Heroes

The motorcycle has long stood for speed and modernity, and from its earliest days its riders—figures like Lionel Van Praag—have personified a pioneering spirit, quickly becoming heroes to the sport’s first fans.

World War I and World II muted the roar of the engines, but once the conflicts ended the industry seized the opportunity to revive motorcycle racing. Riders’ popularity proved a powerful catalyst, and one name rose above the rest: Leslie Graham, the inaugural FIM Grand Prix champion.

By the 1960s the public’s fascination had grown into outright adulation. Motocross legends such as Hallmann and De Coster were treated like global celebrities, and some riders—most notably Giacomo Agostini—leveraged their charisma to become the sport’s first true brand ambassadors.

The 1980s brought television coverage, giving each star’s distinctive style unprecedented exposure. Racers transformed into icons of their disciplines: the daring endurance of Dakar competitors, the strategic finesse of road‑racing specialists, and the larger‑than‑life personas that birthed modern legends—among them the iconic Valentino Rossi.