Photo credits HT Rally Raid, and Husqvarna
The long-anticipated 2025 KTM and Husky Factory Rally Replicas have finally arrived, and they are set to redefine the limits of rally performance. Thanks to insights from Ties Hellegers of HT Rally Raid, one of the first teams to receive these bikes, we’ve gotten an early look at how these machines will perform as they prepare to make their debut at the Rally du Maroc. With extensive factory testing since 2022, these replicas are as close as it gets to the bikes ridden by factory teams, and we can now explore the key differences between the previous generation (2019-2024) and the brand-new 2025 model.
What is a Factory Rally Replica?
For those unfamiliar with rally replicas, these are limited-edition bikes designed specifically for the rigors of rally racing, offering near-factory performance to non-factory riders. These motorcycles are a close cousin to the full factory rally bikes that KTM and Husqvarna factory teams race. They come with high-performance components, advanced technology, and engineering built to endure the harshest racing conditions.
While these bikes are made available to the public, production numbers are small, making them highly coveted among rally riders who demand the absolute best. They bridge the gap between the factory teams and privateers, allowing competitors to ride machinery that, until now, was mostly reserved for the top-tier athletes.
A Radical Overhaul: From Trellis to Double Cradle
The 2025 model marks a significant departure from its predecessor. The most noticeable change is in the frame design. The older bikes featured a Trellis-style frame with a tubular structure that left the engine hanging beneath it. The 2025 model adopts a double cradle frame similar to the ones used in KTM’s enduro and motocross bikes. This new frame design offers improved rigidity, which greatly enhances low and mid-speed handling—a welcome change for the majority of rally riders.
For those outside the top 20, this upgrade is crucial, as it allows for easier maneuvering during the stage, helping to conserve energy. Rally stages are long and grueling, so anything that makes the bike easier to handle is a game-changer. However, the improved low-speed handling comes at the cost of high-speed stability, a critical aspect for factory riders who consistently push the limits. This is why the factory team spent two years perfecting the bike—working tirelessly to ensure the bike provides the necessary stability for long, high-speed stretches. Fortunately, for the average rider, this trade-off won’t pose a major issue.
Enhanced Power and Torque
Another key change is the reworked engine. The 2025 model offers more torque and power delivery from the start, making the bike feel lighter and more responsive. This snappiness provides a sharper, more aggressive feel that will be particularly useful in technical sections where quick bursts of power are essential.
Redesigned Tanks and Ergonomics
Beyond the frame and engine, the fuel tanks have also undergone a significant redesign. The tanks now have a lower center of gravity, which helps with overall balance and makes the bike feel more agile. Additionally, the rear tank is pre-shaped to catch the rider's legs, providing a more comfortable and controlled standing position—a vital feature for the many hours riders spend standing on the pegs during rally stages.
The tower has been lightened and made more accessible, providing better visibility and functionality for navigating the bike's instruments and roadbooks, an essential part of rally racing.
The Downside of High-Tech Innovation
While the upgrades to the 2025 model are undeniably exciting, they come at a price—quite literally. The development of some parts has resulted in higher manufacturing costs. For instance, the mid-pipe of the exhaust is hydro-formed in such a way that its price is expected to skyrocket. Similarly, the skid plate and the integrated toolbox, both critical for protection and convenience, have become increasingly complex and expensive.
First Impressions
Although the 2025 KTM and Husky Factory Rally Replicas have yet to undergo full testing, initial feedback from the HT Rally Raid team has been overwhelmingly positive. The combination of improved handling, sharper power delivery, and enhanced ergonomics promises to make this bike a formidable choice for rally competitors. And while certain components may have become more expensive, the overall advancements make the 2025 model one of the most eagerly awaited rally bikes in recent years.
As these bikes gear up for their first real-world test at the Rally du Maroc, anticipation is high to see how they will perform under the toughest conditions rally racing has to offer.
With HT Rally Raid leading the charge, these bikes are sure to make waves—and set the standard for the next generation of rally machines.
I will be competing in Dakar 2025 as part of the HT Rally Raid team, and I’m excited to share more insights and experiences along the way. If you enjoyed this article and want to dive deeper into the world of rally, follow Decoding Dakar (@willemavenantracing) for more content, behind-the-scenes perspectives, and updates on my journey. Your support, whether through following or contributing to my fundraising efforts for Dakar, makes a huge difference—every bit helps bring this dream closer to reality.
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Quick Facts:
Price: $35,000 USD.
Engine: 450cc fuel-injected single-cylinder.
Fuel Capacity: 35 liters (9.2 gallons).
Range: Estimated to be around 300 miles on a full tank, depending on riding conditions.
Suspension: WP XPLOR PRO 7548 Cone Valve forks and WP XPLOR PDS shock.
Brakes: Brembo brakes with radial calipers.
Weight: Approximately 150 kg (331 lbs).
Production: Limited to 100 units.
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