Arrival of the KTM450 Rally Replica

Front Row GB's rider Stan Watt has completed the first tests of the KTM450 Rally Replica in preparation for Dakar 2012. The Crescent KTM supported machine arrived almost 3 months earlier than expected, to the excitement of the Team who now have time to carry out extensive testing prior to shipping everything to South America in mid-November.

The Devon coast was the test location to put the bike through its paces in deep sand and fast dirt trails.

Initial impressions are good, as KTM have proved yet again they can produce the goods when it comes to specific machinery. Keeping the previous KTM690 rally chassis, the 450cc engine is very loosely based on the motocross 450sx engine with a number of modifications in order to increase durability and reliability for the arduous encounters imposed by the nature of Rally Raid events, including the Dakar.

Improvements to suspension is an advantage to that encountered with KTM690 Rally Replica and the power of the 450cc lump was the biggest pleasant surprise after expecting an much lower powered bike to the previous 690 Rally bikes.

All-in-all, an excellent first test with some minor adjustments being made to the carb. and the suspension in preparation for further UK set-up checks before heading to Northern Spain at the end of September.

The bike is back with Crescent KTM for the work to be done. The Team will continue to post updates as progress is made towards the end of the year and Dakar 2012.

FRGB