Our very own Kit Palmer was honored as a Motorcycle Industry Icon at the 2026 Hot Shoe Hall of Fame event.
Palmer officially joined the Cycle News editorial staff in late 1983, and he became the editor in 2015. Before he joined the CN staff, Palmer covered his local motocross scene at De Anza Cycle Park, trading race coverage for free race entries, and his stories ran in CN’s “Western Hotline” section. His illustrious career has taken him around the world riding and reviewing a multitude of new bikes, and he has spent countless weekends reporting on national and international racing events, including several trips to the ISDE, which he has said ranks among the highlights.
Palmer started out racing local motocross, sharpening his skills on a Montesa Cota 247 trials bike. Palmer also raced off-road and achieved very respectable results at many races, including the notoriously difficult Tecate Enduro when it was a two-day, 250-kilometer event. That same toughness translated well when he took on full-length Ironman triathlons, completing his first one at the age of 61.
Although much of his career and free time involves two-wheeled vehicles, Palmer also enjoys flying airplanes. After an interview with Bob Hannah at his hangar in Idaho, Palmer became intrigued and acquired his pilot’s license in 1990. He continues to fly his plane recreationally.
More than 40 years after joining Cycle News, Palmer continues to share his wisdom and enthusiasm for motorcycles and motorcycle racing, heading the Cycle News team to produce the weekly digital magazine, website and YouTube videos. On behalf of the Cycle News readers and staff, congratulations to Kit and thank you to the Hot Shoe Hall of Fame for the well-deserved recognition.CN
Click here to read the Kit Palmer Inducted Into Hot Shoe Hall of Fame story in the Cycle News Digital Edition Magazine.
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