2026 KTM 450 Rally Replica Revealed: Plus Dakar-Ready Sanders Edition
KTM’s 2026 450 Rally Replica lands with limited numbers, Dakar-winning pedigree, and an ultra-rare Daniel Sanders Edition for the hardcore few.
KTM has unveiled the latest iteration of its Dakar-developed rally weapon, the 2026 KTM 450 Rally Replica, with production capped at just 150 units worldwide.
Designed for serious competitors in RallyGP, Rally2, and Malle Moto classes, the machine remains closely based on KTM’s Factory Rally bikes that continue to dominate the Dakar Rally and other rally raid events.
Alongside the standard Rally Replica, KTM has also announced the 450 Rally Replica Sanders Edition. Just five units of this bike are to be built, and each commemorates Daniel Sanders’ 2024 Dakar victory.
Proven Package with Factory Influence
The 2026 model carries over the proven 450cc fuel-injected SOHC engine, paired with a six-speed gearbox and KTM's hydraulic clutch system. Developed using feedback from Dakar winners, including Toby Price, Kevin Benavides, and most recently Sanders, the chassis is hand-welded at KTM’s motorsport facility in Austria, using laser-cut and hydro-formed sections for improved feel, energy absorption, and straight-line stability.
Cooling comes from dual radiators, while the rear end is anchored by a die-cast aluminium swingarm. Suspension comes from WP, with 48mm closed cartridge forks and a fully adjustable rear shock. They are matched with a Scotts steering damper and CNC-machined triple clamps with KTM’s PHDS bar mounting system.
Fuel capacity sits at nearly 35 litres across three tanks (two front, one rear), making it ready for the longest Dakar stages.
Built for the Bivouac
The cockpit setup is rally-specific, refined over a decade to meet the needs of riders who spend long hours on the pegs. The bike features a carbon fibre navigation tower, KTM’s integrated rally dashboard, and an aerodynamically shaped fairing to reduce fatigue. A high-output LED lighting setup caters for early starts and night-time stages.
Sanders Edition: Five Units Only
2026 KTM 450 Rally Replica Sanders Edition features
For collectors and hardcore fans, the 450 Rally Replica Sanders Edition takes things a step further.
- Full Red Bull Factory Team livery
- Numbered frame (001–005)
- Signed start number plate sticker and race jersey from Sanders
- Factory wheels, Michelin rally tyres, plus an additional road-legal set
- Factory Hinson clutch cover, titanium footpegs, carbon parts throughout
- VIP invitation to the 2025 KTM Europe Adventure Rally in Romania (25–29 August
- Opportunity to ride with Sanders, plus personal handover and Factory Team support
Each bike will be delivered with a spare windshield customised with the owner’s name and start number.
Availability
Both the standard 2026 KTM 450 Rally Replica and the Sanders Edition are assembled at KTM's motorsports division in Austria. These are not adventure-style replicas, but purpose-built, competition-ready rally raid bikes for privateers and professional teams alike.
Bikes can be ordered via an authorised KTM dealership.
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Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
