09/04/2026
A touching Tribute to a Legend: Bob Bakker
At the 2026 Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials, the salt opened with a deeply moving, symbolic moment as the very first pass of the meet was dedicated to the late, legendary motorcycle frame builder, designer, and racer, Bob Bakker.
Pilot Larry Coleman and passenger Mike Taylor took to the track on a sidecar for a beautiful memorial pass, honoring a man whose genius reshaped the world of three-wheeled racing. Across more than 60 years of innovation, Bob was a master of the unique engineering and aerodynamic challenges of asymmetrical racing machines, hand-fabricating iconic, high-tensile steel frames and leading-link suspensions out of Bakker Motorsports in Arizona. His incredible work earned the business of high-profile aficionados like Steve McQueen and Jay Leno, and his historic creations—including a 1964 BSA A-65 and a 175-mph Suzuki Streamliner—are preserved today in institutions like the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum.
Yet, Bob’s most enduring legacy is wrapped up in the deep bond he shared with Larry and Mike. Affectionately known as “The Three Amigos,” this inseparable trio shared a lifetime of wonderful motorcycle adventures that took them from Sturgis and Daytona to Pikes Peak, Baja, Germany, the Netherlands, and far beyond. In the racing world, Bob was the literal backbone of Larry’s LSR career; every single bike Larry ever piloted at the Bonneville Salt Flats was hand-built by Bob. But more than an elite builder, Bob was a mentor, a generous sponsor, and above all, a best friend. From the land-speed records they shattered together—including the 1,300cc Suzuki Hayabusa-powered Shockwave rig that set an AMA National Record of 162+ mph in 2011—to this final, emotional lap on the salt, Bob’s spirit remains woven into the fabric of land speed racing history.
Larry and Mike gave you a great send-off, Bob!! You are profoundly missed,R.I.P.
