2014 KTM 450 Rally Replica - First Look

KTM dominated this year's Dakar enduro, held last January in South America. This was KTM's thirteenth victory in a row in the classic event, underscoring the Austrian marque's dominance in those long and grueling rallies. Marc Coma's winning machine? The lightweight and highly maneuverable new 450 Rally, which is based on the KTM EXC 450 Enduro model.

However, the 450 Rally Replica is totally specialized for the role, and only a few of the features from the EXC 450 have actually carried on. Although the wheelbase remains at 58.3 inches, the chrome-moly steel trellis frame has been modified to withstand the rigors of these demanding rallies, which can cover more than 6,000 miles. Moreover, KTM designed the new frame in such a way as to create a comfortable riding posture that allows the bike to be ridden hard with minimum personal fatigue, which helps the rider maintain constant focus on those long, grueling stages.

In addition, the KTM’s new frame was conceived around the concept of two separate fuel tanks, a narrower one in front for better rider comfort, plus a rear one positioned to make it easy for the rider to bias the weight distribution for the given riding conditions. Also to that end, a special fuel pump allows the rider to select which tank will be drained first. Total fuel capacity is 8.7 gallons.

The engine for the new 450 Rally Replica is a specially tuned version of KTM’s 449cc mill, a sohc four-valver that employs a 44mm throttle body and Keihin EMS electronic fuel injection. No power figures have been releases, but, given the bike’s fantastic results, we suspect it must be more than adequate.

For suspension, the new KTM 450 Rally uses a 48-millimeter fork and a link-actuated shock absorber, both from WP. Other equipment includes a whole rack of sophisticated electronic instrumentation, arranged on a carbon-fiber tower that is narrower than the previous version’s to give the rider a better view of the front wheel. Race ready, KTM’s 309-lb. 450 Rally Replica costs 24,000 euros in Europe, plus excise tax. And here’s the bad news for American customers: KTM says the 450 Rally Replica cannot be ordered through US dealers, as was originally part of the plan.