Hero Motorsports, the performance department of Hero MotoCorp, recently unveiled their new Rally bike for Dakar 2018. Hero RR 450 is a masterpiece of its field and got itself some worthy upgrades from the motorcycle used in the last Dakar competition.
It will be the 40th Anniversary of Dakar Rally and riders will pass through Peru, Bolivia and Argentina to win this tough competition. This will be the second participation of Team Hero in Dakar.
They even disclosed the team member names, which includes CS Santosh, Joaquim Rodrigues and Oriol Mena Valdearcos. This will be the debut Dakar entry for Mena through Hero Motorsports
Hero inducted the Spanish talent recently and will offer more places in the team in coming years. Off-road riding is a great part of Motorsports and many Indian brands will venture into this field in near future.
The styling of fuel tank, body parts and front fairing was reworked for better mass centralization and riding dynamics. Hero RR 450 was first seen at Morocco during OiLibiya Rally. Rider confidence was improved and all credit goes to better handling and feedback from the bike.
Hero finished Dakar Rally at 12th place in the last season, clearly hinting at a good start for the homegrown automaker. Dakar Rally will start on January 6 and concluding ride would be seen on January 20, 2018.
Dakar Rally 2018 Key Facts
- It is the 40th edition of Dakar Rally
- It will cross three countries
- Will Start from Peru on January 6, 2018
- Will conclude in Argentina on January 20, 2018
- One of the most difficult ones yet
- 14 days of riding
- Only one rest day
- Five days above 3,000 mtr altitude
- Over 4,500 kms of special stages.
Hero RR 450 Specs
- Based on the Speedbrain 450 Rally Bike
- 449.5 cc Single-Cylinder Engine
- Maximum Power of 50 Bhp
- Maximum Torque Not Revealed
- Dry weight of 140 KG
- Favorable power-to-weight ratio
- Lightweight chromium-molybdenum steel frame
- Dual overhead cams
- Electronic intake pipe injection
- Digital engine management
- O-ring chain
- 6-speed manual transmission
Hero RR 450 Showcased in India
Markus Braunsperger, Chief Technology Officer, Hero MotoCorp and Head of Hero Motorsports said, “We are excited and prepared for Dakar 2018. The team is stronger, both in terms of men and machine. We are focused on improving our last year’s performance at the Dakar next month and believe that we have the right tools to do it. Next year will be important for us, as we aim to win more rallies and grow the sport in India.”
Wolfgang Fischer, Team Manager, Hero Motorsports Team Rally, said, “The last race for the Team was in October this year. The riders have been under intense training sessions, to improve their mental and physical fitness since their Dakar 2017 performance. They had a good run on the new bike at OiLibya and are now more confident on it. There is excitement in the Team with addition of Oriol and the entire team is now raring to have another go at the Dakar.”
CS Santosh, Rider, Hero Motorsports Team Rally said, “I am satisfied with this year’s preparations, where I had the opportunity to work with industry professionals and experts, which brought in a better structure to the preparations. I am very happy with the new bike that we raced with at the OiLibiya Rally in October. The new bike is light, agile and makes going fast safe! This Dakar I will aim to make each and every day count! Ultimately it’s about enjoying the process and arriving at the finish line.”
Photos Courtesy: The Quint
