Motoman (Brant)

[jwhughes3]

i received a call today from Brant’s wife Anita that Motoman passed away in his sleep this morning, efforts at resuscitation unsuccessful.
He was a real old school rider from dirt bike racing days and loved riding. When I met him at our Durango CO XS1100 Rally he was riding an ‘81 XS11 Touring model setup with full bags and long range tank just like the magazine ads. His recent years he had moved to a Honda ST1100 for its maneuverability and reliability but maintained his love of the XS1100 and loved helping others on this forum.

He survived a massive wreck about 10 years ago from a pickup truck that might have done in a lesser man especially at his age but he determined to recover. Pics below from just after.

May his roads be ever winding and clear.


John

[JeffH]

John,

THANK YOU for posting to let us know.
Sad News ......

Motoman sure had a wealth of knowledge about all things XS11 and wasn't afraid to share it with us XSives.
He sure knew how to get the most out of a machine.

Always rolled out the Welcome Mat to anyone going by Grand Junction which was nice.

I will send note to Anita.

Jeff

[Socer4m]

MAJOR LOSS TO All who knew Brant and Anita,,,,,,,Brant was one of a kind old school Xs1100 rider, super guy, Anita is a Southern Belle that kept Brant in line and happy. Most of us didnt know Brant was raised on a real Horse ranch and lived the wild Colorado life before it became much more populated. He started racing Motocross and I believe he was in the top three in the State for years,,hence MotoMan nickname. Anybody looking for a PRISTINE 81 Venture, stock,,cared for like a good woman,,,,maybe contact Anita when things settle out and see if she is willing to part with Brant's second true love,,his Yamaha Venture. A few of us would stay overnight at Brant's and Anita's house on the way to many a Colorado rally and cherished all the moments to hang with both Anita and Brant. May Motoman, Brant, rest in peace, we will miss him and cherish all the memories he spent with us and at the rallies with Xs members,,,,,,,,,,,Mike in San Diego and Pa.

[cajun31]

Sad news. He was truly a great asset to this forum. He will surely be missed.

[DiverRay]

He was someone we all looked up to. I'm sort of glad he passed in his sleep, but at the same time I'm sorry for Anita, as I can imagine it hurts more than she will admit to. I wanted to get out to see them again, and now it's too late. I WILL miss him.

[jwhughes3]

Here is Brant’s obit from his kids:


Brant Personeus passed away peacefully on the morning of April 21, 2025. He was 73 years old.

Born on February 19, 1952, in Kremmling, Colorado. Brant spent his early years in Durango, where he graduated high school and began his lifelong love of working on anything fueled by gas, especially a V8 from GM or Pontiac. He started out as a mechanic and later joined the Colorado Department of Transportation, where he worked for over 30 years. His career eventually brought him to Grand Junction, the place he called home for the rest of his life.







Brant is survived by his wife Anita, his three children Chad, Randy, and Linzee, his mother Lelia, and his former wife and lifelong friend Rindy.




Brant had a gift for fixing anything with a motor—cars, motorcycles, trucks, lawnmowers—and a love for riding dirt bikes & motorcycles that he passed on to all three of his kids. Whether he was racing in his youth or riding motocross with his children later in life, he was never far from the smell of gas and the hum of an engine.




If you had the time—or even if you didn’t—Brant could talk your ear off about anything mechanical and you’d hopefully have a friend near to peel you away before it got past dinner. He had stories for days, and a way of making you feel like part of the story, even if it was your first time in the garage or his first time in your garage.




Brant didn’t ask for much. He found happiness in simple things: a well-tuned carburetor, a smooth gear shift, a perfectly timed engine. He wasn’t flashy, but he was steady, loyal, and full of grit.




At Brant’s request, there will be no service or formal gathering. His family is honoring his wishes with a private cremation.




He’ll be missed in every garage, every trail, and every moment someone turns the key and remembers his voice saying, “Now that’s how it’s supposed to sound.”




In lieu of flowers or donations in his honor, take a ride, turn a wrench, and don’t forget to double-check your oil and clean your battery posts and check those connections!!!




We got it from here Dad. Until next time.

[DEEBS11]

That was beautiful.😢

[IanDMacDonald]

We're getting older, as are the bikes. Sad to see the old heads of this forum leave us for greener pastures. You'll be missed, Moto.

[DeanR]

Saddened to hear this. I was right behind him at the time of his nasty crash. Not a great memory, but Brant pulled through.
Take good care Anita, and kids.