Who is responsible for Ken Roczen racing a Suzuki in 2025?

1/7/2025 11:00am

Maybe the vitards are wrong and the bike is great?

i had a  bought new 2018 Suzuki rmz450, converted shock to KYB shock, did front fork work: Spiral drilled 1/4in holes in free piston, moved spring preload colar up on cartridge, switched to KYB SSS springs, SKF seals. Did Renthal sprockets, Bars, Works connection throttle tube and Clutch perch, lever. Bike was Goodied Up.

 

i switched to a NEW 2019 KTM 350SXF and bone stock the bike was 5X better. Bone stock.

3
19
MOTO13
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Elkhorn, WI US
1/7/2025 11:04am Edited Date/Time 1/7/2025 11:10am
AMetts wrote:
Obvoiusly Suzuki is putting some kind of effort and money to have HEP on the bikes. If that wasnt the case theyd be on Yamaha or...

Obvoiusly Suzuki is putting some kind of effort and money to have HEP on the bikes. If that wasnt the case theyd be on Yamaha or Honda or whatever. 

Suzuki spends more money on track banners and tuff block covers. Suzuki is not putting a lot $$ into a bike that will either be replaced soon or go the way of the DoDo bird in the next couple years. 

4
Nairb#70
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Ivoryton, CT US
1/7/2025 11:08am

That poor dead horse, it is sooooo beaten!

3
1
-MAVERICK-
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Ontario CA
1/7/2025 11:15am

HEP is in their last year of contract with Suzuki. 

It's going to be interesting to see if they'll sign a longterm contract extension or if this will be the last of the brand in the pits. 

5

The Shop

1/7/2025 11:23am

Maybe the vitards are wrong and the bike is great?

TeamGreen wrote:
It’s funny…you can go out and ride allllllll the new cool-guy ultra-trick new bikes…including which-ever is your favorite or your “perceived” favorite. Most all do them...

It’s funny…you can go out and ride allllllll the new cool-guy ultra-trick new bikes…including which-ever is your favorite or your “perceived” favorite. Most all do them are damn good and have some awesome features and even some new well hyped tech. 

But, then…then…you go ride the Zook. The bike that some say isn’t changed since RC rode it…and it’s old or whatever is the latest yarn of negativity…but, you go ride it…into a rutted shitty-nasty turn…

And the Zook Rails it. On other parts of the track it may feel a little heavier…but, it alway seems to be tracking really, really well and it’s just so “easy” to ride…and have a good time while getting your laps in. 

That’s has easy as it is to explain for me. 

One thing I will say about the weight, sure you may feel it taking it off the stand and lifting it back on, but it’s never been something I’ve felt or noticed while riding and that damn bike feels so planted! 

“It’s just so easy to ride” This can’t be emphasized enough. It is the easiest 450 I’ve ever ridden and it may not be perfect in any one area, but it’s really damn good everywhere. Super easy to go fast on. Had a buddy ride the RMZ at LACR the last weekend they were open and he loved it. His dad was making jokes about the kickstarter so of course I showed him I could start it by hand. More guys need to ride these things and form their own opinion about them. 

15
2
1/7/2025 11:26am

Place holder until Ducati turns up

5
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Magoofan
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1/7/2025 11:28am

Maybe the vitards are wrong and the bike is great?

i had a  bought new 2018 Suzuki rmz450, converted shock to KYB shock, did front fork work: Spiral drilled 1/4in holes in free piston, moved spring...

i had a  bought new 2018 Suzuki rmz450, converted shock to KYB shock, did front fork work: Spiral drilled 1/4in holes in free piston, moved spring preload colar up on cartridge, switched to KYB SSS springs, SKF seals. Did Renthal sprockets, Bars, Works connection throttle tube and Clutch perch, lever. Bike was Goodied Up.

 

i switched to a NEW 2019 KTM 350SXF and bone stock the bike was 5X better. Bone stock.

Bro....tell us what it's like to know what's better than Kenny does.

That would be awesome.

 

2
9
EvelMX11
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Penn Yan, NY US
1/7/2025 11:39am

Brand new, $6,500 RMZ 450s kick ass. I don't see a problem. 

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1
Teej317
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1/7/2025 11:48am

The bike's better than the shootouts have led us to believe over the years...

4
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JazzyJJ
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1/7/2025 11:58am
EvelMX11 wrote:

Brand new, $6,500 RMZ 450s kick ass. I don't see a problem. 

Still more expensive than a kX450 though

1
2
1/7/2025 12:20pm
Magoofan wrote:

Bro....tell us what it's like to know what's better than Kenny does.

That would be awesome.

 

lmao, If you only knew.

6
1/7/2025 12:28pm

Maybe the vitards are wrong and the bike is great?

TeamGreen wrote:
It’s funny…you can go out and ride allllllll the new cool-guy ultra-trick new bikes…including which-ever is your favorite or your “perceived” favorite. Most all do them...

It’s funny…you can go out and ride allllllll the new cool-guy ultra-trick new bikes…including which-ever is your favorite or your “perceived” favorite. Most all do them are damn good and have some awesome features and even some new well hyped tech. 

But, then…then…you go ride the Zook. The bike that some say isn’t changed since RC rode it…and it’s old or whatever is the latest yarn of negativity…but, you go ride it…into a rutted shitty-nasty turn…

And the Zook Rails it. On other parts of the track it may feel a little heavier…but, it alway seems to be tracking really, really well and it’s just so “easy” to ride…and have a good time while getting your laps in. 

That’s has easy as it is to explain for me. 

JazzyJJ wrote:

Sure, but if they're the same price I at least want to be lazy and just push a button instead of having to kick the thing.

Is this the only sport in existence where participants proudly post about being lazy?? 

What happened to you guys??

6
1
zookrider62!
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Plano, TX US
1/7/2025 12:28pm

Maybe the vitards are wrong and the bike is great?

i had a  bought new 2018 Suzuki rmz450, converted shock to KYB shock, did front fork work: Spiral drilled 1/4in holes in free piston, moved spring...

i had a  bought new 2018 Suzuki rmz450, converted shock to KYB shock, did front fork work: Spiral drilled 1/4in holes in free piston, moved spring preload colar up on cartridge, switched to KYB SSS springs, SKF seals. Did Renthal sprockets, Bars, Works connection throttle tube and Clutch perch, lever. Bike was Goodied Up.

 

i switched to a NEW 2019 KTM 350SXF and bone stock the bike was 5X better. Bone stock.

How exactly does someone quantify a bike being 5x better?

6
3
LungButter
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1/7/2025 12:34pm

How exactly does someone quantify a bike being 5x better?

Maybe he uses the same math the Biden Brigade has been using to tell us the economy is doing well?

*Sorry, couldn't resist.  I won't drag politics into Moto Related again.

5
9
zookrider62!
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1/7/2025 12:35pm

How exactly does someone quantify a bike being 5x better?

LungButter wrote:
Maybe he uses the same math the Biden Brigade has been using to tell us the economy is doing well?*Sorry, couldn't resist.  I won't drag politics...

Maybe he uses the same math the Biden Brigade has been using to tell us the economy is doing well?

*Sorry, couldn't resist.  I won't drag politics into Moto Related again.

So the ktm is actually 5x worse - I’m following 

6
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LungButter
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1/7/2025 12:36pm

So the ktm is actually 5x worse - I’m following 

🤣

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bultokid
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1/7/2025 12:47pm
sandman768 wrote:
What if Suzuki came out with an all new KR factory edition? Wouldn’t that be totally awesome!

What if Suzuki came out with an all new KR factory edition? Wouldn’t that be totally awesome! IMG 0388 0

Beauty '86 125, I am rebuilding an it's bigger brother 250 right now....just got the same seat cover in from EvoMx

1
JazzyJJ
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1/7/2025 12:50pm
TeamGreen wrote:
It’s funny…you can go out and ride allllllll the new cool-guy ultra-trick new bikes…including which-ever is your favorite or your “perceived” favorite. Most all do them...

It’s funny…you can go out and ride allllllll the new cool-guy ultra-trick new bikes…including which-ever is your favorite or your “perceived” favorite. Most all do them are damn good and have some awesome features and even some new well hyped tech. 

But, then…then…you go ride the Zook. The bike that some say isn’t changed since RC rode it…and it’s old or whatever is the latest yarn of negativity…but, you go ride it…into a rutted shitty-nasty turn…

And the Zook Rails it. On other parts of the track it may feel a little heavier…but, it alway seems to be tracking really, really well and it’s just so “easy” to ride…and have a good time while getting your laps in. 

That’s has easy as it is to explain for me. 

JazzyJJ wrote:

Sure, but if they're the same price I at least want to be lazy and just push a button instead of having to kick the thing.

Is this the only sport in existence where participants proudly post about being lazy?? 

What happened to you guys??

I don't want to be kicking the thing for 30 seconds mid moto. The tech is available and seems backwards to have to do that

2
1
bultokid
Posts
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1/7/2025 12:50pm

Maybe the vitards are wrong and the bike is great?

TeamGreen wrote:
It’s funny…you can go out and ride allllllll the new cool-guy ultra-trick new bikes…including which-ever is your favorite or your “perceived” favorite. Most all do them...

It’s funny…you can go out and ride allllllll the new cool-guy ultra-trick new bikes…including which-ever is your favorite or your “perceived” favorite. Most all do them are damn good and have some awesome features and even some new well hyped tech. 

But, then…then…you go ride the Zook. The bike that some say isn’t changed since RC rode it…and it’s old or whatever is the latest yarn of negativity…but, you go ride it…into a rutted shitty-nasty turn…

And the Zook Rails it. On other parts of the track it may feel a little heavier…but, it alway seems to be tracking really, really well and it’s just so “easy” to ride…and have a good time while getting your laps in. 

That’s has easy as it is to explain for me. 

Nailed it.....super easy to ride and it flat out rails turns

1
1/7/2025 12:54pm Edited Date/Time 1/7/2025 12:59pm

Progress doesn’t always equate to a better product. 

 Outside of the kickstarter, it’s just as good as any bike on the track. It turns great, is stable in the rough, has updated electronics and suspension, what else do you need? 

As far as who’s responsible, I’d say a combination of Dustin Pipes of HEP and Suzukis  Chris Wheeler. 

3
4
Coach529
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1/7/2025 1:36pm

I bet he was shopping for a new home for 2025, but what options were available?

 

1
3
OwenJakes
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sebree, KY US
1/7/2025 2:03pm

Maybe the vitards are wrong and the bike is great?

i had a  bought new 2018 Suzuki rmz450, converted shock to KYB shock, did front fork work: Spiral drilled 1/4in holes in free piston, moved spring...

i had a  bought new 2018 Suzuki rmz450, converted shock to KYB shock, did front fork work: Spiral drilled 1/4in holes in free piston, moved spring preload colar up on cartridge, switched to KYB SSS springs, SKF seals. Did Renthal sprockets, Bars, Works connection throttle tube and Clutch perch, lever. Bike was Goodied Up.

 

i switched to a NEW 2019 KTM 350SXF and bone stock the bike was 5X better. Bone stock.

I definitely would not call that bike goodied up. That’s a stock bike with some personal comforts. 

2
1
OwenJakes
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sebree, KY US
1/7/2025 2:10pm

Maybe the vitards are wrong and the bike is great?

TeamGreen wrote:
It’s funny…you can go out and ride allllllll the new cool-guy ultra-trick new bikes…including which-ever is your favorite or your “perceived” favorite. Most all do them...

It’s funny…you can go out and ride allllllll the new cool-guy ultra-trick new bikes…including which-ever is your favorite or your “perceived” favorite. Most all do them are damn good and have some awesome features and even some new well hyped tech. 

But, then…then…you go ride the Zook. The bike that some say isn’t changed since RC rode it…and it’s old or whatever is the latest yarn of negativity…but, you go ride it…into a rutted shitty-nasty turn…

And the Zook Rails it. On other parts of the track it may feel a little heavier…but, it alway seems to be tracking really, really well and it’s just so “easy” to ride…and have a good time while getting your laps in. 

That’s has easy as it is to explain for me. 

mattyhamz2 wrote:
One thing I will say about the weight, sure you may feel it taking it off the stand and lifting it back on, but it’s never...

One thing I will say about the weight, sure you may feel it taking it off the stand and lifting it back on, but it’s never been something I’ve felt or noticed while riding and that damn bike feels so planted! 

“It’s just so easy to ride” This can’t be emphasized enough. It is the easiest 450 I’ve ever ridden and it may not be perfect in any one area, but it’s really damn good everywhere. Super easy to go fast on. Had a buddy ride the RMZ at LACR the last weekend they were open and he loved it. His dad was making jokes about the kickstarter so of course I showed him I could start it by hand. More guys need to ride these things and form their own opinion about them. 

I’m literally burning to get on mine and we keep having the most ridiculous weather. 
 

One thing I’ll ask you: the only thing I worry about is whether I’ll be able to be as nimble on it as the Yamaha? I don’t think my YZ250 is overly sharp but it pops and wheel taps easy-ish. Say 6 or 7 / 10. Odd question sorry for that but yeah. I just love thinking about me riding it lol and want you to fuel my fire🤣

1/7/2025 2:14pm
JazzyJJ wrote:

Sure, but if they're the same price I at least want to be lazy and just push a button instead of having to kick the thing.

Is this the only sport in existence where participants proudly post about being lazy?? 

What happened to you guys??

JazzyJJ wrote:

I don't want to be kicking the thing for 30 seconds mid moto. The tech is available and seems backwards to have to do that

Then say: “I definitely lose time mid-Moto having to kickstart it after a fall, for this reason I really want a electric start bike”

Rather than say: “I want to be lazy” 🤦🏻

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4
1911
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1/7/2025 2:28pm
Log Hopper wrote:

I miss Tyler.

Free Tyler

Tyler’s dad is posting, he post under the username name professional125. 🤙

18
3
LP31
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1/7/2025 2:53pm
motokiwi wrote:

Place holder until Ducati turns up

Totally agree and then he will stay with Ducati until he retires.

2
Johnny Ringo
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Tombstone, AZ US
1/7/2025 3:20pm
UpTiTe wrote:
Progress doesn’t always equate to a better product.  Outside of the kickstarter, it’s just as good as any bike on the track. It turns great, is stable...

Progress doesn’t always equate to a better product. 

 Outside of the kickstarter, it’s just as good as any bike on the track. It turns great, is stable in the rough, has updated electronics and suspension, what else do you need? 

As far as who’s responsible, I’d say a combination of Dustin Pipes of HEP and Suzukis  Chris Wheeler. 

Keefer’s test of the 2008 Honda vs the 25 is proof of this. 

3
1
1/7/2025 3:28pm
TeamGreen wrote:
It’s funny…you can go out and ride allllllll the new cool-guy ultra-trick new bikes…including which-ever is your favorite or your “perceived” favorite. Most all do them...

It’s funny…you can go out and ride allllllll the new cool-guy ultra-trick new bikes…including which-ever is your favorite or your “perceived” favorite. Most all do them are damn good and have some awesome features and even some new well hyped tech. 

But, then…then…you go ride the Zook. The bike that some say isn’t changed since RC rode it…and it’s old or whatever is the latest yarn of negativity…but, you go ride it…into a rutted shitty-nasty turn…

And the Zook Rails it. On other parts of the track it may feel a little heavier…but, it alway seems to be tracking really, really well and it’s just so “easy” to ride…and have a good time while getting your laps in. 

That’s has easy as it is to explain for me. 

mattyhamz2 wrote:
One thing I will say about the weight, sure you may feel it taking it off the stand and lifting it back on, but it’s never...

One thing I will say about the weight, sure you may feel it taking it off the stand and lifting it back on, but it’s never been something I’ve felt or noticed while riding and that damn bike feels so planted! 

“It’s just so easy to ride” This can’t be emphasized enough. It is the easiest 450 I’ve ever ridden and it may not be perfect in any one area, but it’s really damn good everywhere. Super easy to go fast on. Had a buddy ride the RMZ at LACR the last weekend they were open and he loved it. His dad was making jokes about the kickstarter so of course I showed him I could start it by hand. More guys need to ride these things and form their own opinion about them. 

OwenJakes wrote:
I’m literally burning to get on mine and we keep having the most ridiculous weather.  One thing I’ll ask you: the only thing I worry about is...

I’m literally burning to get on mine and we keep having the most ridiculous weather. 
 

One thing I’ll ask you: the only thing I worry about is whether I’ll be able to be as nimble on it as the Yamaha? I don’t think my YZ250 is overly sharp but it pops and wheel taps easy-ish. Say 6 or 7 / 10. Odd question sorry for that but yeah. I just love thinking about me riding it lol and want you to fuel my fire🤣

It won't be as nimble as the YZ by any means, but you also won't have a problem putting it where you need it to be. I have a blast every time I throw my leg over that bike.

1
1
Flatliner
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CA
1/7/2025 3:29pm

Would any of the factory goodies from the RCH-JGR days of the brand work a this point?

1

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