KTM quits Dakar over capacity rule

**Bob** · 30th December 2009, 01:15

Eight-time Dakar Rally champions KTM are quitting the Dakar rally, following a decision by the organisers to restrict engine sizes to 450cc.

KTM said the 450cc limit was ‘unthinkably unsuitable for use in long distance rallies’ and they could ‘no longer economically justify a commitment to be engaged in the Dakar in the future’. The company also blamed short lead times to adjust to the 450cc standard. KTM Motor Sport Advisor Heinz Kinigadner added “The financial consequences that results from this decision are enormous. Quite apart from this, we are shocked by the organiser’s lack of loyalty, above all because of the huge efforts we made following the cancellation of the Dakar in 2008 by contributing to the new edition - even during a period of extreme economic crisis.”

**Gremlin** · 30th December 2009, 01:19

I wouldn't own a 450cc motorcycle for all my riding, let alone want to compete on one...

Pity though, KTM and Dakar is like Motorcycles and roads...

**Taz** · 30th December 2009, 06:29

Isn't this old news?

This in june
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ighlight=dakar

And then this
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ighlight=dakar

Where you been Bob?

**James Deuce** · 30th December 2009, 06:34

Not quite. KTM were weighing up their options and had negotiated the 450 limit application out a year as all their competition bikes were ready to go in 690 format. They were obviously hoping to get the limit reversed altogether but failed. Makes a total mockery of their 690 range of bikes really. Add to that their extensive testing of 450cc engines (125cc MotoG class replacement - probably) of late and I think they know what they are talking about in terms of engine longevity and expense.

There's a difference between threatening to quit and actually doing it. The organisers have been really daft IMO. KTM kept the Dakar going even after it wasn't even going to Dakar with a range of financial aid for the event and riders.

**Taz** · 30th December 2009, 06:43

Yes but all this was said in a press release in June

"The financial consequences that results from this decision are enormous. Quite apart from this, we are shocked by the organiser’s lack of loyalty, above all because of the huge efforts we made following the cancellation of the Dakar in 2008 by contributing to the new edition - even during a period of extreme economic crisis,” said KTM Motor Sport Advisor and “Rally Legend” Heinz Kinigadner in a first statement.

Following the decision for the deployment of 450cc motorcycles, which are unthinkably unsuitable for use in long distance rallies,"

**James Deuce** · 30th December 2009, 06:46

Yeah, but they hadn't actually quit at that point.

**Bob** · 30th December 2009, 06:49

Originally Posted by Anthrax

Isn't this old news?

This in june
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ighlight=dakar

And then this
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ighlight=dakar

Where you been Bob?

Every now and again, an ages old piece of news pops up at the top of the news listings for some unfathomable reason. Looks like this is one of them.

Ho hum, suppose one old item out of about what? 200? 250? 300 news items reported this year ahead of most? Not a bad hit rate I suppose!

**Taz** · 30th December 2009, 06:51

Originally Posted by James Deuce

Yeah, but they hadn't actually quit at that point.

Yes they had

**James Deuce** · 30th December 2009, 06:56

This was the last release I saw

http://www.autoevolution.com/news/kt...lly-14508.html

The ones in June were a threat to quit and I distinctly remember reading about month ago that 450 limit had been moved back a year to allow the above bike to compete. I believe the truck has now been pulled as well.

**oldguy** · 30th December 2009, 07:18

anyway back on track, I do agree the 450 would be unsuitable.

**tri boy** · 30th December 2009, 08:55

450's clean up at the Australian Safari that runs for several days.
Obviously a different event, (the Dakar has longer high speed sections), but a works 450 can match and beat the big behemoths in 80% of riding.
160km/h on rough terrain is freaking fast. The 450's can do it.
HTFU KTM, your orange slip is showing

**avgas** · 30th December 2009, 09:01

do bmw have a 450 dakar?
I wonder if the cars will have to be completely diesel soon too. This wont affect VW. But I can see great changes afoot.
Baja is sounding better each year

**James Deuce** · 30th December 2009, 09:09

Originally Posted by tri boy

450's clean up at the Australian Safari that runs for several days.
Obviously a different event, (the Dakar has longer high speed sections), but a works 450 can match and beat the big behemoths in 80% of riding.
160km/h on rough terrain is freaking fast. The 450's can do it.
HTFU KTM, your orange slip is showing

It's cost KTM a fortune to keep the Dakar going. Their entire programme is based around the 650cc 690 bikes. They've put a significant amount of money in to keep the event going and they don't have an 450cc adventure bikes at all. They can't rejig the programme in time for the event. They've been the sole major manufacturer for a while. Their MX 450s aren't designed for raids.

**tri boy** · 30th December 2009, 09:36

KTM isn't the Dakar. It is one of many companies that have won, (and profited from those wins). Times change, adapt or stop competing. The 690 range will still sell, as it is a good range.
Dakar was about testing a firms range of bikes in challenging environs. If they hedge their marketing angle on one or two annual events, then they need a serious board reshuffle. MHO