In this episode of Motorcycle.com’s Bore and Stoke Podcast, we’re joined by off-road racing legend Johnny Campbell — the backbone of Honda’s Baja program and one of the most influential figures in desert racing history.

From defining what “Honda durability” really means during a 1,000-mile Baja race, to reflecting on 11 straight Baja 1000 victories, Johnny walks us through the evolution of off-road racing, the realities of product development at Honda, and what goes on behind the scenes of real-world durability testing.

We also dig into some classic Baja stories, his transition from racer to team manager and industry leader, the current health of off-road and rally racing, and — just to keep things interesting — his thoughts on the 50th Anniversary Honda Gold Wing.

If you’re into off-road racing, Baja history, motorcycle development, or simply hearing from someone who’s lived every side of the sport, this one’s not to be missed.

00:00 Intro

00:36 Advertisement

01:14 Introducing Johnny Campbell!

03:30 What does Honda durability mean when you’re deep in a 1000-mile race?

05:39 What do you think is the most significant change of rally racing?

10:34 How have riders evolved over the years?

11:52 What do the guys do in the motorhomes now with digital roadbooks?

15:30 If you were to race Baja now, XR650R or CRF450X?

18:35 What’s the most personally meaningful Baja 1000 win?

20:38 When is it OK to piss your pants while racing?

22:10 Give us some wild stories!

26:35 What was the career plan?

30:00 Advertisement

30:45 What skills from racing carried over to team manager? What did you have to learn?

34:50 What are the less glamorous parts of R&D testing? 

40:35 What do riders think they need vs what they actually need?

43:30 How’s the health of off-road/Rally racing today?

46:45 Was it easier for you to focus on racing when you were a kid coming up?

49:40 Johnny’s thoughts on the Gold Wing

51:40 Wrap up and Rate Us!

53:35 Advertisement