Take a Close Look at the 2021 KTM 450 Rally Race Bike

The gold standard of Dakar Rally bikes, the KTM 450 Rally earned its reputation from 18 years of total dominance at the iconic rally-raid.

While the factory ride with KTM is perhaps the most coveted in the bivouac, the Austrian brand makes its machinery available for privateers as well, where it is also the weapon of choice.

For the 2021 edition, KTM continues to refine the machine, and while the results have been tumultuous for this year’s edition, the smart money is still on a KTM in the winner’s circle come Friday.

Until then, we can ogle over these photos of the 2021 KTM 450 Rally race bike. It makes around 60hp at the rear wheel, according to Toby Price in a Red Bull TV interview, and weights about 350 lbs when topped off with 33 liters (8.7 gallons) of fuel.

There are actually three fuel tanks on the bike, two in the front that are close to 9 liters, and a larger one in the rear that’s closer to 16 liters. Of note in the photos, you can see the sight glass for the forward tanks in this photo.

The engine of course is a 450cc four-stroke single, per the Dakar rules, and its built to go 10,000 km without any major worries. Suspension is by WP, which is owned by KTM, and features 52mm cone valve forks.

Michelin supplies the rubber, and for 2021 the riders only get six tires for whole event, which is making things interesting.