Five Questions with Ken Roczen | Fox Feature

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Presented by Fox Racing

Imagine our surprise when we were riding at State Fair MX in Perris, California, yesterday, when Ken Roczen went blowing past us in a red blur, aboard the new 2021 Honda CRF450R! After watching him absolutely fly around the track, we cornered him for just a few moments before he got on the road to St. George, Utah, for some family errands. CLICK HERE to see a video of him in action!

We’re surprised to see you at a State Fair MX rather than Glen Helen…

Oh, Glen Helen is not my favorite spot, I can tell you that much. But I was here for the first time on Tuesday since ’08, I think. 2008 was the first time I was in California and this place was called Starwest. That’s when I rode here at night. Couldn’t see shit. But I haven’t been back here since ’08. Tuesday was the first time and it’s pretty good. It’s short but the ruts are good and it’s a fun track.

You’re back on the bike and on the new 2021 CRF450R. What are your initial impressions of the bike?

The bike is awesome! It stays a lot more flat when you ride. The old one dove a lot and squatted a lot. So they fixed that. Better balance. The motor is awesome too. It has super broad power. It’s mellow off the bottom, but still torquey. I don’t have that much time on the bike. I bought one back in Florida and rode that a couple days and then out here this is my second day. It’s pretty much stock and yeah…I am having a blast. I am just trying to get used to it – we are going to jump right into Supercross testing next week.

How did the time off serve you? All healed up and well?

It was good! It was for the best. I just needed a break from racing. I needed time to regroup and rest. But now, we’re all positive energy and trying to get ready for the new season. Trying to get into a positive mindset. and yeah, I am thankful to be in this position and thankful that I took the time off. Obviously with the new little one we are having the time of our lives. A lot of good energy going on right now.

Ok so tell me about Dad Life!

Oh, it is awesome! There are some rough days for sure. I am actually sleeping in a different room than the little one and Courtney. I need my beauty sleep. (Laughs) Especially trying to work out and get myself back into shape, I need my sleep. There are tough days but overall it is amazing. My favorite is laying him on my chest at night or in the morning. It’s really hard to explain to someone who hasn’t experienced it, but it is awesome. Now I finally know!

What were your thoughts about watching the 450 MX Nationals unfold without you?

It was weird. Because I feel like every time we race, you have to win or get second to be in contention for the overall and the races this year were so mixed up. That never happens, you know what I mean? So it kind of bummed me out that I didn’t race. But I think overall, for the big picture, it was for the better.