KTM 450 Rally Replica is a privateer’s dream
If you’ve ever dreamt about taking on the Dakar, then you might be keen on the 2019 KTM 450 Rally Replica.
The KTM 450 Rally Replica is based on the 2018 winning machine and features everything that the would-be racer would need, mechanically at least, to win.
For 2019, the KTM 450 Rally Replica gets a new chassis that places a greater emphasis on centralising mass to improve handling. It features a new swingarm and rear shock linkages. The WP XACT PRO 48mm shock is a closed cartridge design with smart Cone Valve technology, which is claimed to improve benefit acceleration and ground clearance.
To make sure its rider remains comfortable the 450 features softer cushioning in its seat and the front screen optimises aero to reduce wind buffeting. Behind that the carbon tower that the navigation hardware fixes to gets a redesign to improve visibility over it.
New frame design
Sitting in that new frame is KTM’s latest 450cc SOHC engine. The boffins in the engineering department are adding internal improvements to extend engine life and make it more durable. Among the changes are improvements to the throttle body, transmission and new engine management software.
To help enhance the bike’s handling characteristics, KTM has paid greater attention to the weight distribution of the 450 Rally Replica. Tweaks to the fuel tank design, airbox and the positioning of the battery are all said to contribute towards making mass centralisation better.
Purpose-developed rally machine
Stefan Huber (KTM Factory Rally Team Leader): “The all-new KTM 450 RALLY REPLICA is based on our already-successful factory machine that we began racing at the end of last year, which was specifically developed to win the Dakar. With this latest generation, our goal and focus was to develop a bike around the style of our current factory riders, who required something with more comfort, more agility and improved stability. We looked for an improvement in handling, a lower weight, as well as a bike that also meets the demands of the conditions and intensity that we now find at Dakar. The KTM 450 Rally Replica machine is almost identical to those raced by our athletes, and is available for customers to get the opportunity to own and ride a really premium, purpose-developed rally machine with high-quality components and maximum innovation. It’s been truly revised from the ground up, and we are looking forward to seeing these bikes being raced by our customers.”
There are plans to produce only 75 examples of the KTM 450 Rally Replica. Each one will cost of €26,000 plus taxes. The word in the paddock is that KTM has already sold every single one. Good luck to all who gets one, we’re not one bit envious. Not at all.
