Anyone know Steve Baker in Washington, former world champ?

I have a Yamaha TA125 that is painted in the same scheme that Steve used on many of his race bikes. I tried messaging him on FB a few months ago, but he hasn't read my message. I think he might own a motorcycle dealership somewhere in Washington state. Trying to find out if my TA used to be his.



His TZ750

 

Damn. How many 2T you keep on display?

Im writing my congress critter. We need a law that says you can display only 1 2T, the rest must be ridden or sold. Viva La Revolucion!!!

 

Thats not my TZ750 wish it was tho

 

Oh I know. But havent you posted like 3-4 other 2T's on display...

 

Try him at work:
https://mtbakermoto.com/Dealer-Info/Meet-Our-Staff

 

I think I only have 2 diesels on display in my house but if I had a 500cc GP bike, it would definitely find a place in the house!

 

Brilliant, thanks!

 

Back in the mid 70's, my dad was allowing me to use a 35mm camera for the first time, a "half frame" Olympus Pen F. It could take 40 pics on a 20 exposure roll.

We were at Daytona, in the pits, near Steve's setup. I remember being taught about depth of field - the amount of horizontal distance that is in focus in a photo. I set the Aperture to a low value to achieve this, and adjusted the shutter speed for proper exposure. I pointed my camera toward Steve, who looked directly into my lens. The pic came out pretty well; I wish I still had it.

 

Pic I took back in the 70s

 

When his racing career ended, he founded Steve Baker Kawasaki in Bellingham, WA (his hometown, about 90mi. N of Seattle).
Very nice guy, soft-spoken & humble. Used to see him bombing around town on his immaculate RG500 Gamma. I think he finally retired it from street duty.

Always had a smile for me when I rode my '84 Ninja 900 over for parts. He always had what I needed on the shelf.
"Man, those things sold like hotcakes...and 3/4 of the ones we sold came back crashed within 6mos.!"

Around 15yrs. ago, he sold his dealership into multi-line Mt. Baker Motorsports (Kaw/Suz/KTM).
Haven't been in for a while, I believe he's the overall Sales Manager/President now.
Office at the front, he usually popped out to greet folks upon entry. Class Act.

.

 

I wonder if customers realize the legend he is?

 

Most of the mature/silverback local riders (like, erm, me) are aware of it. Not as common among younger types.
There were photos and a set of his old leathers hanging in the old dealership.
MBMS is a modern, glossy place, no nostalgia displayed there; I imagine there's a few mementos in his office.

You kinda had to prod him a bit for brief bits of BITD racing discussion. Similar accounts in moto press suggests that's just his way.
Either he's weary of it all, or simply moved on philosophically.

 

I called and talked to him for a few minutes on the phone... he did used to race a TA125, so this one is most likely his. Sent him a photo & waiting to hear back. If it turns out to be his, I'll contact the Barber Museum and see if they would like to have it. When I first got this thing, my first impulse was to send the body out for new paint. SOOOOOOO glad I didn't! Its def history worth preserving.

 

That is fuckin cool.

 

I asked a knowledgeable friend about potential Barber interest. They already have about ten of them, so don't get your hopes up too much.

 

Weren’t they selling off some less “important” bikes from their collection awhile back?

What about the AMA museum?

maybe jay leno?

 

There a small 2T museum near me...in my garage actually. I'll happily take it as a donation.


I bet I can cold seize that beyotch in less than 3 corners too.

 

Steve responded and confirmed that it is likely his bike. Neato!

 

Nice.
Let me know if you need it cold seized. Or otherwise crashed.

 

Take it touring through some country none of us have ever heard of.