Everyone - this is an email I received from the producer Jay in response to what must have been a lot of critism about the show.

********************

I thought I would answer all of these e-mails with the same reply.

First, I know this may sound crazy but I want to thank you for taking the time to e-mail me about the new show. As you know I personally answer all of these e-mails out of respect to you, the fans and the motorcycle community I hold very near and dear to my heart. You also know I’m not afraid of criticism and on many occasions have taken the advice and request from many of you. With that said please let me answer, what seems to be everyone’s question.

Michele did not return to the show this year. We (SPEED/WATV) and I love her and think she is great. That said, the offer to bring her back was made and several rounds of negations went back and forth. Unfortunately nothing could be agreed up on. Things like this happen everyday in this business unfortunately, and believe me, it’s not something I enjoy or can control. What is completely untrue is what I have read and seen on websites and message boards about Michele being squeezed or forced off the show. That is not the case at all!

What is true is that the show is trying to get a fresh look and attract younger viewers. Regardless of personal preferences this is what is happening and my goal is to try and make it the best show possible. It is a challenge to reinvent a show that has such a loyal fan base and format for so many years; I’m the first one to admit this. I’m working extremely hard to create a balance that works for everyone.

I make no excuses about the changes or the hosts, however each of them does have something to bring to the table and hopefully over time that will come across. All I can simply say is that a lot of effort is being put into meeting everyone’s expectations. We are trying new things to see if they work, some may, some may not and I’m listening to all of you and relaying information to the necessary people.

I think you’ll see that the next few shows coming up will start to hit the mark with many of you. I would like your feedback.

Again all I can say to the Michele fans, and I’m one of them is that SPEED, WATV and I never fired her and did want, and ask her back.

Also thanks for welcoming me back to the show, I will continue to keep my view points honest to reflect my believes about the American motorcycle culture.

J




From:
Date: Fri, 3 Apr 2009 02:31:46 +0000 (UTC)
To: <jbarbieri@watvproductions.com>

Sorry - but the new American Thunder was a big let down.

I get it, the target audience is supposed to have plenty of $$ because we have HD's so you double up on the commercials. Too Bad.

I suppose we all will have to watch and droll over the new babe trying to figure out a clutch - BORING

WOW - a new headset that works across the room! Gee.. whats next? Skate board dudes - right.

Get serious - get into performance, handling, baggers, simple diy projects, detailing tips, unquie events - not Daytona or Strugis, the best roads to ride across the country. Try not to have HD be the focus every other show. Pick-up an American Iron for some program tips.

This has been a topic of discussion on our forum (HDForums.com) - https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...r-tv-show.html

We have almost 100,000 members interested in HD's

Just trying to help make the show better.

Thank You,

Greg

 

Just caught an episode of the " New " American Thunder and so far I think it sucks. Where did Michelle Smith go and who cares about runner up Survivor dude as the host. It seems like a lot more metric flavor now too.
Maybe with a little luck we can get the guys at the Harley factory in the unemployment lines with the American auto workers...........
I miss the old show and if it ain't broke why fix it?

RJ

 

yeah, I see kuryakyn convinced them to split the show in half (harley/metric)

I don't think michele would help the show if the producers decided to go that route....

 

Still never going to ever talk about safety don't want to scare anybody away. Just put on your jeans a short sleve shirt and a crappy helmet and pray you never go down hard. Bolt on some new chrome parts and call your self a unique HD rider. Now each episode features 15 minuets of military people who have bikes, trying to make over the bad boy image into an all american apple pie good old military kind of thing.

 

I didn't realize Jay was the producer. As producer, he removed himself as one of the shows personalites. I guess life without Michelle was just too much...

 

The show with Michelle Smith will be missed the new one wont be watched

 

The new show sucks is all i can say, i have tried to watch it but lastnight was the last straw.

 

I talked personally to Michele (not on or off the reciord) at the recent Bike Expo Show in NJ. She had told me that "they" (probably Jay Barbieri) wanted her to have a lesser roll in the show; maybe do an "On location segment" or a couple of taped special appearences but not the host anymore. She had repsectfully declined... Heck she was the host for over 10 years for Christ sakes! Heck probably not even offered to have a new Co-Host with her I bet.

I have always enjoyed her hosting the show and would have enjoyed a couple of new faces here and there just to freshen it up a bit.

It would be nice to see the show evaluate a few new motorcycle products on the market for detailing, maintenance, etc. but it seems that the canceled "Ride On" was the only one that addressed a little more in-depth in the science of the sport. Maybe answer or do a segment or two to respond to readers email/mail.

For the record, Michele has always greeted her fans (me and others as well) like they were her personal friends and she will be missed on the TV Show.

By the way, she was selling her Tribal Cowboy and Thong/G-String line at the show too. No, she was not modeling the Thongs or G-Strings but that would have been very nice indeed if she had.

I bought one of her Tribal Cowboy T-Shirts and they were decent quality and NOT crappy clothing you get sometimes at these shows.

You go girl.

T. Benton
Union, NJ

 

I have never seen the show before this year but holy cow is it a snoozer!! Man, I've given it a couple of weeks thinking that they were going to possibly get better but watching some guy from Survivor talking in his little swagger voice and standing around as people work on metrics and HD's... yawn!

I've actually taken it off my recorded program schedule.

 

I miss Michelle. Not sure if the new format is going to hold my attention like she did.