Between the Motos: Ryan Dungey
Tuesday, January 10, 2012 | 10:25 AM
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The deck was stacked against Ryan Dungey and the Red Bull KTM team before Anaheim 1. Riding on a completely-new 450SX, a bike that was only released to the public as a production bike the week of the race, it was expected that the team might struggle to adapt. But there was Dungey during the main, battling in the same manner on his new KTM that he was last year on his well-proven Suzuki. How did he and his team make the new bike so competitive so quickly? We asked him for this week’s Between the Motos.
I was closing on Reed and I just started feeling a little comfortable on the track -– maybe a little too comfortable -– and I pushed my front end over a rut and basically, it caught. Then the rear wheel came out and then I went over the jump and lost it. But we got back and rebounded and Chad actually had a mistake too, so there was a lot going on back and forth, but we were able to come out on the podium. Like I said, let’s not make that mistake again. It’d be nice to get her on top here. This was a win for us as a team and I think we got a lot of great things to carry this momentum forward.
Racer X: The KTM press release came out, and this bike was technically introduced Wednesday of this week. And you’ve only been developing your race version for a few months. This is an all-new bike. How did you get it this good, this quickly?
Ryan Dungey: The brand new 450 KTM’s been awesome to really work with. Since we’ve gotten the bike and the whole process, it’s been amazing to work with. To have a team that’s 100 percent committed, that backs you all the way through ups and downs. It was nice to get that first podium for KTM here in the U.S., but we’re not going to stop until—well, I guess there’s no point where we’re gonna’ stop! There’s never going to be enough success. But, like I said, to start the 2012 season off with a podium was great. Had a little mistake there in the middle of the race, but I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again. I’m just really looking forward to getting back this week and putting in some good laps and getting ready for Phoenix.
It took all of one race for Dungey to break the KTM podium streak.
Photo: Simon Cudby
Other manufacturers, when they redesign a bike, it takes a little while. That’s where Honda is right now, with a bike that was new in 2009, they struggled with it at first, and now they have it figured out. You guys did this in three months. How do you do that?
Like I said in the press conference [on Thursday], KTM’s been very dominant in Europe and they’ve had a lot of feedback from all their bikes and from their riders. So for them to make this 450, I think they had a good sense of direction. But it’s supercross, which is different. So I just gotta’ give all the credit to the guys here on the team. They were guiding me through the test days and guiding me in the right direction with what to try and what changes to make and anything necessary we need to switch up on the bike. They kind of have a lot of knowledge in that area. And working with Roger and Ian, the motor guy, as well as Rob at RG3 –- everybody, really –- we all work well together. And I think as a team that will build to success. So I think we just stick together, keep our game plan, and if we can make little bits of progress on the way, we’ll have an open mind and we’re willing to try stuff.
KTM is known for being real nimble and everything changes quickly. If they want to make a 150, they make it, or a 200, whatever. And we know that the North American relationship with Austria is very tight, probably tighter than other teams with their parent company. So do you feel like that may be a help to make things happen quickly?
Yeah, absolutely. That’s something that I haven’t ever seen a manufacturer do. And especially with Austria being kind of a small manufacturer and yet very big, their main focus is on racing dirt bikes and multiple other sports, but mainly all dirt bikes and racing. I think, like I said to the press as well, the quick turnaround and what they were able to accomplish and get done, that’s what makes a team. That’s why I signed. Because when you get in a team, that’s what helps move things forward, when you can get parts. You’ve got guys like Roger, who knows, if necessary, the changes that need to be made, to get back to KTM to try it. Their turnaround to get parts, it’s quick, they’re on it, they’re working 24/7 jobs and they’re ready to win. And so am I. We’re all hungry and I don’t think we’re gonna’ stop until we get there.
Dungey and Stewart were locked in a tight battle for a good portion of the race.
Photo: Simon Cudby
I was closing on Reed and I just started feeling a little comfortable on the track -– maybe a little too comfortable -– and I pushed my front end over a rut and basically, it caught. Then the rear wheel came out and then I went over the jump and lost it. But we got back and rebounded and Chad actually had a mistake too, so there was a lot going on back and forth, but we were able to come out on the podium. Like I said, let’s not make that mistake again. It’d be nice to get her on top here. This was a win for us as a team and I think we got a lot of great things to carry this momentum forward.
You were in a really good battle. There was James in front of you and behind you at times, there was Chad in front of you. That’s pretty intense stuff. Do you remember all of that in your mind after the race is over, or are you just taking it as it comes because there is so much going on?
You really just gotta’ focus on your own deal and try to put yourself in that position. I wanted to make that pass happen, but Chad’s a really good rider at holding guys off. I need to find a way to make those passes happen a little bit quicker. But the first race was to get the jitters out and now we’re ready to go full force.
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Did better than I thought he would, Reed was off and so was JS and that helped him. But the 3 of them need to get it together soon or RV will have a big lead.
Good for KTM Good For Dungey Good for the Sport
IMO that bike looks the coolest...maybe because I like orange?
Nice ride Ryan, you will take KTM into serious contention. Roger, Ian & the rest of the team will be a new force to reckon with. Good Luck Boys
As the article says Dungey was off as well so that put him on par with Reed and JS. Why is it people have such a hard time accepting KTM, they are the only bike company that is fully committed to dirt bikes only and racing of dirt bikes, isn't that what we are all into. KTM is here to stay accept it..
What we saw Saturday night was these guys trying NOT to make mistakes. We have yet to see any of these guys ride the edge like they will in the coming weeks. We will see Villo, Dungey & Stewart separate themselves from the pack starting this weekend in PHX. Yes, I left Reed off that list on purpose. Reed will podium and maybe even win one this year, but by seasons end he will be the 4th fastest of the group.
Doesnt the 2nd place at MEC count as a podium finish?
I knew it (KTM on the podium) would happen pretty quick with RDg at the wheel, but thought RD5 would come across in 4th at A1....It was looking like that was going to be the case, but ol' JS7 gave it away again and RD5 got that 3rd afterall.....I still think RD5 looks a little crunched on the bike, like he is too tall for it....or maybe im just not used to seeing him on it and his style is different than on the Zook..... Its safe to say that, even if RD jumped on a Kawasaki next week, he would still run top 5, so I dont know why its so suprising he pulled a 3rd in week 1....Short got a 4th on the 350 last year and RD is obviously a step above him...
Aside from the podium appearence, I thought RD5 looked pretty good...but still a little gun shy at making passes....JS7 caught him in the heat race and passed him easily...they went back in forth in the main, but JS7 bobbled both times RD5 passed him.....gonna be a good series.
Agree with KilloMoto, RD needs to get just a little more aggressive in his passing. I think this really hurt him in 2011 SX as well. He is so fit, so smooth, so consistent but his racing just needs a little more "edge" to it. In many ways he and Reed are similar in their consistency lap after lap, but Reed is one of those guys who can make the pass happen when he needs to.
Also, as noted by myself and others in other articles, he was coming up short on some of the jumps at A1, not sure if that was a RD thing or a KTM thing.
Green trumps Orange, or should I say Green thumps Orange.
RV has raced that KTM twice and killed it both times, it is not even close is it?
I love RD but the fact is he does not look comfy on that bike and he can't pass
quick enough to be successful in Supercross. Only RV and JS can move quickly
through the pack and everyone knows that. I am not a JS fan but I give him props
for his speed and that dude can flat out pass. If JS and RV got out front every race then no one else would ever win anything. But if anyone else gets out front they better get ready for these two guys to come and get them.
I can still hear tony alessi when dungey signed to KTM. "he looks like he has been kidnapped by that photo" eat your heart out Tony alessi. RD had a crash and still made the podium, something mike has only done once in his mentally messed up career. Were did mikey finish? oh yeah, 9th.and what about jeff? oh he didnt even make the show.
IMO the KTM looks very competitive, plus RD5 is a very conservative rider and the more that get that new bike dialed in the more of a threat he will be. Just for the record a very good rider can hop on any bike and do well. Good job team KTM
RD5 knows he is my favorite. I study that guy. Still looking for the A1 2010 corner speed, I know it is in there Ryan, shorten that bike up 25mm.
Really happy to see Ryan and the 450sx on the box first time out!! Each race is a new opportunity and time will tell every week, but i believe him when he says he is liking the bike and that he expects to do even better!! They have put together a hell of a team over there in every aspect and i think it is only "up" from here on out for KTM in the states. I know many don't believe that, or don't want to, but i think it is gonna happen!! Even though i don't think he looks too uncomfortable on the bike, i agree with KillMoto that when looking at still pics he sometimes does look just a little tall on the bike, weird because he looks great riding it!! Carry on Ryan!!
KTM has had many great riders both state side and over seas. That being said they are re-branding and developing the 450, paying Dungey and other staff needed to do so, I believe KTM got off cheap here.
Does anyone have any idea how long and costly it really is to develop a product in a saturated market? On another note: Have it be successful in less than 3 months.
Great job KTM
Congrats to Ryan Dungey and his third place finish. I thought it was cool to see that battle going on with Dungey, Reed and Stewart.
RYAN good job ,next time lets make you move much quicker .just take the hint from rv its this way ,and he`s gone ,why because it`s a race ,you snooze you loose .your fit your fast now stomp out the kaw ,honda ,yam .and win !!!
czmark it was not much of a battle IMO it was some sloppy raceing by all 3 of them LOL.
.Iknoweverything don't hold your breath. I have been saying he needs to hang it out more sence 2010 (back then I was the only one who saw it and took heat fro saying it). I don't think he ever will. He is like K-Dub.
Dungy, I root for ya and want ya to win. But please let loose and show a personality. You made the Jason ask the exact same question twice in a row because you didn't anwer and then Jason even had to give you an answer to it in the 3rd question. Next answer; Reed is fast. Next answer: I will keep pushing next race. Give us something...anything! Jason could have wrote the entire interview without even talking to you. Now go win Pheonix.
I am not a big fan of RD5, but i am glad to see him get the KTM on the box. Way to go RD, and you did it in the first round, awesome! Good job picking yourself up off the ground and charging forward......never settle until the checkers fly.....you impressed me and showed me you are a champion!
Right, RD hang it out there, let it loose, on and off the track.....don't be afraid to stick someone in the corner when the opportunity presents itself......or be estaitic on the box for passing and holding off stewie.
Good job, bike looks awesome
Dungey turned a faster lap than Stewie, so that says good things were they are with the bike. I think he will do just as good as he did on the Suzuki, when alot of guys said his career is over since he is at KTM.
Question ..... .. Where are the KTM bashers now ?
Answer ...........With the goofs who bagged on Dungeys 2010 Championship
Props to KTM
JimM
Pala374
rare, a man who can speak so much and say so little. interviewing dungey is like interviewing his PR guy. his PR guy prolly has more to say though. even the goat had more personality than dungey does, and rc was kinda the same way. every question turns into the same answer at some point. really frustrating when you really want to know what the guy thinks.
Dungey is just very professional.
OK, I talked more trash on that KTM when Dungey signed. I am a huge Dungey fan and am glad to see he hasn't lost much, if any, speed. He did look to fight the bike a bit here and there, however, he rode great for his 1st real SX on it. SO HERE IT IS!! I am sorry to Dungey and KTM for my recent posts. To be honest I am so glad I am wrong too. I did not want to see Dungey battle for 7th place like I posted in September. My three boys idolize RD5 and they cheered him on tell they passed out...I tell them to ride just like Dungey's style. Always perfect
Did i say it or did i say it, podium for sure, guaranteed................................
Come on CLaxton, you cant compare Villopoto on his bike to Dungey on his new bike and there results or how "green thumps orange." Villopoto has had the same platform to train on since 2009, Dungey's barely had 3 months on that bike so that comparison is unqualified. Give Dungey this whole year to adjust and get his comfort dialed and then you can make assumptions starting next year.
codyw20x, that's pretty funny. And true! I was basically doing the interview for him, and better yet, I did talk to the KTM PR people before speaking to Ryan, and I think I had a better understanding of what he was supposed to say than he did.
Was it me or was his suspension set a little too hard, with too much rebound? It looked like he was still running his standard supercross settings rather than changing up like Reed did after practice. Decisions, decisions, but if he popped out of a rut and went down, and his front end rarely went below half staff at race speed - just sayin...
Jmicm13, Ok I won't compare the bikes but motocross does not wait on anyone it just passes them by. Dungey will never win in supercross again on any bike because he won't move through traffic fast enough.