The KTM Rally

“KTM riders are not like most riders, so we wanted to provide them with an opportunity to exploit the ability and performance of their KTM Adventure motorcycles and test themselves on a wide variety of terrain and road types at the same time as forging new friendships with like-minded people in a simply stunning location. So it’s all about riding, community, and fun.” – Luke Brackenbury – KTM

The KTM Adventure Rally is specifically geared towards owners of KTM’s Adventure motorcycles. “It’s a playground for those that have the spirit of Adventure. Riders that want to experience the ultimate playing field for their machines, create unforgettable two-wheeled memories and meet new kindred spirits.” The Sardinia chapter of the series runs from the 20th to the 22nd of June and is based out of the iconic Olbia in the northeast of the island. The event splits into two formats featuring an on and off-road option depending on riders existing skill sets or preferences. “Riders get to choose whether they want to ride in either an off-road or on road group when they register online. The rally is tailored to suit all rider abilities, from first-year Adventure riders up to seasoned pros.”

With a fully packed schedule, riders will see three days of riding different routes that all return to base camp each evening. “The riders register on Tuesday and this will be the opportunity to take part in the qualifying session for the Ultimate Race and will be a very interesting competition that will also be part of the KTM Adventure Rallies held elsewhere across the globe.” The Ultimate Race is a sub-event that will be part of the 2019 Merzouga Rally held in Morocco. The top two qualifiers from each KTM Adventure Rally this year will be able to compete in an exclusive class at the Dakar series race from the 31st of March to the 5th of April 2019. The fully supported ride will include flights, accommodation, entry fees, as well as a KTM 790 Adventure R and support services. Competitors will be coached by some of the world’s finest and fastest off-road athletes, and be treated like factory supported riders during the trip. The winner of the Ultimate Race is also in line to receive an “incredible prize” according to KTM’s official press release.

“We wanted to offer riders the choice of incredible routes. We are continually scouting for new locations, but from our many contacts around the world we took a look at the trails, tracks, and tarmac of Northern Sardinia and we were instantly in love.” Situated on the coast of northeast Sardinia, Olbia is well known for its historical heritage. Although the Phoenicians first settled the city, it also contains ruins from the Roman Era. The name, however, stems from its Greek origin due to their presence in the 7th-century bc. The city is the primary connection between Sardinia and the Italian peninsula via its airport and passenger seaport placing it within easy reach from mainland Europe.

With only 150 spots available in the Sardinia KTM Adventure Rally the series, fortunately, extends across several continents. Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the USA and South Africa have seen their turn in previous years. The second Canadian Rally being the next upcoming event planned for the 27th to the 29th of September. It’s scheduled to be held at Silver Star Mountain Resort in British Columbia and will be open to all riders with a motorcycle above 600cc’s. The event takes the format of a Navigation Speciality Rally and participants take part in teams of two to four riders using road books and GPS trails aiming to get the closest final mileage for the set course.

In attendance at the Sardinia Rally will be New Zealand motorcycling legend, Chris Birch. “The thing I look forward to the most about the Rally in Sardinia is just the whole experience. The food, the scenery, the new friends and of course the riding. And I’ll be taking my swimming shorts along for the amazing looking beaches!” The New Zealand local has a long-standing partnership with KTM. He’s officially been teaching rider skills since 2007 and has been a KTM and Red Bull partner since then. Aside from being the current and eight times New Zealand Enduro champion, he’s also a three-time Roof of Africa winner, and he’s been a podium finisher at the famous Red Bull Romaniacs that will see it’s 15th Edition start on the 24th of July 2018.

Also on show at the upcoming KTM events will be the highly anticipated KTM 790 Adventure R. The Austrian manufacturer’s decision to plug a gap in the market with a mid-weight model that is expected to pack some severe punches is highly anticipated. A reported 100 hp parallel-twin engine inside a 373 lb / 169 kg dry weight motorcycles should have riders holding on to the handlebars with some grin laden glee. A definite stab at the current Africa Twin from Honda and the soon to arrive at showrooms BMW F850 GS. “The new 790 Adventure R is going to be a real game-changer in the adventure market. There has never been another adventure bike like it. I’m excited.” comments Chris.

Taking cues from 17 Dakar wins the compact layout of the motorcycle is emphasized by the fuel cells being “slung low” and placed alongside the motorcycle’s engine area, above the skid plate. This approach allows for a fuel volume that will provide a range of around 250 mi / 400 km while still providing for “agility not typical for big twins or larger fuel volumes.” With the layout reportedly not being wider than the rider’s legs it provides a resourceful way of lowering the center of gravity. Coupled with a quoted 25 kg weight reduction on KTM’s current Adventure V-twin models it should make for a nimble-footed offering from the orange giant. The proposed platform will presumably bring together the modern technology and comfort of typically larger Adventure bikes but with the off-road ruggedness and agility of a less advanced single.

KTM has been clear on their thinking behind the soon to be brought to market steed. “We showed the KTM 790 ADVENTURE R concept bike at EICMA, Milan, in November last year and we will follow up with a series production bike. This will, of course, be built in the READY TO RACE style and, as you could see from our promotional video for the concept, we are closely aligned with our Factory Racing Rally effort for this product. This will be a bike for those who like to stray from the beaten path. All will be revealed in time!”

Buy in for the KTM Rally is set at 379 Euro. This covers three days of superb riding, GPS files, lead riders, medical support, back up vehicles and sweep riders. And dinner with new friends is of course also included.

All images from KTM.