Goodbye Cycle World: 64 Years of Motorcycle History Ends Abruptly
No farewell issue. No grand sendoff. Just a sudden shutdown by its fintech owner. The inside story of how one of motorcycling’s biggest names disappeared.
By Raine Devries | 9 July 2026
In a quiet move that surprised many in the motorcycle community, Cycle World has effectively ceased operations. The shutdown, which took place around July 7, 2026, brings an end to one of the longest-running and most influential motorcycle publications in American history.
A Legacy That Defined Motorcycle Journalism
Founded in 1962 by Joe Parkhurst, Cycle World set a new standard for motorcycle media. Parkhurst believed riders deserved honest, objective reporting instead of the manufacturer-friendly content common at the time. The magazine quickly earned a reputation for thorough road tests, technical insight, and influential features like its annual “Ten Best” motorcycles awards.
Joe Parkhurst, who founded Cycle World in 1962, is widely regarded as the father of modern motorcycle journalism in America. A passionate rider and enthusiast, Parkhurst believed motorcycle magazines should deliver honest, objective road tests and consumer-focused reporting rather than uncritical manufacturer praise. His vision helped transform the industry, establishing Cycle World as a trusted voice for riders. Parkhurst passed away in 2000 and was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2001 for his lasting contributions to the sport.
This is a great article: Joe Parkhurst, the Original Enthusiast | Cycle World
For more than six decades, Cycle World wasn’t just another magazine on the newsstand — it was a trusted voice that helped shape how riders and the industry thought about new bikes, technology, and the culture surrounding motorcycling.
The 2020 Transition: End of Print
The first major blow came in 2020. In September of that year, parent company Bonnier Corp. sold the digital assets of Cycle World and several sister titles to Octane, a powersports-focused fintech company specializing in lending for motorcycles, ATVs, and side-by-sides. The October 2020 issue became the final print edition.
From that point forward, Cycle World operated primarily as a digital publication. Many longtime readers mourned the loss of the physical magazine, but the brand continued delivering news, reviews, and features online.
Under Octane: A Different Era
Under Octane’s ownership, Cycle World’s role appeared to evolve. According to reporting, the publication served not only as a content platform but also as a valuable networking asset for Octane’s core financing business. The recognizable brand helped the company build relationships with manufacturers and dealers in the powersports space.
After roughly five and a half years, Octane made the decision to shut down the remaining operations around July 7, 2026. Staff were reportedly let go, and active editorial work came to an end. No official press release was issued. While the website (cycleworld.com) still displays existing archives as of this writing, no new staff-driven content is expected going forward.
There was no final commemorative issue or public farewell.
What This Means for Riders and the Industry
Cycle World’s disappearance leaves a noticeable void. For generations of riders, it was a go-to source for in-depth, credible information. While independent creators, YouTube channels, forums, and other digital outlets have filled much of the gap, few carry the same institutional history and authority.
The sudden nature of the shutdown — with no grand finale — feels particularly stark for a publication that documented so many important moments in motorcycling.
Looking Forward
As the motorcycle media landscape continues to evolve, the story of Cycle World serves as a reminder of how quickly even legendary brands can fade when the economics no longer work. The archives remain available for now, preserving decades of tests, stories, and photography that documented the sport we love.
For those of us who grew up flipping through its pages or checking its website for the latest reviews, it’s the end of a chapter. But the passion for motorcycles — and the need for honest voices covering them — remains as strong as ever.
What are your thoughts on the Cycle World shutdown? Did you read the magazine in its print days or follow it online? Drop a comment below — I’d love to hear how it impacted your riding journey.
~Keep the shiny side up!
sad days, here's my take: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/eulogy-cycle-world-every-other-magazine-i-ever-loved-harrison-withers-h19wc
Trying to decide if I want to start a substack for motorcycle content, I think I already have too many
I still have a collection that contains many issues of the print version. I enjoyed many Cycle World Podcasts, as well, and found them to be very informative.