Enthusiast' magazine "is the most broadly circulated motorcycle magazine in the world. First published by Harley-Davidson in 1916, 'The Enthusiast' magazine was among the first consumer motorcycle magazines in print, although Germany’s Motorrad (1903), Italy’s Motociclismo (1914), and Motorcyclist magazine (1909) in the United States preceded it."
From 1984 until 2008, Harley-Davidson produced two separate publications for owners and riders, 'The Enthusiast' magazine and 'HOG Tales'. In 2009 they were merged under the HOG Magazine title into one new magazine that drew content inspiration from both publications.
With the movement of Motorcyclist to a digital format in 2018, 'The Enthusiast' magazine, including the HOG Magazine years, remains the oldest continuously printed motorcycle magazine in the United States.
All full and life Harley Owner Group members will continue to receive a complimentary subscription to 'The Enthusiast' magazine as part of their membership benefits. Free app versions of the magazine are also available for iOS and Android phones and tablets.
Harley-Davidson says it is also exploring new ways to deliver the print magazine in the United States, including by selling single copies of the magazine on the H-D eCommerce site and through limited retail establishments, including at Harley-Davidson dealerships and select boutique motorcycle shops.