GRINDING IT OUT: THE FINAL EPISODE OF ‘GET SERIOUS WITH DUNGEY’

The exclusive video series with multiple AMA Motocross and Supercross champion Ryan Dungey concludes with the American talking about rough tracks and the phase of a race when a winner really makes the difference. Ryan also tells us about his toughest circuit and whether he prefers Supercross or Motocross…

A happy Ryan Dungey on his KTM 450 SX-F at the 2022 AMA Pro Motocross Round 11 in Ironman
PC @ALIGNMEDIA

Ryan Dungey was famed for his consistency, drive and professionalism; the kind of heart and commitment that helped the #5 barrel to eight titles and 90 wins in ten seasons. In this last instalment of the short ‘Get Serious’ videos, Ryan explains how the 2023 KTM SX motocross collection carries the kind of features, design and components to make riding as strong as possible as easy as possible.

In the video series Ryan explains how the new KTM SX collection makes riding as strong as possible as easy as possible (bike in the photo: KTM 300 SX)
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As ever, there are some stories and memories taken from his decade at the very top of racing as well as invaluable guidance for youngsters or hardcore motocross fans and riders that want to extract more from themselves. Often the most grueling part of a moto is when athletes can really show their mettle. It’s about their physical condition and their tactical approach – watching the track and changing lines –that come to the fore deep into a competition.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Ryan Dungey ahead of the pack in his last Supercross race in Las Vegas 2017
PC @SimonCudby

“Sometimes it comes down to 1-1 fitness and who is suffering the most and that’s a hard place to be,” he says. “You are pushing yourself beyond the point where you are willing to go.”

Dungey says bike set-up is key to help endure the most draining phases of a moto, “that thing should be doing what it needs to do and your attention goes on the track.”

“We used to do a lot of testing, we’d spend hours and hours with the team and rather than looking for the perfect set-up you need one with a big window for all sorts of tracks. You want that [handling] consistency: it gives confidence to a rider.”

Ryan Dungey aboard his KTM 450 SX-F on the lookout for the best line
PC @ALIGNMEDIA

“For Supercross you get tired mentally and physically because it has been a long day…but Motocross, you are physically cooked and need a lot more recovery,” he reveals.

Success is not only about pulling the throttle the hardest. A rider must read and judge the ever-changing terrain. “It’s all about anticipating and being in-tune with your bike because you are processing things so fast…and you have to.”

“You are changing lines all the time because it’s faster to move over [to something new] rather than take a deep line that will keep on sucking you up. You have to be aware of that all the time and be searching for something that is better.”

This is where the racer’s brain comes into play. “You can keep an eye on second place and if you think ‘I rode that lap perfectly and they are still gaining on me’ then you have to start processing where you can make time because what you are doing is not working. You will do all you can not to get caught.  Being able to apply yourself is tricky.”

Ryan Dungey in his last Supercross season – when it all payed off for him
PC @SimonCudby

Of course, there is a pay-off when it comes together, and the checkered flag is waiting. “It’s fun when everything is flowing and coming naturally to you, it doesn’t happen often but when it does then a 35-minute moto feels like 10. It’s kinda interesting.”

Discover more about Ryan’s expert insight and the 2023 KTM SX-F range by watching the video below.