Rick’s first year with Honda was in 1986. He raced for Yamaha from 1981-1985 and nearly won an outdoor 250 title in ’82, when his front wheel exploded in the final race of the year giving the championship to Donnie Hansen. Rick did win the 250-outdoor title for Yamaha in 1984.

After a very mediocre 1985 season he was supposed to sign with Kawasaki for the 1986 season, only they dropped that plan and hired Ron Lechien. Roger DeCoster stepped up to the plate for Team Honda and gave RJ a test ride.