Motorcycle Legends: 4 Famous Motorcyclists

Their stories are inspiring. Their records are astonishing. They have been inducted into the American Motorcyclist Association’s Hall of Fame. They are the true motorcycle legends of the world. From Giacomo Agostini’s record 122 Grand Prix wins to "The First Lady of Motorcycling," Dorothy Robinson, who paved the way for women motorcyclists worldwide, these are the accomplishments of just a few of the great motorcycle heroes who have helped shape and define the popular sport and pastime of motorcycling.

The Motorcycle Legends

Giacomo Agostini

With a career beginning in 1963, Giacomo "Ago" Agostini is considered one of the greatest Grand Prix motorcycle legends of all time. Agostini’s impressive record includes 12 Isle of Man TT crowns, 122 Grand Prix wins and 15 World Championship titles. Riding for MV Agusta for most of his career, Agostini sent shockwaves through the racing world when he announced in 1974 that he would begin riding for Yamaha. This famous motorcyclist retired from racing in 1977.

Freddie Spencer

When talking about true motorcycle legends, Freddie Spencer certainly has earned his place on the list. Not only did he win three World Championships, but also he was the first person to win the 250cc and 500cc Grand Prix World Championship titles in the same season. "Fast Freddie" didn’t stop there. He also was the youngest rider to win the 500cc Grand Prix (age 21) and the AMA Superbike race (age 18). Spencer was also the only motorcyclist to win three of the big races at Daytona International Speedway’s Bike Week. Riding for Honda during the majority of his career, this motorcycle hero officially retired from racing in 1996.

Mike Hailwood

Known as "Mike the Bike" to his many fans, Mike Hailwood’s astonishing racing background also earns him the title of motorcycle legend. Considered to be one of the greatest motorcycle racers of all time, Hailwood has nine World Championship titles, 76 Grand Prix wins and an impressive 14 wins at the Isle of Man TT. After riding for MV Agusta and Honda, Hailwood took an 11-year retirement from full-time motorcycle racing to pursue a career in auto racing. In 1978, this motorcycle hero exploded back onto the bike racing scene to win the F1 Category in the Isle of Man TT race. He returned to the race again the following year, then officially retired.

Dorothy "Dot" Robinson

Dorothy Robinson was one of the first women to break down gender barriers and pave the way for female motorcyclists. Prestigiously known as the "First Lady of Motorcycling," Robinson competed in a number of endurance runs and races, bringing home her first victory in 1930 at the Flint 100 race. This iconic motorcycle legend also became the first woman to win an AMA national race by taking a victory at the Jack Pine National Endurance Championship in 1940 – a competition she won once again in 1946. Robinson was also a co-founder of Motor Maids, the first official U.S. motorcycle organization for women. The club encouraged many women to give motorcycling a try.

Bessie Stringfield

Like Dot Robinson, Bessie Stringfield was also instrumental in breaking down the gender barriers, as well as racial stereotypes, of society. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, this female, African-American motorcycle legend took eight different solo rides across the United States, including Southern states. The trips were not always easy due to the racial prejudice sometimes prevalent during those times. However, rather than quitting, this motorcycle hero kept her determination and persevered, eventually becoming one of the most famous female motorcyclists in the U.S.

Stringfield also worked as a civilian motorcycle dispatch rider for the U.S. Army during World War II. After serving in the Army, she moved to Miami and founded the Iron Horse Motorcycle Club. She also was known for her antics, which earned her the nickname "Motorcycle Queen of Miami," such as winning a bike race disguised as a man and standing in the saddle of her bike while riding through Miami. This famous motorcyclist owned 27 Harley-Davidson motorcycles throughout her lifetime.

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