PICKERINGTON, Ohio (May 19, 2025) — The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame has announced the 17 nominees for the Hall of Fame Class of 2025, and voting is now open to select the members of the class.

“The nominees for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2025 are an outstanding group of people who have made a lifelong commitment to motorcycling and the motorcycle community,” AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman said. “These individuals have played an instrumental role in the growth of motorcycling in a variety of ways, including excellence in racing, supporting champions as tuners, innovating new motorcycle designs and advocating for motorcyclists’ rights. This is an extraordinary group of motorcyclists, and we are proud to recognize them as nominees for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.”

The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame selection committee has put forward 17 nominees from areas of influence: Ambassadors & Industry, Design and Engineering, Dirt Track, Leadership & Rights, Motocross & Supercross, Off-Road, Road Racing, and Specialty Competition.

Voting ends Monday, June 16, at 11:59 p.m., and eligible voters include previous Hall of Fame inductees, members of the AMA and AMHF Board of Directors, and members of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Category Selection Committees. AMA Life Members are also eligible to vote, and should make sure their contact information is updated in order to receive the latest updates and announcements pertaining to the voting process.

Those eligible to vote may do so at AmericanMotorcyclist.com/hall-of-fame/hall-of-fame-members/current-class-and-voting/.

Voting results will be announced shortly after voting ends, and the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held on Thursday, Oct. 23, in Pickerington, Ohio.

Secure your seat at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony by purchasing tickets at AmericanMotorcyclist.com/hall-of-fame/hall-of-fame-members/induction-ceremony/.

Competition

Bill Ballance — Off-Road

Widely regarded as one of the greatest cross-country ATV racers of all time, Bill Ballance’s outstanding racing career is one for the history books. During his outstanding run, Ballance claimed nine GNCC ATV XC1 championships, all in row, from 2000 to 2008, breaking a record set by AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Barry Hawk. In addition to his championship-winning pedigree, Ballance secured 67 national event wins, making him one of the most accomplished ATV racers ever.

Colin Edwards — Road Racing

Colin Edwards, aka the “Texas Tornado,” is an American road racing icon celebrated for his technical prowess and versatility. After dominating the club and WERA ranks, he turned pro in 1992 and captured that year’s AMA 250cc Grand Prix Championship. He went on to win the 2000 and 2002 World Superbike titles for Honda, notching a total of 31 victories in WSBK. Edwards also triumphed three times at the Suzuka 8-Hour Endurance Race, and garnered 12 podium finishes in MotoGP. Retiring from racing in 2014, he now runs the Texas Tornado Boot camp.

Jerry Griffith — Dirt Track

Jerry Griffith created the motorcycles that powered American Honda’s massive success in American flat track racing during the 1980s. His final design — the legendary Honda RS750 — claimed five AMA Grand National Championships, and 81 AMA Grand National victories, from 1983 to 1998. As the late American Honda flat track team manager and AMA Hall of Famer Gene Romero said, “Jerry Griffith was the Honda dirt track program, period.” If Griffith had not been hired by American Honda, it is very likely that the legendary RS750 would never have been born.

Billy Hamill — Specialty Competition

Nicknamed “The Bullet,” Billy Hamill began racing junior speedway in 1983, and turned professional in 1986. Just 10 years after turning pro, Hamill became the fourth American to claim the FIM Speedway World Championship with his win in 1996. Two years later, Hamill raced alongside AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Greg Hancock to win the 1998 World Speedway Team Cup Championship for the U.S. In 1999, Hamill claimed the AMA Speedway National Championship, which he went on to win five times. During this impressive run, Hamill also collected four U.S. National Speedway titles. Hamill was named the 2012 AMA Sportsman of the Year.

Joe Kopp — Dirt Track

Joe Kopp reached the pinnacle of American Flat Track competition by winning the 2000 AMA Grand National Championship. He also dominated the AMA Supertracker National Championship, taking home the 1999 and 2000 titles. His impressive record in AMA Grand National events includes 21 career wins, placing him 17^th among the all-time greats, and 81 career Grand National podium finishes, ninth all-time. Kopp is also one of 15 riders to complete the prestigious Dirt Track Grand Slam, winning at least one race in each of the four dirt track disciplines: Short Track, TT, Half-Mile and Mile.

Carl Patrick — Dirt Track

Carl Patrick stands out as one of the most accomplished engine builders and chassis tuners in the history of AMA Grand National racing. From 1974 to 2010, Patrick’s engines powered riders to an impressive 20 AMA Grand National Championship victories. After competing as an AMA expert in the late ’60s and early ’70s, Patrick moved to engine building and chassis tuning for successful riders such as AMA Hall of Famer Hank Scott and, later, Joe Kopp.

Chad Reed — Motocross/Supercross

Australian-born Chad Reed left a significant mark on the AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross scenes for nearly two decades beginning in the early 2000s. Focusing on the U.S. scene starting in 2002, Reed began racking up wins, and by retirement had tallied 61 AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross victories on the way to capturing AMA 125SX East (’02), AMA Supercross (’04 and ’08) and 450 Pro Motocross championships. In 2009, Reed was awarded AMA Athlete of the Year honors, and holds the record for most AMA Supercross Main Event starts (265) and podium finishes (132). In 2011, Reed was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia, an honor awarded to Australians who have demonstrated exceptional achievement.

Non-Competition

Dana Bell — Leadership & Rights

A decade after joining the motorcycling community, Dana Bell worked her way to being a nationally ranked enduro competitor. From 1992 to 1999, Bell shifted her focus to rights issues, and worked as the Western States Representative for the AMA’s Government Relations Department. She also worked as a state partner for the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC). For her role as a key voice for motorcyclists’ rights, the AMA Board of Directors presented Bell with the AMA Motorcycling Advocate Award, an honor recognizing those who have led the fight for the rights of motorcyclists. Bell was just the third person to receive the award.

Chris Carter — Ambassadors & Industry

Chris Carter is the founder and president of Motion Pro Inc., a company on the leading edge of specialty-tool design with 30-some patents to its credit. Over the years, Carter has also served as an ambassador of the sport and industry, with Motion Pro holding more than 100 annual sponsorships of racers, teams, organizations, and events. Carter and Motion Pro also support many charitable and non-profit organizations, including motorcycle trail preservation and ensuring that access is available to all. Carter is also a motorcycle historian and published author, and earned an International Six Day Trials gold medal for the U.S. in Austria in 1976.
 
Selvaraj Narayana — Ambassadors & Industry

As a man who wore many hats throughout his long career in the motorcycle industry, Selvaraj Narayana — affectionately known as Sel — is one of the motorcycling world’s most accomplished and recognizable figures. After establishing himself as a key figure at Germany’s Maico firm, especially in its racing department, Narayana joined KTM in the early 1990s and helped develop the Austrian company’s rise to prominence in AMA Supercross and grow the brand into a worldwide powerhouse. Narayana is currently an executive director and he longest-tenured executive management team member at KTM. For his efforts within the motorcycle industry, Narayana was awarded the AMA’s prestigious Dud Perkins Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020.

Donald Rich — Design & Engineering

Donald Rich is an innovator in the Harley-Davidson world, an aftermarket specialist who has made a lasting impact on the brand’s presence since his entry into the industry in the early 1970s, when he repaired engines out of a small California shop. Just seven years later, Rich opened his own facility, where he designed and sold Harley parts and accessories, and eventually his signature Thunderheader exhaust system, which for Harley-Davidson motorcycles is renowned for its sound and performance.

John Taylor — Design & Engineering

As the eastern states’ Bultaco and Ossa distributor (Cemoto), creator of the Full Bore accessory line, an ISDT competitor and founder of Yankee Motors, which produced the rare and unique Yankee 500Z motorcycle, John Taylor achieved quite a lot in the motorcycle industry beginning in the 1960s. His formation of Yankee Motors and the production of the twin-cylinder two-stroke 500Z in the early 1970s is perhaps his biggest calling card. And while the primarily off-road machine was overbuilt and too heavy to be an effective dirt bike, the 500Z remains quite memorable and is absolutely collectible.

Well-Qualified

Michael Czysz — Design & Engineering

Architect and amateur roadracer Michael Czysz launched himself into motorcycling prominence when he designed and built a MotoGP racebike featuring a unique V-4 engine, though it was his electric-bike racing exploits at the Isle of Man that cemented his legacy as a pioneer in motorcycle design and engineering. Czysz machines won all the 2010-2013 Isle of Man electric races, and his EV innovations live on today through licensing agreements.

Eraldo Ferracci — Road Racing

Born in 1938, Eraldo Ferracci spent decades going fast and building record-setting machinery. Ferracci founded Team Fast by Ferracci Ducati, which not only roared to two FIM World Superbike Championships (1991, 1992, with AMA Hall of Famer Doug Polen aboard) and two AMA Superbike Championships (1993 Polen, 1994 Troy Corser), it put Ducati back on the international racing map at the highest levels. Ferracci is a member of the FIM World Superbike Hall of Fame, as well as a founding member of Ducati North America Hall of Fame.

Richard Gross — Dirt Track

Richard Gross was a master tuner for the Indian Wrecking Crew that dominated dirt track racing in the 1950s. Gross-tuned bikes won 20 national championship races in the late 1940s and 1950s, six of those in 1952. He developed a camshaft that provided a lobe for each valve, increasing power, and was a pioneer in using aluminum components to lighten bikes by as much as 45 pounds.

Charles Umbenhauer — Leadership & Rights

Charles Umbenhauer has devoted more than 30 years of his life to motorcyclist advocacy in the state of Pennsylvania, working with ABATE and the AMA to safeguard funding for rider education, ensure voluntary adult helmet use, reduce tolls for motorcycles and secure motorcycle parking at state-owned facilities. He is also the recipient of the 2015 AMA Dud Perkins Lifetime Achievement Award.

Ryan Young — Specialty Competition

With a record-breaking six consecutive AMA/NATC Championships from 1988 to 1993, Ryan Young left an indelible stamp on the trials world. Young won the top class for the first time at age 21, and his success earned him a spot on eight consecutive USA Trial des Nations teams. Beyond competition, Young impacted the sport through his company Ryan Young Products, and by utilizing his knowledge to educate those learning the sport.

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Representing the United States at the FIM Trial des Nations will be Josh Roper, Alex Myers and Will Myers on the men’s team, while Maddie Hoover, Kylee Sweeten and Abigail Buzzelli will compete for the women’s team.

The AMA will also send a pair of riders to the Trial des Nations Challenge, which is a special competition that allows younger riders to compete in an FIM Championship. The U.S. TDN Challenge Team will include Ryon Land and Kylie Glueck — who competed in the competition in 2024.

“Representing the United States on the world stage is an incredible honor — not just for our riders, but for everyone in the American trials community who supports this journey,” USA Trial des Nations Team Manager Daniel Blanc said. “We’re building a team rooted in talent, commitment, and a deep love for the sport, and we’re ready to show the world what we can do. Visit Mototrials.com/tdn to see how you can support the team.”

As the premier international trials event, the FIM Trial des Nations is the ultimate competition. With each competing nation fielding two teams, a men’s and women’s team each consisting of three riders, riders battle for international glory for their home country.

Each year, Team USA is tasked with raising money for the trip to the event. Donations are greatly appreciated, and those looking to support the U.S. riders can do so by visiting www.mototrials.com/tdn.html.

Fans can stay engaged with Team USA’s Trial des Nations official Facebook page.

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Photo Credit: Garth Milan/Ryne Swanberg

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (May 11, 2025) —

The American Motorcyclist Association congratulates the three champions of the 2025 AMA Supercross season, which wrapped up Saturday, May 10, in Salt Lake City.

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cooper Webb earned his third 450 AMA Supercross title, becoming just the seventh racer to win at least three titles in that class. Webb’s championship ended a stretch of two consecutive titles by Honda HRC racers, while marking Yamaha’s first class win since Eli Tomac claimed the 450 title in 2022. 

The 250 West class previously wrapped up in Round 16, as Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan secured the title with a win in Denver. 

The 250 East class was deadlocked entering the final round of the season, with Tom Vialle, Seth Hammaker and R.J. Hampshire separated by only three points. Vialle ultimately claimed the title with a third-place finish during the East/West Showdown in Salt Lake City. 

“The 2025 AMA Supercross season was unlike any other, with a trio of intense championship races and incredible racing action throughout the series,” AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman said. “All of us at the AMA congratulate the 2025 AMA Supercross champions — Cooper Webb, Haiden Deegan and Tom Vialle — and their respective teams for an outstanding season of competition.”

After battling neck-and-neck with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Chase Sexton throughout the season — with the title coming down to the final round of the season — Webb did just enough to hold off Sexton to earn his third 450 class crown. With five wins this season, Webb captured 365 points en route to the title.

“[This third championship] means everything,” Webb said. “You don’t know how many nights I’ve woken up just wanting to get this again. And I never thought I’d be here again, so never give up on yourself. Never cut yourself short. I’m not maybe the best, but man, when you put your mind to something [then] you get it done … I knew I wasn’t done after those [previous] two [championships]. This feels freakin’ awesome, man. Never give up on yourself, kids!”

Deegan captured his first-career AMA Supercross 250 title behind a Round 16 victory in Denver, in which he used a late pass to hold off teammate Cole Davies, to claim the class trophy. Deegan led the class for most of the season and clinched the championship with 221 points and four wins across 10 races. 

“This [Championship] means a lot to me because people doubted me all the way,” Deegan said in Denver. “They [were] telling me I was all hype coming into [AMA] Supercross and motocross … We’re the champ now, and let’s go, baby!” 

The 250 East title race was a dead heat throughout the season, with three racers battling for the crown while enduring week-to-week changes at the top of the class standings. In the end, it was Vialle left standing at the end of the season. 

Entering the final round with a one-point advantage, Vialle held off Hammaker and Hampshire — finishing in third place while Hammaker landed in fourth and Hampshire fell to sixth — in Salt Lake City to claim the class title. Vialle finished the season with 180 points, while landing on the podium six times — including one win.

“I had a great start,” Vialle said. “My first five or six laps were actually really good. I was feeling good, and I was like, ‘Okay, this is mine.’ And [then] I started to make a few mistakes and Seth and RJ got me. They got a little gap, and my only chance was that…if something happened to [Hammaker and Hampshire’, and that’s what happened tonight. I feel like that was all year, the whole Championship has been up and down, and I could capitalize tonight, and I’m really pumped.” 

The AMA also congratulates Cole Davies, who was named Rookie of the Year in the 250 classes.

To learn more about AMA Supercross, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com/racing/professional-racing/ama-supercross/.

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Photo Credit: Mary Rinnell

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (May 6, 2025) — Thirty-one riders will represent the United States at the 99th FIM International Six Days Enduro (ISDE), with 10 Trophy and 21 Club Team riders set to compete in Bergamo, Italy, from Aug. 24-29.

The U.S. World Trophy, Junior World Trophy and Women’s World Trophy teams will include 10 Trophy riders. Each participating country can allocate four riders to its World Trophy team, three riders aged 23 or younger on its Junior Trophy team, and three female riders on its Women’s Trophy Team.

The United States enjoyed an outstanding showing at the 2024 FIM ISDE as the Women’s World Trophy team captured its second-consecutive title, and the World Trophy and Junior World Trophy teams secured podium finishes.

“New year, same goal, and nearly the same team as 2024,” ISDE Team Manager Antti Kallonen, who is also KTM’s Director of Offroad Racing, said. “I’m really happy to continue working with nearly the same riders as last year.” 

Eying a return to the top of the podium in 2025, the 2025 U.S. World Trophy Team will include Johnny Girroir, Cody Barnes, Josh Toth and Dante Oliveira.

“Our Trophy team stays unchanged from last year,” Kallonen said. “These riders have continued their progress in sprint enduro style racing and Cody switching to 450 this year has made a big difference in his speed, and I feel very good about our Trophy Team’s overall speed now.”

Going for its third-straight ISDE crown, the 2025 U.S. Women’s World Trophy Team will return the dominant trio of Rachel Gutish, Korie Steede and Brandy Richards.

“Our Women’s Team is solid despite Brandy Richards being currently sidelined with an injury [so far this season], but she is scheduled to be back on the bike well before we head to Italy to lead the team for another successful Six Days,” Kallonen said.

With its sights set on an ISDE championship, the 2025 U.S. Junior Trophy Team will consist of Grant Davis, Cooper Jones and Mateo Oliveira.

“Our Junior team is seeing a slight last-minute rider line-up change as Jason Tino, who was slated to be on the team, got sidelined with an injury,” Kallonen added. “Luckily, we have a deep pool of talent to choose from and our riders will be fighting for that top step of the podium again.”

The AMA’s East and West Coast qualifiers resulted in the qualification of 21 U.S.-represented club teams:

Team Rabaconda

• Joseph Cunningham
• Cole Whitmer
• Thorn Devlin

Team GTBN

• Layton Smail
• Jaden Dahners
• Lane Lorenzo

Team XC Gear

• Brody Johnson
• Collier Martinez
• Colton Shields

Team Mojo/SXS

• Anson Maloney
• Ryder Thomaselli
• Zane Roberts

Team Missouri Mudders

• Will Sievenpiper
• Chase Landers
• Lane Whitmer

Team Hough Legacy Racing

• Max Gerston
• Eric Stevenson
• Tanner Whipple

Team Randy Mastin Memorial:

• Ava Silvestri
• Ellie Winland
• Ashlee Gage

All club team riders have started raising money to support their efforts to attend the 2025 ISDE in Italy. To help support these riders, check in with riders to discover how you can help them represent the United States in Italy this August.

As one of Team USA’s most steadfast supporters, Rabaconda has once again produced a limited-edition tire changer, with the proceeds from sales going toward the team. Visit us.rabaconda.com/collections/dirt/products/isde-limited-edition-dirt-bike-tire-changer to purchase one.

To learn more about the U.S. ISDE Team, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com/racing/off-road/isde-international-six-days-enduro/.

Those planning to travel and stay with the U.S. team can register at form.jotform.com/amatech/2025-ama-isde-registration. The deadline for registration is June 10.

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Photo Credit: Jeff Kardas

The 2025 AMA Supercross 450SX Championship will all come down to the final week.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Chase Sexton kept his title hopes alive on Saturday, May 3, in Denver, by claiming a runaway victory at Empower Field at Mile High. Sexton pulled within nine points of class leader Cooper Webb of Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing, who finished in second place in Mile High City.

“To be honest I was a little fired up,” Sexton said. “I knew I was faster tonight, so I wanted to get out front and break away, and that’s what I did. Another win, sixth one of the season. Yeah, just trying to go out there and show that I’m the best rider.”

Sexton outpaced Webb by 8.624 seconds to claim the victory, while Webb held off a fierce pursuit from Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Justin Cooper, who finished just 0.447 behind Webb.

With the win, Sexton jumped to 338 points on the season while Webb maintained his lead with 347 points with one week remaining in the 2025 AMA Supercross season. The title race will come down to the final round of the season in Salt Lake City on Saturday, May 10.

While the 450SX title race remains heated, the 250SX West class wrapped up in Denver.

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan secured the 250SX West Championship after a late pass of teammate Cole Davies — which sent Davies off the track, causing him to finish in fifth place — with just two laps remaining.

Finishing alongside Deegan was Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Julien Beaumer, who finished in second place, while Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Garrett Marchbanks rounded out the podium.

Deegan holds a 25-point advantage over Davies, however since Deegan has collected more second-place finishes, he officially clinched the 250SX West title.

The 450SX and 250SX East championship races will come down to the final week of the season in Salt Lake City on May 10. The racing action will start at 4:30 p.m. and will be streamed live on Peacock.

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Photo Credit: Palmyra Racing Association

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (May 2, 2025) — The American Motorcyclist Association is pleased to announce the return of the annual AMA Take a Kid Dirt Biking Month, a nationwide campaign to cultivate the next generation of riders by getting America’s youth aboard two wheels and learning the necessary skills to ride with confidence.

Throughout the month the AMA will be working with its racing and recreational riding organizers to promote the value of riding dirt bikes to children and give them controlled opportunities to ride.

“Building the next generation of riders is imperative for the future of our sport, and AMA Take a Kid Dirt Biking Month is an important step in that mission,” AMA Director of Marketing and Communications Joy Burgess said. “This annual campaign has grown each year, and we cannot wait to celebrate with kids across the country in the month of May.”

To raise awareness and visibility, the AMA and its partners will also utilize social media during May to promote Take a Kid Dirt Biking Month and celebrate the hard work of organizers to aid in its efforts to get more kids aboard two wheels.

While Take a Kid Dirt Biking-themed events will take place across the country in the month of May, kids do not have to attend an organized event to be involved. To participate, kids simply need to get out and ride in the month of May and submit a photo or video at https://americanmotorcyclist.com/take-a-kid-dirt-biking-photo-submissions/. By sharing photos, kids will be entered to win prizes throughout the month, including a STACYC bike, and will also have the chance to be featured on the AMA’s social media, website, and in the AMA’s print publications.

As part of AMA Take a Kid Dirt Biking Month, a special edition of American Motorcyclist for Kids is now available for AMA members! This edition is filled with exciting features about outstanding children in the world of motorcycling, Q&As with some of motorcycling’s most notable figures…and games, too! Read the issue at AmericanMotorcyclist.com/american-motorcyclist-for-kids/.

More information about Take a Kid Dirt Biking Month can be found at AmericanMotorcyclist.com/events/event-resources/take-a-kid-dirt-biking-month/. 

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PICKERINGTON, Ohio (May 1, 2025) — With May serving as the unofficial start to riding season, the American Motorcyclist Association reminds motorists to keep an eye out for motorcycles and extend courtesy to riders this Motorcycle Awareness Month.

Motorcycle Awareness Month is the annual campaign to increase awareness of motorcycles on the open road and advocate for measures that improve the safety of riders on our nation’s roads and highways. 

“Motorcycle Awareness Month provides an annual opportunity for the American Motorcyclist Association to remind motorists of the seasonal return of motorcyclists to our nation’s roadways,” AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman said. “It also gives us the opportunity to encourage motorcyclists to ride safely. We will continue to stress the importance of enhancing safety measures to increase the safety of all riders on the open road.” 

While the AMA fights year-round to ensure safe roadways for motorcyclists, Motorcycle Awareness Month is a reminder that motorists and motorcyclists must rely on one another to reduce the number of crashes on our nation’s highways.

In recent years, the AMA has been deeply engaged in several issues that impact the safety of street riders, including Automated Driving Systems (ADS) in cars and trucks, distracted driving, and lane-filtering.

The AMA has continually sounded the alarm regarding ADS and the testing of such systems on the open road. The inattentive use of these systems by motorists remains a major issue affecting the safety of motorcyclists, and the AMA reminds drivers to maintain vigilance behind the wheel even when using ADS systems.

To help protect riders in slowed or stopped traffic, the AMA was instrumental in efforts to legalize lane-filtering in Colorado and Minnesota in 2024. This year, the AMA has been engaged in efforts to establish the practice in Oregon and Michigan. The AMA is a steadfast supporter of lane-filtering, as it reduces the possibility of rear-end collisions by allowing motorcyclists to filter through congested traffic at low speeds.

Created in the early 1980s, Motorcycle Awareness Month is a monthlong reminder of the necessary steps needed to ensure safe roadways for all users — including motorcycles, cars and trucks. The AMA, its networks of clubs, state motorcycle rights organizations, the motorcycle industry and federal and state government entities have been steadfast supporters of Motorcycle Awareness Month.

Multiple states, including Colorado, Massachusetts and Washington have already instituted resolutions to observe Motorcycle Awareness Month.

Keep up with all things Motorcycle Awareness Month by staying engaged with AmericanMotorcyclist.com and the AMA’s social media channels on Facebook and Instagram. 

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PICKERINGTON, Ohio (April 30, 2025) — The American Motorcyclist Association mourns the loss of AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Richard Teerlink, who served as Chief Executive Officer of Harley-Davidson in the 1980s and ’90s. He was 88 years old.

Teerlink’s lifelong love for motorcycles kickstarted when he was 14 years old, despite his father’s hesitancy to allow him to own his own bike. He became enamored with the Harley-Davidson 125s and Cushman motor scooters that his friends would ride.

Later in his life, Teerlink turned to the motorcycle industry and relied on those childhood memories to help the rebuild of Harley-Davidson throughout the 1980s and ’90s.

Teerlink joined the famed motorcycle marque in 1981 as the chief financial officer, where he quickly went to work on finding new financing for Harley-Davidson. His persistence was rewarded quickly, and the brand found new financing, serving as the first step toward its remarkable rebuild during his time at the company.

Soon after, Teerlink took over as Harley-Davidson’s president and CEO, utilizing his personal vision and values to rebuild the famed brand in his image. As CEO, Teerlink was known for ingraining himself at all levels of the organization, working with employees at all levels. He also forged relationships with motorcycle dealers, suppliers and riders to boost the brand nationwide.

Teerlink’s impact was seen in Harley-Davidson’s economic rebound during his tenure. In his first year as CFO, Harley posted an operating loss $15.5 million on revenue of $210 million, which expanded to operating profits of $416 million on revenue of $2.45 billion when he retired in 1999. 

For his efforts within the industry, Teerlink was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2015.

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