TRAIL ZONE

FIRST LOOK!

KTM 450 RALLY SPECIAL

KTM has used the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, Italy, that fired into life today to unveil a raft of new machines, the first of which is the 450 Rally.

Living proof that KTM is well and truly back into the now 450cc-limited Dakar Rally, this snarling off-road racer is to be produced in very limited quantity -- with perhaps as few as just 20 examples rolling out of the KTM race team workshop in Matighofen, Austria.

Apparently ten machines are ear-marked for KTM's factory-backed Dakar Rally competitors, with the other 10 available for sale -- at price ranging from 30,000 Euros to 48,500 Euros, depending on which online 'expert' you listen to! But at least you do get also three spare engines for your money ...

The 450 Rally uses a SX-F motocross-based engine with five-speed gearbox and modified oil pump and oil filter housing for improved durability for the rigours of long distance racing, with the powerplant wrapped inside a chassis and suspension package based around KTM's previous 690RR rally race bike.

Interestingly, the engine is apparently fed by a carby, rather than EFI. Dual main front fuel tanks are boosted by the inclusion of a 690 Enduro-style under-seat fuel cell, with an additional six-litre tank mounted to the left-rear side of the bike, above the low-slung Akrapovic exhaust system/muffler.

If you're after what might just rank as the ultimate 450cc rally race bike, then fire off your order to KTM HQ in Matighofen, Austria, ASAP ... and join the queue behind Cyril Despres and Marc Coma!

-- Clubby, www.trailzone.com.au