RIP Tony Kirby

One-time editor of Australasian Dirt Bike and the founder of SideTrack Magazine, Tony Kirby, passed away on December 17 after a tough battle with motor neuron disease.

‘TK’, as he was affectionately known, had a great following within all spheres of the motorcycle industry, and his knowledge of the Australian bush was just about unparalleled – despite being a New Zealander...

TK wasn’t one to skirt around the edges when it came to critiquing motorcycles: there was no grandstanding allowed. Just as he savaged some bikes with a pure, but brutal honesty, he threw bouquets at others with the same level of integrity and candour.

The internet is already awash with tributes for TK, but the one constant has been his wanderlust: there’s not a fire trail, back road or track in Australia that he hasn’t traversed, which is why SideTrack became such a popular publication from the moment it was launched in 1995. It could also be argued with some conviction that he pulled adventure riding out of the small time and into a thriving sport that it is today.

TK was instrumental in the formation of the Dual Sport Motorcycle Riding Association (DSMRA), which aims are to keep riding areas open and to bring like-minded riders together.

TK passed away in Newstead, near Castlemaine in country Victoria. His funeral will be held on Wednesday, December 22. For details contact Mount Alexander Funerals, tel (03) 5470 5951.

Pic: Australian enduro legend Geoff Ballard (left) and TK.