Kenny Roberts and the Indy Mile (2009)

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[kneeslider]

It’s wonderful to see a multiple world champion (Rossi - a man with literally NOTHING to prove!) looking as excited as a kid watching the bikes for the first time. And I love Kenny’s humility. What a great video

[lee]

As an Englishman, nobody could understand why KR was my hero in 1977, I was 6 years old and Kenny's life just seemed like this exciting assault on the European scene. Barry was great, but Kenny was the man I wanted to emulate.

[terryorr]

Kenny Roberts is a man without fear, most good riders now would piss their pants if they rode that bike. The TZ 750 was an absolute monster that could throw you off in the blink of an eye. I loved those dangerous old 2 stroke streetbikes because they were fast and unpredictable, like going on a date with a crazy girl.

[joebrusseau]

There was a race in Europe and Kenny was there no other American riders had the balls and it was raining Kenny didn't bring any rain tires and not one of the other riders would help him out so I heard that he got a sharp knife and made his own grooves in his tires and kicked all their asses now that is respect man.... RESPECT!

[patrickvanmeter]

Absolute proof of how good Roberts was. To be able to get that much unpredictable horse power to hook up in the dirt and control it is unbelievable. Respect for Roberts and the TZ 750.

[RogerLouton]

We’ve occasionally discussed Kenny Roberts’ legendary Yamaha TZ750 dirt tracker here, particularly in the context of “one and done” vehicles that were victorious in their only competitive appearance (in KR’s case, the 1975 Indy Mile). It was after this win Roberts famously quipped, “They don’t pay me enough to ride that thing!”
The reason the bike still exists today is because of one man’s vision: former Yamaha US racing manager Kenny Clark, who died in the last week of 2021. According to his friend Bill Millburn, Clark “rescued the Kenny Roberts TZ750 dirt tracker out of a dumpster when he had been ordered by a Yamaha Vice President to get rid of it as part of clearing out a storeroom that was needed. Kenny Clark was the TZ750 dirt tracker's guardian for years when no one cared about it. If not for Kenny Clark the Kenny Robrerts TZ750 dirttracker would not exist today. Kenny Clark is the hero of the TZ750 dirt tracker's survival story.”
Among his many accomplishments, Clark was at the helm of Yamaha’s racing program when they won 21 national championships during the late 1970s through 1989. Race in peace, Mr Clark.

[spudboy]

For my money Kenny Roberts is clearly the greatest racer of all time. He changed the sport forever.

[DarthSeanious]

Crazy respect to Kenny for doing this. How many people in their prime would try ride that beast? Also the expressions on Rossi's face is pricless.

[dpeabodyjr]

"They don't pay me enough to ride this thing." Awesome!

[stepheneldridge]

Absolutely brilliant. ...that wasn't a parade lap!...he just put it on the line and pinned it!, and the sound was awesome. I was lucky enough to meet Kenny and chat with him at the festival of speed. ...a charming interesting guy with no airs or graces. He's the real deal! Steve

[MetricHotrodsdotcom]

The pros were entering turn 1 at 103-104mph. Kenny was entering at 100 on a bike that hasnt been run there in 34 years, gets off the bike and says "I wanted to go faster." If thats not enough to make your heart skip a beat, i dont know what is.

[jamesbrockey]

I was their in 1975. and saw kenny roberts winn!! And their to see him again!! LOVED every minute of it!! Its a shame that their will not be any more indy mile! Went their for years with my dad! All good things come to an end!!! Thats life

[timdouglass]

I was fortunate to watch Kenny Roberts at Castle Rock. He fell down, got back on and worked his way all the way to the front for a win. His determination and skill was thrilling.

[vander]

This video is abolutely emotional. Like Edwards said, "Kenny is the godfather of motorcycle racing".

From Europe i say: Long Live the King Kenny. My greatest respects to him.
Unrepeatable.

[duanecarroll]

I get goose bumps every time I watch this

[railinrob]

Watching this gives me goosebumps and brings tears of joy to my eyes
Thank you Kenny Roberts and
Thank You Yamaha!

[jaymoto]

I've watched this so many times, and still get goosebumps! F&@%ING awesome

[frankslovich]

100% Legend and no problem whipping around the Respect.

[ajarnfrankie]

- A living legend...use to have a poster of him on my garage wall back in the day. The man respects the machines as if they were living. Same with Rossi...these guys always the best.

[simonbarrett]

I rember being at the British Grand Prix 1980, cheering for Kenny surrounded by Barry Sheene fans, scary. The one and only King!