Evel Knievel made his name straddled across another American icon — a Harley-Davidson. Robbie, however, opted for something lighter, more agile, and Japanese. While it doesn’t quite have the same symbolism, the Honda CR500 is far better suited to the kind of stunts the Knievel dynasty was known for.
Its lighter weight meant faster acceleration, meaning the stuntman could hit the ramp at a greater speed with a shorter runup. The lighter weight and dirt bike suspension would have also made landings easier, which are arguably the most difficult part of a jump. The bike was originally designed for motocross racing, so it had the added benefit of better performance in rough terrain. His father’s Harley had a bigger engine, and it was also designed to race on a flat track, but its added weight was definitely a hindrance to anyone trying to vault over 40 school buses.
In November 2007, the senior Knievel died at the age of 69. The same year, Robbie was inducted into the motorcycle hall of fame. The younger Knievel continued performing stunts well into his 40s, but as with many people in his profession, injuries eventually took their toll. The number of performances he could complete annually declined drastically as time went on.
Despite Robbie’s passing, the Knievel legacy lives on. He is survived by two daughters, Krysten and Karmen, his brother Kelly, and his two sisters Alicia and Tracey.
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