KTM previews 2018 Dakar challenger

While KTM’s presence at this year’s EICMA show was primarily devoted to the presentation of the production version of the 790 Duke and a 790 Adventure R prototype, the show also saw the public reveal of the all-new version of the 450 Rally racer which Toby Price will – maybe – campaign in the 2018 Dakar this coming January.
The product of two years’ development, the latest 450 Rally features a new frame, new bodywork and new 450cc single-cylinder engine with a new engine management system and revised throttle body. The result, says KTM, is better peak performance and improved throttle response. 
Described by KTM as being faster and lighter than the previous version, as well as more agile and stable, the new machine was ridden to victory by Matthias Walkner in its first race, October’s OiLibya Rallye Maroc in Morocco. 
The “maybe” around Price’s participation comes after the Aussie re-injured the leg he broke at this year’s Dakar. Price crashed when testing the new KTM in Morocco. Forced to undergo surgery that included a new steel pin in his femur, Price is no certainty to take part in the rally that he won back in 2016.    
A customer version of the new endurance racer, the KTM 450 Rally Replica, will be released in 2018.