Rally Raid BLOG

Here’s a shot of our 2 trusty Team Desert Rose Racing crew,Martin & Colin,at the final days start.
As it was a very early departure that day,with very little time for breakfast,we decided to take breakfast to the start,using the 690 as a motorised hostess trolley!!!!!!
Everyone finished the weeks riding,with no major problems(apart from Cooky’s evening welding session on his bike)and we all returned home very tired,but glad of the experience of an FIM Rallye under their belts.
Many thanks to Colin & Martin for driving the van there and back,and making sure all riders were well provided for.

Tea for Two

Day 4 was a 2 lap affair in the varying dunes south of Zagora.Joe Jalana is continuing to put in some good results,with a 15th overall today,after changing both front and rear tyres and mousses the previous evening.

Paul Cook had a good first lap,but after the nuetralised 30 minute break,he set out on the second lap,only for the navigation brackets to fracture half way round.After some help from the Russian contingent in the trucks,he managed to return to base for late night welding  repairs at the local garage,courtesy of Mohammed and his friends.

Toby,Jago and Johan all had long days riding but all finished within their time limit,Toby picked up a small water leak that was repaired early using parts from the spare Team Desert Rose KTM 450.

The rear tank is a modified Enduro moulding with an added 6 litres,but with different recess where normally the ECU’s fit,allowing for more rally-specific electrical space.

The rear fender is standard Enduro,and the frame is from the 690 Rallye bike,as well as the forks and front tanks and fairing.

The addition of a billet oil filter cover allows for a longer EXC type filter,and slightly more oil capacity.

Results today(day 2) were KTM 450 Rallye first and second.A very diffficult day of dunes and navigation,coupled with strong winds blowing the sand around.

We have just arrived in Zagora,Morocco,for the start of Rallye Maroc and its 43C.

Here are some pictures of Desperes & Coma’s new 450 KTM Rallye bikes.Based on the 690 Rallye frame,with 690 Enduro modified rear tank and fender.Engine comes from the 450SX,fitted with ATV 5-speed gearbox.Up-rated oil pump and cooling system.

Team Desert Rose riders are going thro’ scritineering today,ready for first stage tomorrow,423kms.

Follow the routs on NPO live website:

http://www.rallyraid.tv/

We will be travelling to Zagora,in Morocco,for the last round of the FIM world rally championship with Team Desert Rose,along with Paul Cook. He will be riding his KTM 450 EXC with our prototype rallye kit,using the Acerbis 23L tank and our 690 Rally Kit front fairing.

Here are pictures of Paul’s 450 EXC before it left last week.

We will also be taking our own KTM 690 in Adventure set up for testing and running out to checkpoints.

Morocco Desert Trophy

www.desertroseracing.com