Robbie Knievel Net Worth

Robbie Knievel: The Daredevil Son of a Legend

Introduction: A Legacy of Jumps

Robbie Knievel, a name synonymous with daring motorcycle stunts, captivated audiences worldwide with his death-defying jumps. Following in the footsteps of his legendary father, Evel Knievel, Robbie carved his own path in the world of daredevil stunts, becoming a celebrated figure in his own right. This article delves into the life, career, and enduring legacy of Robbie Knievel, exploring his net worth, early life, career highlights, and the impact he made on the world of motorsports and popular culture.

Early Life and Family: The Making of a Daredevil

Robbie Knievel’s life began on May 7, 1962, in Butte, Montana. He was born into a family already steeped in the world of motorcycle stunts. His father was the iconic Evel Knievel, a name synonymous with daring feats and spectacular crashes. Robbie was the second of four children born to Evel and his first wife, Linda Bork. Growing up with such a father, it was almost predestined that Robbie would follow a similar path. He had a brother named Kelly and two sisters, Tracey and Alicia. From a young age, Robbie was immersed in the world of motorcycles and daredevil stunts. At the tender age of four, he was already jumping his bicycle, a clear sign of his innate talent and inclination towards risk-taking. By the age of seven, Robbie was riding motorcycles, further honing his skills and preparing himself for his future career. At just eight years old, Robbie performed his first show alongside his father at the prestigious Madison Square Garden, marking the beginning of his public career as a daredevil. Robbie also toured with his father, performing pre-jump shows, gaining invaluable experience and exposure. Despite his early success in the world of stunts, Robbie’s formal education was not a priority. He attended Central Catholic High School as a teenager, but he never graduated.

Motorcycle Jumping Career: Soaring Through the Air

Robbie Knievel’s professional motorcycle jumping career was marked by both similarities and differences compared to his father’s. While Evel Knievel famously used a flat-track Harley-Davidson XR-750 racing motorcycle, Robbie opted for Honda CR500 motocross bikes. These bikes were significantly lighter, weighing about 90 pounds less than his father’s preferred model, allowing for greater agility and control during his jumps. However, in many other aspects, Robbie honored his father’s legacy, including his attire. He adopted the red, white, and blue V-shaped jumpsuits, a signature look that mirrored his father’s iconic white leather jumpsuit, instantly recognizable by fans. He also chose to replicate several of his father’s jumps, often with the goal of surpassing Evel’s achievements and solidifying his own place in history.

Iconic Jumps and Career Highlights

Robbie Knievel’s career was punctuated by a series of spectacular jumps that captivated audiences worldwide. Here are some of the most notable:

• Caesars Palace Jump (1989): This jump held special significance because his father had famously failed to land it safely in 1967. Robbie successfully completed the jump, solidifying his skill and bravery. It was also his first televised jump.
• Jump-Off Contest (1993): Robbie Knievel challenged British motorcycle stuntman Eddie Kidd to a jump-off contest in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Although Kidd won, Knievel set an American Motorcycle Association record with a single jump of 223 feet.
• Las Vegas Strip Jump (1996): Knievel jumped over ten limousines on the Las Vegas Strip, achieving a distance of 230 feet.
• Grand Canyon Jump (1999): This was one of Knievel’s most ambitious jumps. He crashed, breaking his leg, but the attempted jump showcased his daring spirit.
• Locomotive Jump (2000): Knievel jumped over a moving locomotive at the Palestine Park Depot in Texas, showcasing his ability to adapt to different obstacles.
• Chinook Winds Casino Jump (2003): He successfully jumped over 15 trucks at the Chinook Winds Casino in Lincoln City, Oregon.
• USS Intrepid Jump (2004): Knievel jumped over five military airplanes on the deck of the USS Intrepid in New York City.
• Military Vehicles Jump (2007): He jumped over an array of military vehicles at the North Carolina Auto Expo in Raleigh.
• Kings Island Amusement Park Jump (2008): Robbie jumped 24 truck cabs.
• Texas Motor Speedway Jump (2008): He cleared 21 Hummers.
• Mirage Hotel Jump (2008): His final televised jump.
• Spotlight 29 Casino Jump (2011): The final jump of his career.

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Other Appearances and Ventures

Beyond his motorcycle jumping career, Robbie Knievel made guest appearances on the television series “CHiPs” and “Hawaii Five-O.” In 2005, he starred in his own A&E series, “Knievel’s Wild Ride,” which gave viewers a glimpse into his personal life and the preparation that went into his stunts. In 2017, the documentary “Chasing Evel: The Robbie Knievel Story” was released, further exploring his life and career. In 2006, Knievel launched a custom cycles business in Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey. This venture allowed him to use his expertise and passion for motorcycles to create unique and customized bikes for his customers.

Business Ventures: Beyond the Motorcycle

Knievel also explored business ventures beyond his daredevil career. In 2006, he started a custom cycles business in Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey. This business allowed him to combine his love for motorcycles with his entrepreneurial spirit, creating customized bikes for enthusiasts. This venture showed his versatility and desire to expand his brand beyond stunts.

Personal Life and Death: Remembering Robbie Knievel

Robbie Knievel was a family man. He had three daughters named Krysten, Karmen, and Maria, and two grandchildren, Analise and Kane. His personal life was marked by the close-knit relationship he maintained with his family, despite the dangerous nature of his profession. Tragically, on January 13, 2023, Robbie Knievel passed away from pancreatic cancer at a hospice in Reno, Nevada. His death marked the end of an era for motorcycle stunts, leaving a void in the hearts of his fans.

The Legacy of Robbie Knievel

Robbie Knievel’s net worth at the time of his death was estimated to be $2 million, a testament to his successful career. Robbie Knievel’s legacy extends far beyond his financial success. He is remembered for his daring spirit, his ability to captivate audiences, and his contribution to the world of motorcycle stunts. He inspired countless individuals to pursue their passions, even in the face of danger. His jumps, his appearances, and his personal life all became a part of the tapestry that is the Knievel legacy.