The American Motorcyclist Association Motorcycle Hall of Fame recently announced the first member of the induction class of 2012. The late Rod Bush, who helped establish and grow KTM North America and served as company president from 1987 until his death in 2005, will be inducted into the Hall of Fame as part of the 2012 AMA Legends Weekend at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas, Nev., Nov. 16-17.
“Rod Bush led KTM North America during its formative years in the United States, and under his leadership, the Austrian company grew from a small European alternative to the Japanese brands into an off-road racing powerhouse,” said Jeff Heininger, chairman of the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation. “His contributions to motorcycling are significant and lasting, and have helped shaped the off-road racing and riding environments in America for a generation.”
While leading KTM, Bush also made numerous contributions to U.S. teams in national and international competition, helping advance American off-road racing in general. A major influence in developing both rules packages and minicycle technology, Bush’s efforts helped revolutionize youth competition in America in the 1990s – a development that has continued to fuel the steady advancement of American motocross and off-road racers.
Bush, who passed away on Sept. 12, 2005, is survived by wife Cheri Bush, who said his influence went beyond tangible milestones and infused both his employees and peers with confidence and enthusiasm.
“Rod had a tremendous amount of integrity, honesty and fairness,” she said. “He lived every day to the fullest, and everything he did involved motorcycles and KTM. KTM and the people who worked for him truly were a part of his family.”
For more information about the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, visit www.motorcyclemuseum.org.
