Sean Burns: BMX’s Madman Poet and Roof-Dropping Legend

If BMX had a punk poet laureate, it would be Sean Burns. Known for his fearless riding style, eccentric personality, and a flair for the dramatic, Burns carved out a niche in BMX that few dare to follow. His story is one of grit, rebellion, and a relentless pursuit of the absurdly gnarly.

🧨 Origins of a Daredevil

Sean Burns was born in the early 1980s and grew up in the United States, where his BMX journey began in the mid-1990s. Like many riders, he started out skateboarding—but after struggling to land an ollie, he hopped on his brother’s BMX bike and instantly nailed a bunnyhop. That moment sparked a lifelong obsession. Burns was drawn to the raw energy and freedom of BMX, and he quickly immersed himself in the scene.

🚴 Signature Style & Tricks

Burns is best known for his death-defying roof drops, massive gaps, and high-speed lines that often end in brutal slams. His riding is less about technical finesse and more about sheer audacity. He’s the kind of rider who would rather jump off a three-story building than do a barspin on a ledge. His style is fast, aggressive, and unapologetically wild.

Some of his signature moves include:

• Roof-to-flat drops that defy logic and safety

• High-speed wallrides and gap-to-rails

• Creative use of urban architecture, turning rooftops and stairwells into playgrounds

• A unique flair for making simple tricks look dramatic and cinematic

Burns also became known for his use of brakes—something many street riders abandoned. He once said he couldn’t ride brakeless because he’d get hit by too many cars. That’s just classic Sean.

🛠 Sponsors & Gear

Over the years, Sean Burns has been backed by some of the most respected names in BMX:

• Bone Deth – His own brand, known for its punk aesthetic, wild designs, and heavy-duty parts built to survive the kind of abuse Burns dishes out.

• Éclat – A long-time sponsor that supported him with signature parts like the Burns stem and grips.

• Metal Bikes – One of his early sponsors, known for its raw and rugged approach to BMX.

• Kill City Jeans and Dick Maul’s Bike Shop also supported him during different phases of his career.

His bike setup has always reflected his personality—lean, mean, and built for destruction. He’s known to roast his grips over open flames to give them a worn-in feel and has a penchant for flipping his topload stem for extra steeze.

🎬 Video Parts & Legacy

Burns’ video sections are legendary. He’s not just a rider—he’s a performer. His parts are often set to gritty soundtracks and feature jaw-dropping stunts that leave viewers gasping. Some of his most iconic appearances include:

• Props Issue #9 – One of his earliest features

• 1201 – A cult classic

• Bone Deth’s “Rotten” – A full-length video that showcased the madness of the Bone Deth crew

• Éclat edits – Including a standout part filmed over two years, released just before a major injury

He even won “Video Part of the Year” at the NORA Cup, a prestigious BMX award, for one of his unforgettable performances.

🧠 Beyond the Bike

Sean Burns isn’t just a BMX rider—he’s a creative force. He’s dabbled in horror filmmaking, often using old MacBooks to shoot surreal shorts. His influences range from punk rock to underground cinema, and he’s known for his poetic musings and offbeat interviews.

He’s also been open about his struggles, including mental health challenges and a serious spinal injury that left him temporarily unable to walk. But true to form, Burns bounced back with the resilience of someone who’s made a career out of falling hard and getting up harder.

🌒 What’s He Up to Now?

These days, Sean Burns is still deeply involved in BMX, though his focus has shifted. He continues to run Bone Deth, curating parts and videos that reflect his unique vision. He’s also working on horror film projects, hosting screenings, and exploring the creative side of storytelling.

He lives in Boston, where he balances BMX, filmmaking, and the occasional dog walk. He’s stopped drinking, embraced a more introspective lifestyle, and remains a beloved figure in the BMX community—not just for his riding, but for his authenticity.

Sean Burns - Anthem II

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SEAN BURNS - UNCLICKED