2000 500cc World Champion Kenny Roberts Jr. was raised as a dirt tracker and competed in US and Spanish National Championships before debuting in the 250cc World Championship at Laguna Seca in 1993, where he took an impressive top ten. Four races in the 250s the following year prefaced full time participation in 1995, before the American moved up to the premier class in 1996. He stepped up to 500cc with Yamaha, following that up with a stint in his father's Modenas team before joining Suzuki in 1999. By end of the second season of the partnership, the Japanese factory were celebrating their first title since Kevin Schwantz in 1993. Roberts then joined his father's Honda backed outfit in 2006, claiming two more podiums and many top six finishes before his retirement in 2007 after eight GP wins and 184 World Championship starts. Roberts Jr.’s premier class title in 2000 made motorcycling history as he became half of the only father and son duo to have taken 500cc World Championship titles. He stepped up to 500cc with Yamaha, following that up with a stint in his father's Modenas team before joining Suzuki in 1999. By end of the second season of the partnership, the Japanese factory were celebrating their first title since Kevin Schwantz in 1993. Roberts then joined his father's Honda backed outfit in 2006, claiming two more podiums and many top six finishes before his retirement in 2007 after eight GP wins and 184 World Championship starts. Roberts Jr.’s premier class title in 2000 made motorcycling history as he became half of the only father and son duo to have taken 500cc World Championship titles, and he was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the Circuit of the Americas in 2017.
Legend Stats
Videos
-
What are the secrets to winning the World Championship?
Six Legends, 27 titles and a wealth of experience detail just what it takes to reign supreme when battling for title immortality
-
MotoGP™ VIDEOPASS
Kenny Roberts Jr: "When you win, it'll be easy"
20 years ago, at the 1999 Malaysian GP, the American rider, aboard a Suzuki, beat Mick Doohan to take his first ever premier class victory
-
MotoGP™ VIDEOPASS
2000 Pacific GP Roberts Jr interview after the race
-
MotoGP™ VIDEOPASS
2000 Rio GP Roberts Jr interview after the race
-
MotoGP™ VIDEOPASS
2000 Catalunya GP Roberts Jr interview after the race
-
MotoGP™ VIDEOPASS
2000 Spanish GP Roberts Jr interview after the race
-
MotoGP™ VIDEOPASS
2000 Malaysian GP Roberts Jr interview after the race
-
MotoGP™ VIDEOPASS
1999 Argentinian GP Roberts Jr interview after the race
Legend Bio
All categories
MotoGP, 500cc, 250cc
Date of birth
25/07/1973
Place of birth
Mountain View
Legend Story
News
-
Kenny Roberts Jr. becomes a MotoGP™ Legend
2000 World Champion inducted into the MotoGP™ World Championship Hall of Fame at COTA
By motogp.com -
Roberts Jr and Lucchinelli to become MotoGP™ Legends
2000 and 1981 World Champions to be inducted into the Hall of Fame – at the Circuit of the Americas and Mugello
By motogp.com -
Legendary Bikes: Suzuki RGV500 Gamma (1988 - 2001)
The Suzuki RGV500 Gamma formed the third pillar of the Japanese factories during the 1990s in the 500cc class.
By motogp.com
Videos
-
What are the secrets to winning the World Championship?
Six Legends, 27 titles and a wealth of experience detail just what it takes to reign supreme when battling for title immortality
-
MotoGP™ VIDEOPASS
Kenny Roberts Jr: "When you win, it'll be easy"
20 years ago, at the 1999 Malaysian GP, the American rider, aboard a Suzuki, beat Mick Doohan to take his first ever premier class victory
-
MotoGP™ VIDEOPASS
2000 Pacific GP Roberts Jr interview after the race
-
MotoGP™ VIDEOPASS
2000 Rio GP Roberts Jr interview after the race
-
MotoGP™ VIDEOPASS
2000 Catalunya GP Roberts Jr interview after the race
-
MotoGP™ VIDEOPASS
2000 Spanish GP Roberts Jr interview after the race
-
MotoGP™ VIDEOPASS
2000 Malaysian GP Roberts Jr interview after the race
-
MotoGP™ VIDEOPASS
1999 Argentinian GP Roberts Jr interview after the race