DAKAR DELIGHT: '27 KTM 450 RALLY REPLICA

Available in extremely limited numbers in Australia and New Zealand, you can now get a piece of Dakar Rally glory in your garage as KTM has announced their 2027 KTM 450 Rally Replica – a factory-derived model created to satisfy budding rally raiders who want a competitive edge, or for off-road enthusiasts eager to sample the engineering that swept another overall victory this year in the world’s toughest race.

For half a decade, the KTM 450 Rally Replica has been KTM’s pure expression of technical rally supremacy. The R&D for components, performance and settings have filtered directly from their competition model, making this is a bike that has carried four different riders to the top of the Dakar podium since 2020 as well as featuring prominently at the peak of RallyGP. The model is as close to a complete and race-ready article as it gets.

Only 100 units of the KTM 450 Rally Replica will be kicking up roost on trails worldwide this year. At the heart of the bike is the relentless 450cc fuel-injected SOHC engine, armed with a six-speed gearbox and premium Brembo hydraulic clutch with rally specific gearing. A titanium Akrapovič exhaust system trims weight and maximises power punch. The hydro-formed, laser-cut, and hand-welded frame is expertly crafted for the ideal blend of longitude and torsional flex, giving a prime feeling with regards to rider feedback but also stability and assurance. This is boosted further by the fully customisable WP PRO Suspension and is easily adjustable.

Of course, it’s also equipped with rally-spec particulars. The dual radiators spread the responsibility of cooling and increase reliability in the case of unwanted damage from the terrain. The 23mm offset triple clamps are CNC for extra stiffness, but at a low weight. The aluminium alloy tapered handlebar has rally-tested foam rubber grips. The footpegs use a wider surface area for better grip. Even more, the strong Brembo braking power matched by the KTM 450 Rally Replica’s capability to go the distance thanks to a three-fuel-tank construction that extends the capacity to 34.5 litres. A carbon-fibre navigation tower crests a purposeful cockpit (for implementation of a digital roadbook with intuitive controls and a powerful LED) and is part of unique ergonomics that emphasises comfort, while standing and sitting for long distances. The bodywork and aerodynamics achieve the tricky mix of optimum positioning, both of protection from the elements but also a stance for control and quick reactions.