Buzz Kanter

Buzz Kanter: From Defiance to a Legacy of Two-Wheel Passion

In 1970, Buzz Kanter’s parents bought a small 50cc Honda minibike for their four sons. The gift was unexpected, given that his parents made it crystal clear that the boys would never be allowed to own motorcycles—under any circumstances. And if they ever did buy one? “Don’t bother coming home,” they said. The irony of this “no motorcycles” rule was lost on no one, least of all Buzz. Little did they know, that minibike would ignite a passion that would lead Buzz Kanter to a lifelong love affair with two wheels and ultimately to a career as one of the most respected voices in the world of motorcycling.

The Early Days: Rebellion on a Honda Superhawk

The parental mandate didn’t hold for long. By college, Buzz’s rebellious spirit kicked in, and he purchased his first motorcycle—a Honda 305cc Superhawk. It wasn’t long before the stock bike underwent a transformation, as Buzz swapped out the original parts for Bates cocktail shaker mufflers, drag bars, and other go-fast modifications. He vividly recalls the adrenaline rush the first time he pushed that bike past 100 miles per hour—an exhilarating milestone that marked the beginning of a lifelong pursuit of speed and adventure.

From that point on, Buzz went on to own a steady stream of bikes, including numerous Japanese and European models. By his own estimate, he bought and sold more than a dozen used motorcycles during his college years, many of them smaller Ducati singles that he purchased for around a dollar per cc. Each new acquisition represented not just a new machine, but a deepening of his obsession with all things on two wheels.

The Need for Speed: From Street to Track

After college, Buzz’s first new bike purchase was a Yamaha RD400—a snappy, lightweight bike that lured him into the thrilling world of roadracing. He competed with various models, from Hondas to Yamahas and even Ducatis, learning the art of precision and high-speed control. His time on the track was intense and rewarding, but also dangerous. In his final racing season, Buzz experienced a harrowing crash: T-boned at over 100 miles per hour. While he walked away, the incident marked the end of his roadracing days.

But stepping away from the track didn’t mean abandoning motorcycles. Buzz’s attention shifted to a different kind of riding—one that would set the foundation for his future career: classic motorcycles.

Classic Iron: From BSA to Harley to Indian

Buzz’s introduction to vintage motorcycles began with the purchase of a 1940s BSA M-20. It was the first in what would become a collection of classic bikes that would take over his garage and his life. As he delved into the world of vintage motorcycles, restoring and riding these machines became a new source of joy and fulfillment.

Nearly 25 years after he bought his first bike, Buzz decided to channel his passion for old iron into a new venture—a motorcycle publication called Old Bike Journal. It was a labor of love, with the very first cover featuring his wife Gail posing proudly beside his BSA. But even then, Buzz had bigger plans.

In 1991, opportunity came knocking in the form of American Iron Magazine, a fledgling two-year-old Harley publication that was in deep financial trouble. Against all odds, Buzz decided to buy it, knowing that failure could mean personal bankruptcy. He moved the magazine’s operations from California to Connecticut and set up shop in the already cramped Old Bike Journal offices. By cutting expenses and refocusing the editorial direction, Buzz managed to turn American Iron around—making it profitable from the very first issue under his ownership.

Building a Publishing Empire

With the success of American Iron Magazine, Buzz realized there was room to grow. He used the profits from a special commemorative issue, 95 Years of Harley-Davidson, to launch additional titles, expanding his reach and influence in the motorcycle community. Today, Buzz oversees a diverse roster of publications, including Motorcycle Bagger, RoadBike, and the all-tech annual American Iron Garage. These magazines have become staples for riders seeking quality content on everything from tech tips to touring to the latest industry news.

Buzz’s love for motorcycles extends far beyond the pages of his magazines. He’s just as comfortable riding vintage machines as he is writing about them. In 2010, he competed in the very first Motorcycle Cannonball cross-country endurance ride on his 1915 Harley twin, affectionately named Selma. He then joined a select group of vintage enthusiasts on a 1929 Harley in the second Cannonball run. Not just a Harley man, Buzz also has a soft spot for classic Indians. He rode a 1947 Indian Chief from Los Angeles to Hollister, California, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the infamous “Hollister Riots”—a ride that solidified his place in the classic motorcycling world.

When he’s not competing in cross-country endurance events, Buzz can often be found riding in New England’s Moto Giro on a Ducati or Moto Guzzi 250, racing Vintage GP on his beloved 1915 Harley, or participating in the Motorcycle Kickstart Classics. Each ride is a new adventure and a chance to connect with the community he loves.

A Life in Motorcycles: The Ride Continues

Today, Buzz Kanter is a respected leader and influencer in the motorcycling world, but he remains humble about his accomplishments. He often expresses gratitude for being able to make a living doing what he loves, building a career around motorcycles, and sharing his passion with others. He’s quick to point out that the greatest rewards of his journey have been the people he’s met and the adventures he’s experienced along the way.

For a man whose parents once warned him against motorcycles, Buzz Kanter’s life is a testament to pursuing your passion, even when the road ahead is uncertain. His story is not just about motorcycles; it’s about resilience, risk-taking, and building a legacy from a love of the open road.

Not bad for a guy who was told, “No motorcycles allowed.”