"What Do I Do From Here?" | Ken Roczen Interview

Ken Roczen sat down with us at San Diego to talk about being in his 15th season as a pro, racing and family, acceptance of where he is in his career, highlights, and more.

[@CryptoJace]

If Kenny didn't have those horrific crashes, he'd be on top of the numbers in our sport.Him Just being here today is a testiment to his skill on a dirt bike.

[@MrHkballer1]

That 2017 crash forever changed him. I was so happy when he won in San Diego a few years later wearing the same gear he crashed in, if I remember correctly

[@denniswilder3014]

​@@MrHkballer1yeah that would freak anyone out but i think his crash in 2018 eas the one that really hurt his body.

[@MichaelLyons-h4i]

"And it's a hunting dog didn't take a s*** he would have caught that rabbit?"

[@MichaelLyons-h4i]

🤷

[@AJourneyOfYourSoul]

Imo he is the most naturally talented guy out there and those crashes absolutely took championships from his career. But it is part of the sport. Lots of guys never live up to their race potential because of injuries.

[@scooter1391]

love to see Roczen with the championship this year

[@JustinM-w5v]

More than anyone else yes sir

[@flunies]

he aint winning lol

[@sexatica]

@@flunies Its possible, anything can happen in supercross

[@JustinM-w5v]

@@flunies Jett ain’t neither lol

[@taylorlatch2635]

@@JustinM-w5v not a jett fan but jett is probaby going to win

[@noahsteffens828]

Favorite rider of all time 🤘🏼

[@nemonobody167]

This is the most open and honest I’ve ever heard a motorcycle pro rider. Great interview

[@pathaver9320]

For the last 6-7 years, you have seen a Kenny at 80%. Rides cautiously, doesn't want to engage in the riff-raff. A 80% Kenny can still run at the front and win races. A testament to how fast he really is.

[@sqd37l]

But poor kenny being a german in the United States has faced unheard of discrimination. I feel so bad for him. Forced to take all that money. poor kenny. poor, poor kenny.

[@darkmean65]

@@sqd37lwhat kind of sarcastic comment was that? He earned that money by working hard

[@sqd37l]

@ he stated that. the remark came from HIM

[@gladegoodrich2297]

Hope he keeps that red plate all year.

[@wattsy2595]

We all know that ain't going to happen 😂

[@fleece192]

Kenny is a true legend. All the crashes and injuries he suffered is truly amazing. Him, Tomac, and the older guys who still ride dirt bikes with the sport we love..

[@noahlindsey5100]

The best rider and personality in the business right now!

[@therealjd1503]

Love Kroc and stoked he has had a good start

[@williamdavis1887]

I love how confident he is answering that last question 🤘

[@ocjon1965]

at one time - his arm was being held together with rubber bands , and the muscle was dying - what a medical team he had to save his arm . . what a man to come back

[@leonreed4252]

I like this Roczen

[@fleece192]

Me too

[@DougGorman-y1o]

Go, Kenny! and Suzuki! Would be HUGE.

[@daltonolds4152]

THAT is how you end an interview 🔥

[@darksidemx1138]

Agreed

[@tigerarmy43]

Love Kenny's final answer 'yes!'. I can't express my admiration for him. He really deserves all that he's achieved and I'll root for him till the very end. Thanks for the interview.

[@nicksapp6543]

We love Kenny! This is the best he's ridden I think. Could 35 be the new exit age for riders? I hope so. I don't think Eli is done either.

[@TooBig_Golf]

Kenny is so sick. Love that he’s doing well and happy

[@Scotts229]

One of the best interviews of all time. What a great insight into such a great athlete.

[@darksidemx1138]

Thanks! It was a nice conversation.

[@MobettaBikeCo]

Within ten years, I see Kenny as a team manager in the same fashion as Roger DeCoster. He's very knowledgeable about the engineering of what makes a bike work and, because of his ups and downs with injuries and his grit and determination to come back and achieve, he brings to the table a plethora of knowledge and wisdom that few have in this sport and that makes him an excellent candidate to be a team manager.

[@fleece192]

Yea

[@kennethespinosa8863]

i hope we see a roczen championship hes a badass

[@YoungYoggi]

Fantastic work dark, getting us the true Ken Roczen. Just beautiful.

[@darksidemx1138]

I enjoyed how relaxed and open he was. Thank you!

[@anewperspective247]

That "Yes" at the end was probably the most definitive thing I've ever heard Kenny say. #LFGKENNY

[@Evo836]

Kenny just do your thing and we will support you.

[@jrolks101]

Feels like Stewart’s older days when he joined Suzuki but he’s staying around a little longer. The field is so stacked and for him to be putting in this good of results on that bike is impressive. Opening lap king

[@robloubier803]

Those red plates look nice on the RM Ken.

[@shawncolemusic]

Having taken the heat off certainly has free'd the mind. Go Kenny, everyone loves it when you succeed.

[@cwtv716]

Last Question of the Interview… “Kenny, are you still capable of winning a Championship?” … And Without Hesitation!… his answer was… “YES!” Love It! KR.. You Rock! ❤ 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@robbgnarly]

I kinda like the dude after this. He seems like a legit guy. and I could only wish to be 30 again, his career had not even started yet

[@scottbradford4130]

Ken was the best dude. Only dude that could get a 12th start and make his way to 1st in two laps😂 big badass

[@scottdries1106]

When you answer that quickly, it’s true. Good luck to you Kenny. I hope Suzuki steps up with that electric start before it’s too late. The bike looks great, especially in the whoops👍

[@denniswilder3014]

He doesn't need it.what about electric start makes hitting whoops faster? How does electric start make a bike corner better? How does electric start help get a holeshot. Please i have to hear this explanation. Dont say incase he stalls or crashes.

[@jakekooyenga550]

Kenny has shown his displeasure about it over the offseason and Suzuki promised him they’d have it. They tested an aftermarket electric start but it was trash so Kenny isn’t running it rn. It’s more about the principle and less about the function. Kenny just wants Suzuki to update the bike for him. I think regardless he goes to Ducati need year

[@DonGH297]

@@denniswilder3014in case he stalls the bike, he can lose valuable points. So yeah he needs it as his competition has a advantage over him

[@denniswilder3014]

@@DonGH297 its a rare fluke for riders to stall there bike. Just like chase said there barely stall the bike. And as far as crashing these guys take a few seconds to get up anyway. 9/10.times the zook starts first second kick.

[@DonGH297]

@ Roczen had trouble before where he had to kick like 8 times. Problem is, the fuel fumes need to leave the system, otherwise engine won’t run. These engines get hot. And yeah, the ktm just sucks. It stalls so easily it’s embarassing, the suzuki doesn’t though so that’s a good thing for Kenny. I guess it’s not a huge thing, but it will definitely give Kenny a advantage no doubt

[@dagodigs]

Your #1 bro get after it....your a example of what consistency and dedication can achieve 💪👑red plate bro!!!!!

[@SymonSaysTV]

People can say what ever they want about the kick start Kenny bike, but the Yellow Suzuki is till the better looking bike out there.

[@RobertJones-ix2hu]

Definitely. I just wish he used the hi-viz yellow like Pastrana used on his Rm-Zilla

[@fleece192]

Electric start would be nice

[@RickCecrle-ep9ui]

Hang in there STUD What will be will be. Focus on consistency, not rushing anything, crazy sport how things can change. Kenny you are by far the toughest athlete I've ever seen. You've had a phonominal career for sure. Wish you an yours the best CHAMP. My two cents.❤❤🎉🎉😊😊

[@rockypup1968]

Wouldn't it be great if Kenny wins the title on the RMZ , i know its a long shot but it would be fucking brilliant !

[@therealjd1503]

Great interview thanks Jamie

[@darksidemx1138]

Thank You and you're welcome

[@kelliejackson5146]

...reminding me a little of Hannah toward the end of his Pro career? Kenny has been a sensational rider and very professional and can still blitz a supercross track better than most in a clean and sportsmanlike manner.

[@gggeorge]

Come on roczennnn.love from india.long live suzuki

[@overthehillmx5667]

That’s what I’m talking about. Great interview being a champion is not just about winning.

[@EdCook-q8g]

I believe you got to win this week or podium😊

[@SOFTAILX]

KR is perfection of a professional athlete.

[@tankeater]

Could barely finish the question with a hard "YES"... Cut to black! 💪👍🤘

[@2011buddylee]

Honestly in KR's prime and even today occasionally in SX haven't seen to many riders who can match his quick twitch speed in the opening laps. Absolutely incredible how he can quickly blitz his way through 8 or 9 riders in like 2 laps, and on certain SX tracks after a holeshot bye-bye, see yah after the race!👍Also wouldn't be surprised to see Ken on Team Triumph or Team Ducati in 2026.

[@christernilsson2770]

Rumors say Ducati.

[@xavracing457]

Ken’s the man. One of the greats imo. Injuries maybe hurt his “numbers”, but his resiliency and race raft is unmatched. Tough mf

[@bryceharris9196]

Kroc needs this 🏆

[@dalemawby8717]

So proud of Ken, he has grown into a very mature young man. Honest and true to himself and happy he's on a Suzuki

[@Josh_Cichowski]

Goosebumps with that last question 💪

[@1garry499]

The sport elevated when Kenny showed up in a suit. Grit is his middle name.

[@motoboy6666]

Great interview with one of the biggest of the sport. Really feels like a looong career. And so sucessful 👍

[@darksidemx1138]

Thanks

[@Randy_Cox]

I'm working on it.🔥🔥🔥 Dude your a great rider and you ain't done yet. Who has that red plate? Who is leading the 2025 SX championship? Ya buddy keep rippin.🔥🔥

[@michaelcarberry594]

Kenny is a GOAT not by numbers but by his career as a whole. They were going to amputate his arm! And that was a definitive YES with no hesitation. And if you believe you can. You are the man Kenny.

[@DannyPopov]

I'd really love to see KR get a SX championship before he retires. If there's anyone that deserves one, it's him.

[@RacerX6270]

#94 Legend status👍

[@tankeater]

I was at A1 in the middle of the rhythm section and Kenny got the loudest cheers for most of the race besides the passes Eli made in that section the last half of the race! KR94 is the people's champ!!!... Got some weird looks when i yelled out German Chocolate. 😂🤘

[@gawdszn302]

Gonna be sad when that 94 is no longer at the races 😢 let’s go red plate KENNY!!!

[@thekamikaze789]

hey we love to see him racing. after the first crash it was sooo good to see him back. after the second broken wrist? i though thats it. than the struggles with his imune system. he is a legend in my books and one of the toughest guys out there.

[@learningtofly6804]

Good questions Jamie. Steve taught you well :)

[@darksidemx1138]

Hahahaha! Thanks

[@jessejames14]

I'ts great to see kenny still racing and enjoying the ride! i quit racing, after a few bad crashes, when i was 22. now i get off on watching him and Eli still in the hunt. now roczen has the red plate! Could this be the year he finally gets a 450 championship? How cool would that be? He certainly deserves it. I predict its going to be him or ET3 in 2025 on top of the box at the end...

[@quiquevega43]

YESSS!! 🤘🏼

[@DavidVowels-co5dd]

KENNY REMINDS ME OF A MATURE BUT INCREDIBLY GIFTED SOLO GUITARIST HE KNOWS HES GREAT AND STILL HAS IT BUT ITS LIKE ITS NOT A COMPETITION TO HIM.? BUT HE RIDES GREAT PERFORMS DOING IT LIKE ITS IT A WORK OF ART HHHMM AMAZING MIND SET

[@jerrymckenzie1858]

Ken is still fast. I've always liked his riding.

[@kimkristensen2816]

Would love to see Kenny help Suzuki develop new models and be their ambassador. That or go to Ducati along with Tomac and race for a couple more years

[@AJourneyOfYourSoul]

Is that rabbit saying a German saying just translated into English? lol. KR is living his best life right now. Probably enjoying racing more now than ever. I hope he gets a win this season. It’s going to happen. LFG!!!!

[@avmotorsport3231]

yes it is lol

[@WheelieBad]

Yes.

[@panicrev555]

Red plate after 3 rounds. Not too shabby.

[@nickfraser6942]

True Gritt!!!!!

[@AJourneyOfYourSoul]

If KR94 gets 2nd and 3rd every race while Eli and Jett trade wins and have off nights, it’s possible he could take the championship. Not likely, but it absolutely could happen. Three races in and it’s working.

[@slagletoby]

Suzuki needs to start a factory team and wrap it around Kenny. Then in the future when Ken decides to retire on his own terms he will be the new Roger DeCosta as the top factory race team executive manager.

[@MrHkballer1]

If I was a mechanic for a rider like Roczen and I didn't have the red plate on the bike before they loaded it up to ship it to the next race, I would feel terrible. That red plate needs to be out and ready to go as they're pulling into the pits

[@davidhaworth7152]

LFG Kenny!

[@MM34YZ450]

Win roc! This guy owes it to himself to win some races! Going to be good season. This age thing is BS state of mind if he was 39 then ok but he is 30 and capable!

[@lylesommers5018]

2025 champion right there.

[@aaronfargen9017]

Ken Roczen should try his hand at flattrack or moto gp

[@GGumbs264]

I’m watching from the CARIBBEAN 🔥🔥

[@fleece192]

Enjoy the sun

[@fleece192]

If the dog didn’t take a shit he would have caught the rabbit 🐰 😂😂😂

[@Peanutdenver]

Whether you're a Tomac, Jett, Chase or Webb fan would anyone really be that triggered if Kenny snagged the sx title this year? I like Eli but I would be happy to see Kroc win it all after everything he's been through...its so hard to come back from serious injuries I can only imagine what it's like at this level.

[@rhejda203]

its hard to click on these interviews when you already know the line of questioning. "You are old, how's that going?", "You cant win, are you happy about that?"....

[@seashackf1]

I think Kickstart fans need to adjust their expectations. He’s not a top 3 rider anymore and hasn’t been for a while. He’s consistent top 10, with top 5’s still in the equation.

[@jeffniles7121]

@seashackf1 so you are saying he has been in the equation all three races so far.

[@seashackf1]

@@jeffniles7121yup, he’s not winning a championship though…..unless Eli, Jett and Chase get injured and he doesn’t.

[@jeffniles7121]

@@seashackf1 looks like another equation

[@seashackf1]

@@jeffniles7121 crazy. Just as Kenny himself is coming to terms with his career. Maybe it’s a shift in attitude he needed. 🤷‍♂️ Roczen 2025 SX champ. 😂

[@jgs1703]

Dude is 1st place in points talking like he's in 10th. Have some confidence Roczen.

[@robinmoller6808]

Lol he does. Mature answers

[@nemonobody167]

Interview after SD. He was not 1st

[@jgs1703]

@@nemonobody167 point still stands.

[@maxtheca]

I know what you do ! You and Eli go develop the Ducati Desmo 450👍🙂

[@stevenrogers000]

If he hadn’t had that accident, he’d have more championships

[@gregsmith3410]

Does the red plate curse continue; Jet 12th Chase 6th Eli 7th . Hmmm.!!

[@mbvjg4217]

bro i said the same thing lmao

[@Racer259x]

2025 #1 #3 #21

[@tonygee3284]

Kenny should take Hunters Honda ride Kenny would be on the podium for Honda

[@underthegun5799]

Love Kenny hope he goes too Ducati. Suzuki does not deserve a championship with the effort they put in.

[@Rubeless]

You’ll eventually get a regular job.

[@extremedf53]

Kenny to DUCATI or KTM ?🎉

[@corin6677]

KTM no chance they are a busted flush.... he'll stay with Suzuki

[@TheSkriren]

You have the red plate for one weekend mate

[@denniswilder3014]

Dont count him out. If he comes in second he keeps the red plate.

[@darksidemx1138]

I did this interview at San Diego before he even had the red plate. It was just a discussion of his career

[@LiggaMyaz]

If Kenny could get on a Star bike or back with HRC he could win consistently or at least podium consistently every weekend!! I just hope we get to see him on a factory bike that’s not a Suzuki before he hangs it up🤞🏼

[@KingArthurreturns]

I absolutely hate this constant bs about age, the press needs to chill and leave it up to the riders. Feels like they push them, speaking like they’re done. Ridiculous and frustrating.

[@darksidemx1138]

Do you not think it plays a role? He said he's considered being done at times. I don't think I alluded to him being done. I wanted to get his thoughts on his career and that includes what comes with being in this sport at his age.

[@GGumbs264]

I’m watching from the CARIBBEAN 🔥🔥