Just Now: Ken Roczen Stuns the Motocross World, Ditches $245 Millon Ducati Contract—Signs Lifetime Contract with Suzuki!

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the motocross world, Ken Roczen has turned down a highly anticipated contract with Ducati and instead committed to Suzuki for the remainder of his career. The announcement comes after months of speculation that Roczen was preparing to leave Suzuki for a lucrative deal with Ducati, which had been rumored to be preparing a major entry into the SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX). Instead, Roczen surprised the motocross community by signing a lifetime contract with Suzuki — a decision that underscores his deep loyalty to the brand and confidence in Suzuki’s long-term vision.

 

The Ducati Rumors

 

For much of the 2025 season, rumors about Roczen’s future swirled within the motocross community. Ducati, a powerhouse in MotoGP and World Superbike, had reportedly been preparing to enter the SMX market with a new factory-backed team. Insiders suggested that Ducati was aggressively courting Roczen, offering a multi-year deal worth millions, along with the promise of cutting-edge technology and a bike designed specifically to suit Roczen’s riding style.

 

Roczen’s shoulder injury in early 2025 and Suzuki’s perceived struggle to keep up with the evolving technology of KTM, Honda, and Yamaha seemed to reinforce the notion that he might seek a fresh start with Ducati. Roczen’s camp remained tight-lipped about the negotiations, but whispers of a deal being close to completion intensified after the Birmingham Supercross Triple Crown, where Roczen fought through pain to secure a fifth-place finish.

 

The Decision to Stay with Suzuki

 

Despite the tempting offer from Ducati, Roczen ultimately chose to stay with Suzuki — a decision that reflects both personal loyalty and professional strategy. Roczen’s relationship with Suzuki runs deep, dating back to his early career when he won the MX2 World Championship in 2011 aboard a Suzuki. After stints with KTM and Honda, Roczen’s return to Suzuki in 2023 was seen as a homecoming, and his subsequent success aboard the RM-Z450 reinforced the strength of their partnership.

In a press conference following the announcement, Roczen explained his decision.

 

“Suzuki has always been more than just a team to me — it’s family,” Roczen said. “They’ve stood by me through the highs and the lows, and I believe in the team we have and the bike we’re building. Ducati’s offer was incredible, but at the end of the day, I want to win with Suzuki. This is where my heart is.”

 

The lifetime contract ensures that Roczen will remain with Suzuki not only as a racer but also in a long-term advisory and ambassadorial role after he retires from competition. This type of deal is rare in professional motocross, where contracts are often short-term and tied to performance metrics. Roczen’s agreement signals that Suzuki views him as a cornerstone of their motocross strategy for the foreseeable future.

 

Why Suzuki Made the Move

 

From Suzuki’s perspective, securing Roczen for life is a strategic masterstroke. Roczen remains one of the most marketable and talented riders in the sport, and his association with Suzuki gives the brand credibility and visibility in a highly competitive market.

 

Suzuki’s motocross program has faced criticism in recent years for lagging behind in technical innovation compared to rivals like KTM and Honda. However, Roczen’s commitment suggests that Suzuki is prepared to invest in improving their bike development and supporting Roczen’s push for championships.

 

Suzuki’s team manager, Chris Wheeler, expressed his excitement about the deal.

 

“Ken is a generational talent, and having him commit to Suzuki for life is a huge boost for our program,” Wheeler said. “We are fully committed to giving Ken the best equipment possible, and we know that with his experience and feedback, we can get the RM-Z450 back to the top of the podium consistently.”

 

What This Means for the Sport

 

Roczen’s decision to reject Ducati’s offer and stick with Suzuki sends a strong message to the motocross world. Ducati’s potential entry into SMX was expected to disrupt the competitive balance, and securing Roczen as their lead rider would have positioned Ducati as an immediate threat to the established order.

 

Without Roczen, Ducati will need to look elsewhere for a marquee rider to lead their program. Meanwhile, Suzuki’s ability to secure Roczen’s loyalty suggests that they are serious about re-establishing themselves as a top-tier force in the sport.

 

For Roczen, the decision reflects both personal values and professional ambition. While the Ducati deal may have offered more money and technological advantages, Roczen’s choice to stay with Suzuki reflects his belief in the team and his desire to build a legacy with the brand that shaped his career.

 

Roczen’s Legacy with Suzuki

 

By signing a lifetime contract, Roczen cements his place in Suzuki’s history alongside legends like Ricky Carmichael and Travis Pastrana. His decision to stay with Suzuki — even when other manufacturers offered more money and technical resources — underscores his loyalty and competitive spirit.

 

As Roczen looks to add more championships to his already impressive résumé, Suzuki’s renewed commitment to supporting him will be crucial. If Roczen can secure another SMX title aboard the RM-Z450, it will validate his decision and further cement his legacy as one of the greatest motocross riders of all time.

 

For now, Roczen’s decision marks a major turning point in the sport. While Ducati’s entry into SMX remains an intriguing development, Roczen’s choice to stay with Suzuki ensures that one of motocross’s most iconic partnerships will continue — with both sides determined to write the next chapter in their storied history together.