Gallery: Riding KTM's factory Dakar bike

KTM have won every Dakar Rally since 2011 and the Austrian firm shows no signs of letting that record slip in 2017 with a team comprised of Toby Price and Brit Sam Sunderland.

MCN Contributor and off-road hero Jonathan Pearson joined the team during their final days of testing in Spain for a ride on what is the best and most advanced rally bike in the world.

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The KTM 450 Factory Rally isn’t just an enduro or motocross bike with some specialist bits bolted on to help it cross deserts and traverse mountains. Every aspect of the bike is designed, tested and developed to suit the task of winning the Dakar.

The split fuel tanks carry 33 litres between them, the Selle Dalla Valle seat is all-day comfy and thanks to a bit of work on the engines, the bikes are capable of reaching speeds of 100mph.

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