The Dakar Rally is arguably the toughest race in the world, which pushes the limits of both riders and their machines to the extreme. However, if there’s one company that’s utterly dominated Dakar, it’s KTM with nearly two decades of dominance and 18 wins under its belt. So to give privateers a taste of its Dakar-winning bike, the Austrian giant has unveiled the 2023 450 Rally Replica, a race-ready Dakar-spec adventure bike you can take home.
2023 KTM 450 Rally Replica Unveiled
To start off, the 450 Rally Replica employs a 449cc, four-stroke engine derived from KTM’s race-winning Dakar Rally bike, pumping out over 60 horsepower. The engine has the exact same Pankl gearbox (and ratios) as the Red Bull KTM Dakar racer and even sits in a Dakar-derived chrome-moly trellis frame. Topping this is a top-shelf engine management system from Keihin alongside a full-system Akrapovic exhaust that not only saves weight but helps improve handling by ensuring mass centralization.
As for the suspension, KTM has equipped the 450 Rally Replica with 48mm WP XACT PRO USD forks at the front and a WP XACT PRO monoshock outback. Completing the underpinnings are Brembo brakes, a cast aluminum swingarm, and lightweight spoke wheels wrapped in knobby tires.
Finally, let’s talk aesthetics. Like most aspects, the 450 Rally’s bodywork is reminiscent of the Dakar Rally bike and focuses on being as slim as possible. However, the livery is rather subtle by KTM standards, only comprising a white base coat with orange graphics.
In addition, since this is a Ready To Race rally bike, KTM has equipped it with a tall navigation tower made from carbon fiber along with a flat, grippy, and 37.7-inch high seat.
2023 KTM 450 Rally Replica - Price & Availability
KTM hasn’t announced the retail price for the 450 Rally Replica, but judging from its older iterations, the bike should cost around $30,000. However, this will be a limited-edition model with only 70 units going on sale, so if you want it, we suggest you head to your nearest KTM dealer ASAP.