Catching Up With…Ryan Villopoto

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• April 01 2008
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by Donn Maeda

Anxious to get the exclusive scoop about the two-time Motocross Lites
National Champion’s jump to the premier class, we cornered RV and his
trainer Randy Lawrence after a particularly long moto…

Ryan! What’s with the big fo-fiddy?

I’m just doing some preliminary suspension testing with Bones, trying to
get this thing more controllable for me. I’m so used to hitting stuff
wide open on the 250f, the 450 catches me off guard a couple times per
lap, so we’re working on getting it to be more plush initially.

Why spend time testing when you are racing the Motocross Lites class?
Are you gonna do some West Coast Supercross races?

No, I’m actually going to race it full-time outdoors. Kawasaki wants to
have me in the Motocross class because they’re confident that Austin
Stroupe can hold it down in the Lites. If things go our way, Kawi could
sweep the podium in the 450 class with Stewart, Ferry and me.

This winter when we did your TWMX Racer of the Year interview, you said
that you needed to put on some weight before you could hold onto a
450…

Yeah, that’s actually why I’ve been struggling a little bit on my 250F.
RL and I have been working a lot in the weight room, building up my
strength, and I’ve actually gained almost 20 pounds.

How much do you weigh now?

Almost 180. I feel really strong on the bike, but it’s been a struggle
getting off the line on a 250f. I think the 450 will suit me a lot
better once I get used to it.

How are your 450 lap times versus your 250 lap times?

At Perris, I’m about four seconds per lap faster. It’s such a tight
track, though, I don’t think I can really take advantage of the power.
We’re going to Cahuilla tomorrow, and I’m pretty excited about that.

What are your goals for the Nationals? Where do you think you’ll stand?

Well, I’ve got a couple months to get comfortable, so I’d like to think
that I can contend for the win. My lap times at some Nationals on my
250f were as fast or faster then the 450 class, so I am confident. I
know that a big bike is completely different, but I think that I have
the speed to be a contender.

Well good luck, Ryan. Maybe next time you can have numbers and stuff on
your bike, so we can do photos!

Sounds good.

And your next Big Game column is due this Friday, better get on it!

At least I have something good to write about this month?

Note: Although RV2 was, indeed, on the big 450, he does not plan to race the 2008 Outdoor Nationals aboard the big bike…..April Fools!