Stunt cyclist's motorbikes stolen

By John Grant Emeigh - 10/22/2008

A racing bike similar to the model pictured above, but a different color, was stolen from stunt cyclist Keith Sayers' garage recently. The stolen bike is purple and white. Sayers is on the bike in this photo.

A recent crime really struck a nerve for a Butte man known for having nerves of steel.

Professional freestyle motocross rider Keith Sayers said one of his favorite racing motorcycles as well as two other motorbikes were stolen from his garage in Butte last week.

Sayers learned of the burglary while taking part in a freestyle competition in New Mexico over the weekend.

He was upset by the news.

"These bikes are a part of my job," he told The Montana Standard Tuesday. "It's my passion, what I love to do." Sayers said the door to the garage was kicked in to gain entry; the building is located behind his residence in the 700 block of Yale Avenue.

His racing bike, a 2006 Yamaha YZ250F, his fiancé's Honda Motorcycle and his 9-year-old nephew's KTM 50 were taken. Police found the Honda about a block away from the crime scene, but the other motorcycles remain missing.

Sayers said a radio and tools also are missing.

"You feel so violated and victimized," he said. "Just going into my garage and knowing people were in there stealing from me, it sucks." Sayers said he is glad none of his four jumping motorcycles was stolen. He said two were in the garage, but disassembled at the time of the burglary.

Sayers, 26, has made a name for himself in recent years for his high-flying, acrobatic motorcycle jumps. He's been a regular feature at Evel Knievel Days and has performed at freestyle exhibitions and competitions around the world.

The Butte native says he'll give a $1,000 reward to anyone who can locate his stolen motorcycles. His racing motorbike is purple and white and covered with logos, he said. Sayers said the motorcycle is valued at about $6,500.

Butte police suspect the burglary and thefts happened sometime before Thursday of last week. Sheriff John Walsh said the crime remained under investigation Tuesday.

The sheriff suspects the culprit or culprits may have targeted Sayers' residence.

"Someone knew where these motorcycles were, and people knew this guy was out of town," Walsh said.

Sayers is preparing to leave for a freestyle competition in Mexicali, Mexico. Though he's upset by being a victim of this crime, Sayers said he knows it won't affect his performance.

"A motorcycle is my best getaway from my problems," he said. "When I'm on a motorcycle, I don't think about anything else." — Reporter John Grant Emeigh may be reached via e-mail at john.emeigh@lee.net or by telephone, 496-5511