The Canadian motorcycling community is mourning the loss of Larry Bastedo, who passed away on February 27 in Ontario, Canada. A Life Member and Director of the Canadian Motorcycle Association, and an inductee of the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame, Larry’s influence on the sport spanned more than half a century. His passion, leadership, and tireless service enriched Canadian motorcycling in ways that will endure for generations.
Growing up in Hamilton, Ontario, Larry became a proud member of the Steel City Riders, known in their early days as the Flying Midgets. From mud runs to ice races, hillclimbs to scrambles, he embraced every challenge. By 1958, he had already earned expert status and captured his first expert scramble victory in Oshawa. That same era saw him crowned eastern Canadian champion and national champion in spiked tire ice racing.
Larry’s talents extended to road racing, where he competed in AMA nationals at Laconia and Watkins Glen in 1960. After injury redirected his path, he focused on enduros, trials, and dirt track — disciplines in which he excelled. In 1968, he won the senior class at the CMA national championships in trials, earning the prestigious Civic Ring from the City of Hamilton.
Internationally, Larry proudly represented Canada at the International Six Days Trial in Poland, Germany, Spain, and the Isle of Man. When the event expanded beyond Europe in 1973, he served on the Federation Internationale Motocycliste jury for many years and remained closely connected to the Canadian ISDE effort through decades of support and leadership.
Beyond competition, Larry helped shape the business and organizational backbone of the sport. In 1963, alongside fellow Hall of Famer Jim Kelly, he co-founded BK Motorcycles in Hamilton — one of Canada’s earliest Yamaha dealerships. He also served as a national referee, board member, and president of the Ontario region of the CMA.
As an announcer and commentator, Larry’s voice became synonymous with Canadian motorcycle racing, including the early days of supercross in Toronto. He was instrumental in preserving Ontario’s historic Corduroy Enduro, ensuring its survival for future riders.
Above all, Larry’s greatest joy was seeing his sons and grandsons embrace the sport he loved so deeply. His legacy is not only in trophies and titles, but in the thriving Canadian motorcycle community he helped build.
He will be profoundly missed by family, friends, and riders across the nation.