Robin Bradley
A Career Defined by Passion and Innovation in the Motorcycle Industry
Born in the mid-1950s in Coventry—often referred to as England's ‘Detroit’—Robin Bradley grew up at the heart of Britain’s automotive and motorcycle industries. His formative years were steeped in the vibrant culture of the 1970s, a golden age marked by peace, plenty, and the rise of progressive rock.
Reflecting on his past, Bradley acknowledges a somewhat hazy period of university life amidst a whirlwind of drinking, concerts, and other youthful diversions. Despite the blurred memories, this time was pivotal in shaping his future. Having dabbled in publishing as a teenager with aspirations of Pulitzer fame, Bradley’s academic experience provided a platform to formalize his passion into a career.
The result was a prolific media career spanning nearly 50 years—one that seamlessly integrated his love for revelry and his professional pursuits. Bradley's journey into the motorcycle industry began in earnest in 1989, following an eclectic career that included a stint with the iconic New Musical Express and international publishing in the golf sector.
His initial foray into the motorcycle world was with Back Street Heroes, a British custom magazine that became a cornerstone of the burgeoning British custom culture. This role also led to the creation of HOG, Europe’s first Harley-Davidson title, capturing a unique niche before Harley-Davidson's consolidation of intellectual property rights.
In September 1993, Bradley launched AMD Magazine (originally European Dealer News), followed by International Dealer News in 1997. His collaboration with Custom Chrome resulted in the inaugural AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building in 2004, held in Morgan Hill, California. The event, which initially took place at the ‘Thunderdome’ in Sturgis before moving to Europe, was a significant milestone, thanks in part to the contributions of Don Feist.
As Bradley immersed himself in the parts, accessories, and performance aftermarket, he found a new home in the business side of the motorcycle industry. Drawing from his London publishing experience, he introduced a novel approach to trade magazines by blending consumer magazine aesthetics with industry journalism. This innovative method set a new standard, positioning industry publications as essential components in the business cycle.
Bradley’s approach was groundbreaking, transforming AMD Magazine and the AMD World Championship into influential forces in the motorcycle world—long before the terms “disruptors” and “influencers” became commonplace.
Yet, Bradley’s commitment to the motorcycle industry is not rooted in career ambitions or financial gain but in the people he has met along the way. The camaraderie, passion, and shared dedication he experienced from his first trade show and road trip left an indelible mark. Despite not being a high-mileage rider, Bradley’s connection to the motorcycle community remains strong, driven by the genuine enthusiasm and friendship of its members.
As Bradley reflects on over three decades in the industry, he expresses gratitude for the opportunity to make the motorcycle world his own. His journey is a testament to the power of passion and the enduring appeal of a community united by a shared love for motorcycling.