The Original Dirt Bike Influencer : RICK "SUPER HUNKY" SIEMAN (1940-2023) : By Davey Coombs, RacerX

Now traveling the clouds in the G.Y.D.B.T. with a Maico in the back. Rest easy, Rick.

Wasn't it Sieman?

I used to read "From the saddle" back when I was a teen (and often in class, dare I say), always had a good time and learned litterally TONS of useful things...

Peace to you, man.

Yes...  RacerX got the spelling wrong.

Bump

Shame on them.

RIP Super Hunky...

I had the great fortune to meet Rick for the first time only a couple years back. I actually told him that he basically taught me to read- which is quite true.

My Dad was a DIRT BIKE subscriber from the very beginning and growing up, we'd have stacks of magazines hanging around the house and workshop. As a very young child, I loved looking at the pictures of motorcycles, racing, etc in DIRT BIKE and trying to read the captions beneath the pictures to know what was being said interested me enough to learn the words.

Rick got a chuckle out of this when I told him and thanked him. To make it all the more memorable, Rick - with his uniquely sharp and playful humor that I had come to appreciate for so many years basically shot back with a "well-- don't hold me responsible!". We both got a good laugh and I can say this with absolute honesty- it was one of those extremely rare instances where meeting a childhood hero far surpassed what you had ever expected it would be.

If you read Rick's book "Monkey Butt" (which I highly recommend as required reading for the history and foundation of the off-road motorcycling industry in the USA) you will read how Rick wanted the magazine to emulate "friends talking to friends" about a common love of motorcycles and especially - of dirt bikes.

That's exactly how Rick treated me for that brief encounter and he was really always just one of us. I'm thankful I got to tell him what he meant to me.

My prayers go out to Rick's family and his innumerable friends. We certainly lost a good riding buddy that many of us have had for decades.

Mathes posted his interview with Rick from 08, I believe. Just finished listening, great storytelling. 
RIP

R.I.P. Rick, thank you so much for all of the wonderful stories about dirt bikes and in a broader sense life.  The world has been a better place having you in it.

My favorite "From the Saddle" was "The General". I will see if I can find a copy of it to post. I had an email interaction with Rick a few years ago and was able to let him know how much of an influence his wit and story telling had on me.

I didn't have a subscription, but every month I would be at the magazine rack waiting for the new issue of Dirt Bike to show up so I could spend some of my lawn mowing money on it.

(edit, be careful with your search results from typing in Super Hunky...HOLY SHIT!)

Joe is core. Everyone should check out the artistry he performs on vintage parts. His aluminum Elsinore tanks are incredible.

I came back to post it... Saw your comment and I'll throw a link in for the assist.

This is a great pod... The story about the WITD machine is just all time!  

https://pulpmx.com/podcast/guest-rick-super-hunky-sieman-2

Not the best way to start a tribute, for sure.

Davey who? 

Is he a member?