"I finally have a bike I'm comfortable on"

swaenepoel
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swaenepoel 11/14/2022 11:56am
11/14/2022 11:56am
Maybe HRC will still take KR after he now finshed the wsx tour…
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Gravel
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Gravel 11/14/2022 12:15pm
11/14/2022 12:15pm
davistld01 wrote:
This might not be popular...but I really hope Kenny stays on a Honda for 2023. He looks good on the Genuine Honda bike, and has said...
This might not be popular...but I really hope Kenny stays on a Honda for 2023. He looks good on the Genuine Honda bike, and has said he feels good on it. Yeah...Kenny has lipped off like that before about other bikes, but he sounds sincere about it this time.

And...get the feeling that HRC was looking to drop Kenny anyway...maybe not for 2023, but Sexton is their future...not Roczen. I'd bet their offer to Kenny was an insult to him...and he sensed that they were giving him a reason to leave on his own so they could save face. I don't know that of course...but my "bullshit detector" has been dinging ever since HRC issued the press release.

If he could ride for Genuine Honda, and they could still source parts and tuning from HRC along with the other companies they got parts from...and if Kenny could keep RedBull & Fox as personal sponsors...he might do well, and make HRC regret losing him in the process.
soggy wrote:
Kenny said himself the $$$ in the offer was good. It all came down to them not wanting him to race WSX. They said they would...
Kenny said himself the $$$ in the offer was good. It all came down to them not wanting him to race WSX. They said they would pull the offer if he raced it. And he did.
I’m reading a LOT into that, but it sounds kinda diva like. “Tell me I can’t do what I want? Watch this..”
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RCMXracing
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RCMXracing 11/14/2022 12:19pm
11/14/2022 12:19pm
Thisusernameisavailable wrote:
So you think it IS the bike and we could be on for a Succesful ‘23 SX Season for Kenny? Question- do you know for sure...
So you think it IS the bike and we could be on for a Succesful ‘23 SX Season for Kenny?

Question- do you know for sure that bike he’s riding is a ‘23 chassis?
@ML512 we need answers, pit bits on these Genuine Honda bikes please
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Phil109
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Phil109 11/14/2022 12:24pm
11/14/2022 12:24pm
Ken feels comfortable because it was a low pressure situation and a lot of the top guys haven’t been racing the wsx and Paris. Always feel more comfortable when there’s only 1 or 2 guys to contend with as opposed to 8-10. Relaxed he’s one of the best ever. Needs to bring that mindset to the sx series.
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soggy
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soggy 11/14/2022 1:31pm
11/14/2022 1:31pm
davistld01 wrote:
This might not be popular...but I really hope Kenny stays on a Honda for 2023. He looks good on the Genuine Honda bike, and has said...
This might not be popular...but I really hope Kenny stays on a Honda for 2023. He looks good on the Genuine Honda bike, and has said he feels good on it. Yeah...Kenny has lipped off like that before about other bikes, but he sounds sincere about it this time.

And...get the feeling that HRC was looking to drop Kenny anyway...maybe not for 2023, but Sexton is their future...not Roczen. I'd bet their offer to Kenny was an insult to him...and he sensed that they were giving him a reason to leave on his own so they could save face. I don't know that of course...but my "bullshit detector" has been dinging ever since HRC issued the press release.

If he could ride for Genuine Honda, and they could still source parts and tuning from HRC along with the other companies they got parts from...and if Kenny could keep RedBull & Fox as personal sponsors...he might do well, and make HRC regret losing him in the process.
soggy wrote:
Kenny said himself the $$$ in the offer was good. It all came down to them not wanting him to race WSX. They said they would...
Kenny said himself the $$$ in the offer was good. It all came down to them not wanting him to race WSX. They said they would pull the offer if he raced it. And he did.
Gravel wrote:
I’m reading a LOT into that, but it sounds kinda diva like. “Tell me I can’t do what I want? Watch this..”
I can see both sides, WSX is a competing series to AMA SX so they don’t want to lend there riders to a competing series and Ken had a good opportunity to made great money and race over seas and potentially be the face of WSX going forward. Neither is wrong. Sometimes things just don’t work out
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stangkag
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stangkag 11/14/2022 1:41pm
11/14/2022 1:41pm
I'll check back on this thread after Daytona to see how "comfortable" he is. They'll be some new illness, ailment, or (undisclosed bike issue) by that point. Mark my words, he's so predictable.

Starts super strong then fades into a string of excuses. History = future

Remember the explicit video telling us how he was going to light the mx scene on fire this year? F the haters bla bla bla he was finally healthy etc...
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TeamGreen
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TeamGreen 11/14/2022 1:43pm
11/14/2022 1:43pm Edited Date/Time 11/14/2022 1:51pm
No one has posted the video of KR riding a different red bike in Spain…in here…
(Joke)
He looked pretty comfortable on it, too!
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RP@
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RP@ 11/14/2022 2:01pm
11/14/2022 2:01pm
Motocrossjunky wrote:
I think it’s a combination of things. First, he’s definitely got something to prove right now, so his mindset is a lot different than when he...
I think it’s a combination of things.

First, he’s definitely got something to prove right now, so his mindset is a lot different than when he had a comfortable contract. He needs a ride.

Second, it’s a bit of a jab at the HRC team, no secret how that ended.

Third, I think he’s enjoying the traveling. And the different style of racing the last few months.

Also, Jett (yeah on 250, but we’re talking HRC and settings) and Chase were doing more than fine last summer when Ken was also complaining.

This is coming from a fan and I think he rode great in Paris and at Straight Rhythm. Bike looked good last weekend, but I definitely don’t believe it’s just the bike.
Interesting as far as Jett and the other HRC 250s go… I believe Factory Connection is still doing the suspension.
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Black Diesel Bomber 11/14/2022 2:03pm
11/14/2022 2:03pm
Some people perform better and try harder under pressure....I think that's what we are seeing with Ken.
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Dirt.Squirt
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Dirt.Squirt 11/14/2022 2:20pm
11/14/2022 2:20pm
Never change Kenny!
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Dirt.Squirt
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Dirt.Squirt 11/14/2022 2:22pm
11/14/2022 2:22pm
Every time this guy opens his mouth I just cringe

But everytime I see him ride in amazed

Make it make sense
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Nathaniel129 11/14/2022 2:26pm
11/14/2022 2:26pm
crowe660 wrote:
I know what point you’re trying to make, but one click on the forks makes a huge difference. I’m no where near pro level speed and...
I know what point you’re trying to make, but one click on the forks makes a huge difference. I’m no where near pro level speed and Even I can easily tell if my forks are 9 or 10 clicks out.
Falcon wrote:
You're a more sensitive rider than I am, then. You could take 15mm of sag out of my shock, send the clickers all the way in...
You're a more sensitive rider than I am, then. You could take 15mm of sag out of my shock, send the clickers all the way in one direction on compression and all the way the opposite on rebound, bend my bars and flatten my tires between motos, and about 90% through the first lap, I'd say to myself, "You know, I think something might be wrong."
Totally agree. I was, at one point, at the local pro level. I could never tell the difference between one click, on ANY bike I raced.
Maybe it's just a difference in rider mindset? If I hit a big braking bump and the bike doesn't react how I want, I don't come back and start searching for settings....
I just don't hit that effing giant bump again.
Yeah I know there is a balance, but man I don't know if I could ever enjoy riding if was able to decipher one click....
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sandtrack315
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sandtrack315 11/14/2022 2:51pm
11/14/2022 2:51pm
The dudes at Factory Connection are great but are they that much better than whoever was in house at Honda and Showa?
Sparkalounger
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Sparkalounger 11/14/2022 3:06pm
11/14/2022 3:06pm Edited Date/Time 11/14/2022 3:08pm
Dirt.Squirt wrote:
Every time this guy opens his mouth I just cringe

But everytime I see him ride in amazed

Make it make sense
This is where I'm at....
Stabs like this at HRC are a bummer, and the same thing we have heard over and over.
Not needed.

But MAN!!!
I sure do like watching the guy when he is "on"!
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burn1986
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burn1986 11/14/2022 3:13pm
11/14/2022 3:13pm
I wouldn’t read too much into Roczen’s comments. He’s just in-the-moment. The bike is still a Honda.
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Nathaniel129 11/14/2022 3:53pm
11/14/2022 3:53pm
burn1986 wrote:
I wouldn’t read too much into Roczen’s comments. He’s just in-the-moment. The bike is still a Honda.
That's a great observation man. He really is in the moment a lot it seems, and takes the current situation and emotion as something that has more weight than it should. Hence the post-then-delete track record.
I don't think there is any malice behind his comments, but there doesn't seem to be a lot of perspective either.
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seth505
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seth505 11/14/2022 4:21pm
11/14/2022 4:21pm
sandtrack315 wrote:
The dudes at Factory Connection are great but are they that much better than whoever was in house at Honda and Showa?
I think it could go either way. For example, from the way Roczen explained it, it seemed like HRC wouldn't let him go in certain directions with setup. Maybe with FC, it was "let's try whatever you want" and it actually worked.
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Bruce372
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Bruce372 11/14/2022 4:48pm
11/14/2022 4:48pm
Expecting Ken to be happy with a bike is like expecting Barcia not to crash out half the guys on the track.

For sure you are gonna have a good week or two, but you know it can't last.
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brocster
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brocster 11/14/2022 7:27pm
11/14/2022 7:27pm
Most comfortable until he’s not. Good thing is, he isn’t afraid to let you know either way. Don’t change Kenny. Rootin for ya!
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Zycki11
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Zycki11 11/14/2022 8:57pm
11/14/2022 8:57pm
All I know is i respect Kenny and he makes every series he competes in better. I’m a fan
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Thisusernameisavailable 11/14/2022 10:57pm
11/14/2022 10:57pm
seth505 wrote:
I think it could go either way. For example, from the way Roczen explained it, it seemed like HRC wouldn't let him go in certain directions...
I think it could go either way. For example, from the way Roczen explained it, it seemed like HRC wouldn't let him go in certain directions with setup. Maybe with FC, it was "let's try whatever you want" and it actually worked.
I don’t believe that for a second!

The only reason a team like HRC wouldn’t let a rider explore every possible scenario is if it was going to require a lot of TIME they don’t have, or an horrendous amount of engineering costs (relative to expected outcome)

But this new suspension he’s got hasn’t re-invented the wheel… it’s just spring/valving/clicker/linkage settings. Everything a team like HRC could test and determine in a mornings work.
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Sawfish
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Sawfish 11/14/2022 11:54pm
11/14/2022 11:54pm
Can someone explain to me who is Honda Genuine? Is this the team Brayton has been racing for in Australia the last few years?
WCRider
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WCRider 11/15/2022 12:24am
11/15/2022 12:24am
The fact that HRC Honda doesn't have an SX 450 title yet must put a lot of pressure on the riders. Maybe that's the problem with Ken. He seems more comfortable as a person in a non-factory team.

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chump6784
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chump6784 11/15/2022 1:32am
11/15/2022 1:32am
seth505 wrote:
I think it could go either way. For example, from the way Roczen explained it, it seemed like HRC wouldn't let him go in certain directions...
I think it could go either way. For example, from the way Roczen explained it, it seemed like HRC wouldn't let him go in certain directions with setup. Maybe with FC, it was "let's try whatever you want" and it actually worked.
Thisusernameisavailable wrote:
I don’t believe that for a second! The only reason a team like HRC wouldn’t let a rider explore every possible scenario is if it was...
I don’t believe that for a second!

The only reason a team like HRC wouldn’t let a rider explore every possible scenario is if it was going to require a lot of TIME they don’t have, or an horrendous amount of engineering costs (relative to expected outcome)

But this new suspension he’s got hasn’t re-invented the wheel… it’s just spring/valving/clicker/linkage settings. Everything a team like HRC could test and determine in a mornings work.
There was an interview with the Star Yamaha guys, I think on Whiskey Throttle, where they talked about doing things the riders asked even if they knew it was going the wrong way. That way the riders could feel for themselves that what they wanted wasn't right. It might have taken some time but it puts the riders mind to rest.
If the team refused to make the changes the riders want, like Factory Yamaha, the riders will always question the set up
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crusty_xx 11/15/2022 3:20am
11/15/2022 3:20am
Man if Kenny only had half the knowledge of all the whiners in this thread he could just save his effort and retire knowing it's a lost cause. Smh
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Thisusernameisavailable 11/15/2022 4:31am
11/15/2022 4:31am
crusty_xx wrote:
Man if Kenny only had half the knowledge of all the whiners in this thread he could just save his effort and retire knowing it's a...
Man if Kenny only had half the knowledge of all the whiners in this thread he could just save his effort and retire knowing it's a lost cause. Smh
What is your purpose here? Are you trying to discourage people from having a discussion?
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soggy
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soggy 11/15/2022 6:08am
11/15/2022 6:08am Edited Date/Time 11/15/2022 6:09am
Thisusernameisavailable wrote:
What is your purpose here? Are you trying to discourage people from having a discussion?
The same could be said to you. You flat out deny factory teams not letting a rider try something they want when that it is known to be true. Some teams rely on data which doesn’t always translate the same feel to the rider
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Thisusernameisavailable 11/15/2022 7:40am
11/15/2022 7:40am
Thisusernameisavailable wrote:
What is your purpose here? Are you trying to discourage people from having a discussion?
soggy wrote:
The same could be said to you. You flat out deny factory teams not letting a rider try something they want when that it is known...
The same could be said to you. You flat out deny factory teams not letting a rider try something they want when that it is known to be true. Some teams rely on data which doesn’t always translate the same feel to the rider
You think a team would spend three months and 25k to make something they have data to support wouldn't work?

Look, like I said, what currently is sitting on his WSX CRF isn't the wheel re-invented. Its all off the shelf stuff or valving which is very easy and inexpensive for the team to fit and test. No team anywhere would deny the rider a valving change or a test of a Pro-circuit linkage or different spring if that's what he wants to try. Why would they??

If Kenny requested a frame geometry change, which in turn means a new platform release earlier than they wanted then sure, they'll say they cant make that happen, I agree.

Shall I take your thoughts on this that you believe Kenny WILL be more successful on this 'privateer' CRF than he was on the HRC bike?





Furthermore- So what that I refuse to believe it? Aren't I allowed to voice that opinion? Nobody is forcing you to agree with it. Should I just keep it to myself if it doesn't align with what you believe? What is this www.soggymx.com??

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CPan
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CPan 11/15/2022 7:44am
11/15/2022 7:44am
Thisusernameisavailable wrote:
You think a team would spend three months and 25k to make something they have data to support wouldn't work? Look, like I said, what currently...
You think a team would spend three months and 25k to make something they have data to support wouldn't work?

Look, like I said, what currently is sitting on his WSX CRF isn't the wheel re-invented. Its all off the shelf stuff or valving which is very easy and inexpensive for the team to fit and test. No team anywhere would deny the rider a valving change or a test of a Pro-circuit linkage or different spring if that's what he wants to try. Why would they??

If Kenny requested a frame geometry change, which in turn means a new platform release earlier than they wanted then sure, they'll say they cant make that happen, I agree.

Shall I take your thoughts on this that you believe Kenny WILL be more successful on this 'privateer' CRF than he was on the HRC bike?





Furthermore- So what that I refuse to believe it? Aren't I allowed to voice that opinion? Nobody is forcing you to agree with it. Should I just keep it to myself if it doesn't align with what you believe? What is this www.soggymx.com??

There are literally multiple cases of current riders proving you wrong.

Tomac said Kawi wouldn’t let him try things. Tomac has been quite vocal about his freedom to do different things on the bike with Star vs Factory Kawi. Barcia and AP have both said Yamaha (before Star) wouldn’t allow them to try different things.
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Zycki11
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Zycki11 11/15/2022 7:47am
11/15/2022 7:47am
Thisusernameisavailable wrote:
What is your purpose here? Are you trying to discourage people from having a discussion?
soggy wrote:
The same could be said to you. You flat out deny factory teams not letting a rider try something they want when that it is known...
The same could be said to you. You flat out deny factory teams not letting a rider try something they want when that it is known to be true. Some teams rely on data which doesn’t always translate the same feel to the rider
Thisusernameisavailable wrote:
You think a team would spend three months and 25k to make something they have data to support wouldn't work? Look, like I said, what currently...
You think a team would spend three months and 25k to make something they have data to support wouldn't work?

Look, like I said, what currently is sitting on his WSX CRF isn't the wheel re-invented. Its all off the shelf stuff or valving which is very easy and inexpensive for the team to fit and test. No team anywhere would deny the rider a valving change or a test of a Pro-circuit linkage or different spring if that's what he wants to try. Why would they??

If Kenny requested a frame geometry change, which in turn means a new platform release earlier than they wanted then sure, they'll say they cant make that happen, I agree.

Shall I take your thoughts on this that you believe Kenny WILL be more successful on this 'privateer' CRF than he was on the HRC bike?





Furthermore- So what that I refuse to believe it? Aren't I allowed to voice that opinion? Nobody is forcing you to agree with it. Should I just keep it to myself if it doesn't align with what you believe? What is this www.soggymx.com??


"Shall I take your thoughts on this that you believe Kenny WILL be more successful on this 'privateer' CRF than he was on the HRC bike?"

To be fair, Barica was more comfortable on the stock yamaha with some engine mods at factory yamaha. Sometimes teams get out of wack with setup as well. The Genuine bike is motor mods, and boingers and thats about it. That appears to be working for Kenny. With that said, i think he will be on a different manufacturer and restart the process. Either way I hope he shows up confident because i love to watch him when he races
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