VQ Goes Global; Easyriders Inc. Announces Changes to Popular Motorcycle Magazine

12 May 1999

VQ Goes Global; Easyriders Inc. Announces Changes to Popular Motorcycle Magazine

    AGOURA HILLS, Calif.--May 11, 1999--Easyriders Inc. (AMEX:EZR), a leading publisher of motorcycle and lifestyle magazines, will expand VQ, its upscale motorcycle magazine, to include coverage of both domestic and metric motorcycles, Keith Ball, executive vice president and editorial director of Easyriders, announced Tuesday.
    Since its introduction in 1994, VQ has quickly grown to be a leading magazine in V-Twin motorcycle coverage for high-end Harley-Davidson enthusiasts. Beginning with issue No. 28 on sale July 15, the magazine's coverage will, for the first time ever, expand to also include metric cruisers with full-color features highlighting the wide spectrum of V-Twin metric cruiser products, parts and services.
    These modifications were prompted by the rapid growth of metric cruisers in the motorcycle market and the increasing popularity of metric motorcycles among customizers.
    "Metric cruisers have become an important part of the V-Twin market, and that is reflected in the editorial changes we have made to VQ," said Ball.
    Targeting the fastest-growing motorcycling audience -- the affluent new rider -- VQ focuses on the most exquisite examples of custom motorcycles from around the world. Featuring an upscale view of the motorcycle lifestyle, VQ (circulation 64,719) showcases the people, machines and places that are transforming motorcycling into today's new status symbol.
    The magazine includes features on master bike builders, customized bikes, famous motorcyclist gathering places, profiles of the world's leading motorcycles and accessories, and the latest in high-end trends and technology designed specifically for new upscale riders.
    Easyriders is a publicly traded, diversified company with publishing, retail restaurant and entertainment interests dedicated to serving the independent, free-spirited motorcycling and related lifestyles market. Easyriders currently publishes more than a dozen popular motorcycle, special interest, and lifestyle magazines with a total worldwide readership of more than 6 million.
    The company also owns, operates and franchises Easyriders retail stores throughout the United States, and owns and operates the El Paso Bar-B-Que restaurant chain.