First look at the 2026 KTM 450 Rally Replica and five ultra-exclusive KTM 450 Rally Replica Sanders Edition bikes to be hand-built and set to be handed over in person by the 2025 Dakar winner.

From Malle Moto privateers to Rally2 and RallyGP competitors, although the list of competitors arriving in paddocks with production rally bikes is growing rapidly, for now at least the KTM 450 Rally Replica is the most commonly raced customer machine in rally-raid.

Developed using data from KTM’s Dakar champions – Marc Coma, Matthias Walkner, Toby Price, Kevin Benavides, and most recently Daniel Sanders – the proof off this most “ready to race” of orange machines is Emanuel Gyenes’ victory in the Original by Motul class at Dakar ‘25, ahead of an all-KTM podium. 

Available in just 150 units, the 450 Rally Replica is famously built in-house at the Mattighofen factory, by the race department and stands as a true race replica like few others.

Alongside it for 2026 are five very limited edition Red Bull Sanders replicas, one of which Daniel raced on the Erzberg prologue. Maybe you‘ll get a bit of money off this one, it‘s done about 30 kilometres. 

Following a complete overhaul ahead of this year’s factory races bikes, which have transformed results for the team and led by Sanders who took victory, we expected a little more from the customer bike we must admit.

The 2026 KTM 450 Rally Replica features the proven 450 cc fuel-injected SOHC powerplant, paired with a six-speed gearbox.

A hand-welded frame crafted at the KTM Motorsports production facility with laser-cut, hydro-formed frame sections combining to deliver “exceptional rider feedback, energy absorption and straight-line stability” KTM say. 

Further details include the three fuel tanks – two front and one rear – combine for approximately 34.5 litres capacity, WP Pro Components 48mm WP XACT PRO 7548 Closed Cartridge Cone Valve front forks is clamped into 23mm offset, CNC-machined triple clamps.

The upper clamp features an in-house developed PHDS (damping) system and a Scotts steering damper for high-speed stability. At the rear, the WP XACT PRO 7750 fully adjustable shock combines with a diecast swingarm. 

This is all awesome kit and as race proven as any bike you’ll buy from a showroom. But as far as we can tell from the press material that is all without change from the 2025 model.

2026 KTM 450 Rally Replica Sanders Edition

This is where the real KTM rally fans will be drooling as an “ultra-exclusive” model – only five bikes – is announced. Each will be signed by Sanders, handed over by Sanders and if you buy one you get to pick it up at the 2025 KTM Europe Adventure Rally in Romania where you can also ride with Sanders.

How much? good question, we don’t know. 

2026 KTM 450 Rally Replica Sanders Edition highlights

• Full Factory Red Bull livery 
• Daniel Sanders sticker kit, including signed front start numberplate sticker 
• Limited edition emblem on the frame, individually numbered 001 to 005 
• Factory Special Selle Dalla Valle seat 
• Full Factory rim set with Michelin race tyres 
• Additional rim set with homologated street tyres 
• Factory brake discs 
• Factory Daniel Sanders fuel caps with engraved name 
• Factory Hinson clutch cover 
• Factory-painted handguards 
• Two height options of Factory tank pads 
• Carbon chain sliders 
• Factory titanium footpegs 
• Laser-engraved Akrapovič titanium exhaust system 
• Daniel Sanders signed race jersey 
• Extra windshield with custom name and start number of the future owner 
• VIP Package including exclusive participation at the 2025 KTM Europe Adventure Rally with the opportunity to ride alongside Daniel Sanders.

The official KTM Factory Racing Rally Team will be present at the 2025 KTM Europe Adventure Rally in Romania August 25-29, bringing the race truck and a dedicated mechanic to provide support to each of the five new owners. Each of the special bikes will be personally handed over by Daniel Sanders. 

Both the 2026 KTM 450 Rally Replica and the 2026 KTM 450 Rally Replica Sanders Edition are the only customer race models developed, produced and assembled by the official KTM Motorsports facility in Austria. 

Both machines can be ordered through KTM Dealers. Prices not known by Enduro21.

More information: www.KTM.com

Photo Credit: Future7Media + Marco Campelli + Mitterbauer