We Test Ken Roczen's FACTORY Suzuki RM-Z450

#motocross #racing #sports #motorcycle
What's it like to ride Ken Roczen's Factory HEP Progressive Suzuki RM-Z450? MXA's Josh Mosiman, Dennis Stapleton, and Brian Medeiros tested the bike at Fox Raceway on Monday after Ken finished second at the 2023 LA Coliseum SuperMotocross Finale. Kenny has ridden for Red Bull KTM, HRC Honda, RCH Suzuki, and now HEP Suzuki, and he seems happier than ever on his new team. We give our first impressions of what it was like to ride in this new video.
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[@thetaylorleon3315]

Would love to see suzuki dominate the shootouts like back in 2009-2014

[@caydenthompson126]

They never dominated the shootouts. The 250 won in 2010 but I think that's about it

[@dc_5sauce]

go back to 92....rm125 won every shootout...i know i owned one. @@caydenthompson126

[@Zzzzzz-ns7lg]

@@caydenthompson126either way back in those days specifically 2009-2013 the suzuki and Kawasaki were the top bikes. Suzuki was a close 2nd to the Kawasaki 250 and 450

[@caydenthompson126]

@@Zzzzzz-ns7lg I think I remember that

[@aydenrich262]

@karldogg9481pretty bold assumption don’t you think?

[@JohnHowerton137]

Very cool. Suzukis have always looked cool since 1996. Interesting about the slipper clutch. I’d love to have one of those on a 450. Been a Kenny fan since he switched back to yellow. He seems like he’s been in a much better place from the moment he left Honda.

[@microsoft790]

I was never a fan of his until he switched back to Suzuki. Huge mental change for him and having the cards stacked against him makes me wanna root for him

[@immachine1565]

​@@microsoft790same i was for jett every race unless ken roczen was racing then i was for him

[@JohnHowerton137]

@@microsoft790 ditto

[@jeremymcguire7069]

One of the nice things about the Suzuki is Price. At the same total budget, I can buy riding gear, and have money left for fuel.

[@nuttylivett2713]

I had a little rm 80 bloody hell it was so quick

[@Bryan-jd7os]

The old RM 80's were awesome! Freaky fast for an 80. 👍

[@user-bl6to5eq8m]

I had 1984 rm 80, 2000 rm 80 , and a 2001 rm 85l , stock not the fastest but built up soo fast. And the 84 suzuki ripped.

[@salubobryan1032]

COME ON SUZUKI MAKE A GREAT BIKE WE WANT OUR BOY WIN THE WHOLE THING

[@MarcSherwood]

Second place in SMX seems to indicate that the bike is great, and had a solid pilot.

[@1969cmp]

...don't stall it and this is more bike you'll ever need, even in stock trim.

[@Buffington916]

If you actually listen to what people say, with suspension and a couple horsepower mods (both things most people do anyways) it is a great bike.

[@ONKINGDAVID]

@@1969cmpnot against no YZs or Hondas

[@MichaelAMyers1957]

What’s wrong with the bike ? I love my rmz250.

[@andy5786]

Like the Suzuki RM Mx bikes be nice to see them at top again one day Josh great ride on Ken's factory bike thanks awesome guys 👍🇬🇧

[@brandonfoley8070]

Hopefully within the next few years we see Suzuki dominating again

[@aydenrich262]

@2216sammyhow much do you wanna bet?

[@mouthofpower8492]

Lol all the Suzuki haters are getting destroyed by Ken’s success

[@mikebrown41182]

Usually because they think a new model make’s such a difference. Literally some basics of the foundation is still from Chads time at Suzuki. In a way it correlates to how long any manufacture could stay on the same package longer, but that makes no sense from sell point, and people including myself who loves to tinker with changes and parts that comes with new bikes basically gives the Green light for the market to work in that way. In the end, it also shows how damn good these bikes are today. Sure it glitters with one of parts that is unobtanium aswell, that make lifes easier. Suzuki has always been damn good, worth its money. Both two stroke and the four stroke package, minor changes wich usually people tend to change anyway and you’re good to go. But i guess one should not lie, Suzuki making such a good bike in 18, could surely make some changes that would make them sell more and be more popular again, by that i mean that 5-6 year span on one platform is pretty much a good bar, you dont really need to switch every third like other manufactures do. I hope Suzuki keeps building, they should bring back their GP team aswell and keep on building the u.s based factory team. From what i gathered, Suzuki is not poor at all, they sell alot as a company in other markets, but they pull out offroad for unknown reasons, but they also moved their main factory in Japan etc, many variables and factors to why they might have pulled the plug, but, not that i can confirm their budget directed to offroad, but it seems like they could elevate their program if they want to, management does not seem to agree. The sport needs Suzuki, not only top pro ranks but down in the amateur racing aswell. One could only hope they will be back stronger.

[@windycityjohn400]

To be clear, it's YOU Suzuki nut swingers that are the laughingstock. Take a look at ANY OTHER SUZUKI RIDER. They can't make a main. When they do, they end up as LAP TRAFFIC. You all act like this, proves your old junk is on par with new bikes. If that were true, the resr of his teammates would be competitive. But Suzuki hasn't been competitive for a decade. We've been calling the LCQ "The Suzuki Heat" for years. Ken's bike is doing well because PROGRESSIVE dumped a TON of money at Ken and specifically said their funds couldn't go to the other Suzuki bikes. (That's why ONLY Ken's bike has the PROGRESSIVE sponsorship on it) Ken took EVERYTHING he learned while at KTM and HONDA, while they developed their new 450's, as well as all the things he learned riding every brand bike in the industry before signing with Suzuki, and applied it to his Suzuki. They've changed geometry, custom modified nearly every suspension component, gone thru piles of suspension changes, etc. When he takes that kickstarter up to the podium, THAT'S about the last true Suzuki part they have left on that bike.😂 YOUR old Suzuki isn't remotely close to his, and it's nowhere near competitive in today's racing. Suzuki isn't gonna rally, redesign and grow. They have been hanging on by a thread, and when the next market dip comes...they'll be gone for good. (From MX) To be clear....I'm a KR94 FAN, but the only thing Suzuki on that bike is the yellow plastics. That bike should identify as gender fluid, or transgender. It's gad enough surgeries to identify as anything it wants.🤣

[@Davido50]

Always loved Suzukis. Ride new KTM 450SXF these days but dream of buyin an all new Gen Suzuki RMZ450. To everyone..don't hesitate to buy a new Suzuki they are very good. 👍🏻 -Ohio

[@corin6677]

@@mikebrown41182 Suzuki haven't moved in Japan at all! They are based in Hamamatsu and always have been .

[@mikebrown41182]

@@corin6677 i think you misunderstand. Moving does not nessecary mean completely different region. They moved their production line of motorcycles to a new facility in Toyokawa Aichi.

[@moto3463]

Suzuki needs to really update their bikes and push to be on top of the market again. The bikes look beautiful.

[@aydenrich262]

They are very beautiful

[@NOTTApro142]

Man i love Suzukis! Glad ken was able to get a win and really let that suzuki shine! #MakeSuzukisGreatAgain!

[@aydenrich262]

MSGA 2024🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@daneg]

wow. you're riding this right after the 3rd round of SMX? that's a quick turnaround for the video. well done, boyz!

[@nicholascanjura5051]

It's dope that you got to ride kick start Kenny's factory machine

[@maa34711]

Love to see that Dennis Stapleton is still hanging it out. Dennis used to come ride on my private track in San Jose when he was still chasing the dream. His dad always came along and both of them were awesome guys.

[@kelliebrooks9094]

Kens got his bike perfect...i ve been yelling across the pond for suzuki to get a electric starter cases an get up to date...not like kens done any riding that hes earned it i know its new cases an its not just bolt the starter on deal...hopefully 24 its done Ken has the bike balanced motor an is rippin good starts hes useally been top 3 or close....

[@spacejaime]

Josh, congratulations as this is a particularly excellent video. The insights into this "factory" bike, what has been done to keep it superbly competitive, and the news that Suzuki is going to keep on racing is reason to be overjoyed! Cheers!

[@windycityjohn400]

If it was "superbly competitive" the rest of the Suzuki riders wouldn't be lap traffic.😂

[@spacejaime]

@@windycityjohn400 - actually, it is so uncompetitive it finished in second place.

[@windycityjohn400]

@@spacejaime His is highly modified. Well beyond his teammates bikes. My point was that your basic Suzuki isn't competitive. There is literally only ONE Yellow bike that runs on the lead lap. Feel free to keep your eyes on the REST of the team on this upcoming Supercross season. It's RARE that the other Suzukis make the main (for the last decade) Even rarer for them to finish on the lead lap.

[@spacejaime]

@@windycityjohn400 - good you came to your senses. Progressive $$$ allows Ken's bike to be modified to his needs and to the hilt. Not so with the other HEP Suzuki's. Same goes with the other Honda/Kawi/Yamaha private teams that get lapped by the top 3-4 riders. Cheers bud! Long live MX/SX.

[@juanjosemunozgarcia1276]

The best bike Suzuki

[@philipjohnfrias7299]

its a great bike for kenny fit for him to a smooth play in the track..so im hoping suzuki team for the champion

[@Efemedio1]

That was just awesome MXA wrecking crew! Loved the in action camera views! Looking so forward to my issue of MXA with the write up on this bike! I remember the great job you guys did on KR's 2016 bike! BTW, Josh did you tell ML512 that the Triumph engine looks like a KTM powerplant???!!!! He photo bombed the video! If you did, I hope you got his panties in a wad! Thank you so much fella's for the so very cool content!

[@622paco]

JMo you look on the yellow. Keep doing great work.

[@brandonfoley8070]

Really wish Suzuki would step up their game and produce a new bike. If they were smart they'd come back with 2 strokes and they'd sell like hot cakes

[@OtisFlint]

I'm so tired of KTM being the only fully modern option for woods bikes (2 stroke).

[@torr-michaelbennetta9785]

Great bike. RM Army!!!

[@toddsimone7182]

What an awesome opportunity and so quickly after the season. Any word on the platform heading into MY24?

[@yellowdemon16vt74]

I wanna get a new zuki 450 for next summer

[@DasChristoff]

I hear the 2024.5 factory RMZ450 is a complete makeover with e start! I think they are working on everything we want including 2strokes and off road bikes! So excited to see what Suzuki has up their sleeves!!!

[@aydenrich262]

Me too! That’s what I hear as well

[@lizzydog5728]

Kenny is just flat out amazing to watch riding!! When he is really pushing?

[@shutupgavin4114]

He runs the Showa spring fork in Supercross and the KYB Air fork in MX. Just something I noticed y’all got wrong.

[@shutupgavin4114]

Also you guys said Davi Millsaps 2018 Rockstar Suzuki…. Davi rode for Yamaha in 2018 and he rode rockstar Suzuki in 2013.

[@danoa8859]

Where you there today Gavin ?

[@shutupgavin4114]

@@danoa8859 lol it’s called paying attention. Go look at pics from the pits and you can tell what parts he’s running and when he’s running them.

[@sephjfox]

love the rmz450 🥰

[@JbFixCorleone]

After their won motogp and still pulling out I never thought Kenny would make a difference.. but here we go

[@microsoft790]

It’s all in their finances. Suzuki got into a mess during 2008 and they are just starting to come out of it. The other companies were a lot larger and recovered more quickly.

[@JbFixCorleone]

@@microsoft790 I see, thx for the info

[@chardison6026]

Rumor is they’re releasing a 2024.5 with e start

[@motomania128]

😂

[@aydenrich262]

Factory edition that has the option of both kick and electric start

[@sephjomindac265]

hello Boss good Day..... my idol in motocross is Ken Roczen.... I'm from Philippines.... I wanna pray for Ken Roczen will win this 2023 motocross and supercross Champions. God speed.

[@michaeltrower6792]

Kenny can make any bike look good

[@Twistsquishbang]

Suzuki have always made a great bike, it’s heavier than others because it has metal in it! It’s a solid bike unlike my ktm that eventually the main frame distorts with fatigue, the motor is big holds plenty oil and will run forever unlike my ktm engine that is so compact it runs too hot and internal/external parts just strip out, as for turning the Suzuki has nailed it and who cares for an electric start it’s just another part to go wrong if Suzuki added a starter they would try save weight somewhere else and that’s compromising strength or reliability, be honest with yourself what more in a bike would you ever need, the same way Yamaha bought back the yz250 two stroke it didn’t need any changes because it works so to the RM450z it works why change it

[@kelliebrooks9094]

I could here instantly how snap power was really responsive. .soon as u hit the first couple turns...ken got the bike perfect from watching these last few SMX races....so i know he an brooks have found the suspension setting to make ken just be able to ride an not think aboutwhats the bike doing front or rear...kens pretty creative when he throws some SX attack mode switch..so that looked like fun...just a friendly bike to ride...moseman looked really comfy...really comfy...

[@chadglover_239]

Sick video . I did that tattoo on my buddy Travis 🤘🏼

[@aaron337]

Yo, Josh! I like your riding style bro. Looking fast compared to this weekend warrior

[@danblekeberg2470]

Remember, Josh rode nationals this year. He is a pro, light years faster than all of us weekend warriors.

[@mxgreg222]

not a Ken fan, but the dude can setup a bike better than anyone else, period.

[@isaiahwoodbury5205]

This is sick

[@Eric--zs6um]

I like Roczen on that Suzuki. Sign him up! #94

[@Kipperthe_dog2]

Ken’s bike shows you don’t need all the crazy works parts to be a top guy.

[@Edward-ry1jk]

This is a factory bike, it will definitely have the best parts you can get on it. Factory bikes are nothing like production bikes

[@jedielder7970]

I noticed that his forks don't have a titanium nitride coating on them... in previous videos looking at his bike the coating is present. I'm guessing the reason for this is that they were switching out his suspension so much to get it right for the SMX finals? IDK. I'm also guessing that the main differences between his bike and a stock one would be the engine and suspension. It's interesting that he runs stock triple clamps, compared to the other factory guys. Of course, they have Kenny... the rider is the most important aspect (Masterpool proved this on a privateer, mostly stock bike). That's way cool that your crew gets these opportunities... thanks for sharing with us. What about the weight of the bike... did they play with that at all? Thanks.

[@jakeforeman484]

The stock triple clamps have really good flex characteristics. The aftermarket triple clamps are more rigid which is the last thing you want on a Suzuki!

[@jasonwalker526]

When will SUZUKI put electric start on their bikes , I am a ZUK fan and have been for ever , and YAMAHA of coarse , but when they do I will buy one if not I guess I will stick with Yamy's

[@aydenrich262]

I would buy one if I knew when they were coming out with a new bike

[@dakotabarse3840]

The outdoor setup was for Chicago, not charlotte. I believe you have the round 2 : Chicago mixed up with round 1 : Charlotte

[@MikeMartin-gz6ix]

I wish for a new rmz450 and a new rm465 and a new rm250 and a new rm500 2025

[@richiehoppie6945]

I think people may overlook the fact that this bike has engine work, suspension, and better brakes other than that it’s essentially a stock bike. That says alot for suzuki if you ask me.

[@stevesmith756]

And dropped pig weight

[@windycityjohn400]

As well as modified frame geometry and swingarm mods. Yet they act like it's still a Suzuki. It's closer to everything Ken learned at KTM and Suzuki.

[@fullnoyz7670]

@@windycityjohn400I thought ama had a rule about using the stock frame? I could be wrong.

[@motozz8258]

@@stevesmith756 how do tell

[@theclayj]

Aesthetic video edit

[@shawntblin5423]

Just shows that mods can make any moto brand a top performer. Glad to see Ken doing well. Felt bad for him in his final years with Honda. I origionally thought he made a mistake leaving Honda. I was wrong.

[@motozz8258]

Not really , look at ktmhuskagas ! nothing can help those bikes and just goes to show how good the Suzuki is . For real those euro bikes are rubbish in so many ways

[@kovschannel]

Suspension looks stock. They took off the factory kit?

[@farmerkevin]

Excellent content. Thanks.

[@harleygenegabuas8742]

BM934 Was riding and racing suzuki from high school days. yessah B

[@nealrstevens]

Yes, great article. Suzuki missed the SMX championship by a hair.

[@johnnyhopkins7297]

No other bike can pull off the gold rims like a zuke

[@aydenrich262]

Exactly, Hondas anniversary edition looks good with gold rims but nothing compares to a zuke with gold rims

[@hencetirta7633]

best bike

[@danielresch2975]

Put that thing on the market

[@aydenrich262]

They’re having a factory edition for 2024.5 like ktm does

[@lonh8554]

So when does Suzuki plan on adding electric start? Seems crazy with Roczen's success that they are still going with kick starter.

[@sml2238]

Awesome video, I was really curious about Ken's bike. I'm surprised at how many stock parts they run but that just goes to show you it's not always about what individual parts you have on the bike, but rather how you have it setup and the sum of the parts, and obviously the testing time to really dial in a bike and this is true for anything performance related. Though, I would have liked to hear a bit more on how it compared to other brands factory bikes as apposed to just mostly other Suzuki's.

[@Solihull.landscapes]

Love to see Suzuki re-tool and build a new bike like Honda did in the eighties - a different bike every year till they nailed it

[@microsoft790]

Most common future mod for the 450 is gonna be a 250 clamp swap watch!!

[@aydenrich262]

Or rear shock, I hear people swap those

[@jrm7170]

Wish I could get one of those rmz250s without them noticing.

[@4touchdowns1game29]

Why didn't they go into the technical details?

[@mr.427exclusive]

Show us how many kicks it takes to turn over 🙌🏻

[@jeffwixon1828]

I think Josh should race one next year at a national

[@steveabt8598]

What size are the handlebars?

[@erinderind259]

suzuki still the best,, you are the suzuking ken,, 😀😀👍👍👍

[@OutmatchTrent]

HELLL YHEAH BOYS

[@SOLDOZER]

Thats not Ken's bike though. Does not even have the same suspension. Maybe his practice bike. For sure not his race bike.

[@logannicholass3702]

Stop making Suzuki videos. I'm trying to buy one and dealers are using media like this as an excuse to raise the prices on these😂

[@immachine1565]

What one are you getting im thinking about getting rmz250....i have a king quad and RM250 im waiting on E start i broke my leg on RM dog ran out in front of me

[@broedybelgarde4772]

Finally someone said it lol, I’m debating this or a yammy

[@aydenrich262]

@@broedybelgarde4772yamis overrated

[@ET50rippha]

I’m only about 10 seconds into this video and you seem so stoked bed for you

[@zardportugal]

Suzuki haters are crying. I´m ok with that.

[@zardportugal]

@2216sammy Kenny´s bike has been riden these days by many media guys like Keffer and others. Search for that and see for yourself. Cheers.

[@aydenrich262]

@2216sammyancient? Come on dude, do your research

[@therawlifefamily]

... his engine is based off of Milsap's from 2018? color me shocked.

[@someoneyouknow96]

Id be curious if the average Joe could tell a difference between kens bike and the stock bike.

[@trickynic3866]

Absolutely would

[@immachine1565]

Both would be fun af

[@immachine1565]

Have you ever ridden a 450

[@STEINKTV]

100 percent

[@someoneyouknow96]

@@immachine1565 Was that for me? I own 2 450s and a 250 2 stroke

[@TJAMES747]

best looking suzuki since bubba's yoshimura rm

[@aydenrich262]

I agree, some jgr suzukis looked good too but bubbas looked amazing

[@Frankwehbe]

I like

[@yellowdemon16vt74]

Smoother is faster. BMX, autocross, snowboarding, downhill MTB etc

[@JKeenan-v5i]

Give Jett a week of testing and he,d win on it

[@liamhotspur9182]

Dude looks like a giant on that bike...

[@jepo1904]

Did he Change to KYB?

[@clementswilson2072]

what handlebar is he riding?

[@aydenrich262]

Renthal twinwall

[@AlexGrowder]

Tuve una Suzuki 450 de 5 marchas y nunca he vuelto a coger una 450 que me trasmita lo que me trasmitió esa suzuki.. nunca. 😌😌😌😌

[@1969cmp]

Is Ken riding for Suzuki Motor Co.

[@eric6rock]

*Redbull Helmet not Included

[@DTM45]

Cool…

[@powersportsenthusiast1986]

millsap's 2013 bike you mean?

[@aydenrich262]

Nope he means Roczens 2023 bike

[@danielresch2975]

Suzuki are you listening put Kenny's mod in the new bike in 2025

[@aydenrich262]

Even sooner! It’s coming for 2024.5

[@kennethwise7108]

I wonder if it lighter due to no starter or battery?

[@LukiausdemKaff]

compared a rm-z stock vs. ktm or yamaha they are not lighter.

[@aydenrich262]

@@LukiausdemKaffit’s because the motors are larger, if you notice, they take a lot more oil than other bikes, my ‘19 kx450 takes less oil than our ‘18 rmz250 we had

[@colonialroofingofnorthcaro441]

Okay what is up with the kickstarter I mean is there any data that shows that by not having a starter compared to a Kickstarter makes the bike faster handle better do anything better then if it had a electric starter on it because let's face it, Kenny did go down one time and he had to kick the crap out that bike for a good I mean he lost so many times that were electric starter would have saved him a lot of positions I'm just wondering I mean does the kickstarter make that much of a difference and if it does then why haven't we seen this motorcycle run away from every motorcycle on the track

[@rustyshackleford9632]

The ONLY advantage to a kick starter is that if you use one you don’t need an onboard battery, which saves a few pounds, but manufacturers like KTM have figured out how to save that weight elsewhere so their bikes don’t weigh any more than one with a kickstart. In fact, a 2023 KTM 450 weighs 20 pounds less than a 2023 Suzuki 450 in stock form, so there’s really no advantage at all to Suzuki’s kick starter

[@kelliebrooks9094]

Hey hey what was that u did with ur foot there do that again......just kidding kickstart my heart....

[@TheCoolerBrother]

Suzuki would make themselves relevant again just by making an updated cheap 125

[@Bryan-jd7os]

That would kick ass!

[@aydenrich262]

With off road models too, that would be sick

[@monkeydad22]

Id go back to to Suzuki if they went eletric start

[@aydenrich262]

Me too, my next bike will be an rmz450 If it got updated

[@hencetirta7633]

rear shock keny 250

[@adamjones8156]

Chicagoland suspension*** Charlotte was round 1 homie

[@4touchdowns1game29]

How can you be a journalist and you don't even talk about simple things like the shock swap?

[@blubug768]

DF gonna do nothing but complain about that bike next year!

[@CarmenZero-w2z]

Freida Motorway

[@S0RELOSER]

“Factory”?!? It’s a satellite bike at best. Stop with the hyperbole.

[@michail44]

they're factory supported moron so yes factory as of last year

[@codygoodwin1097]

Is there a phone number for Jett Lawrence on the gas tank so Kenny knows where to find his Dad?

[@legolas8038]

The German kid 🇩🇪🫶🇩🇪 deutsches Wunder-Kind…Mann 😂🫶🇩🇪

[@befree322]

Dont they make 12 hp less then ktm stock

[@aydenrich262]

Only 5 hp difference

[@kelliebrooks9094]

94 zuki days like this when u really hate ur job...hah hah hah

[@rjo8500]

I miss the sound of a screaming two stroke.

[@gildo101rossi]

Roczen Suzuki runs Showa kit KYB. Plus it’s not a factory bike, no help in terms of factory parts from Suzuki.

[@microsoft790]

Others have said numerous times before that the motor has works parts. Namely the low compression piston.

[@gildo101rossi]

@@microsoft790 what from years ago? Suzuki aren’t making new parts, they are literally selling off stuff from all there factory racing efforts so they don’t have to pay tax

[@microsoft790]

@@gildo101rossi what difference does it make what year they may be from if it isn’t available to you?