Robert Reisinger

IN MEMORIUM:6D CO-FOUNDER ROBERT REISENGER

On May 17th, 6D Helmet co-founder Robert Reisinger succumbed to injuries he sustained following a high-speed crash while racing his motorcycle at Glen Helen Raceway.

As we remember Robert, we think of him in many facets of life. First and foremost, he was a racer. In the late 70s, he was a top pro rider on the fast-paced So. Cal motocross circuit. Not only was he good enough to earn factory support from Kawasaki to compete on the national circuit, but they also relied on his technical prowess for the important R&D role of developing their production bikes.

By the late 80s, a new type of two-wheeled competition was surging in popularity as the mountain bike revolution had arrived. Robert wasted no time in applying all that he learned from racing motocross, as well as a degree in manufacturing engineering he earned from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, to develop some groundbreaking technology for the pedal pushers.

It was in 1991 when he rolled the first edition of his Pro-Stop disc brake and Suspender inverted suspension fork into the offices of Mountain Bike Action Magazine. The editors were immediately impressed with the advance in both braking and suspension technology that had never been attempted in cycling.

However, despite the advanced steps that his front-end components made in the sport, Robert realized it was the hardtail production mountain bikes of the day that were inhibiting riders from realizing the true performance advantage of his moto-inspired components. For this dilemma, he already had a solution which, once unveiled, would again change the face of what a mountain bike would not only look like but, more importantly, how it would perform.

With the sport of mountain bike racing growing in worldwide popularity, and the courses becoming increasingly rougher and faster, there existed only a handful of bikes that rose above what the big-brand mountain bike companies were selling. Among these modern bikes that borrowed more from a motocross bike than a traditional bicycle was Robert’s purpose-built Mountain Cycle San Andreas. With its massive aluminum monocoque frame, elevated chainstay, and bolted-on seat pod, Robert’s wild creation looked unlike any other bike of the day.

Eventually, Mountain Cycle grew from a one-man start-up to an established bike brand that employed 30 people in the American manufacture of the innovative bikes. In addition to refining the San Andreas with longer travel suspension for downhill and dual slalom racing, Robert also developed new models for cross-country riders as well. In every venue of mountain bike competition around the globe, there were racers battling for podium positions wearing Mountain Cycle jerseys.

Eventually, Robert sold his bike brand to a larger company in need of mountain bike technology that they were unable to develop themselves. With the task of running a company behind him, Robert was now free to move on to a host of other projects that captured his keen mind for engineering and development.

As much as his mountain bikes earned their place in the history books, it wasn’t until 2011, when he was approached by another former pro motocross racer, that Robert’s innate talent for design truly changed the world as we knew it.

That was the year when Bob Weber approached Robert with the idea for a new helmet design that would usher in a combination of rider safety and performance that had never been previously achieved.

With its signature Omni-Directional Suspension system, which Robert helped engineer, 6D Helmets altered all that was previously known in providing breakthrough head protection. In addition to the improved performance features, for Robert the goal at 6D was to simply provide a higher standard of safety not only for dirt bike riders like himself but for all forms of two-wheeled competitors and enthusiasts.

Between his interests in bicycles, motorcycles, and even aeronautics, Robert was the rare individual who foresaw the future of new technologies before they arrived.

To be sure, through all the facets of his life, it was his commitment to family and friends that always took precedence and for which he should be remembered most. Robert was as fierce a competitor on the track as he was a friend off it. His smile and readiness to aid fellow riders with technical advice will be the legacy for which his co-competitors will fondly recall.

Robert is survived by his son Nicholas, wife Kristina, his father, and four siblings.

As testimony to a life dedicated not only to improving the world of sport in a variety of ways but more so the safety of so many motorcyclists and cyclists that he never knew, we kindly ask you to offer your support for his family in this time of need.

Words by: Zapata "Zap" Espinoza
zapbikemedia.com

Robert Reisinger 1960-2024

It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Robert Reisinger, a former AMA pro racer and Kawasaki test rider from Newhall, California. Robert sustained several serious injuries a little over two weeks ago while racing at Glen Helen Raceway. He was immediately rushed to Loma Linda University Medical Center, where doctors and nurses worked to stabilize him. Despite efforts to save him following the tragic accident, Robert ultimately succumbed to his injuries. He was 64 years old.

Robert’s legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, the innovations he brought to the moto community, and the enduring love he had for his family. We thank you for honoring Robert’s memory and for standing by the Reisinger family in their time of need.

In the wake of this devastating loss, all funds raised will now be directed towards covering Robert’s memorial costs and providing support to the beautiful family he leaves behind—his wife, Kristina, and his son, Nick. The family is deeply moved by the staggering outpouring of love, support, and generosity they have received during this incredibly challenging time. Your continued thoughts, prayers, and donations are profoundly appreciated and will go a long way in helping them navigate through this period of grief.

On May 4, 2024, Robert Reisinger, a former AMA pro racer and Kawasaki test rider, suffered severe injuries during a race at Glen Helen Raceway. In the 4th lap of his first moto, Robert was in second place when he noticed a lapper coming into view. To avoid the lapper, Robert moved to the far left and put his wheels in loose dirt, causing him to swap back and forth violently. Robert was thrown off his bike face first at approximately 50 MPH. The impact of the crash caused his helmet strap to constrict around his neck, exacerbating his distress. Despite the removal of the strap, Robert remained in critical condition, ceasing to breathe. Richard Hurtado, a fellow racer and a 29-year veteran paramedic of the fire department, initiated CPR, persisting until Robert's heartbeat and breathing were restored. First responders arrived quickly and transported him to the nearby Level 1 Trauma Center.

Robert is currently hospitalized with a fractured C2, spinal cord compression, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). On May 6, he underwent a C2 fusion, laminectomy, and spinal cord decompression, followed by a tracheostomy on May 7. Presently, he is paralyzed from the neck down, including his diaphragm, necessitating ventilation support.

The outlook for Robert's recovery remains uncertain, given the severity of his injuries. His family remains optimistic, hoping for Robert to eventually transition off the ventilator and transfer to an in-patient rehabilitation facility.

Robert is a very loved and integral part of the moto community. Robert founded Mountain Cycle and Pro Stop shortly after graduating from Cal Poly SLO, with a degree in manufacturing engineering. He is most recently known as the co-founder of the revolutionary 6D Helmets, and presently consults on future products. For the past 10+ years, Robert has spent most of his weekends racing at Glen Helen, often accompanied by his son, Nick. The Reisinger family was looking forward to taking a 10-day Mediterranean cruise in June, celebrating Nick's graduation from high school.

The Reisinger family extends heartfelt gratitude to Richard Hurtado and all those who played a pivotal role in saving Robert's life. They are overwhelmed by the immense outpouring of love and support received. Your positive thoughts, prayers, and contributions are profoundly appreciated.

If you're able to offer support during Robert’s recovery journey, please consider making a donation through Robert’s R2R Cause Page available here. Your contributions will play a crucial role in supporting his rehabilitation efforts and ensuring he is able to put all of his efforts towards his recovery journey. Additionally, messages of hope and healing are greatly appreciated and warmly welcomed.