Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/697689
QUINN CODY'S 2016 SONORA RALLY-WINNING KTM 450 XC-F RACER TEST P84 2016 KTM 450 XC-F. Then he plans his build to go back to basics after a rally fix. The result is a bike with few major modifications perfectly suited to his raging appetite for dirt. This bike begs questions: How easy is it to build a rally bike? What is it like to ride a pro-level rally bike like this? How did this guy build a pro- level rally bike that switches back to moto so quickly? How fast does it go? After a day in the desert, where Cody tricked us into spinning wrenches on his bike to convert it back to an XC, we think we can give some answers. >>RALLY BIKE CONVERSION 101 Today, anyone can build a competent, effective rally bike with a modest investment. Companies like Rally Manage- ment Services (www.rallyman- agementservices.com) offer every bolt-on part you need to navigate, and they have the knowledge to set you up if you simply ask. Apart from in- creased fuel capacity, gearing and tire choices, that's sort of all you need to rally. Being a competent mechanic helps in any build. But even without Cody's skillset or ac- cess to the FMF KTM Factory Off-Road Race Team's shop, parts and mechanics, a normal guy (like me) can get a rally bike functioning. If you installed a car stereo in your high school truck with electrical tape (like me) without starting a fire (unlike me—please don't use electrical tape! Use real electrical con- nectors and protect all wiring. My truck did start a fire once.), you can figure out how to power a roadbook reader, odometer and compass reliably (I did!). The rest is experimenting with ergonomics and positioning and bike setup. As a base, picking a bike with the right combination of power, handling and comfort for how you plan to rally is key. Most modern off-road bikes can pull the duty. But ensuring after- market fuel capacity is available without sacrificing rideability (body position on the bike and chassis balance), and enough electrical output is on tap is wise. Now, all you have to do is learn how to ride an unmarked course by following scribbles on paper and a compass—super easy! >>QUINN CODY'S RALLY BIKE DISSECTED While he has a few special parts and exclusive mods on his personal bike build, Cody's bike follows the basic premise of simplicity. Wise riders know not to modify far outside original design parameters. Right after we test rode his bike in full rally form (read on for our impression of that awesome- ness), Cody busted out his toolbox and put me to work strip- "CRACK IT OPEN WITH A TWIST AND IT'S DRIFT-CITY. LET IT CHUG AND YOU'RE ENJOYING PREDICTABLE TRACTION AROUND EVERY BEND. IF YOU WANT TO GET AGGRESSIVE, IT COULD BITE HEADS OFF." (Top) I major part of rally racing is right here. You can't win if you don't know where you're going. (Bottom) The 450 XC-F five-speed engine is a great platform for rally racing. One more gear, however, would be nice but modifying final-drive gearing can make up for it.