Ride On, Chris Kallfelz (1962-2023)

Evans Brasfield
by Evans Brasfield

Some thoughts on the passing of a beloved MO contributor

ride on chris kallfelz 1962 2023

Longtime MO readers will remember Chris Kallfelz’ Head Shake column that ran for over four years on Motorcycle.com from 2014-2018. A thoughtful man with wide-ranging motorcycling experience, Chris never failed to both provoke reflection and laughter simultaneously. Unfortunately, he succumbed to cancer a week ago today. For those of us who were friends with him on social media, he handled his failing health with his usual mix of practicality, honesty, and good humor. I feel strange sitting here teary-eyed mourning the loss of a man I never met in person but had a relationship with through his words. So, rather than spend a lot of time describing the Chris that we MOrons knew, I’ll just let him tell you himself.


The Chris Kallfelz Archives


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 2 comments
  • Paulévalence Paulévalence on May 04, 2023

    F*ck cancer..

    Rest in peace Chris

  • Mike Reid Mike Reid on May 07, 2023

    Back in the early '90s, I worked with Chris at the AMA. He sold me my first road race bike, an FZR600. We used my Explorer and an ancient three row trailer to drag our bikes to WERA races all over the Midwest. It was me and my son and Chris and Melissa. Jobs changed and time passed and we lost touch. When I started reading his Head Shake pieces, it was like reconnecting with an old friend. Boy, he could write. He was pretty quick on the track, too. When you think of Chris, spare a thought for Melissa. WFO, buddy.

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