Bruce Ogilvie Died 4-13-09

I'm on vacation for a week but just got the news. It's a dark day in the XR650R world. Bruce had been trying to outrun a severe cancer and had many blood transfusions and the like. He'd gone down to half-time at American Honda early last year.

No doubt you can find tributes to Bruce's legendary accomplishments all over the web. Suffice to say here that he pretty much singlehandedly created the BRP. The first model Honda sent as a replacement to the XR600 was rejected outright by Bruce. He stood his ground and insisted Honda Japan build the bike he'd been designing all through the 1990s and hence we got got our beloved BRP!

Bruce did it all. The Earth doesn't get many like him in any generation. He was a great racer too. He one the 1000 overall in four different decades behind handlebars. Though he was likely fast asleep by the time we finished the same race.

He was a Man among men.

Godspeed Bruce.
If you want to send his kids a note here's the addy: American Honda, 1919 Torrance Blvd, Torrance, CA 90501, attention Bruce Ogilvie

Bruce Ogilvie was born on April 4, 1952. He died on April 13, 2009. He is survived by his wife Marcia, his 14-year-old son Nick and nine-year-old daughter Isabella. Bruce's family will have a private service, and because blood transfusions were so important to Bruce’s battle with cancer for the past two years the family has asked for people to donate blood in Bruce’s honor. Cards can be sent to American Honda, 1919 Torrance Blvd, Torrance, CA 90501, attention Bruce Ogilvie.

Yes we all owe Bruce gratitude each time we saddle our BRP's, I heard Honda had pressure to release the 650 cause Yamaha had released their new hi tech four strokes, very thankful too that - Bruce held his ground !

Thank you for the address - Bump.

Yes Godspeed Bruce, your spirit rides with all of us !

RIP Bruce