He was the best rider in the world when I was a kid . Opened the door for all American riders around the world , will never forget watching him race . Unstoppable!
I was at all the Grand Prix in 79 as my stepfather was racing against Kenny and co (I was only 10 years old) he was the greatest! I used to hangout in his motor home now and again and still have an incredible collection of word champion stickers of Kenny. He is an icon and was such a champion in Europe at that time - great great memories 🏍
I grew up in CA. very close to where Roberts started racing. I watched his whole career along with a few others from the area. This was a part of history. Brad Lackey was another that I followed from the early seventies as well. I was a Kawasaki guy.
Kenny doesn't do PC at all, so don't be surprised if he fires both barrels of sarcasm at you point blank when meeting him. We'd been on a charity ride and afterwards gathered for a BBQ. KR was wandering around under the hot sun so I motioned him over to our shaded table. Come chill out, Kenny! He did, and proceeded to say some of the most outrageously funny stuff we've ever heard. The guy is really, really hard to catch off guard and can go one on one with anybody. There's no on/off switch and the volume knob is broken at 11. That's Kenny! 🇺🇸
I raced w/Kenny when he rode the YZR500 at the AMA National at Laguna Seca in 1984. He'll always be our King Kenny, the American Legend. I'll point out that... Giacomo Agostini (old era) has 15 world titles and Valentino Rossi (new era) has 9 world titles.
In spite of the epidemic, the is a great time for fans thanks to the new media. Back then, most of us didn't hear anything like this. There would be an article in Cycle magazine, a column by Gordon Jennings, Kevin Cameron, and that was it.
I remembered all the Hoopla back then. Cycle News had a fit with the Europeans blowing things out of proportion. Man then was some serious racing back then too..
The 500’s were a bitch to ride. Comparatively todays MotoGP bikes are easy with all the electronic rider aids. Back then it was your wrist and butt controlling a peaky,wheel spinning beast. Kenny was the master!
I wonder what he would be like on today’s bikes if he were in his prime and vice versa, what would a world champion moto go guy from today be like on the old bikes
The Spain / FIM story reminds me of a Clint Eastwood line from Grand Torino "Ever notice how you come across somebody once in a while you shouldn't have fucked with? That's me.
I wonder if this was the same Spanish GP where Kenny gave King Juan Carlos the bunny ears up on the podium? Google search it, the photo is a priceless Kodak moment!
I don't need to take the trophy. They didn't tell me why they didn't pay me but if they wanna be....if they wanna treat me that shitty then I don't need to take the trophy. Not an exact quote but what I can remember of the time
Yes he was ....i was never thinking of europe other than i love the tracks...america was welcome then things are different no its the same its about the money..but all countrys have self preservation laws local jobs first even into the racing arena...i was gonna go to the french f1 cars racing school an step away from bikes an race F2 ...then F3 an work up to F1...that was a french school that wasnt helping the french as much as they hoped....but now it is domestic focused...fair enuf...
Time sure changes things,as an American I'm proud of KR's Championships in the 500 class and putting US riders on the map but unless you were around at the time Kenny could be a Big Prick also and his dislike at times for Barry Sheene & Spencer was a bit of jealousy and worry that they were in the lime light, also Barry & Freddie were real easy going nice guys and Kenny ??? well not so much ! But a "Great" rider he was !!!
Roberts and Sheene changed the sport for the better definitely, both on and off the racetrack, and made promoters take them seriously after many personal sacrifices. Modern riders need to thank them for that.
@@2wheels2strokes4ever I remember reading the perishing didn't like the idea of Kenny Roberts went to the front at the of the race at the very beginning but she seemed like the laid-back and it come back and win the last lap look like a big hero
Same FIA. I see it has not change much. Got to give them credit. FIA does not try to hide their favoritism. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. This is why intelligent Americans do not watch European racing.
@@seeker156 Haha sure, i can remember that the USA where complaining about the Dutch victories at speedskating during the Olympics because they won to much.
I love Kenny . He is a no bullshit kind of guy . He will take no BS from anyone .
Kenny Roberts made the sport better in so many ways. He also was a huge advocate for increased track safety. Much respect!
He was the best rider in the world when I was a kid . Opened the door for all American riders around the world , will never forget watching him race . Unstoppable!
back in the day. Wide world of Sports !!!
Steve Baker
Roberts
Pat hennen
Mamola
Spencer
Lawson
Rainey
Schwantz
Kocinski
Chandler
Polen
Junior
(And now what??? Will there be a Next one?)
Pablo Pérez
Hayden?
C’mon !
@@pabloperez4063 don,t forget the late great Nicky Haydon and Ben Spies
I was at all the Grand Prix in 79 as my stepfather was racing against Kenny and co (I was only 10 years old) he was the greatest! I used to hangout in his motor home now and again and still have an incredible collection of word champion stickers of Kenny. He is an icon and was such a champion in Europe at that time - great great memories 🏍
Who was your stepfather?
Greg Johnson (Australian) a few 3rd and 4ths but generaly a midfielder - he didn’t have a factory bike and was his own mechanic too.
You are one lucky dude! ❤️
Kenny, my YAMAHA hero since forever.
yes
King Kenny was the best !
Greatest Of All Time.
They didn't call him "King" for nothing! The MAN!
My god, i truly miss Dave Despain's interviews- i hope you're enjoying your retirement- GOAT without question
I grew up in CA. very close to where Roberts started racing. I watched his whole career along with a few others from the area. This was a part of history. Brad Lackey was another that I followed from the early seventies as well. I was a Kawasaki guy.
Kenny doesn't do PC at all, so don't be surprised if he fires both barrels of sarcasm at you point blank when meeting him. We'd been on a charity ride and afterwards gathered for a BBQ. KR was wandering around under the hot sun so I motioned him over to our shaded table. Come chill out, Kenny! He did, and proceeded to say some of the most outrageously funny stuff we've ever heard. The guy is really, really hard to catch off guard and can go one on one with anybody. There's no on/off switch and the volume knob is broken at 11. That's Kenny! 🇺🇸
Kenny Roberts for president
The Tracks were not safe back when KR raced in Europe like 1976 .. He was very outspoken he stood up for Safety and Riders Rights..
Thanks Dave u know the king....
The best motorcycle racer the world will ever see. Legend.
I raced w/Kenny when he rode the YZR500 at the AMA National at Laguna Seca in 1984. He'll always be our King Kenny, the American Legend. I'll point out that...
Giacomo Agostini (old era) has 15 world titles and Valentino Rossi (new era) has 9 world titles.
In spite of the epidemic, the is a great time for fans thanks to the new media. Back then, most of us didn't hear anything like this. There would be an article in Cycle magazine, a column by Gordon Jennings, Kevin Cameron, and that was it.
THE FIRST TO EVER DRAG A KNEE KING KENNY....
Best Ever
Kenny and Kel Carruthers (who Kenny just briefly mentions)...what a team...I say the best team in motorpsorts history of any kind.
Freddie And kanemoto
They don’t call him KING KENNY for nuth’!
What a guy.. Kenny "You 'da Man !!!"
Kenny Roberts is to road racing, What Roger Decoster was to Motocross= BOTH LEGENDS !!! BUT ONLY 1 GOD!!!!
Who ?
wouldn't sell kenny a rain tire . had to cut his own rain tread. lol
I remembered all the Hoopla back then. Cycle News had a fit with the Europeans blowing things out of proportion. Man then was some serious racing back then too..
The 500’s were a bitch to ride. Comparatively todays MotoGP bikes are easy with all the electronic rider aids. Back then it was your wrist and butt controlling a peaky,wheel spinning beast. Kenny was the master!
King Kenny had the balls to say No , great racer, great man .
Dave Despain is the Sam Posey of two wheeled Motorsport
I saw Kenny practice when I was 12 definitely the dirt King
he says it like it is (was)
Good that Kenny & others showed 'em again & again!
Have to get rid of this ethic. Pompous bums. No wonder I left for the US. . .
Haha, you Americans are always down to earth easy going guys right, never arrogant or something.
Peggy Wouters
You understand the original comment wasn’t made by an “American” right?!?
They didn't pull his license because they knew how powerful the American market was and how much money was at stake. Money always rules the day.
only kenny
THEEEEEEEEEE best...ever.
I thought the FIA was bad back in the day!
I wonder what he would be like on today’s bikes if he were in his prime and vice versa, what would a world champion moto go guy from today be like on the old bikes
Cool
The Spain / FIM story reminds me of a Clint Eastwood line from Grand Torino "Ever notice how you come across somebody once in a while you shouldn't have fucked with? That's me.
I wonder if this was the same Spanish GP where Kenny gave King Juan Carlos the bunny ears up on the podium? Google search it, the photo is a priceless Kodak moment!
No. It was 3 years before
I never heard this..but u take ur trophy no u no me...funny
Do you think he was treated the way that he was,was due to the fact that he was a yankee on their turf?
vince065us I'm sure the FIM wanted a European champion.
OF COURSE. MAN HE DID IT AND MANY FOLLOWED.
@@scottgolden2766 why????
Still the King no matter what, Spanish riders think they are riding the bull run.
Roberts/Hannah for the White House 2024!!
I don't need to take the trophy. They didn't tell me why they didn't pay me but if they wanna be....if they wanna treat me that shitty then I don't need to take the trophy. Not an exact quote but what I can remember of the time
And that's why they call him... King kenny
Yes he was ....i was never thinking of europe other than i love the tracks...america was welcome then things are different no its the same its about the money..but all countrys have self preservation laws local jobs first even into the racing arena...i was gonna go to the french f1 cars racing school an step away from bikes an race F2 ...then F3 an work up to F1...that was a french school that wasnt helping the french as much as they hoped....but now it is domestic focused...fair enuf...
Time sure changes things,as an American I'm proud of KR's Championships in the 500 class and putting US riders on the map but unless you were around at the time Kenny could be a Big Prick also and his dislike at times for Barry Sheene & Spencer was a bit of jealousy and worry that they were in the lime light, also Barry & Freddie were real easy going nice guys and Kenny ??? well not so much ! But a "Great" rider he was !!!
You don't know ...
Roberts and Sheene changed the sport for the better definitely, both on and off the racetrack, and made promoters take them seriously after many personal sacrifices. Modern riders need to thank them for that.
@@2wheels2strokes4ever I remember reading the perishing didn't like the idea of Kenny Roberts went to the front at the of the race at the very beginning but she seemed like the laid-back and it come back and win the last lap look like a big hero
Great Kenny. Never trust promoters.
Huh? Say again?
MOTOGP needs a guy like King Kenny to kick some a__ and take some names to stop the full-throttle race to becoming F1 on two wheels. It CAN be done!
訳せ
FIM is still terrible to this day !!!
Same FIA. I see it has not change much. Got to give them credit. FIA does not try to hide their favoritism. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. This is why intelligent Americans do not watch European racing.
Yeah, Americans never play favoritism over foreigners. Never. Their kaka don't smell see?
Everyone plays favorites! We just respect the winners regardless of where they come from. If you win in America you will be praised. Period.
@@seeker156 Haha sure, i can remember that the USA where complaining about the Dutch victories at speedskating during the Olympics because they won to much.
@@peggywouters2867 well if he came to America he would be praised. All i was trying to say.
THIEVES AND CONS EVERY INDUSTRY.... THE RACERS LIFE ..ON THE LINE EACH RACE.
The FIM SUCKS . . . MotoGP SUCKS! 🥱