The Downfall of Works Bikes, Massive OEM Changes, & More! | Ricky Johnson on the SML Show

Presented by OGIO Powersports and Yamaha
For this week's episode of the SML Show, host Donn Maeda sits down with motorsports legend Ricky Johnson to reflect on his racing career, discuss the downfall of works bikes, and plenty more. Plugin those headphones and enjoy this week's episode of the Swapmoto Live Show with RJ!

[@walterwest2583]

RJ you are not forgotten by us and thanks for this interview. Soo glad that Swap asked you for part 2, and very much looking forward to it!!

[@unstoppableplayz6948]

RJ and Wardy started my riding career. Those dudes ripped, and were my heroes at the age of 12. Legendary!

[@55tmilam]

We only got a glimpse of them if we went to a SX or national! And read all about them in the magazines! No social media to keep up with them. They seemed super human and from a different planet! Those were good days!

[@frankweathersbee2553]

Same here, it was Magoo at our local N cal tracks Plymouth " hangtown " Marysville & the sand track in San Diego area hilly can't remember the name.

[@guyfantastico8268]

Lifes a Beach

[@Kristian_Saile]

Same here! I still have photos of those guys and Broc and others from that era from the Silverdome as a kid who got to race that event a few times it was beyond rad to get to ride the same track as my heroes. And they were all so cool to sign autographs and chat at their box vans before the races.

[@unstoppableplayz6948]

@@guyfantastico8268 Bad boy club stickers..lol.💯 Good memories for sure.

[@brianterry4228]

I still have my Original Bad Boy Ricky Johnson boots from back in the day. RJ was my hero growing up. Great to see this legend, love the interview.

[@bertbroeder1832]

Tech4, this was quality from Alpinestars. Made in Italy those days. Like the Fox boots those days... Still have my black bad boy hoody! Like the bad to the bone JT Racing cap. Still having Oakley's! For me this is the best time motocross ever had! Thanks bad boy! You gave me motivation!

[@h20mxracer222]

Growing up in the 80s RJ5 was my absolute favorite rider. Such a legend. I broke my wrist same time as he did. I remember the art on his cast. "Bad Boy Club"

[@55tmilam]

Remember the JT ad? S$@# happens written on his cast with a broken bone drawn on the cast as well?

[@brianbush3247]

I still have the old Bad Boy Club keychain!

[@carmelotansengco4605]

Team Yamaha 1983: Broc Glover, Mike Bell, Rick Johnson, Ron Lechein.

[@GregCrayne]

Hands down one of my favorite racers of all time

[@briananderson8512]

Rick f****** johnson! I cannot believe you had him on your show !! I cannot wait for part 2 thank you so much to both of you

[@toddsherman6560]

Awesome interview! I never knew RJ talked to Kawi, and that he and Wardy were buds at the time...

[@toomey706]

I've used an ATV thumb throttle. I know it sucks but it can make having a fused wrist workable for Moto.

[@buttslappingpirate]

I can't help but wonder if at times that isn't a better idea, even without an injury. I've gone back and forth a few times on a couple of bikes just to try it out.

[@t-bone9403]

That was awesome ! Brought back so many memories. Thanks guys !

[@dubois762]

My idol when I was 16yrs old Had a 1981 Yamaha yz125 back then

[@PNW_Car_Mods]

RJ was my guy in the early to mid 80s! Anytime I see him in the current day it is so cool to see what he has to say.

[@latebraker]

Man RJ was my idol growing up...love hearing stories from guys like him.

[@dougcoleburn1579]

RJ is the best! Thanks for coming on the show!

[@keetmadu1054]

Loved that I got to watch RJ in his prime. Hall of famer.

[@jeremyrobinson4064]

OH GREAT SHOW RICKY JOHNSON IS SUCH A GREAT HOIST, THE TRUE STYLE KING 👑. I WAS A MASSIVE RJ FAN . THE 1986 HONDA CR250R WAS A FANTASTIC BIKE . MXA CALLED IT “THE WORKS BIKE FOR THE MASSES. RICKY WAS SO DOMINATE ON HIS HONDAS - HES A GREAT PERSONALITY,VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE TOO . CANT WAIT FOR THE NEXT EPISODE.

[@tsh7090]

Really dig interviews like this. Had no idea RJ's technical influences, but I sure have taken advantage of them.

[@ryanlamb8118]

What a legend! Love hearing these stories!

[@stevenuhlmeyer7078]

I thought for sure RJ was going to dominate the 89 season the way supercross started. Was so devastated that RJ got hurt at Gainesville over the freak accident.

[@SteveGolby-mt7to]

Rick Johnston, what can you say. One amazing, amazing dude. I had the lucky opportunity to watch him ride at the NEC in the uk. Rick did not disappoint either. A young Warren Edwards came second, and Rick Johnstone congratulated edwards. Rick is more than a past champion. He is a humble legend.

[@charliemike13]

At Red Bud as a kid, I wore a Stanton Country shirt and asked RJ for an autograph and he signed his name huge across the front of my Stanton Country tee!!! 🤣🤣 Love RJ!!!

[@Hanky_Bannist8r]

In 1986 I was 10yrs old, RJ was the reason I wanted to be a pro rider. It's so cool to see he's still out there riding even with a bum wrist. The OG Bad Boy.

[@markb7067]

I really appreciate the interview with RJ. He went against factory riders on a (near) stock bike and won! That took a considerable amount of drive and focus to do, especially during that time.

[@markroberts1301]

RJ is such a great interview! I would like to hear him discuss the '82 bike in more detail. It was so outmatched, the last bike in all of the magazine tests of the day, radiator on the forks. I know it was mostly production but it had to have had mods to be in the thick of the championship like it was.

[@dalehicks6112]

Awesome interview!!

[@telefrk49]

This is great! I'm old ( 68 ) :) Old mx'er... have a and absolutely love my HD Road Glide, but just recently got a 2024 Suzuki DRZ for dual sport/adventure... i'd love to attend RJ's dual sport school!!

[@moto3463]

RJ was riding before I was even born. Class act.

[@dwightlowes]

RJ working with Military SF 💯‼️🤯outstanding

[@mrdrivebytrucker]

I love Ricky. He had a quote in Dust To Glory that help realize what my life was all about.

[@DesolateGoldFields]

I remember 2001 Day in the Dirt I was battling with Ricky Johnson during the practice session. When he passed me I saw who it was by his jersey and was surprised I held him off for those laps.

[@motox766]

Man as a kid i had all kinds of mag pics of him and ward bailey lechein and all the dudes all over my walls!! He is why i started racing

[@jdprovostyoutube]

What a show! Great great stories!

[@lmtada]

Pretty cool. Remember MX action taking RJ to Guam back in around 81. This was first time I heard of RJ. Yamaha mounted, with Tim locey. Good interview. Thank You.

[@suzuki06g]

RJ, what about trying a thumb throttle like a Quad or snowmobile? Also, get a bike with cruise control, that'll reduce the need for wrist action but also (and more importantly) cut down on speeding tickets!

[@DS-oi4wl]

Last week I fell asleep on the couch with KZbin on autoplay. Eventually, I awoke and could hear the 2014 Straight Rhythm video going with Weigandt and Johnson working the announcing booth. I knew I was correct that Johnson is a great announcer. He was even able to match Weigandt.

[@JoeCole12]

Good stuff!!!!

[@D.M.Designs]

Awesome hearing these stories from the legends themselves speaking. When I was a kid all you got was edited content that had to fit on a page in a magazine. A lot of These stories would have never got out.

[@harddocs]

I'd love to see a STOCK CAR "style" moto series where all riders used stock bikes (OBVS not limited to one MFG like IROC or ONE DESIGN racing typical of sail boats). Rules for STOCK bikes would allow very minor ergonomic changes only - like wide foot pegs, brake & shift levers @ feet & hands, handlebars & clamp + seat. The last allowed change would be chain & sprockets but must have a bone stock motor, clutch, gear box, suspension, frame. THAT would be cool. It would also push MFGs to put out a better product in the end. Current "works / factory" bikes are almost like F1 cars - nobody can get what they've got...

[@Andingo86]

Wonder if RJ was the pro mxer mentioned in Dalton Furys book "kill bin laden" dalton says they brought in a pro mxer to train delta on riding and some delta guy raced RJ and beat him, which i find hard to believe.

[@jimrhea5484]

Well that was a great show. I never understood the 'bad boy' mantra. He never rough rode anybody. He just went past em. Never knew how inventive he is though. Great show.

[@1DIYGuy]

RJ Back when you were on top Flanders Handlebars used to make custom bars. Dating myself they were steel bars.. but I just looked and Flanders is still in business.

[@Joe-pb3lx]

they make thumb throttles......they make finger throttles.......i put them both on my dirt bike and they work great.......if your wrist is frozen you should give them a try

[@markwheat2668]

Great interview! Interesting questions! RJ is a great ambassador of dirt bikes and MX plus he was running a gnarly junk yard dog helmet paint job. Training our SF soldiers... ahh using taliban for traction! Semper Fi

[@DualEnduro]

Unfortunately, speaking of riding in CA, they are trying to shut it down, no one is talking about it. 11 more years and they want it done with new sales. So depending on the used units, we will see 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@pauliethefixer8617]

They used to make a thumb throttle for the ATV's etc. Thats what he needs.

[@jeremyrobinson4064]

AH YES NEC SX RJ & OSHOW HEARING THOSE BIKES INSIDE THE ARENA WAS EPIC .TWO AMERICAN LEGENDS IN THE UK 😊

[@thebigshow1068]

RJ, you are my GOAT. Ran gallons of pre mix through my CR80 dreaming I was racing with you. Question, have you ever tried a quads thumb throttle on a bike? I feel I have more throttle control with the thumb throttle.

[@johnsikessikes5404]

New fan to subscribe. RJ gave some great insight I had never heard before about 80's MX. Let RJ know that the OG moto bros of the 80's are now spending there retirement money & time on adventure bikes and related travel. But his plans w/ Suzuki sounds like he already knows.

[@geraldaddison5803]

RJ the true bad boy they'll never be another.

[@hjmoto]

I wish I could have been on Don's show. Because I would have a few good questions for Rick about his 85' season. Also, did he think Hannah was the fastest during the 83' season. Which was his favorite season and why. To me, Rick was the man during his prime.

[@joelpeterson9925]

Need those bars let me know when you start making them. I ride single track. RJ I’m a huge fan

[@deanwcampbell]

It's hard to believe, but Ronald Regan got chance to meet the legend Ricky Johnson!

[@mmazz30]

It’s funny, in todays era of MX you sort of follow one man/team ie Kickstart Kenny for me. Back in my era of MX in the 80’s, you had your man/team still, but you still liked the other riders/teams as well because of the competition they brought and the funky works bikes that were around…….well for me, I respected all of them.

[@Motosportz]

such a cool dude.

[@user-yq9ib1sy1b]

Machado needs to wear RJs tiger jams

[@jeffreybariel3369]

THUMB THROTTLE JR!! We used to rip on quads and three wheelers with the thumb throttle. I bet you guys have thought of it being the legends you are but if not. Your welcome!!!!!!

[@veronphillips]

I rode with a guy for a while that used a left sided throttle. Dude could haul butt.

[@robertduster8508]

In the 70s it was uncle Donnie flying machine factory

[@YZEtc]

RJ was the man. In his prime, he was basically expected to win.

[@Pompomgrenade]

😮 It's odd that this legendary rider, was never really on my moto radar 😔 and I'm not sure why...

[@carlmckeenan6906]

Fortune favors the Brave! Nice piece, gents

[@Joe-pb3lx]

i make my own custom bend bars just for that reason RJ is talking about......not looking to be in business for it though.......but i like and know what i want and nobody makes what i want so i bought 7/8th pipe and bent my own on my tube bender......good to be a metal fab guy helps.....lol

[@santiagobenites]

That was a great interview. I raced from 1980 to 1984, and my best friend and I used to copy what Ricky and Johnny O'Mara were wearing too, like the Johnny O JT boot savers and the Jofa faceguard. I met Ricky at the Florida Winter Series in 1984, and I remember that in one race he wore a pair of Hawaiian surfer shorts overtop of his motocross pants because someone dared him to. Good times!

[@bradleymorris8875]

I had a FMF bicycle.

[@jimpanzer07]

The best era, best racers and best of all - no 4 strokes!😎

[@FlowFinderUSA]

Hey RJ, why not just incorporate a "thumb throttle" like on an ATV? Why make things more difficult?

[@mikehatch1967]

Can RJ use a thumb throttle?

[@SLAYJUCE]

Part one : I am so dramatic lol

[@danielarney9729]

Yamaha never made that mistake again

[@jasonlemire794]

RJ why don't you use a thumb throttle??

[@geraldaddison5803]

RJ watch them comments were in the New world tattoos & partners lol.

[@Canyon_Shawn]

Thumb throttle!

[@ddrowdy2]

Gee, I wonder what kind of bag those guy's use to carry their stuff?

[@MatthewC137]

Me too. Let us know if you find out.

[@markc9409]

MR Johnson should take a trip to Texas and see Jesse James he could build some bars and a gun for him.

[@Joelontugs]

He invented the half waffle do you know how insane that is lol

[@JosephDredd31]

Sorry I couldn't watch this on Family room TV with my grandkids. Too many "Fucks". Podcast would work I guess.

[@truthboomertruthbomber5125]

It’s sad that people don’t seem to realize that bad language is ok in specific situations but is inappropriate outside of those specific situations. The appropriate “situations” are when there are no females or young people in earshot.

[@user-ux5ng6nk5y]

Hey ricky..how's your sister if your talking to her tell her ALAN say hello

[@melray4299]

Thumb throttle

[@ettube8686]

??? Thumb throttle??

[@BobbyGeneric145]

What was he completely disgusted about?

[@Rockhead75]

First comment RJ get a thumb throttle!!!

[@surroncountry]

😂😂

[@1sir-onworld]

🐝🏁 I still ride a 1990 KX500 that I bought new ,but now i ride a E-bike very fast. R.J. get on a ebike and let us know what you think 🤔. Good to see you're doing well 👍. Great video 💯

[@jayc6258]

Too hip!

[@Craiglife777]

Too Hip

[@Steve-vt1oo]

He still has a gigantic ego!

[@motoyamasnigglepuff8654]

This is a bunch of losers

[@ronaldtartaglia4459]

Rick please bring back "Epic Rides" that was a great show. Alsob have you tried Thumb Throttle???

[@chrishenry6367]

Why don't you make a Suzuki bag and a Yamaha bag etc? Have a bag for each bike? I do not buy your bag because it's just a black boring ass bag. Have not checked your bags lately but last time I checked they were just boring-ass black bags. YOu are going to charge me that much money for a plain black ass bag with no character.

[@toxsickdog]

Too Hip