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Easier to ride than his 250F? Roczen might surprise in Houston.
At one point in the video, KR194 flies over and past MA800..,
Alessi just rolling the whoops...
Humn..., sign of things to come?
Send him back to Germany. This kid is an accident waiting to happen. There is a good chance he could ruin someone elses 450 title hopes in Houston by riding stupid.
Motoracer... Can you be anymore of a douche bag? Your narrow minded nationalism is putrid!
Great Video & Best of luck Ken Roczen!
short and alessi are gonna get smoked.bad.
They are throwing him into the deep end of the pool, but the GP's will seem easy for him if he dosent get hurt before then. He is fun to watch and adds a lot to the show. If I were a team manager he would be very high on my list.
I can't believe that they let him drink all those redbulls. Great for the sponsor, bad for him. Although, he would be the only racer that actually drinks the stuff.
I'm sooo ready to see a 450 pulled onto the track. It's been said before, KTM is the best among the stock 450's, why isn't it out there? is it F.I.? Is KTM totally committed to campaigning the 350? Something else? What gives??? Putting #29 & #800 (again) on 350's outdoors would be an exercise in futility. With the bikes being so close in design, weight, etc, I just don't understand what the philosophy is here to not have it (450SXF) ready & available. #800 has always done better starting out in front, why not give him the best possible opportunity????? Would #800 banging holeshots again not bring enough exposure to the brand??? I DON'T GET IT.
Top 6. Just wait and see!
Ken is famous for his incredible line choice in motocross and as he showed in A2 with the triple,triple,quad! Maybe with this bit of more power he can use this talent for his advantage much more easier!
He should have no expectations, only give the best he has!
Good Luck!
Cannot believe they are throwing this kid in the 450 class. Rodger doesn't seem to be thinking clearly on this one. He is 16 yrs old, there mx2 title hope, only raced 5 supercrosses and crashed in most of those. this is an absolutely ridiculous move. Not sure what is going through the KTM guys heads. Throw him in the shark tank
I'm willing to bet large sums of money that Roczen would perform better on the 350 than Alessi
I think its great that he's riding the 450's, he may surprise a lot of people.
I think a lot more of the 250 riders that have been in the class forever should also race the 450's.
well i dont think anyone would bet against you DT956... if rocz gets top 10 he should be stoked....he looks good on it in the video cant wait til saturday
First off anyone questioning decosters way of thinking is dumb, second,what does it matter if he rides the Supercross class, experience is experience, and if he gets hurt he gets hurt, yall act like he had no say in this, the kid wants to race, and that's the best thing for him to do then, he will do great, and the fact that he shows the want to get in there and bang it out with the big boys is awesome!!! Plus he's super exciting to watch and knows what hes doing.
No he reply doesn't know what he's doing he's only raced 5 races and and crashed badly 3 times out of those, and if he hurts himself then there goes the great Rodgers hopes of an mx2 title and kens
who sings the song???
hope the kid stays in 1 piece; and he damn sure goes through a lot of them red bull's! haha!!
When he makes a mistake and takes out one of the title contenders, I hope Decoster is the one who gets a beatdown, as he made the decision to let the kid ride.
all you guys that are bagging on him and Decoster....Do you know more than RDecoster? Can you even ride a SX track? At Ken's level?
I didnt think so...........................................
Where do some people get the idea that they know more than Roger? Ken Roczen has raced hunderds of races in his career, I don't think he's going to be seeking your advice for what he can handle. Watch and see for yourself what he can do. This kid has desire and skill. This isn't curling, anybody can have a costly malfunction at any time no matter which bike you're on. Go run your race K-Roc #194 you'll do awesome!!!!
Besides didn't you guys watch the mxon? I think he's capable of running with the best in the world obviously.
Some of you bench racers just think this is his first year racing! Ya maybe in AMA supercross, but the mx1 is where he is best at and known for. So sit down on your sofa and train by eating potato chips and diet cherry coke. Kid looks smooth tho, but when in doubt grab more throttle.
No doubt Ken knows how to ride outdoors but supercross is a totally different discipline and he hasn't faired so good so far
Alot of guys have wadded it up this year! It's always a part of the game. It's called racing!!! And what do you mean he hasn't faired well? He's been at or near the front all season in every race. They still race the same track 250 or 450. I haven't seen a kiddie track their running on lately. If you're at that level on a bike you can ride any track. Not really buying the discipline theory.
All you bench racers need to SHUT THE HELL UP. You're all acting like hes some dumb ass with more throttle than brains. He is a PROFESSIONAL racer. I highly doubt hes gonna pull some dumb as move and take out a guy with a title shot. Obviously, he is still a kid. And anything can happen. He may crash out yes, but if he can keep the rubber side down, I wouldnt be suprised if he took a top 5. Be quiet, and lets all just watch the damn race on Saturday night hmm?
I get it. The kid goes fast on the 250 and all the speculation is that the 350 will be more effective with his riding style and size (jockey). This might just get interesting. I call top 5
I could see a top 5 for K-Roc also, if he stays focused and is on his game. It should be alot of fun to see! Top 5 might be asking too much of him though.
He's got a lot of talent of course, it's gonna be great to see throughout the yrs, still confused myself how KTM is finally at the top of the shootouts, it's taken decades! Nobody is racing it???? I am pulling my hair out trying to understand that.....
Short just doesn't jive with the KTM...He will do just enough to show that he's kinda tryin then move on... Alessi's confidence crumbled when Cairoli smoked him being stuck in 3rd gear... KTM should drop them and pay Roczen more and have him run both classes... The kid want's it !!!
top 5? that's a tall order. he has to beat Short, Alessi, Brayton, Metcalfe, Millsaps, Tedesco, Chisolm, Wey and either Reed, Dungey, or Canard. He looks good, I call for fast lap times, then a rookie mistake in the main putting him around 10th. I'd like to see him up there but there's a LOT of talent in the top 10.
OMG ! DeCoster's gonna kill Kenny ! You Bastard ! Seriously though, DaMan's seemed to help the kid with his split second on track decision making. He's been much more mature riding the last couple rounds, quite settled. I say if DaMan sees him make 1 stupid overaggressive move..............put him in the bleachers. If he goes out and hurts a K-Dub, RV, JS, Canard, etc., (or himself), it will ruin his fanbase and confidence. I see this kid paying dividends for KTM if he is nurtered a little more. But after last 2 weeks, by God I'd give him a shot. He's riding smarter and he'searned a shot. Get em lil Kraut! Sic'em boy!
I say 6th or 7th with shorty right behind or a dnf or dns.But most important is for him to holshot that would be great. He is a blast to watch and would love to keep him in America and see him at Redbud.
I'm pretty sure "the man" knows what "KidRoc" is or isn't capable of......
ride like you know how Ken you will do fine..
Hey Moto racer
Why dont you *****off back to where your Mamma or your Daddas from, and leave the young German show his reason for being here Racing not shit talking!!
*****wit
as much as i hate alessi and love Short, neither have shown any sign of brilliance, decoster is right in giving Koczen a stab at it, im pretty sure he will do better than both...
One things for sure, the kid has generated a lot of excitement for us fans. He's fast and for first time racing SX he has serious potential. It's always been his goal to race SX in the USA, so whatever happens, I think he is going to go for it. I'm real excited to see him on Saturday that's for sure.
Trey Canard did *very* well when he visited the big-boy class last year.
Maybe lighting will strike twice, eh! Good luck, Kenny!
many of you say that he will crash ... but he might got the chance to calm down since i got more power.... the 350 fits ken a lot better then short or alessi ! GOO roczen ! in a good day he can do a top 5 !
I find it funny how loads of people are judging Ken's performance due to SX, clearly you've not watched any of his two season in the GPs, clearly you've not seen him at his best first hand like i have, i've seen him win, and i tell you now, he was so smooth he looked slow, but he was the fastest guy out there.
Ken will do fine on the 350, if you look he's for sure loads faster in thw whoops than both Short and Alessi. I call possible poduim. but Top 6 more likly.
Seriously people get your facts right about a rider before you judge, Ken can clearly hang with the top racers, as he beat most of them at the MXON last year, where he beat people riding 450 when he was on a 250
this year is so stacked so its going to be so hard to only get a top 10. i mean last yer when canard raced the 450 he do great but there was not so much fast riders in 2010. i hope you do great Roczen i now you can !!!
Firstly RD had nothing to do with this decision it was that bandana wearing weirdo Everts.
Secondly this kid is going to be winded by lep ten if he makes the main...(eight lap heats and probably a LCQ as well) watch as he slides to the back.
Third the added weight of the bike...the increased pace of the racing...think about this boys, nearly everyone in the top ten in supercross is either a former national champ or sx champ (lites or otherwise). Letting his kid compete in this class is at once disrespectful to all who have earned their place there...so this kid has had a podium against Lil' Fanny and Tomac? Are you effin serious?
I pray this goes well.
And some of you are right KTM is doing nothing but making their brand look bad by racing this bike when their stock 450 is head and shoulders better than the other brands. STUPID MOVE. VERY STUPID.
No 16 year old has raced the big bike class since they started the "Lites" classes. Not James, not RC, not K-Dub, not MC, no one. Guys usually only race the class when they are moving up the next year. Maybe Roczen will be jumping to the 450s next year? If he does well in Houston, will they not want him to race the following East rounds? This makes no sense. He still hasn't settled down enough to look in control in the 250 class, what will happen when faced with being up against all that talent? I think this is coming from KTM, not Roger. Much like when he sat there listening to Travis explain how he injured himself doing laps in the swimming pool, I think Roger isn't making this decision. A few weeks ago they were questioning if he was going to continue racing the 250 class, now this? Just hope he doesn't get into any contenders and ruin their seasons.
He will show everybody that the 350 is good cor supercross and he will have faster laptimes then both Alessi and Short!
All of you guys saying that he is a great outdoors rider, Im not arguing with you there because he is, but motocross and supercross are 2 totally different sports. This guy is KTMs MX@ Championship hopeful and if for whatever reason he gets hurt whether its his fault or someone else's there goes their hopes for a title. He has absolutely nothing to gain from this race and everything to lose, this is of zero points value to him or KTM. All it boils down too is absolutely unnecessary risk.
Somewhere between 2nd and 10th...I guess a solid 6th... being up front top 4 for first 10 to 16 laps and then drops back.. This is only an educated guess from watching previous rounds...
Why is everybody concerned if Roczen will do well on a 350 and if he earned the respect to ride the 450's class.
Roczen has GP experience. he was 2nd in the standings last year behind Musquin. He won his home GP in the first year he competed in the World Championship (2009) at an age of 15 yrs old.
He knows how to race. And he is only 16 yrs old!
I think he has probably more sense about what his limits are in racing than most complaining about him going to ride the 350 KTM.
I wish Ken all the best in his racing on the 350 and hope that he will keep it on two wheels.
Video won't work WTF!??
Good start + keeping it on two wheels + a good day for Ken could end up at the podium. I hope Ken will do good, around top 6, and I also think he will!
I could never in a million years qualify for a 450 main, but if I had the opportunity, I would go for it! I think Ken was a wrecking ball at the first 2 rounds, but he has mellowed out his "go for broke" style somewhat, and I think in the last 2 rounds he has shown amazing speed and confidence. Roger D knows what he is doing, and I can hardly wait till Sat. night to see how he will do against the "big boys"! Certainly dont want to see him or anybody else get hurt, but damn that kid is fast!!!!! In my opinion, I dont think a top 10 is out of the question. Go Ken!!!!
Can't wait to see how he does, Top 5 is a tall order for anyone this year but with a start i think he could get 5th. For sure his lap times in the Qualifying/practic will be in the top 5.
racers used to ride the supercross class when there coast was up years ago it's not a matter of the bike it's all the rider. Decoster wouldn't put him out there is he couldn't qualify for the main i think top ten would be good it's all experience for his title campaign next year. good luck to him. and to the idiots going on about his nationality just shut up you stupid hicks
Roczens going to be top five this weekend with # 41 #2 #7 #5
For all those worried about Roczen taking out the "Top" riders, haven't JS, RV, RD, CR wrecked others in the past? Who cares!!!!
This kid has earned the chance and I'm thinking a top 10 beating Short and Alessi, if Alessi can make the main, I don't think he is agressive enough to challenge for a top spot, we know those guys aren't afraid to square off and punt someone off through the tuffblocks. Lap times will be better than Alessi, but Shorty might push to show that he can go fast.
For all those haters that say he isn't qualified or is to young, or doesn't have the endurance and might hurt someone else. Look at the MXdN results 3rd to Canards 7 Short13, and a 6th to Canards 12. I don't think endurance is a problem for this kid. And folks he beat all those 450's while riding a 250, so this don't ride a 350 in a 450 class is BS!!! Has everyone forgotten Villopoto winning a MXdN Moto on a 250F, or that RC Won a title on a 2-Stroke when everyone else already went to the 4strokes.
Go Roczen!!!! Shut all those Naysayers up and ride!!
at first i thought it was a terrible idea but after watching the video might be a good decision kids unbelievalble
My own opinion is not a top 5 or 6. He isnt that expeirienced. You guys already think he will knock off Shorty and the kid has raced 5 races at this level in his life?? Kinda insulting to guys like Short, K-Dub and a few others. The kid has one podium in the Lites class, and already getting picked to beat some pretty good veterens.
I think Roger is motivating both Short and Alessi a bit by putting in the rookie. Nothing says try harder than looking at the rear fender of the new kid in town. Enough with the excuses about being 100cc down. If a current 250 speed demon cant make the 350 sing then it needs to be shelved.
I love watchin him ride in the 250 class. I think this is to give him more experience at SX. I think Roger did the same with RD if I recall. I would not expect him to finish in the top 10. I think it will be success just to finish 15th or better.
How about let the kid do the talking with his riding.
If you aren't pumped to see a 16 year old kid race against the fastest riders in the world then you aren't a supercross fan.
The Rocz! It is soo refreshing to have a voice in the pits who actually talks straight up and is for real on and off the bike.
Looking forward to see our home boy Dean Wilson this weekend as well. Both those kids show a lot of promise. I remember when Dean passed me on his 85cc years ago at our local track in Calgary on a crazy set of whoops. Kid was always fun to watch
Kid's gonna turn some heads this weekend (the one's he hasn't turned yet).
Much like KTM, KR is going to be misunderstood in the US.
The only reason KTM went linkage was to attract more sales in the US, fact is its no better than the old PDS systm and a lot heavier as well. Out of the crate KTM makes the closest to factory bike you can buy. The US press has a real negative bias to KTM, perhaps with the exception of MOTOCROSS ACTION.
The same can be said of KR, he's got an accent so lets dismiss him.
This kid is still learning supercross, thats easy to see, he will master it and he will win. Maybe not today or tomorrow but he will.
Oh lets hope KTM leave him to do the outdoor series too, I think that you would see he has already mastered that side of racing!
He is the real deal.
I think most of you have heard of Ken Roczen starting with Anaheim 1.
This Kid was number 5 in his first World Championchiptour 2 years ago at the age of 14. He missed the first 4 rounds because he was to young.
Last year he was second, he missed the title because his Suzuki DNF 3 times.
The motocross gp, as the US outdoors, specially the tracks and the riders in the top 5 is no kindergarden.
Yes, he has only 5 AMA supercross starts, but his is learning every weekend.
And that means, he will stay on the bike, and improve his riding skills, and at laest
he will win races and championchips.
He has what 99% of the riders worldwide don't have. Passion for riding and winning races.
r.g.s.(from germany)
yea for shore Ray Darr he is for real deal. you know he´s bike broke 3 or for times last year in the gp´s he lost about i dont know maby 60 points to Marvin whit only dnfs so he wold probably have been mx2 champ 2010 att a age of 15 years so he is the real deal. / sry for bad english
Right on Ray Darr! I agree EXCEPT: KTM had to go with a linkage because the talent pool is brought up riding linkage bikes and the transition / acclimation to the PDS bikes were too much. They will still rise above the other brands by way of innovation, quality, horsepower, niche marketing and continuing 2-stroke development. They will catch the "big four" flatfooted when they unveil the D.I. 2-stroke (hopefully in the 350-400cc range).
haha its hilarious some of you guys getting so piped up, the kids got pure talent and i dont know why your making it sound like roger made him do it, ken asked to ride the in the 450's it will do him some good to go bang bars with those guys, it just means more experiance and that is exactly what he needs right now. then hopefully he can come out swinging in San diego and kill josh hansen... haha
I have a question for all you KTM fanboys, if KTMs are so good then now come NO PRIVATEERS RIDE THEM?!? Seriously, check the entry list for the last couple of weeks, the only riders using them are the riders who are on teams that are backed by KTM. The majority of non-biased privateers ride Kawasaki, a good number ride Honda, and the remainder use Yamaha or Suzuki, but no KTMs. Anyways, I think Roczen is a great kid with a refreshing attitude and love for the sport. If he can learn to keep the bike on two wheels, I seriously think he could be the man to dethrown Stewart (Sorry Villopoto fan's, but he's had his chances). STILL, I think that throwing him in the 450 class is a big mistake since he's only 16. I don't think he has enough experience in Supercross to keep up with the Big 5, and i think he'll crash if he trys to. I think that if can't keep up with the top guns it might destroy his confidience and it could get in his head when he finally does move up to the big bikes. If DeCoster truely supports this than I'm sure I'll be proven wrong, but I don't think that DeCoster really likes the idea.
the AMA issued this after learning that Roczen was entered: Attention SX riders this weekend. Wear extra saftey gear.
Ray Dar, your right Motocross Action likes KTM, but they dont love the 350, they basically said its a slow 450, way down on power. At 8,000 RPM's its down 11 horsepower, that is a ton. I dont see it being competitive against 450's. Caroli didnt ride a 350 in the GP's.. the rumor is it was bored out. And as long as it doesnt go over 450 cc's it legal.
I hope he does well. His teammates sure aren't impressing anyone so far this season. I never really have been a Short fan, but after the 3rd moto of the MXON, I gained a new respect for him. Unfortunatly his lack lustre supercross finishes this year have tarnished his image again with me. I don't know what Allessi's issue is, but whatever it is, he better figure it out quick, or he won't have a ride next year.
As far as messing up the Championship for one of the other guys,I don't see that happening. If you're a true champ, your focus is on riding your own race and attacking the track, not on anyone else. I doubt if any of the top 10 450 riders really care wether or not he is out there this weekend.
Sure, the jury is definitely still out on the 350, but please stop saying it can't hang against a 450!!! Short finished 6th last weekend, and look at the names of a few of the 450 riders he finished ahead of!!! Short is really not far off, if at all, from where he would be against this field on his 450 Honda. I'm gonna wait until i see what a guy who already possesses "That kind of speed", AND experience can do on it before i label it as unworthy!!
Give alessi a break him and ktm kno tat hes not a good sx rider, y push and get hurt when he can save himself for outdoors
Roczen has had a pretty rough time so far in supercross, but it looks like he's pulling it together and getting into the swing of things fast. This is good for him and KTM, as long as he doesn't do anything stupid on the track and wads it up, i could see him doing better then shorty and Allesi...no offense to them
hes on the same track, 250 or 350. doesnt mean hes going to yardsale just cause different names are in the race. he can navigate the track just the same. if he tries to ride stewarts back wheel, well thats a different story. but that goes for almost everyone else out there too. he is not a goon rider in the middle of a main event rolling the triples.
Why does no privateer ride KTM ? it's not because they're not good bikes. Privateers race out of their own pockets and racing at the level these guys are racing at costs money and a lot of it too. Privateers are trying to save as much money as they can to go racing all while trying to recuperate as much as they can and frankly KTM doesn't have the best contingency program out there so why not ride for a different brand that offers just that little bit of extra that might help you get to the next round ?
bd200 I find it VERY funny that you say this >My own opinion is not a top 5 or 6. He isnt that expeirienced. You guys already think he will knock off Shorty and the kid has raced 5 races at this level in his life?? Kinda insulting to guys like Short, K-Dub and a few others.< ..Was it not KR who smoked Short at the MXDN?? Also KR has been faster then short at the KTM track as well so I for one will NOT be shocked to see him beat Short.
To all the experts out there.
Stop this stupid discussion.
Ken will not destroy he GP effort next weekend.
It doesn't matter if he came in 5,6 or what ever.
This kid has an extraordinary talent. And this is not offten in sport.
Have fun and watch him ride.
r.g.s
I like KTM, and I like this kid, but in the hell don't they unleash that 450SX?
He "smoked" Short at the Des Nations?? I dont think I would call it that. But supercross is a total different animal Bill, and you know it, just trying to start another argument.. He also "smoked" all the other 250 riders at the Des Nations, and he has only podiumed once in supercross. Pretty telling to me. And that is just against the West riders, doesnt count Wilson or barcia, or even Sipes or Wharton. All guys with way more supercross experience than him. And in the 450's, they are all there, not split, so even more expeerience. If he gets top 4 or 5 thats awesome. I really like the kid. I have been cheering for him and Tomac all season, but its a tall order for him in his first season..
The seat-bounce; Pure beauty in motion. Go get 'em Ken Rocz!!! Hold onto his rear fender Andrew, and go get 'em too!!! This may even motivate 800 to get something going... I hope.
I like roczen, but who's idea is it to put lame soundtracks over every riding video.
I just want to hear him go braaaaapp braaap, or thuuuuump thummmmmmp
.
(however you say it nowadays)
And if roczen proves that that 350 can run up front, it is going to make 29 and 800 look bad.
Top 5 is a stretch IMO, but top 10, absolutely!
Go kick ass KROC!! Do it for zie Fatherland.
Oh man he's gonna make some guys look bad. Shorty ought to be a privateer and mike and tony work at burger king. K'rocky is faster than half the ama pro's for sure. top 5-7 easily and he's only gonna get faster. How long has he ridden the 350, twice???