Ruling the World on the most outdated dirt bike on the track!

Is Ken Roczen single handedly making Suzuki's cool again? We were track side at Ernee for the greatest dirt bike event on earth to see if Kickstart Kenny could do the business on his Suzuki RM-Z 450. The yellow brand might be behind the times, but is the bike capable of winning at the highest level possible? Ken Roczen truly had a point to prove at the 2023 MXON....
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Ken Roczen | Making Suzuki's Cool Again!
Making Suzuki's Cool Again | Ken Roczen
Is Ken Roczen Making Suzuki Great Again?
Is Ken Roczen Making Suzuki Cool Again?
Ken Roczen | Making Suzuki Great Again!

[@powerwagon7811]

Suzuki never stopped being cool. Been riding nothing but RMs since 1980.

[@999lazer]

we just need Suzuki to start to develop them again. Be great to see more yellow on the start lines :)

[@stevesmith756]

They are def not cool. Stop fooling yourself Nobody rides them at any tracks.

[@EnduroUK.]

It’s the iPhone era I think they call it capitalism

[@silly-xd8uq]

@@stevesmith756 🤓

[@jeff40]

@@stevesmith756 Suzuki's are just too cool for people like yourself to understand. Maybe? Ricky Carmichael did very well on Suzukis.Sorry if your right leg is too weak to kickstart the cool kickstart only Suzuki RM's..lol.

[@aidansmith1354]

Interesting fact, Suzuki was the most winning 450 bike in ama motocross 3:43 between 2008-2017 on a bike that never changed.

[@stevesmith756]

And they haven’t won squat since 2017-2023 on a bike that STILL hasn’t changed. Suzuki has given up on racing. Pulled out of MotoGP out of Mx and just a shell of its former self in road racing

[@stkyfngrszmooth]

My favorite bike of all time was my '02 RM 125. I suck in the corners, but that bike did the cornering for me. All I had to do was think about it, and it was done. That bike was pure magic in the handling department.

[@999lazer]

Thanks for watching. We had an 2001 RM250 which handled awesome too :)

[@CraigHenry-zq8jz]

Me too I had a few rm125s.i really miss my 2002 that was my last new ride 👍👏✨.

[@heywhoeveryouare]

Just rebuilt a 02 rm 125, everything was replaced/coated/rebuilt. First corner I hit, felt like I had rode that bike all my life. It felt so natural. You are not wrong lol

[@stkyfngrszmooth]

@shawnallen6139 Wait until you get to the track. It'll flow better than anything you've ever rode before. That bike was solely responsible for taking me from chronic fourth place finishes to wins overnight.

[@RubbishFPS]

Fun to hear the exact same thing i felt about my 01 rm125. Was the only bike ive ever owned from new. They really were the best handling bikes on the track. In western NY i was the only yellow bike on a gate of 30 to 40. 25 of which were Yamahas.

[@joelatkinson2080]

The Suzuki is more than capable for any average rider and even for pro level guys.

[@christoulsonmxchannel451]

Started to see alot more yellow at tracks now,I'm glad they still have a kick-start love my 22 450 😊

[@999lazer]

Thanks for watching Chris:)

[@johnny89racer]

Love Suz, Roger & Joel had me on a TM125 back in '74, Gaston had me on an RM125A in '76, with blue/yellow Heckles, '82 was the year I got upgraded on the RM250Z. If you can't handle a kickstart lever, buy an elec bike, then you don't have to worry about a gearlever. Hell I even put the yellow plastics back on my 2011 RMZ450, that runs with anything newer.

[@Carbon_restoration_mx]

Suzuki’s will always be cool man

[@jeff40]

Suzuki RM's rock! I recall when I was 12 yrs. old I put a down payment on a YZ-80 but the dealer ended up selling it out from under me? However they ended up delivering a Suzuki RM-80 to my parents home and that RM-80 was a wicked beast of a bike! I've been a Suzuki fan ever since. I recall when the powers that be said nobody could win a championship on a Suzuki RM. Then Ricky Carmichael made them eat their words! Now Ken Roczen is showing the naysayers what's up! I also remember back in the mid to late 70's Mark the bomber Barnett did quite well on Suzuki RM's + I believe the man himself Roger Decoster did quite well on the RM's back in his day.

[@tysonrolls9713]

My first 450 was a 06 rmz i was shocked how good it handled it cornered like a dream i thought it was the best bike ever made, owned about 10 different bikes

[@jokermtb]

out of all the brands, I've owned MORE Suzukis than any other brand that's lived in my garage over the last 45 years of being a motorcycle fanatic (my first bike was a new 1980 Suzuki DS 80).....the underdog bike that just gets it DONE.

[@RubbishFPS]

Same, three race bikes and 2 were RM 125s. Best handling bikes of the early 00's

[@jeff40]

@@RubbishFPS I owned mostly Suzuki RM's also. 81 rm-80, 84 rm-125, 87 rm-125 and a 97 rm-250 and they definitely handle better than any other brand I've ridden or owned. They turn way better than every other brand!

[@Eric--zs6um]

Love watching Roczen. Just a Fan of the 94 Suzuki. Building a RM85 Roczen clone. Thanks for the awesome channel 999 Lazer

[@999lazer]

Thanks Eric :)

[@bjorn1034]

I am 61 today and I have had numerous Suzuki's..and won so many races on them..I would rank the 2008 125 and 250 the best...they are amazing bikes to ride when you set them up right..Still have the 125..))))🥰 I really hope they would change their mind a be back in the game..

[@999lazer]

me too, thanks for watching :) I bet that 125 is still awesome to ride.

[@bjorn1034]

@@999lazer Still a blast to ride and you can ride forever..I would say the older you get the lighter bike you should ride..I feel like a young rider again instead of putting myself on a 450..!)))

[@guyredshaw1422]

Just putting Ken to the side for a moment: Woohoo! A 2T twinshockerrrrrrrrrrr👏………looking forward to seeing you on it👍

[@blizzard71]

Ken Is a legend! will go down as one of the all time greats!! As a Suzuki fan , I hope he breaths life back in the company!! I collect and restore bikes , and even though I have all brands, my Suzukis are by far my favorites ! Been on them since the late 70's , thanks for the video~

[@999lazer]

Thanks for watching. it pretty weird that companies like Triumph and Ducati see the potential to enter the MX market , but Suzuki who were so dominant don't...

[@6226superhurricane]

suzuki has always been cool. there might be some 12 year olds that never seen perfect seasons on suzukis that don't appreciate them. but anyone that's owned a suzuki certainly appreciates their reliability and capability. they were never about gimmicks or specs on paper they were all about getting the job done.

[@lgr1966]

I wish they would go-ahead and put a electric start on that bike! I love yellow Susie from 78@

[@carltonholmes8061]

I had 3 RM250’s in the 80’s. Including the Fantastic 1982 RM250Z rocket ship. 👏👏.

[@JayLee-od8ob]

Kenny always competitive. Billy the Kid said if you're too big try to look small and thin

[@allysonsquires8421]

I love my rm. But I'm 2 smoker. I had Yamaha most of my younger life and then rode a pals 1998 rm 80 and loved how it felt. I got my own big bike and I absolutely love my greg albertyn rm. Tho it gets cleaned more than riden these days.😂

[@999lazer]

I bet the Greg Albertyn bike is awesome .250 right ?

[@arthurdunga345]

them boys were moving what a venue and crowd, really good vid

[@999lazer]

Thanks Arthur, the crowd was crazy there and it was such good racing;)

[@mk3vr611]

I have a 2021 RMZ450 and it starts second kick every time. I bought a new 2006 RM250 and been a SUCKZUKI fan ever since!!!

[@christhomas2644]

What a year he had on that team/bike. A supercross main event , battled with Jett in a one off national, 2nd overall in SMX, MXGP MXON 1st overall, and going back to back WSX. What a guy

[@waynehillard8236]

suzuki all the way

[@shadowkick2852]

That's our boy! 🎉

[@ragnarironspear1791]

Brilliant channel, keep up the great work 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🇬🇧

[@999lazer]

Thank you so much 😀

[@fastdreams]

Great job on the production! Love the underdog Suzuki story and the “old” pro making it happen. Amusing the talk of power when Ken’s bike has been slightly detuned to make less max power than the stock rmz, and with a softer hit. Maybe he’s onto something 😂

[@philipdow5463]

Byes there cool as I had the RM 250 in the 1990s the power band was nuts

[@eaglemx45]

I’m about to buy a 24’ and currently race a 2001 Cr250 that does really well and it’s a bike I’ll never get rid of. Always loved the feel of a zuuk and it’s going to be a great bike I can race with minimal maintenance through the year. And I’ve seen countless problems with electric start our friend mitchel frantz got wet at redbud and screwed his race.

[@kevineyster1ify]

I not a huge Suzuki fan but if Suzuki will begin to build 2 strokes again I’d be willing to say I’m a fan!

[@user-jc7jb3bu5s]

The rmz 250 makes a great trail bike.... good low end grunt!

[@timdonnelly8392]

I have a 2019 rmz 450, tweaked it to my likings and some upgrades and absolutely LUV it!!!

[@999lazer]

to be fair I bet the RMZ 450 is probably one of the best MX bikes for depreciation too as you can pick them up at a bargain price. A lot of new MX bikes loose so much money in their first year...

[@patrickatherton105]

Good on ken and good on Suzuki for just being how they are.just goes to show you don't need all the mod cons to win

[@NewDocs77]

Well done Kick start Kenny , thanks max for another Great vlogg

[@999lazer]

Cheers Docs, Glad you enjoyed it

[@rfiskillingussoftly6568]

I've never owned a Suzuki dirt bike..... I have riden a few of them though....they are nicely balanced...just a bit under powdered though! Ironically I would have said Suzukis are great if you don't mind giving up the hole shot! Lol! Good job roczen! Great video Max!

[@999lazer]

Cheers, appreciate your comment as always :)

[@lennartdiedrich2734]

big hope for a yellow comeback one day

[@CharlesWinters-ie3jy]

When Ken is happy and healthy he is fast. He is also finicky about bike setup. Hopefully he has found a home that keeps him happy with this Suzuki team.

[@icky22mb]

kickstart kenny is a legend...when hes got his head in the game...i would say hes the best rider in the world..better than jet even

[@Dontv1977]

ken all the way..2024 supercross champ🎉

[@kevinmee3501]

Nice video max, strange Suzuki don't run race team , as they had so much success in 60s,70s 90s with decoster, everts , albertyn, cooper , etc.

[@999lazer]

Yeah, its such a shame. Fingers crossed they come back to it one day.

[@johnsimpson2096]

Really enjoy your channel. Had a few Suzukies over the years. So nice to see,

[@999lazer]

Thanks john :)

[@tessbushell5489]

Just goes to show it’s not always the bike,just down to the rider and what colour they choose 👍🏻

[@motoxposse]

Roczen would make Vespa look cool !! He is a bad ass he is really the only rider to give Jett Lawrence a run in the states.

[@999lazer]

Thats so true, he always gives it 100%. thanks for watching :)

[@nillebob2665]

Of course my German Brother Made yellow great again...and IT will Go on

[@999lazer]

He is doing a great job, thanks for watching.

[@Docs77TV]

I’ve just swapped from 2stroke yz 250 to a RMZ 250 I love my RMZ HOPEFULLY Suzuki catch up with electric start soon

[@purebloodheretic4682]

Privateers should be Thankful that @ least 1 manufacturer has a New MX bike available @ a reasonable price! Nothing wrong with the RMZ450 for most mere mortals! & Still one of the Best Looking MX Machines! Thankyou Suzuki! 🤍🇦🇺👍

[@xipingpooh5783]

100% In my view they never lost the cool factor. I’ve got 15 different Suzukis in my stable. All the bullocks about the bike being uncompetitive was just that, BULLOCKS!!!

[@999lazer]

only 15 suzukis....lol , that sounds like an awesome collection, but which one is your favourite?

[@xipingpooh5783]

@@999lazer Dirt 2002 RM250 Street 1997 RGV 250SP Lucky Strike I have A Honda XR80 to play on and a Kawasaki KDX 200 for trail riding .

[@theriderdtm8650]

Awesome race ✌🏻😊

[@07Leebo]

Kenny has certainly made Suzuki cool again! Just a shame the factory racing teams are still non existent & don't invest in a small team like others brands do.

[@jijokoshyksjijo3989]

finally aome good content on the RMZ.. I have seen enough people whining about electric start.. for electric start enthusisats, they have so many other options.. just go for it😅

[@bobbuilder9813]

Just added my 2014 rmz450 to my collection things mint Not about the bike it’s all the rider

[@jamieteal2107]

Well done Kenny done full circle back to where you belong good for you 👍🇦🇺

[@999lazer]

thanks for watching Jamie :)

[@jamieteal2107]

@@999lazer 👍🇦🇺

[@limpetcarre1139]

If Suzuki were to put an electric start on their bikes I think they would sell far more bikes than they do now.

[@chox2001]

Looks like he’s got it sorted without a factory team

[@999lazer]

He sure does, thanks for watching:)

[@johngray722]

That was excellent thanks

[@999lazer]

Cheers John. Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@Emily-ou6lq]

I still have my '84 TS50X with which I beat everyone in my street.

[@JonnyJetson754]

Great video thanks 4 sharing

[@999lazer]

Thanks Jonny, No problem glad you enjoyed it :)

[@stkyfngrszmooth]

If there's one thing that burns my @$$, it's when these guys cross the finish line, then immediately drop their bikes. As Joe Blow who has to pay full pop for every single part on my bike, I can't help but become just a little aggravated.

[@dragonsnatch1146]

Like when guitar players smash their guitar

[@mxbikesAndy339]

its never about the bike its all the rider

[@999lazer]

there's a lot of truth in that, but at the top level like this to beat factory teams & riders is a huge achievement

[@stevesmith756]

But the riders would be a lot better on an updated modern bike. When your at the top that 1% advantage is huge at the pro level

[@johnb4830]

2006 rm 250!!!

[@njmxjunkie3128]

I think it’s more mental than anything, these guys don’t want to ride Suzuki because it’s “outdated”. Is it tho? On a race track? Electric start is a luxury and sure if you crash it saves a race but for a good rider you can win on a Suzuki. They make the same power as any other 450, atleast mostly. All 450s make similar hp, torque and rpm’s.

[@999lazer]

all fair comments, thanks for watching:)

[@mrpotatoheadracing]

Kenny gave Lawrence a run for his money, and even catching him in the playoffs. The RMZ is good as any, unless you're a magazine biaster. But the American field is weaker than ever. In 2013 Villopoto qualified with a 2:08 laptime, Lawrence's was like a 2:19 this year. So is it the bike, or the rider?

[@999lazer]

Thanks for watching Mr potato head :)

[@derdaxmaster6906]

❤

[@999lazer]

Thanks for watching:)

[@daneg]

here's hoping he doesn't get himself killed in these mickey mouse WSX races with heir Freise. what he's proven to me is that there haven't been any innovations in the past 5-6 years on 4-strokes that are meaningful. slight improvements and QoL only. but who knows? From what I gathered on test rider impressions, Kenny likes his bike setup close to the way Jett rides, which is quite plush and smooth power. I suppose those are not difficult demands for a 4-stroke made in the past decade with top tier suspension on hand.

[@pokebass1]

My thoughts, Suzuki was never not great. It's my absolute favorite make of bike. I feel wrong riding anything else.

[@scottmackenzie9651]

YES !!!

[@peterfurber6966]

ATTENTION!!!!. If you're not racing professional, buy a Suzuki. Coz it obviously ain't the bike! It's you. 🤪

[@didickcheeseburger]

i think the suzuki is the best looking bike but they need to give up on trying to embrace the kickstarter like its "old school cool" or something. just put an electric start on it already

[@crustycars7894]

To even question the coolness of one of the 4 Japanese seems odd, but hey you got me to comment.

[@Thepianobird]

electric start doesn't improve performance unless you crash every lap.

[@jijokoshyksjijo3989]

exactly 😅

[@jacob-67tune18]

Awesome 😎😎😎

[@nyalakan3971]

Suzuki terbaik di super croos 2024 good job

[@hencetirta322]

Yeah roczen makeit . But truly suzuki need man like james vilopoto herling tony rc dungey . I bet will be champ

[@Equinsu_Ocha]

Why is the footage sped up ?

[@999lazer]

its not

[@bolexmadnessbygilbertsolor6953]

Motorcycles are not that important to Suzuki Motor Company anymore. Automotive and marine products make up the bulk of their output. It wouldn’t surprise motorcycle industry insiders if Suzuki decides to exit that part of the market in the next ten years, or less.

[@ShaunSavage-kl9pd]

Suzuki needs 500 2 stroke come on yellow

[@Jrutty474]

How hard is it for Suzuki just to put an electric start on the old girl 😂

[@nyalakan3971]

Suzukiing rmz 450 roczen

[@Thumper68]

Electric start is just more weight. I don’t really understand why this has become a thing. Battery, wire, starter just makes no sense.

[@stevesmith756]

You have then never ridden a modern bike and stalled in a race or on a hill. They don’t call them a magic button for nothing. And every bike that has one IS lighter than a Suzuki with a kickstarter. A lot lighter

[@Thumper68]

@@stevesmith756 yeah I’ve ridden one. And they’re not a lot lighter. Wet weight Suzuki 247 lbs, Yamaha 240 lbs, Kawasaki 248.2, Honda 245 lbs.

[@stevesmith756]

@@Thumper68 they are and they feel a lot lighter and more refined. Definitely

[@stevesmith756]

@@Thumper68 that’s weird my 2022 kx450 is only 234 lbs

[@Thumper68]

@@stevesmith756 it doesn’t matter what you think you feel now does it when the facts say different. Your bike is 234 lbs dry weight. wet weight with full tank of fuel and all other fluids it’s 248.2. A gallon of gas is around 6.2 lbs per gallon. Remember Suzuki hasn’t really updated their bike in a few years and is still same weight as everyone else. When they release new updated version it will be a beast I’d bet. Especially with Ken having good season they will have better sales and reason to do update.

[@denversjc]

I always like Suzuki, very cool bikes….but needs the Electric Start!!!!

[@AJM-0205]

It's all good until it comes to a championship and a small crash happens and can't get the bike started in time and a championship or major title gets lost because there is no electric start.

[@OtisFlint]

Ken is on a factory bike. Basing your purchase on what the factory bike is doing is like buying a new daily driver based on which sedan is winning in NASCAR. It makes no sense.

[@vemicevic2669]

Suzuki kick "ass" starter....

[@plotholedetective4166]

Again...😂 That implys suckzuki was great at some point and that would be a lie😂

[@stevesmith756]

Right?!?

[@powerwagon7811]

I guess they were just lucky when they won the 125 world title 10 years in a row.

[@stevesmith756]

@@powerwagon7811 but they haven’t won since they stopped development on the MX bikes

[@purebloodheretic4682]

Good Enough for Roczen but too Sh%t for you! 🤔

[@stevesmith756]

You are right. They are shitty. Roczens bike is not even close to what the production crap they produce

[@vtecmossy]

Yeah but a stock 450 isn't the same as race 450 maybe after 6 or 9 k maybe Older machines where cool but lack of updates and their hands been Tied by who owns a chunk of suzuki has them last place in Japanese sector Need to upgrade the 4ts to button start some competition has it over 10 yrs 😂

[@anthonyegnor6347]

😂👌if your under 30 years old

[@PinkuStyle]

They were never not cool!!

[@propacollector3499]

2 strike 4 stroke then eltric trash ulez

[@stevesmith756]

Suzuki is def not cool. It’s old heavy and no E button. Nobody…I’m mean nobody rides them at any track here in so Cal.

[@999lazer]

apart from Kenny...lol

[@paulhetherington3854]

And SUZUKI = ONEAL Gear only! AROH Helmet! Looks like - you got - exposed by Tribal! I.e. Group profile mode(TV')! Internationally id - expozd! Poland - really don't - like it. I.e. Ukraine - u help!

[@hansi690]

Kenny is the cooles guy around... but suzuki is crap. Had one rmz450 14, always totaled.