Kenny Roberts Biography
Kenny Roberts is an American former professional motorcycle racer and racing team owner, who was born and brought up in Modesto, California, United States of America. Roberts is one of the most successful motorcycle racers of all time, winning three world championships in the 500cc class. He is also the first American to win a Grand Prix motorcycle racing world championship.
Roberts began his racing career in 1968, competing in dirt track racing. He quickly rose through the ranks, winning the AMA Grand National Championship in 1973. In 1974, Roberts made the switch to Grand Prix racing, and he immediately began to challenge for wins. He won his first world championship in 1978, and he went on to win two more in 1979 and 1980.
Roberts retired from racing in 1983, but he remained involved in the sport as a team owner. His team, Team Roberts, won the 500cc world championship in 1990 with Kevin Schwantz. Roberts was inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1992.
In addition to his racing career, Roberts is also known for his innovative riding style. He was one of the first riders to use a rearward-angled rear footpeg, which allowed him to tuck in more tightly and improve his aerodynamics. Roberts was also a pioneer in the use of electronic suspension, which helped him to improve his handling.
10 Facts About Kenny Roberts
- Name: Kenneth Leroy Roberts
- Age: 7o years
- Birthday: 31st December
- Height: Under review
- Weight: Under review
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Former Professional Motorcycle Racer and Racing Team Owner
- Marital Status: Married
- Salary: Under Review
- Net Worth: $10 Million
Kenny Roberts Age
Roberts is 72 years old as of 2023, he was born on 31 December 1951, in Modesto, California, United States. He celebrates his birthday on December 31 every year and his birth sign is Capricorn.
Kenny Roberts Height
Roberts stands at an average height. He appears to be quite tall in stature if his photos, relative to his surroundings, are anything to go by. However, details regarding his actual height and other body measurements are currently not publicly available. We will update this section when the information is available.
Early Life and Education
Kenny Roberts was born on December 31, 1951, in Modesto, California, United States. He grew up in a family with a strong passion for motorcycles. His father, Ken Roberts Sr., was an accomplished motorcycle racer and owned a Yamaha dealership in Modesto. Growing up in this environment, Kenny developed a keen interest in motorcycles from an early age.
As a teenager, Roberts began racing motorcycles in various local events. His natural talent and determination quickly became evident, and he showed great promise as a racer. However, his racing pursuits didn’t overshadow his education.
While attending Downey High School in Modesto, Roberts balanced his studies with his passion for motorcycles. He graduated from high school and continued to pursue his racing career while maintaining a focus on his education.
While specific details about Kenny Roberts’ formal education beyond high school are not readily available, it is known that he dedicated most of his time and energy to motorcycle racing. As he progressed through the ranks of the racing world, his racing career became his primary focus, leading him to achieve great success in the world of Grand Prix motorcycle racing.
Rise to Fame
Kenny Roberts’ rise to fame began in 1968, when he started racing in dirt track events. He quickly rose through the ranks, winning the AMA Grand National Championship in 1973. In 1974, Roberts made the switch to Grand Prix racing, and he immediately began to challenge for wins. He won his first world championship in 1978, and he went on to win two more in 1979 and 1980.
Roberts’ rise to fame was due in part to his innovative riding style. He was one of the first riders to use a rearward-angled rear footpeg, which allowed him to tuck in more tightly and improve his aerodynamics. Roberts was also a pioneer in the use of electronic suspension, which helped him to improve his handling.
In addition to his innovative riding style, Roberts was also a very aggressive competitor. He was known for his willingness to take risks and push his bike to the limit. This led to some spectacular crashes, but it also helped him to win races.
Roberts’ rise to fame also coincided with a period of great growth in the popularity of motorcycle racing. In the 1970s, motorcycle racing became increasingly popular in the United States, and Roberts was one of the main reasons for this. He was a charismatic and exciting rider, and he helped to bring motorcycle racing to a wider audience.
Kenny Roberts’ rise to fame is one of the most remarkable stories in the history of motorcycle racing. He was a pioneer in the sport, and he helped to change the way that motorcycle racing is raced. He is a true legend of the sport, and his legacy will continue to inspire riders for generations to come.
Kenny Roberts Family, Parents
Roberts was born to his parents Alice Roberts and Melton Roberts in California. As a child growing up in the rural agriculture area just off Highway 132 near the Westside vineyards of E & J Gallo Winery of Modesto, Roberts was originally interested in horseback riding.
He rode his first motorcycle at the age of 12 when a friend dared him to ride a minibike. Tanya started singing at age four at her uncle’s Los Angeles restaurant. As a teenager, she served at Disneyland where she had her own band known as Tanya as well as the Thunderbirds.
Kenny Roberts Wife
Roberts is currently married to his wife Tanya Falan Welk-Roberts. The couple tied the knot in 1980. Tanya Falan is an American singer who starred on The Lawrence Welk Show from 1968 to 1977.
Kenny Roberts Children
Roberts and his wife Tanya Falan Welk-Roberts have two children together, both sons named Kenny Roberts Jr. and Kurtis Roberts. His son Kenny Jr., is a former professional Grand Prix motorcycle road racer who won the 2000 FIM Road Racing World Championship, after finishing runner-up in 1999.
Kenny Roberts Net Worth
Roberts has an estimated net worth of $10 million dollars as of 2023. This includes his assets, money, and income. His primary source of income is his career as a former professional motorcycle racer and racing team owner. Through his various sources of income, Roberts has been able to accumulate good fortune but prefers to lead a modest lifestyle.
Kenny Roberts Measurements and Facts
Here are some interesting facts and body measurements you should know about Kenny.
Kenny Roberts Wiki
- Full Names: Kenneth Leroy Roberts
- Popular As: Kenny
- Gender: Male
- Occupation / Profession: Former Professional Motorcycle Racer and Racing Team Owner
- Nationality: American
- Race / Ethnicity: White
- Religion: Not Known
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
Kenny Roberts Birthday
- Age / How Old?: 72 years (2023)
- Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
- Date of Birth: 31 December 1951
- Place of Birth: Modesto, California, USA
- Birthday: December 31
Kenny Roberts Body Measurements
- Body Measurements: Not Available
- Height / How Tall?: Average
- Weight: Moderate
- Eye Color: Blue
- Hair Color: Light Brown
- Shoe Size: Not Available
Kenny Roberts Family and Relationship
- Father (Dad): Melton “Buster” Roberts
- Mother: Alice Roberts
- Siblings (Brothers and Sisters): Not known
- Marital Status: Married
- Wife/Spouse: Married to Tanya Falan Welk-Roberts
- Dating / Girlfriend: Not Applicable
- Children: Sons (Kenny Roberts Jr. and Kurtis Roberts) Daughter(s) (None)
Kenny Roberts Net Worth and Salary
- Net Worth: $10 Million
- Salary: Under Review
- Source of Income: Former Professional Motorcycle Racer and Racing Team Owner
Kenny Roberts Tz750
With his new riding technique, Roberts began to excel in road race events. Yamaha motorcycles performed very well in road racing, where the Yamaha TZ750 was the dominant motorcycle of the era.
In the year 1974 Daytona 200, after early leader Gary Nixon retired, Roberts battled for the lead with former 500 cc world champion, Giacomo Agostini before an overheated engine forced him to settle for second place. In April 1974, Roberts ventured to Europe for the first time to compete in the prestigious Imola 200 road race for 750 cc motorcycles.
Kenny Roberts Yamaha
Realizing that Roberts needed more help if his racing career was going to progress, Aksland introduced Roberts to airline pilot and amateur motorcycle racer Jim Doyle, who would become Roberts’ personnel manager.
In the year 1971, Doyle and Roberts approached Triumph’s American distributor to ask about the possibility of a sponsored ride but were told that Roberts was too small for one of their bikes. They then turned to the American Yamaha importer’s team, who agreed to make Roberts a factory-sponsored rider at the age of 19. Yamaha asked the head of their American racing program, former 250 cc world champion Kel Carruthers to help guide Roberts’ racing career.
It marked the beginning of a long and productive relationship between the two men. Carruthers ended his riding career after the 1973 season to concentrate full-time on managing Roberts’ and Yamaha’s efforts in the A.M.A. Grand National Championship, a series which encompassed events in four distinctive dirt track disciplines plus road racing.
Roberts competing in an AMA Grand National Championship dirt track event. In 1971, Roberts won the AMA Rookie of the Year Award. In his first professional race as an expert class rider in 1972, Roberts rode to victory at the Grand National short-track race in the Houston Astrodome.
Roberts made a name for himself that year by battling the dominant Harley-Davidson factory dirt track team aboard an underpowered Yamaha XS 650 motorcycle, making up for his lack of horsepower with sheer determination. He finished the season ranked fourth in the country.
In the year 1973, in just his second season as an expert, Roberts won the national championship, amassing a record 2,014 points in the 25-race series. While Roberts had a natural talent for riding motorcycles on dirt surfaces, on paved road circuits, the motorcycle felt unsettled beneath him while negotiating a turn.
During a race at the Ontario Motor Speedway, he observed Finnish rider Jarno Saarinen using a riding style where he shifted his body weight towards the inside of a turn. Roberts tried the technique and found that it helped settle the motorcycle.
He adopted the cornering style and exaggerated the body shift to a greater extent than Saarinen had by extending his knee out until it skimmed the track surface.
Roberts made a positive impression by competing against the best road racers in the world, once again finishing second to Agostini. He then traveled to England with a team of American riders to compete against a British riding team in the 1974 Transatlantic Match races.
The conventional wisdom at the time was that American riders, who competed mostly in dirt track races, could not race on asphalt at the same level as the British riders, who specialized in road racing events.
Roberts dispelled any such notions by winning three of the six races and finishing second in the remaining three races. Roberts was the top individual points scorer in the event with 93 points, five more than Barry Sheene, the top British rider.
Notable Travel, Events, and Experiences
Kenny Roberts has traveled extensively throughout his career, both for racing and for personal reasons. Some of his most notable travel experiences include:
- Racing in Europe: Roberts began racing in Europe in 1974, and he quickly became one of the top riders on the continent. He won his first world championship in 1978, and he went on to win two more in 1979 and 1980.
- Visiting Japan: Roberts was a very popular rider in Japan, and he often visited the country to race and promote the sport. He won the Japanese Grand Prix four times, and he was inducted into the Japanese Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2000.
- Racing in the United States: Roberts was a pioneer in the growth of motorcycle racing in the United States. He won the AMA Grand National Championship in 1973, and he helped to popularize the sport throughout the country.
- Starting his own team: After retiring from racing, Roberts started his own team, Team Roberts. The team won the 500cc world championship in 1990 with Kevin Schwantz.
Future Aspirations and Goals
Kenny Roberts has not publicly stated his future aspirations and goals. However, given his past accomplishments and his passion for motorcycle racing, it is likely that he will continue to be involved in the sport in some capacity.
Some possible future aspirations and goals for Kenny Roberts include:
- Continuing to work with his team, Team Roberts. The team is currently competing in the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship, and Roberts is likely to remain involved in the team’s operations.
- Working as a consultant or advisor to other teams or riders. Roberts has a wealth of experience in motorcycle racing, and he could use his knowledge to help other teams or riders improve their performance.
- Promoting motorcycle safety and education. Roberts is a strong advocate for motorcycle safety, and he could continue to work in this area to help reduce the number of motorcycle-related accidents.
- Writing a book about his life and career. Roberts has had a long and successful career in motorcycle racing, and he could share his experiences and insights in a book.
Social Impact: Philanthropic, Charitable and Community Involvement
Kenny Roberts has been involved in a number of philanthropic, charitable, and community involvement initiatives throughout his career. Here are some of his most notable contributions:
- AMA Spirit of Motorcycling Award: In 1998, Roberts was awarded the AMA’s Spirit of Motorcycling Award for his work in promoting motorcycle safety and education.
- Welcome Home Heroes Foundation: Roberts is a longtime supporter of the Welcome Home Heroes Foundation, a grassroots 501(c)(3) organization that works directly with staff at Veterans Affairs facilities in Palo Alto and Livermore, as well as the U.S. Military.
- West Virginia University Hospitals East Foundation: Roberts serves on the West Virginia Hospitals East Foundation Board of Directors, where he manages the Foundation’s finances and fundraises for the WVU Hospital system.
- S.O.M.E.: Roberts is a member of the board of directors of S.O.M.E., a Washington, D.C.-based non-profit organization that provides housing and other services to people experiencing homelessness.
In addition to these specific initiatives, Roberts has also been a vocal advocate for environmental causes and sustainable practices in the motorcycle industry. He has also donated his time and expertise to a number of other organizations, including the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and the American Motorcyclist Association.
Kenny Roberts Awards Accomplishments and Achievements
Kenny Roberts has won numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. Here are some of his most notable achievements:
- 3-time 500cc World Champion (1978, 1979, 1980)
- First American to win a Grand Prix motorcycle racing world championship
- Inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1992
- AMA Grand National Champion (1973)
- AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend (2000)
- Lifetime Achievement Award from American Motorcyclist Association (2004)
- Motorcycle Racer of the Century by Cycle World magazine (2009)
In addition to his racing accomplishments, Roberts has also been recognized for his contributions to the sport outside of the racetrack. He was awarded the AMA’s Spirit of Motorcycling Award in 1998 for his work in promoting motorcycle safety and education. He has also been a vocal advocate for environmental causes, and he has worked to promote sustainable practices in the motorcycle industry.
Legacy
Kenny Roberts is a true legend of motorcycle racing. He was a pioneer in the sport, and he helped to change the way that motorcycle racing is raced. He is a true legend of the sport, and his legacy will continue to inspire riders for generations to come.
Here are some of the key ways in which Kenny Roberts has impacted the world of motorcycle racing:
- He was the first American to win a Grand Prix motorcycle racing world championship. This was a historic achievement, and it helped to popularize motorcycle racing in the United States.
- He was a pioneer in the use of innovative riding techniques, such as the rearward-angled rear footpeg. These techniques helped him to improve his aerodynamics and handling, and they are now standard practice in motorcycle racing.
- He was a vocal advocate for motorcycle safety and education. He helped to raise awareness of the importance of safety, and he worked to develop programs to teach riders how to ride safely.
- He was a successful team owner. His team, Team Roberts, won the 500cc world championship in 1990 with Kevin Schwantz.
Kenny Roberts’ legacy is one of innovation, success, and safety. He was a true pioneer in the sport of motorcycle racing, and his impact will be felt for generations to come.
Here are some of the things that people say about Kenny Roberts’ legacy:
- “Kenny Roberts was a true legend of motorcycle racing. He was a pioneer in the sport, and he helped to change the way that motorcycle racing is raced. He is a true legend of the sport, and his legacy will continue to inspire riders for generations to come.” – Cycle World magazine
- “Kenny Roberts was a true American hero. He was a pioneer in motorcycle racing, and he helped to make the sport what it is today. He was also a great advocate for safety, and he helped to make the sport safer for everyone involved.” – American Motorcyclist Association
- “Kenny Roberts was a true inspiration to me. He was a great rider, and he was also a great person. He was always willing to help others, and he was always passionate about the sport. I will never forget his impact on my life.” – Kevin Schwantz, former 500cc world champion
Hobbies and Interests
- Motorcycle racing: Roberts is a lifelong motorcycle racer, and he still enjoys riding today. He is also a fan of other forms of motorsport, such as Formula One and NASCAR.
- Golf: Roberts is an avid golfer, and he enjoys playing both competitively and recreationally. He has even won a few amateur tournaments.
- Fishing: Roberts enjoys fishing, and he often goes fishing with his friends and family. He is particularly fond of fly fishing.
- Hunting: Roberts is also an avid hunter, and he enjoys hunting for both game and sport. He is particularly fond of hunting for deer and elk.
- Off-road racing: Roberts enjoys off-road racing, and he has competed in a number of off-road races over the years. He is particularly fond of desert racing.
- Traveling: Roberts enjoys traveling, and he has visited a number of countries around the world. He is particularly fond of visiting Europe and Asia.
- Spending time with family and friends: Roberts enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He is a family man, and he loves spending time with his wife and children.
Personal Beliefs
Kenny Roberts has not publicly discussed his personal beliefs in detail. However, there are some things that we can infer from his words and actions.
- He is a strong believer in hard work and determination. He has said that he believes that anyone can achieve anything they set their mind to, as long as they are willing to work hard and never give up.
- He is also a believer in family and friends. He has said that his family and friends are the most important people in his life, and that he is grateful for their support.
- He is also a believer in giving back to the community. He has been involved in a number of charitable organizations, and he believes that it is important to help others.
In addition to these general beliefs, Roberts has also spoken about his faith on a few occasions. He has said that he believes in God, and that his faith has helped him through some difficult times in his life.
Overall, it seems that Kenny Roberts is a man of strong personal beliefs. He believes in hard work, determination, family, friends, and giving back to the community. He also believes in God, and that his faith has helped him through difficult times.
Here are some quotes from Kenny Roberts that give us insight into his personal beliefs:
- “I believe that anyone can achieve anything they set their mind to, as long as they are willing to work hard and never give up.”
- “My family and friends are the most important people in my life, and I am grateful for their support.”
- “I believe that it is important to help others, and I am proud to be involved in a number of charitable organizations.”
- “I believe in God, and my faith has helped me through some difficult times in my life.”
Quotes
Final Thoughts
Kenny Roberts is a true legend of motorcycle racing. He was a pioneer in the sport, and he helped to change the way that motorcycle racing is raced. He is a true legend of the sport, and his legacy will continue to inspire riders for generations to come.
Conclusion
Kenny Roberts is a believer. He believes in the power of people to make a difference in the world. He is an inspiration to us all to never lose hope and to always strive for a better future.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kenny Roberts
Kenny is an accomplished former professional motorcycle racer and racing team owner, who is one of the most successful motorcycle racers of all time, winning three world championships in the 500cc class.
Kenny is an American national born on 31st December 1951, in Modesto, California.
Kenny stands at an average height, he has not shared his height with the public. His height will be listed once we have it from a credible source.
Yes, Kenny is married to anya Falan Welk-Roberts. They got married in 1980 and together they have two children.
Kenny has an approximate net worth of $10 million. This amount has been accrued from his leading roles in the sports industry.
Details about Kenny’s salary are not yet disclosed. However, information about how much he makes will be updated as soon as it is available.
Because of personal reasons, Kenny has not shared his precise location of residence. We will update this information if we get the location and images of his house.
Kenny is alive and in good health. There have been no reports of him being sick or having any health-related issues.
Kenny Roberts Contacts
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