Roberts was always a special talent in a very extreme profession. He didn't get the recognition that he deserved in America, because motorcycle racing has always been more or less a secondary motorsport in America. But in Europe and even Japan, he was revered as the Muhammad Ali of motorcycle racing.
I was always impressed with his professionalism.
His job was to risk his neck riding super powerful motorcycles at their limit, and during his prime he dominated even the most demanding division of motorcycle racing,..Gran Prix.
Yet, his demeanor was as even as that of a bank teller.
When I was into bikes I went to Talladega and watched Kenny win on a 350 Yamaha. He poppped a wheelie crossing the finish line at 130+ mph. I really hate to hear that he's gone but realize that we all must make that journey. Sad day. How did he die?
For liberals and anarchists, power and control is opium, selling envy is the fastest and easiest way to get it. TRR. American conservative. Never trust a white liberal. Malcom X Current NRA member.
I didn't mean for the thread to sound like an obit.
I just recently discovered the youtube of him riding the TZ750 at the Indy Mile in 2009.
You quit scaring me like that. You hear! I watched a ride of his via an onboard camera and he passed some bikes so fast they almost got off to see why their bikes had stopped. The video got a little dark as he approached the speed of light.
Roberts was always a special talent in a very extreme profession. He didn't get the recognition that he deserved in America, because motorcycle racing has always been more or less a secondary motorsport in America. But in Europe and even Japan, he was revered as the Muhammad Ali of motorcycle racing.
I was always impressed with his professionalism.
His job was to risk his neck riding super powerful motorcycles at their limit, and during his prime he dominated even the most demanding division of motorcycle racing,..Gran Prix.
Yet, his demeanor was as even as that of a bank teller.
You stated that sooo well, KR and his motorcycle racing career is/was the epitome of professionalism!!
Yes sir, he's a Legend here in the Central Valley of California, Modesto to be exact, where he still lives (I think) If I remember right he dropped out of high school to pursue his motorcycle passion. Local papers always had articles about him.
Living in Fresno, just out of high school we went to Laguna Seca every year from 1974 to 1984. Kenny owned that race, a road race course in a foothill setting. He was always the best rider on the track, with the best equipment and the best pit team. A French-Canadian rider named Evon Duhamil (Spelling?) usually gave him a good run for his money, but Kenny always won. Camping on the infield, BBQing Tri Tips and drinking beer, good times.
Living in Fresno, just out of high school we went to Laguna Seca every year from 1974 to 1984. Kenny owned that race, a road race course in a foothill setting. He was always the best rider on the track, with the best equipment and the best pit team. A French-Canadian rider named Evon Duhamil (Spelling?) usually gave him a good run for his money, but Kenny always won. Camping on the infield, BBQing Tri Tips and drinking beer, good times.
Yvon DuHamel rode for Kawasaki and he trouble keeping his bikes running the whole race. He was a good rider, too.
I love motorcycle racing but almost have to have Valium IV when watching the TT race on the Isle of Mann. I almost have to have a paper sack to breathe into just watching that. Insane doesn't begin to describe it.
