Rally Ready! KTM’s Turn-Key 450 Rally Replica Returns For 2023

[advrider]

KTM’s slogan is “Ready To Race” and while its dual-sport machines are more “ready to explore” than perhaps ready to take on the next rally raid, the updated 2023 450 Rally Replica is clearly up to the task or very close to it.

More than just a tarted up KTM 450 EXC-F (which is a formidable MXer in base form), the Rally Replica is really just that: Pretty much the bike KTM riders like Dakar finishers Bradley Cox and Benjamin Melot are blasting around on out there in the dunes and beyond. Take a look:

KTM had added all the upgrades you’d make, of course, including a second gas tank in the tail for a total of 8.7 gallons of juice, Akrapovič Ti exhaust, top-line WP XACT adjustable suspension, full carbon-fiber rally tower with roadbook and LED projection lights, a precision race-spec Pankl 6-speed gearbox, a finely tuned SOHC 450cc powerplant that makes close to 70 horsepower, slimmed-down bodywork, chrome-moly frame, Excel rims, full-coverage bash plate, and some Conti knobs ready to churn the sand and dirt.

Even with all that stuff added (and some weight subtracted from the exhaust, etc.), the 450 Replica tips the scales at just 140kg or a tick over 300 pounds dry. Pumping in early nine gallons of fuel will of course add some tonnage. Is it street legal? Nnnnope – but it does have headlights and a tail light. Just add turn signals and the plate from your 500 EXC-F? We promise we won’t tell anyone. But in truth, this is a pure off-road animal ill-suited for pavement. Go race it already!

Photo: KTM

Want one? Get in the very short line for the 70 units KTM will produce and bring about $27,000 with you. Deliveries are slated for this September. Just add your sponsor stickers.

Here’s a video on Red Bull/KTM’s Dakar 2022 effort with some inspiring ride footage, and some more 450 Rally Replica photos below that. What do you think of the 450 Rep? Leave a comment below!

Photo: KTM

Photo: KTM

Photo: KTM

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