Larry Lawrence | December 3, 2024
Malcolm Smith, the illustrious figure whose name became synonymous with off-road motorcycling, passed away peacefully at his home in Riverside, California, on Tuesday, November 26. He was 83 years old. The cause of his death was complications from Parkinson’s disease, a battle he fought for over two decades.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce; daughters Louise and Ashley; sons Joel and Alexander; granddaughters Evie, Adeline, Amelie, Miley and Claire; and grandsons Ethan, Malcolm and Conrad. He recently welcomed his newest grandchildren, Malcolm, Conrad and Claire, and was thrilled to watch his granddaughters learn to ride motorcycles.
Malcolm Smith Motorsports said the following in a release:
During his 83 years, Smith did it all: Rider. Racer. ISDT gold medalist. Shop tech. Service manager. Repair shop owner. Aftermarket distributor. Retail store owner. Actor. Sponsor. Philanthropist. Pro-motorcycling advocate. Father. Grandfather. Friend. And much more. But over and above all that, Malcolm Smith was an everyman’s motorcyclist, an enthusiastic, fun-loving, driven and talented example of what motorcycling could do and be for the everyday enthusiast, and how the sport could affect our lives in unimaginable ways.
Funeral and memorial services are pending. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Malcolm’s favorite charity, the Malcolm Smith Motorsports Foundation, which supports the children of Baja. More than a decade ago, Malcolm Smith wrote these words for the final chapter of his acclaimed 2015 autobiography: “It all started for me on March 9, 1941, in a small rural hospital in the village of Ganges, on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, Canada… Where it will end, no one knows. But you can be sure I’m going to enjoy every minute I have left, with a smile on my face, and my family nearby. Can’t ask for more than that.”
You can’t, and he didn’t… and the world’s motorcycling fans are better for it.
Funeral and memorial services are pending. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Malcolm Smith Motorsports Foundation, supporting the children of Baja.
Born on March 9, 1941, on Salt Spring Island in British Columbia, Canada, Malcolm Smith moved to Southern California during his childhood. It was there that he discovered his passion for motorcycles, igniting a career that not only redefined the sport but also inspired generations to embrace adventure on two wheels.
Later in life, Smith (right) still loved riding dirt bikes.
Photography Cycle News Archives & Kinney Jones
Smith’s rise to fame began in the 1960s as a motocross and off-road racing competitor. His skill, versatility and sportsmanship were legendary, earning him eight gold medals in the International Six Days Trial (now the International Six Days Enduro). He also achieved multiple victories in the Baja 1000, including a groundbreaking win in 1967 alongside J.N. Roberts.
The 1971 documentary On Any Sunday, directed by Bruce Brown, further cemented Smith’s status. The film highlighted the camaraderie and joy of motorcycling, featuring Smith alongside notable racers like Mert Lawwill and Steve McQueen, bringing motorcycling into the cultural mainstream.
In 1966, Smith opened Malcolm Smith Motorsports in Riverside, California. The dealership and gear shop became a hub for the off-road community, known for high-quality products and Smith’s personable customer approach. He also designed a line of riding gear, modernizing protective equipment for off-road enthusiasts.
Malcolm Smith absolutely loved competing in the ISDT (ISDE).
Smith was also deeply committed to philanthropy. After witnessing poverty in Baja California, he founded the Malcolm Smith Motorsports Foundation, which supported education and healthcare initiatives in Mexico. His charitable efforts earned him widespread admiration and numerous awards.
Despite his fame, Smith remained a humble ambassador for motorcycling. “If it has two wheels, I’ll ride it,” he often remarked. His love for riding and his adventurous spirit were infectious, inspiring countless riders worldwide.
“Malcolm Smith embodied so much of what’s good about motorcycle enthusiasts and the sport of motorcycling,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “Not only did he excel in riding, racing, and business, but he was also a great example of how to get the most out of motorcycling and give back to the community.”
In June 1996, Smith was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame. At the time he was the only off-road motorcyclist in that Hall of Fame.
As you can tell, Smith indeed took the ISDT seriously. It’s the few times he was on a motorcycle without a smile on his face; he was concentrating too hard to smile.
Smith’s journey in motorcycling began humbly with a 1953 Lambretta at age 13. His riding skills quickly developed, leading to a storied career racing bikes such as Matchless, BSA and Greeves before finding success with Husqvarna motorcycles. He won the Baja 1000 six times, the Baja 500 four times, and the Mint 400 twice.
We asked a few of Smith’s friends and fellow racers what this legend meant to them, which will most likely be similar to so many others who knew or knew of Malcolm Smith.
Scot Harden — Off-Road Racing Legend
I was blessed to know the man for nearly 50 years, working, racing, traveling and spending time with him on the trail. Like most stories about Malcolm, mine begins with On Any Sunday.
As a 15-year-old boy growing up on the outskirts of Las Vegas, I had no idea where my life would lead. Fortunately, in the summer of 1971, I found my inspiration and direction, my blueprint for life, sitting in a movie theater watching On Any Sunday. Malcolm’s pure joy of riding a motorcycle, convinced me that it was the only way forward in life. Like countless others similarly affected by my generation, I wanted to be Malcolm with every fiber of my being. Thanks, Bruce Brown!
Malcolm and one of his sons, Alexander. Can you tell the two apart?
As my racing career progressed, I ultimately met Malcolm, and unlike meetings with most celluloid heroes, I was not disappointed. He was even larger, more authentic, genuine and every bit as much a hero in real life. Eventually, I was signed by Team Husqvarna and Malcolm Smith Racing Products to compete in Baja and the other big desert races. I won my first Baja 1000 in 1977 wearing MSR gear and proudly wore the brand for years. Malcolm Smith Racing Products warehouse was in some orange groves on Marlborough Ave in Riverside. To this day, whenever I smell orange blossoms I think about that place. Spending time with Malcolm alone in his office, admiring his trophies and photos, hearing his stories, and getting advice on racing and life was priceless. “Sometimes you have to slow down to go faster,” “Take care of your sponsors,” “Don’t get a big head,” and “Think about your future after racing.” Priceless advice. It saved me a ton of pain and suffering and greatly impacted my life.
In the early ’80s, my relationship with Malcolm evolved when I became a District Sales Manager for Husqvarna Motorcycles and later as VP for KTM North America. Malcolm Smith Motorsports was a very important dealer for both brands. There, I got to see how Malcolm approached business. I witnessed his simple, straightforward approach to dealing with the public, his business morals and ethics, decision-making and values, and most importantly, how he treated people, especially his employees, some of whom worked for him for over 40 years. No gimmicks or hucksterism, no trading simply off the name, but instead working hard, being fair and honest, and remaining humble no matter how much success he enjoyed. He treated everyone who walked through his front door like an old friend. You always knew where you stood with Malcolm—he made you feel good to be around.
Smith with fellow off-road racer Scot Harden.
When my African rally racing career started in the late ’80s, Malcolm joined me, Danny LaPorte and Dan Smith in his Class 1 Baja race buggy as part of Team Foltene at the Rally de Atlas in Morocco. Although I was stoked to win several stages in the motorcycle division, the best part was seeing Malcolm take the overall car victory in his first rally effort. Much to the dismay of the top European drivers and press, I might add. The promoters and sponsors brought him over to be beaten by Europe’s best. As an American off-road hero, getting shellacked by the Europeans would prove their dominance in the desert. In the end, it backfired—something only Malcolm could do. One year later, when he was well into his 40s, we competed against each other at the Incas Rallye in Peru, finishing third and fourth overall. I rode my ass off; Malcolm was mainly there on vacation. He was an amazing motorcycle rider. In 1998, Microsoft invited Malcolm, Lyle Lovett and me to ride to the end of the Pan American Highway in Chile on dual sport bikes for a National Geographic documentary. It was one of the best trips of my life. Being around Malcolm and Lyle was humbling—two very similar souls, two men who had accomplished so much in life but not an ounce of ego between them. Malcolm was an adventure junkie. He lived to explore new places, ride over terrain he had never seen, and experience new cultures and people in their backyards. Truly a citizen of the planet at large. I’m so glad I got to share just a small part of this side of him.
Malcolm Smith had many sides, but it was his role as a family man I admired most. Maybe because his father was 80 years old when he was born, or maybe because he had learned some tough life lessons about relationships, his marriage to Joyce was a defining moment. Together, they challenged each other and built a life centered around family. My wife and I were fortunate to spend some time with them and their kids when they were early in their marriage at their home in Colorado. Ashley was a small child, and Alexander was just learning to walk. You could see their love for each other and the importance of this new chapter of their life together. Forty years later, the Smith family includes his wife, Joyce; daughters Louise and Ashley; sons Joel and Alexander; sons/daughters-in-law; and eight grandchildren, including his latest grandson, Malcolm Alexander Smith. So glad you two met!
Malcolm and one of his sons, Alexander. Can you tell the two apart?
Malcolm Smith’s impact on motorcycling is immeasurable. As a racer, he set new standards for excellence and toughness. As an entrepreneur, he revolutionized the aftermarket industry and built one of the finest dealerships in America. As a cultural icon, he introduced the world to the thrill and pure fun of motorcycling. As an advocate, he fought to preserve the sport for future riders. As a human being, there will simply never be another like him.
R.I.P. my friend. I will sorely miss your smile. See you down the trail!
Roger DeCoster — 5-time FIM World Motocross World Champion
I had heard of Malcolm in the late ’60s but had little knowledge of how good a rider he was. Later in the ’70s, Malcolm and I rode a day together in Baja. I was on my RN [Suzuki] Trans-AMA practice bike while Malcolm naturally was on his Husky. I can say that by the end of the day, my level of respect for Malcolm’s riding ability had grown considerably.
Throughout the years we would, by chance, meet up again at various motorcycle events and functions. I really didn’t know the real Malcolm until Don Mackey, a very close friend of ours, started telling me about the other side of Malcolm, the side few people knew about. That side was his commitment and generosity in helping the Children of El Oasis Orphanage in Valle de Trinidad, Baja California. Not only with daily material needs, but in later years providing higher education for the children who aged out of the orphanage. There are many success stories there.
In his later days, Smith enjoyed visiting salvage yards and looking for old motorcycle parts, like this old over-size Husqvarna gas tank. Who knows, it might have been his at one time.
Thirty-one years ago, Malcolm decided to give something back to Baja that had given so much to him. And he did! Malcolm Smith Adventures was created and has sponsored an eight-day Peninsula long ride down Baja every year since 1996. A total of 1200 riders can claim to have taken part in the annual affair. Some as many as 30 times. All proceeds and donations provide help for the Children of El Oasis. Malcolm Smith Adventures has no paid employees. Those expenses were absorbed by Malcolm’s Motorcycle Dealership. Over the past 30 years, Malcolm Smith Adventures has raised a bit south of $2,000,000 to help the Children of El Oasis.
Many in our industry knew Malcolm as frugal, and, of course, “stingy” and loved teasing him about it. Malcolm was happy to play that character, even adding to it when the occasion arose. However, it should be known that was not the real Malcolm! The real Malcolm was giving and supportive to whoever needed help. His generosity often got in the way of the “frugal character” he loved to portray. Malcolm made a huge difference in the lives of the children, while naturally doing what he loved, throwing his leg over a motorcycle. The unofficial slogan I’ve heard goes something like this: We’re changing lives here. And Malcom did.
Not only did Malcolm change the lives of the children in the orphanage who might never have had a chance in life, Malcolm changed the lives of the youngsters on motorcycles and many grown men who held that “hero worship” but never got the opportunity to meet him. Malcolm will be missed greatly by some, and he was loved by many.
Paul Krause – Desert Racing Legend / 11-Time ISDE Member
Malcolm was one of the few guys in the industry that whenever he spoke, everybody listened. And it didn’t matter who it was, from the guy just play riding in the desert, or some multi-time world champion. Malcolm just garnered that kind of respect. In his shop, we would be talking and something would catch his eye, and it didn’t matter if it was on a scooter or a touring bike on a crotch rocket or an off-road bike, and it could be the way the footpeg was mounted, or the way a shock was mounted, whatever, it was either: That’s really a cool idea, or we should do this and change this and make it better. He was always looking for ways to improve things.
Smith and his wife, Joyce.
When I was in college, I was talking with him in his shop one day and he asked me what I was doing in my free time. I mentioned I was playing golf. He told me he would take up golf the day he couldn’t ride anymore. In recent years I’d always joke with him and ask, “Malcolm, have you taken up golf yet?” and he’d always laugh and tell me no, and that he was still riding. He had such huge knowledge and passion for the sport. And if I won a noteworthy race, I might expect he would have heard about that, but sometimes I’d call him, and he’d congratulate me for winning some local district race, and he’d ask me how the trails were doing in that part of the desert. He just always stayed super connected with what was going on.
Once we were up in Utah by Moab for this off-road ride for top MSR dealers. And we’re in this hotel and the guy who worked for MSR that was putting on the ride came up with this crazy idea. He asked if I thought watching On Any Sunday with Malcolm would be cool. I thought it was an awesome idea; I was stoked. So, we watched the movie, and Malcolm narrated it, and he would stop it and talk about what was happening. I’ll bet you it took us four hours to get through it. I don’t even know if we ever did. It was so cool.
Malcolm Smith was all smiles whenever he was around motorcycles, even when pouring his own gas while at the Mauna Kea 200 Enduro in 1986. Photo: Kit Palmer.
Terry Cunningham – Multi-time AMA National Enduro Champion / ISDE Member / 1984 AMA Athlete of the Year
What Malcolm Smith did for motorcycle enthusiasts and the motorcycle industry will never be surpassed by anyone. Ever!
Jeff Fredette – Multi-time International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) medalist / AMA GNCC, hare scrambles and enduro race winner
The first time I watched On Any Sunday, it was with my family in a Volkswagen Bug at a drive-in theater, and that was a huge inspiration for me. I talked to Malcolm over the years at Hall of Fame banquets and at various other events over the years. And it was great sharing stories back and forth about our experiences at the ISDE. I really respect what he did over the years on motorcycles that really weren’t that great. He was a guy who was great at all the mechanical aspects of a motorcycle, as well as being a great rider. He has a major legacy, not just in the world of off-road motorcycles, but for the entire sport in general. He helped inspire an entire generation of riders, including me.
Remember when Smith was willing to go to jail just to keep selling motorcycles to kids? He was that kind of person.
Farewell, Malcolm
Smith’s legacy will continue through his family—his wife, Joyce, and their four children—who share his passion for adventure. Funeral and memorial services are pending. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Malcolm Smith Motorsports Foundation, supporting the children of Baja.
Malcolm Smith’s influence on motorcycling will forever be remembered. His passion, dedication, and love for the sport have left an indelible mark on the world.CN
