Red Bull KTM’s Ryan DungeyKTM and Ryan Dungey will forever be united in Supercross history. The 25-year-old Minnesota native gave KTM its first-ever 450 SX title this season, Dungey clinching the title in Houston with three rounds remaining.It’s no surprise that KTM was already proud of Dungey’s performance and work ethic as the team developed the SX-F450. This is also evident considering the Austrian-based manufacturer extended Dungey’s contract as a Red Bull KTM Factory rider for another two years. And this extension arrived before Dungey clinched the title.
Dungey, who joined KTM in 2012 following his first AMA Supercross title in 2010 (Suzuki), is now contracted to ride with KTM through 2017. Dungey gave KTM its first 450 Supercross win (Phoenix, 2012), its first 450 Motocross title (2012) and now its first 450 Supercross title.“I’m extremely happy that Ryan has chosen to commit another two years to the Red Bull KTM team,” explains Red Bull KTM Team Manager Roger De Coster who followed Dungey to KTM from Suzuki.“I have worked with Ryan for many years and can honestly say he’s is in the best shape of his career right now. The level of commitment he has shown to his training program in Florida, our race team and toward the development of the KTM 450 SX-F race bike has made him a better racer showcasing his full potential.“I trust he will continue performing at this level for several more years and the team and I will continue to strive to give Ryan the best possible equipment and the support he deserves.”Dungey also commented on the extension: “I have never had a manufacturer work so closely with the racing team to make sure we have the best bike each year. The proof of how great the bike has become is written in the race results. I couldn’t ask for a better team and manufacturer to work for.”Dungey will race in both the 450 Supercross and Motocross seasons through 2017 aboard the SX-F 450.Ryan Dungey Photo Gallery:
Associate Editor Teejay Adams recently attended the Yamaha Champions Riding School in Las Vegas, and she took with her the Yamaha XSR900 that she’s been riding for a while. This is the retro-style version of the MT-09, and Teejay gives us her impressions of the bike, including her thoughts versus the XSR700 that she rode previously.
The guest segment of Motos and Friends is brought to you by the faster and most technologically advanced, 2023 Suzuki Hayabusa—one of the most iconic sportbikes ever. Check it out in person at your local Suzuki dealer now, or visit suzukicycles.com to learn more.
In our second segment, Teejay chats with Cait Maher, a contributing journalist at motorcycle.com and owner of a Yamaha TW200. The two ladies met at the recent launch of Kawasaki’s dual sport KLX230s. Teejay is a total novice off-road. Cait however, although quite experienced in the dirt including her recent venture on the District 37 Barstow to Las Vegas dual-sport ride, still doesn’t consider herself an expert. Both of these girls have a positive, upbeat attitude, and their fun, energetic outlook shines through. Cait is definitely a give-it-a-go type of personality. Her take on the various challenges, experiences and adventures that she’s had make for fun listening.