In less than a week, we have lost two greats one a speed demon and the other a wheel maker. On September 30th, 2020 Italian wheelmaker Roberto Marchesini died on September 30, 2020, after a long illness, and then yesterday well-known, multiple speed record holder, and speed demon Zef Eisenberg died during yet another speed record attempt. AMERiders explains the somber stories.
Itialian Wheelmaker Roberto Marchesini died on September 30, 2020
He leaves behind family, friends, and an incomparable forged magnesium legacy.
Motorcycle wheels need to be two things for maximum performance—strong and lightweight. Italian wheelmaker Marchesini has long had a reputation for making some amazing—and beautiful—wheels. Sadly, the company founder and renowned magnesium master Roberto Marchesini died on September 30, 2020, after a long illness.
A lifelong Bolognese craftsman, Marchesini truly loved what he did, and his enthusiasm and desire to share his knowledge and skills with the world was second to none. He was even active and happy to engage with motorcyclists on Facebook, doling out answers and expert advice as needed. Not everyone has the time, especially at his level—but he’s the kind of guy who made the time.
Marchesini started as a designer of Campagnolo wheels before founding his own company as a magnesium and aluminum foundry. Soon, he was putting those skills he’d built at Campagnolo to good use, and began designing and advancing high-performance motorcycle wheels at the company that still bears his name to this day.
Our colleagues over at GPOne shared a rather touching story about the man that illustrates what kind of a person he was. It involves Marchesini personally driving all night to get a set of his wheels to Max Biaggi for a race in time. The whole story is worth a read, and you can do so here.
High-end wheel manufacturer Marchesini has been owned by Brembo since the year 2000. As for the founder himself, Roberto Marchesini is survived by a wife and daughters. Tributes continue pouring in on social media from all manner of motorcyclists whose lives have been touched by his dedication to his work. We at RideApart extend our condolences to all his family and friends, and join the greater motorcycle community in celebrating his life, passion, and talent that he so graciously shared with all of us.
His final speed record attempt claims Speed Demon Zef Eisenberg Dead At 47
His final speed record attempt.
Reports surfaced on early October 2, 2020, that well-known, multiple speed record holder, and speed demon Zef Eisenberg died during yet another speed record attempt. The BBC later wrote that Eisenberg’s family confirmed the news.
Whether in the saddle of his Hayabusa “Green Meanie”, an electric motorcycle or his bonkers MADMAX C20B turbine bike, and whether on tarmac, sand, or ice—Eisenberg was not one to shy away from a challenge. He and his Madmax Race Team were regularly involved in high-octane events, from stunt demonstrations to FIM-regulated land speed record attempts.
He set several FIM and Guinness World land speed records, including the Fastest sand speed record ever achieved by a wheel-powered vehicle, a Fastest flying quarter (one way) wheel powered record, Fastest Standing Quarter on his electric bike, and many more. He held 50 British and world record titles.
Last year, he made the jump to bike making and made a limited number of his Hayabusa-on-Hayabusa Eisenberg V8 motorcycle available to the public. Yes, it’s road legal and very expensive. According to the company, the 3,000cc beast was expected to produce 420 horsepower—500 if you use race fuel—and pricing should have hovered around the $130,000 mark.
In addition to running the racing team, Eisenberg was also the founder of fitness supplements company Maximuscle, created in 1995, and a notable TV host, including on The Bike Show and Speed Freaks.
The daredevil was attempting to break yet another speed record, this time at the wheel of his 1,200-hp Porsche 911 Turbo S at the Elvington Airfield—the same track he suffered a life-altering crash on back in 2016. According to several sources, emergency services were dispatched to the airfield on October 1 at around 4:30 pm local time following reports of a “serious collision”.
According to the Daily Mail, it seems like Eisenberg lost control of his Porsche and that the car “veered off the runway and flipped” according to a witness.
While the RideApart team never had the chance to get to know him personally, losing a member of the riding family is always a punch in the gut. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends. God speed, Zef.
Here is a statement from Motorsport UK
~And as always…
~Live Free Ride Hard~
~AMERiders
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