The Rider's Digest was started in 1997 in the United Kingdom as a free photocopied newsletter for London motorcycle couriers, and then evolved into a full colour glossy A5 magazine covering all aspects of motorcycling. It ceased publication in September 2011, citing economic challenges and the recession in the motorcycle industry.
Under new ownership in 2006, the magazine’s circulation and advertising base was developed, and in May 2008 the publisher’s were able to circulate nationally using the network of rider venues such as the Ace Café (London), Squires (Yorkshire), Box Hill (Surrey), Hartside Café (Cumbria) and well known motorcycle outlets such as Hein Gericke, J&S Accessories and Infinity Motorcycles. They still retained the free label. In the summer of that year circulation rose to 32,000 copies.
In early 2009, in response to positive reader feedback and more content being provided from freelance journalists and motorcyclists who could write well about their experiences, a paid for version was planned. With the first edition being launched at Jack’s Hill Café the popular biker gathering place on the A5 near Towcester, Northants. The Rider’s Digest is now a monthly magazine with two versions published: the retail edition, and the 60 page free edition.
The letters pages are a detailed discussion forum, and the Rider’s Lives column has featured Many 'Celebrities' including Scottish novelist Iain Banks, motorcycle & truck racer Steve Parrish, Prince of Darkness - Damned frontman David Vanian, BBC Radio 1 DJ Mary Anne Hobbs and motorcycling then-MPs Lembit Öpik and Stephen Ladyman, alongside dozens of other riders.
In 2010, the magazine was a media partner for the four British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF) outdoor motorcycle shows. The magazine staged crowd-pulling bike displays at all the venues and produced the show guides.
The magazine was revived in March 2012 by ex-editor (issues 101 to 140) Dave Gurman as an online-only publication and has been steadily regaining the loyal readership that it accumulated across fourteen years and 163 issues. It has also been picking up a large international following and has featured contributions from the Republic of Ireland, Cuba, the USA, France, Germany, Greece and Australia.