[KTM]

UNVEILED: KTM’S 2026 450 RALLY REPLICA

11 hours ago | Words: Andy Wigan

Back in January this year, Daniel Sanders’ 2025 Dakar Rally victory was no small feat. The 30-year-old won five of the 12 stages and amassed a nine-minute winning margin. “Chucky” was only the second rider to lead a Dakar from start to finish, and the second Aussie to win the Dakar. And in addition to all that, Sanders’ 2025 Dakar victory meant KTM was able to notch up the incredible milestone of 20 Dakar Rally wins!

All of which is cause for celebration, right? Right! And what better way to celebrate KTM’s (and Sanders’) achievement than by releasing a limited run of KTM 450 Rally Replica machines, AND an ultra-exclusive five units of a very special KTM 450 Rally Replica Sanders Edition machine?! Read on for KTM’s PR that details the significance of this latest evolution of their 450 Rally Replica machine, and the trick parts that it – and the ultra-exclusive Sanders Edition variant – will come fitted with…

With a race-winning pedigree forged through decades of Dakar Rally dominance, the KTM 450 Rally Replica continues to set the benchmark for ambitious racers tackling the world’s most notorious rallies. This incredible production model – nearly identical to its Factory Rally counterpart – is now available to order.

KTM has announced that, for 2026, it will produce just 150 units of the limited KTM 450 Rally Replica, plus an additional and ultra-exclusive five units of a very special KTM 450 Rally Replica Sanders Edition.

From Malle Moto privateers to Rally2 and RallyGP competitors, the KTM 450 Rally Replica has conquered thousands of kilometres since its debut as a customer machine. Developed using data and insights from KTM’s Dakar champions – including Marc Coma, Matthias Walkner, Toby Price, Kevin Benavides, and most recently Daniel Sanders – this machine embodies the pinnacle of Rally Raid engineering.

Following a complete overhaul ahead of this year’s Dakar Rally – won in dominant fashion by Daniel Sanders, with rising star Edgar Canet claiming an impressive Rally2 victory – the latest model is more Ready To Race than ever. Further proving its competitive edge, Emanuel Gyenes also secured victory aboard the KTM 450 Rally Replica in the ‘unsupported’ Original by Motul class, completing an all-KTM class podium.

The KTM 450 Rally Replica features a thoroughly proven 450cc fuel-injected SOHC powerplant, paired with a six-speed gearbox and premium KTM hydraulic clutch. Dual radiators ensure reliable cooling in the harshest environments; all housed within a meticulously hand-welded frame crafted at the KTM Motorsports production facility. Laser-cut, hydro-formed frame sections combine to deliver exceptional rider feedback, energy absorption, and straight-line stability, complemented by a die-cast aluminum swingarm.

For the most demanding stages, the three fuel tanks – two front and one rear – offer a combined capacity of approximately 34.5 litres. Designed with comfort, balance and adjustability in mind, the 2026 model is equipped with WP Pro Components suspension. Up front, the proven 48mm WP XACT Pro 7548 Closed Cartridge Cone Valve fork is clamped into a 23mm offset using CNC-machined triple clamps for optimal stiffness. The upper clamp features an in-house developed PHDS system and a Scotts steering damper. At the rear, the WP XACT Pro 7750 fully customisable shock delivers confidence, comfort, and reliability for the most competitive riders.

The cockpit – where rally riders spend countless hours – has been refined over more than a decade to deliver the ultimate racing experience. A specially designed fairing – aerodynamically optimised to reduce turbulence and rider fatigue, – complements the carbon fibre navigation tower. This set-up integrates seamlessly with the KTM rally dashboard, featuring built-in warning lights and mounts for the digital roadbook system.

A powerful LED headlight package ensures excellent visibility during early morning starts or late-night returns to the bivouac. Essential tools and safety features are integrated into the bike, which boasts a low overall weight and high output for nimble handling across diverse terrain – from tight, rocky ravines to wide-open desert dunes.

2026 KTM 450 RALLY REPLICA – HIGHLIGHTS

  • Limited edition Ready To Race model with only 150 units available
  • Unrivaled 450cc SOHC fuel-injected engine
  • Race-spec chassis developed through competition
  • WP XACT Pro 48mm closed cartridge fork (Cone Valve)
  • WP XACT Pro fully adjustable shock
  • Premium-quality Akrapovič titanium exhaust system
  • Purposely designed for multi-stage cross-country competition

2026 KTM 450 RALLY REPLICA SANDERS EDITION – HIGHLIGHTS

  • Ultra-exclusive model – only five units produced and available
  • Full Factory Red Bull livery
  • Daniel Sanders sticker kit, including signed front numberplate sticker
  • Limited edition emblem on the frame, individually numbered 001 to 005
  • Factory Special Selle Dalla Valle seat
  • Full Factory rim set with Michelin race tyres
  • Additional rim set with homologated street tyres
  • Factory brake discs
  • Factory Daniel Sanders fuel caps with engraved name
  • Factory Hinson clutch cover
  • Factory-painted handguards
  • Two height options of Factory tank pads
  • Carbon chain sliders
  • Factory titanium footpegs
  • Laser-engraved Akrapovič titanium exhaust system
  • Daniel Sanders-signed race jersey
  • Extra windshield with custom name and start number of the future owner
  • VIP Package including exclusive participation at the 2025 KTM Europe Adventure Rally
  • Opportunity to ride alongside Daniel Sanders at the 2025 KTM Europe Adventure Rally

2026 KTM EUROPE ADVENTURE RALLY

Additionally, the official Factory Team will be present at the 2025 KTM Europe Adventure Rally that will take place in Romania on August 25-29, bringing the Factory truck and a dedicated mechanic to provide exclusive support to each of the five new owners. Each of the special bikes will be personally handed over by Daniel Sanders.

KTM’s 450 RALLY REPLICA MODELS
Both the 2026 KTM 450 Rally Replica and 2026 KTM 450 Rally Replica Sanders Edition are the only customer race models developed, produced and assembled by the official KTM Motorsports facility in Austria. These purpose-built machines are for serious rally racers around the world.

Visit your nearest authorised KTM dealer to order your 2026 KTM 450 Rally Replica or 2026 KTM 450 Rally Replica Sanders’ Edition, while stocks last.

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