New Bike: KTM 450 Rally Replica

The all-new KTM 450 Rally Replica is a dead-ringer for the machine that finished one-two at the 2014 Dakar Rally.

A little over a month removed from its tremendous success at the 2014 Dakar Rally, KTM has released photos and information on it’s all-new 450 Rally Replica, which will be available for purchase soon.

The new KTM 450 Rally machine in factory livery debuted last October at the Morocco rally, which was used as a shakedown for Dakar. Of course, with KTM factory riders Marc Coma giving KTM its 13th consecutive Dakar Rally victory and teammate Jordi Villadons finishing second, the new bike has proven its speed and reliability.

While the previous KTM Rally Replica was powered by KTM’s 690cc single, the new machine was designed from the ground up around a fuel-injected, SOHC, 450cc engine in keeping with Dakar rules. With its vast amount of experience, KTM’s Motorsport department built the new bike with KISKA’s expertise in design from clay model to completed design, along with KTM’s R&D department and KTM Technologies.

The new Rally Replica features an all-new frame with a slim-body design for a better seating position and a completely re-worked rear suspension. The engine is fed fuel via multiple tanks via front and rear fuel pumps, and the rider has the option of selecting tanks on the fly to manage weight ballast depending on terrain or handling preference. A carbon tower at the front of the bike gives the rider better visibility of the front wheel, which is said to instill extra confidence.

KTM’s CEO Stefan Pierer proudly pointed out that the success of the all-new 450 Rally at Dakar is well-deserved by KTM and KISKA, and that is what is reflected in the Rally Replica.

“The Dakar rally has highlighted the experience and hard work of our KTM people, who worked closely with KISKA’s team on the new rally bike project, combined with feedback from all of our factory riders and heavy input from Marc Coma,” Pierer said. “We now want to pass on the experience of such a successful time in this year’s Dakar to any rider who wishes to own this fantastic bike, and especially to those who are committed to making their rally dreams come true or realize their Dakar ambition. The racing service we offer for privateers is as fundamentally strong as the service we give to our factory riders and we are very proud of helping many riders achieve their goals in the rally.”

Of course, if you want the ultimate in KTM’s rally expertise, expect fork out a huge wad of cash for it, as the 2014 KTM 450 Rally Replica is expected to retail for 24,000 Euros, or about $32,999. For racers, KTM offers a service and support package at the Dakar Rally at an additional cost. See your local KTM dealer for more information.