Forgotten by the Youth? - "It Hurts!" | Ricky Johnson on the SML Show 

I'm 52yrs old now, and when I was a kid racing BMX, discovered supercross & motocross. RJ was the man back then in 250cc & 500cc. This sport has grown so much and it's still my favorite sport.

How could team Honda neglect to educate the Lawrence family about the heritage of the team? RJ is a superstar, wtf?!!!

Ricky was so influential in my life, when I saw him on the MX Action cover as 1988 rider of the year with a truck, a CR and a surf board I decided to move to the USA because that was what I wanted as a lifestyle

RJ is looking trimmed up and healthy! Awesome

RJ is by far a bigger legend than both lawrence brothers.

I'm an 80's kid and I like RJ even more now 👍🤝

I'm very fortunate to be friends with RJ (also I was a Uber fan growing up). Because of our love of riding, we have been able to work together in the entertainment industry, ride Baja and raced DitD together. Everyone watching this should know what you see here, is exactly how he is, a humble incredible father, husband and ICON of our sport. And personally, I think he should be announcing the outdoor Nationals.

Superstar So Cal bad boy……jet/hunter who?

OG RJ 🤘 much respect

I could never forget Radical Ricky Johnson. Ever! I watched him race from the beginning. My dad has a collection of the classic races.

The true G.O.A.T! The only G.O.A.T! I have a letter from R.J. from 1991 where in it he thanks me for writing to him because even back then he thought the fans had forgotten about him and written him in life after his wrist injury.

Such a great interview. RJ is a legend.

RJ was one of my hero's back in the day! I rank this as in the top 3 of Swapmoto Live shows, great job. Looking forward to hearing him with GL.

I'm almost 49 and RJ was my hero as a kid I used to draw pictures out of the magazines when I was a kid ! He's the guy that made me love motorcycles !! My fucking hero

History is being fazed out in our society.

I was at Millville in 1988 and RJ came riding by the fence by the hole shot and I stuck my hand out and He high fived me. I was 15 years old at the time . He’s a legend. Thanks RJ.

RJ is a legend that will be remembered, these kids racing now could win it all and I won't remember a single one in 5 years.

Anyone who doesn't respect RJ, especially in the world of moto, needs to have their head examined. You can say anything you want about his personality, good or bad, but his accomplishments and grit are undeniable. And I love it when we get to hear him in the booth. I think he'd make be a great add to Weege and Stew to add legacy perspective and insights. Rock on RJ. Those who really know you, respect you.

RJ was a total bad ass in his day, young riders and fans really need to study Motocross history and appreciate it!

Great interview! I was fortunate to see RJ race Supercross at the New Orleans Superdome when I was a kid sometime between 1978 - 1980. It made a lifelong impression on me, and instilled my love for dirtbikes. Ricky has a great perspective regarding the generations of riders that came before him. Current riders should show them gratitude and never forget that the road was paved by the riders and superstars of the sport, like Ricky Johnson, that came before them! It's great to see him doing so well. I would love to see RJ make an appearance on the JS7 podcast...

Thank you Donn and RJ. I feel like I am there on the couch listening to the two of you talk, just talking. So cool.

Johnson does not need to be hanging around behind the podium...he should be in the announcers' booth.

RJ is so levelheaded and thoughtful. What a privilege to meet him in person and how treated us fans at the Honda tent with Dave Thorpe at VMxdn.

Will never confuse RJ with anyone else! One of the Best!

Great interview. Much respect to RJ for opening up about this. Something most people of his stature and fame would never allow their ego to say. LONG LIVE RICKY JOHNSON! Badboy for life. ☠️

Nice interview! I always wondered how RJ was going these days with his wrist...not too good apparently, its a bit sad actually

RJ it’s just how it works. Your generation made Smith, Croft and others feel like you do 😊 Thank you for your era it was Bad Boy 👦

You're a Legend RJ! The new Kids don't know any of the storied History of Motocross. Very sad. But, we know what you did in Motocross..., You were a multi-time Motocross Champion. You paved the way for these young guys, who aren't as talented and versatile as your generation was. No worries; they'll never be as authentic as you and your fellow motocross competitors.

Every time I see an interview with ricky , I learned something new about him without fail.

Remember Rj , what a legend , watched him on my vhs videos as I was on the other side of the world 😂

The Bad Boy! He was an absolute superstar. it's crazy how quickly these guys are forgotten. He was like the Jeremy Mcgrath in the late 80’s

In truth, for mx racers to stay relevant through the generations, it takes hard work and a persistent public presence in the mainstream media associated with a relevant brand.

Very cool of Ricky to speak on this. I'm of RJ's era and am a fan. He was nice in person as well. It is funny that many riders do not know guys like RJ, Hannah, etc?..I am a fan of the sport, so I'm confused how this happens? Maybe with so much media available to kids today, they are heavily inundated with today's riders and miss out on the history?

I remember seeing the video of Stanton in a dog house and RJ razzing him, good memories.

I remember seeing Johnson on the 250 Yamaha take out the front wheel of Bailey's Honda at the hairpin left turn before the descent after the Magoo Double at a Saddleback Park National...it was a very subtle glance downward and to his right and a quick rear-brake tap was all it took! Bailey got up immediately and quickly gestured with his hands "WFT!!!!!" before picking up -- that was The Bad Boy.

A true legend and down to earth.

Incredible guy with a Incredible career. Fabulous interview ❤

A couple of months ago I fell asleep on the couch with RU-vid running on autoplay. When I half-awoke, I think it was the 2007 Straight Rhythm competition that was on which James Stewart won, and Johnson was keeping up with Weigandt verrrry well in the announcers' booth. Also, I remember when he was announcing two years ago at Pala with McGrath and Weigandt...that is why I keep commenting that he and McGrath should both be regulars on broadcasts.

Think RJ was very reasonable and open in his response. To this day as a 53 year old man it would be amazing for me to meet RJ or Lechien, two of my favorites. Later generations tend to think history begins the day they were born. I can't say it is right or wrong but it seems a lot less of a community when people are completely ignorant or ambivalent to those who came before them. Sadly, going forward riders will not be remembered as legends but simply as records to be broken. All the current racers are bad ass and I hope they have some fraternity of fellow racers to come back to when their riding careers are over.

Rj is the man if I seen him I would want his autograph I grew up watching the 80s with all the greats

Ricky Johnson , i saw you race a the Pontiac silver dome with all the other great races. It was a lot more exciting watching you race than it is now , neck and neck racing. I talk to you once on the phone about the suspension on my 02 crf 450 , I was thinking about sending it to , you gave me some information, you were and are still really cool .

RJ raced in one of the best era's in MX and SX history imo, never be forgotten, Hannah was my hero, but once he hung up the boots RJ was there, not the same but I embraced it, was getting to see him get the wrist injury, like watching Hannah's time cut short again all over! I love his attitude and he's right about the current riders! I love it straight talking if you aren't racing to win you are wasting your time, they always blame the bike and always about bike changes if that going to change anything, when its all mental, if you aren't fit before the season you aint going to get fit next week esp for a 450, its too late, but like he said you can work on technique! It seems all the teams mostly have a set training regime or practice regime they are stuck in! So they keep doing what they do no matter what. I have found t strange for years now that many today don't know the history esp US riders, know who the giants of the sport were, it says allot about society and what they are leaving behind it is more about what they can take from the sport they don't care about the next generation, maybe they see they are the last generation to ride real dirtbikes and that could be true! To us they will always be relevant but todays generation, they don't seem to respect about anything that paved the way! Its weird because there is so much you can learn from these riders, even watching old video's, I still watch them. After last weekend I watched Highpoint 91, it was freaking awesome and the skills esp cornering was amazing more so than today! 2ts are way different to race to ride and you can se it, but the techniques are there, Jett is one of the few actually that doesn't have a chicken wing! (4t wing) He's trained by Johhny'O no surprise as he was one of the best technically sound riders of RJs time. Any way's always love listening to RJ, something this sport could learn from others like NFL etc where they bring out the past champions more often, great that they had a poster of him at the round, but more should be integrated, its not todays the riders that have benefitted from these guys its the promoters the industry, never forget! Lastly I think one of the biggest things that's missing from especially US riders is that these guys didn't know how to lose, take the MXDN, they all wanted to go, they all wanted to win, no excuses, its been a frustration of mine in recent last 2010s and even to now that the top US riders wont go, scared to lose always some excuse, its why I will never rate some riders of the recent past who were at the top, RJ as far as I know would have always been one to put his hand up and go, its wasn't about the money, it was about staying on top, representing your country and proving every year who was the best and that's why they will always be the best generation and era for me, they never backed down no excuses, 13 straight! No way todays riders from the US will match that legacy now, in the future they wont be talked about like RJs era and that' s sad, todays kids don't know what they are losing! Keep coming RJ, we still want ya there. one of the greats from the greatest era.🤘

I just love rj I many be a lil young to have watched all his races but I know the bad boy and he is a hell of a man He is the type of man this world don’t produce anymore

It was funny. I don't think you were wrong RJ, but the posts following were hilarious.

Oouch That Hurt!!! RJ is correct and has earned respect. People make mistakes but it sounds like todays riders r consistently dropping the ball when it comes to respecting RJ and others.

Ricky was my hero he speaks sense I love him

I had my Bad Boy sticker and shorts had the RJ Fox gear the Bell Moto 4 .Too hip club

Best thing to happen at the moment to RJ....he's in the Press! : ) RJ was a 'cute' young racer kid. He's now a older good looking gentleman. They look very different, today.

Different times different racers, equally transcendent. He just didn't realize who he was at that moment..

It's because RJ has a big ego!

Ricky’s correct. In today’s everything now culture, air time and being in their face is what gets attention. That said, both he and Hunter being filmed together while it’s still hot enough for traction, would be an opportunity they should figure out how to make it happen. I mean, I’d still like to hear Keith, Broc and Bob chat about team strategy. So if you got them on your show, expect the internet to melt.

epic as always

Rick Johnson rules!

Still love the big dog logo. I’m a huge Rj fan. Love that hat 👍

I'm a little disappointed that Hunter didn't reach out

RJ - class act and still a superstar!! STILL way bigger than the lawrence brothers along with Bailey, Ward, Lechien, O’Mara, Barnett! Jet and Hunter may get paid more, but have a long way to go to get to the superstar status of those guys!

I remember before the 1990 season the AMA wanted to issue Johnson the No. 14 instead of the actual earned No. 13 because of superstition about the number. Johnson said in an interview that I read, "That's hocus-pocus. I'm a Christian," and took the No. 13.

RJ was my favorite rider

I still think RJ is the best interviews. Just a great expeessive communicater.

RJ will always be the Man!! Super down to earth and enjoyable to listen to!!! Looking forward to him filling in for you Don👍👍👍

You can only affend those who are willing to be.

YOUNGSTERS forget that it's a LIFE AFTER racing! Cheers to RJ from Sweden

It's hard to compare Rick Johnson to the Lawrence brothers.When Rick Johnson won his 1st 250 supercross title.It was 1984 supercross was only 10 years old. It's now fifty years old. So he would of grown up watching every one before him. Rick was 20 years before hunter was born

Really only true true motorbike fans will know amd recognize the triple og's

BAd BOY RJ you were and still are my childhood hero 🤘🤘🤣🤣keep rocking RJ What ever happened to your coaching video can't find it anywhere

Mans an absolute legend " hunter needa know the legends that came before him !

Unfortunately, he’s been forgotten about over time. I’m 41. I know who he is, but the mid 20 year olds don’t.

RJ Who? 😂

I remember seeing him at the 1989 Motorcross granprix at Hollister hills. That day he beat everyone from Europe and Bob Hannah pulled out of the race because he wasn’t happy with Suzuki but I was the kid trying get his autograph behind the box van. He was the Man!

Rick is a class act.

My 10 year old son held his hand out to shake James bubba Stewart’s hand it was the perfect timing there was no one around and steward just walk into my sons hand and walked past with out shaking it yet when I put him over the barriers of the Suzuki team my son went up to Ricky Carmichael who signed his magazine and spoke to him for what felt forever memories from a long time back

Yes, but RJ, the attention span of this generation isn't what your attention span was. I am often surprised how little the current GP riders know about the legends of the past. Gotta remember its 40 years ago you were the man. Its terrible you are not celebrated more by the sport. Outside of McGrath, RJ is without doubt the superstar of our sport. Maybe more the mistake of the promoters than the riders that you are forgotten?

RJ he was bad to the bone. Loved his naked photo shoot “the thinker” with the fox boot ad.

Damn, feelin bad rn. Back in mid 2000s RJ was at a Apex Karting Center in Perris, Ca sitting right next to me and I never acknowledged that I knew who he was, even though I was a big fan, in respect for his privacy. Man I messed up Sorry RJ. You know DD. He is an old friend.

To be fair to jet and hunter they didn’t grow up watching him. They probably looked up to the riders of there time period growing up I grew up with villipoto and dungey and look up to them !

Im just slightly younger than RJ and he was/is a hero of mine....along with the other greats he raced with. He is spot on about previous generations laying the ground work for the present....and the present generation needing respect for that. I dont agree on Swaps and RJ views on Deegan.....I think respect for your peers is more important than winning.....its about character which trumps winning anyday.

Hell Yeah RJ!

It kinda blows but RJ has a shit load of fans but they are all 45 or older .

Swap better learn something from him!! Everyone wants respect ✊🏽 😅

Rj is still the man

lmao oh boy.

Hunter was Too Hip for RJ.

Speaking of Transworld, did you make the Jason Lawrence video from the kickstart film? Is so i have a question about it

Hunter is an awesome guy , noticed his speed in the GP's on tv before the 2018 MX des Nations then at Redbud the Euro's & Hunter kicked our ass so l've had huge expectations for Hunter since word of his coming to the U.S. to race , personally l expect Hunter to to eventually beat Jett , l think he's that good .

If you listen to the Ping interview with the Lawrence brothers both say they don't know about great racers of the past, they are NOT students of the sport....even though James Stewart keeps say they do!......They are on record both saying they barely knew who O'mara was...........Sad they don't know the history of the sport, hopefully they will show a interest and learn.

He backed away from the eye of the mx scene. Out if site out of mind.....

Dude….get over it. It’s not about you. Life moves forward. We will all be forgotten for the things we did

Genuine mistake, no disrespect intended. Head down, hat on etc, Hunter knows RJ’s a legend.

Harsh on the youth. Johnson is 2 gens behind now the kids look up to RC, JS, and CR. I’d expect kids to know of him but not much detail beyond his name.

I was racing Honda's in the 80's 125 and 250 B class while RJ was dominating the PRO's.. Rick's B'day 7-6-64 mine is 7-11-64.. Still my hero today...

Well sml great vid rj s a legend of this sport yes kids now day do have history problems. But I prob had that at there age 2 hell I probably would never learnt to read if not for mx magizine and u can tell bye now I still can’t spell well . When it comes down to it hunta didn’t mean to disrespect rj and rj knows that . 25%of ur 90 comments on here atm are down on jett and hunta. If they spoke same shit that dangr dose on podium they would b run outta ur country. Gr8 vid m8

Love rj but have to save to say them young boys racing now .rj was retired for ten years before hunter was born .

I wouldn't take offense. If he looked you in the eye and totally ignored you itd be another thing

Don robbed taka for his gear bag😅

Gaday All🏁 I made 36k US When I Won my First World Superbike Championship in 1988. For the entire year Hahaha 🏴‍☠️🏁

And yet, kids these days will know who Babe Ruth was 🤔

Get over it

Where is a link to the Joe Biden meme mentioned in this podcast?

Did get over at the guy was busy on the podium after a race and some guy comes out of nowhere comes to shake his hand. He didn’t even get to see who it was until he stood up and by that time he was already in his own flow so give me a break you thumbs up good enough for me whatever

While I agree with idolizing those who came before Jett and Hunter probably did too but it would have been guys like RV and RD. You idolize the previous generation not 3 or 4 generations ago