The Untold Story of Bob Kohl: BMX’s Quiet Pioneer

In the world of BMX, where flair and fearlessness collide, few riders have etched their legacy as uniquely as Bob Kohl. Though not always a household name, Kohl’s contributions to freestyle BMX and motocross trick history are nothing short of legendary.

🛹 Origins of a Freestyle Maverick

Bob Kohl was born in the United States, though exact details of his birthplace and birthdate remain elusive—fitting for someone who let his riding speak louder than any biography. He emerged during the golden era of BMX freestyle in the 1980s, a time when riders were inventing tricks as fast as they were breaking bones. Kohl was drawn to BMX not for fame, but for the sheer thrill of pushing boundaries. His early involvement in the American Freestyle Association (AFA) competitions helped him gain recognition among peers and fans alike.

🔄 The Trick That Changed Everything

Bob Kohl is best known for one jaw-dropping feat: performing the first-ever backflip on a motocross bike in 1993. Before that, he had already made waves in the BMX world by regularly executing backflips on a bicycle—an audacious move at the time. His transition from BMX to motocross was seamless, driven by a desire to scale up the spectacle. The bike he used for that historic flip was a 1993 Honda CR80, and the stunt instantly cemented his place in extreme sports history.

Unfortunately, Kohl’s motocross career was cut short in 1995 due to a serious crash while performing the very trick that made him famous. But even that couldn’t erase the impact he had already made.

🎥 Video Sections & Style

Kohl’s riding style was raw, aggressive, and deeply technical. He appeared in several BMX video sections, most notably in Ride Like A Man (1990), a cult classic among freestyle enthusiasts. His runs in AFA Masters competitions, especially the 1987 finals in Carson, California, showcased his ability to blend power with precision. Watching Kohl ride was like witnessing controlled chaos—every trick teetered on the edge of disaster, yet he always pulled through.

🧢 Sponsors & Support

While Kohl wasn’t as heavily marketed as some of his contemporaries, he did receive support from BMX and motocross brands that recognized his pioneering spirit. His sponsorships were often low-key, reflecting his preference for riding over self-promotion. He was more interested in innovating than endorsing, which only added to his underground appeal.

🧠 What People Might Not Know

• Kohl was a mentor to younger riders, often sharing insights and encouragement behind the scenes.

• He had a philosophical approach to failure, once saying that happiness in failure leads to success—a mindset that helped him recover from setbacks.

• Despite his injuries, Kohl remained active in the BMX community, attending events and supporting the sport’s growth.

🌅 Where Is He Now?

After his crash in 1995, Bob Kohl stepped away from the spotlight but never truly left the sport. He’s believed to be living a quieter life, possibly still involved in BMX or motocross in a mentoring or advisory role. His legacy lives on in every rider who dares to flip, spin, or fly higher than the last.

Bob Kohl // Ride Like A Man // 1990

Bob Kohl // Run #1 // AFA Masters // Finals // Carson Ca. // 1987

Bob Kohl // AFA Masters // Austin Texas // 1988