Billy Bartels

Billy Bartels has been writing about the powersports industry for over two decades as a contributor to MotorCyclist, Cycle News, Hot Bike, Dealernews, UTV Sports (and more), and as a staff editor (or Editor in Chief) at ATV Rider, Baggers, Hot Rod Bikes, Street Chopper, Motorcycle Cruiser and Motorcycle.com. Based in Los Angeles, California, Bartels will ride or drive anything with a motor, and a few things without one.

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Expertise

• Topics of Expertise:  Motorcycles, ATVs, Automobiles, Mopeds, Scooters, UTVs
• Years in Expertise: Amateur 40+ Years, Professional 27+ Years
• Number of Products & Number of Hours Tested: 500+ products, 50,000+ hours

Education & Certifications

• Education: “Some College” Communications, Santa Monica College
• Years of Writing: 25+
• Certifications: Basic Rider Course, ASS (U.S. Special Forces), California Superbike School
• Awards/Recognitions: Launch Editor of ATV Rider, Quad, and Baggers
• Previous Publications: Motorcycle.com, Hot Rod Bikes, ATV Rider, Baggers, Street Chopper, Motorcycle Cruiser, MotorCyclist, Cycle News, Hot Bike, Dealer News, UTV Sports

A Word From Billy Bartels

I grew up around motorcycles. I started riding them off-road at age 4, riding ATVs at 9, and street motorcycles at 22. When I discovered that I could combine my love of motorcycles and motorcycle culture with an actual career, I never looked back.

At 25, I was hired away from my parents’ motorcycle dealer by Motorcycle.com to help with web design. I swiftly transitioned to writing and photography. When my boss threatened to move me back to web production, I left for Hot Rod Bikes and print journalism.

My personal interests include adventure, computers, culture, and community building.