From the beginning of the official Global Partnership between Yamaha and Deus in 2013, the already existing collaboration has been growing ever stronger. As a global technical partner Yamaha has been providing support for international events in Europe, USA and Australia. Of course what put the two brands together in the first place was their shared passion for motorcycle and customization that has originated a wide range of unique projects. Among some of their uber cool custom creations are the Deus SR400 'Lightning', the XJR1300 'Eau Rouge' and the stunning XV950 'D-Side', based on a wide range of original Yamaha models The latest offering, the Swank Rally 700, takes the cool essence of Deus and blends it perfectly with Yamaha's versatile and easily customizable XSR700. The result is a true Deus custom that delivers the engaging and emotional riding experience that the XSR is famous for. 

A new Yamaha Yard Built: The pure off-road Swank Rally 700 

Deus' choice of the heritage infused Yamaha XSR700 was a perfect one. The 689cc motor's strong linear torque and agile lightweight chassis form the ideal base for the new project. With off-road entertainment and action in mind, Deus mounted a Yamaha Super Ténéré 1200 front end, including forks, to the XSR along with a 19" front wheel. Softer springs were used to account for the lower weight of the XSR700 and an Öhlins mono-shock rear was used to balance the suspension. Kineo tubeless spoke wheels were fitted front and rear and Metzeler Karoo rubber ensures maximum grip in the dirt. Custom work includes a hand-beaten aluminium tank and a handmade saddle as well as a hand crafted aluminium skid plate. Keeping in true vintage off-road style, Acerbis front and rear fenders are mounted and Acerbis aluminium supports hold vintage plastic hand guards. A proper throaty growl signs off the Swank Rally 700 with a custom 2-in-1 SC exhaust. 

The Reunion 2019, The Sardinia Swank Rally and Wheels & Waves 

The Swank Rally 700 broke cover and was on display as one of the star Yard Built at this year's The Reunion bike event at the historic Monza circuit, Italy in May before moving on to a big adventure, The Sardinia Swank Rally. 

Celebrating the legendary Rally of Sardinia, first created by Renato Zocchi in 1984 after his return from the Dakar, the Swank Rally has two classes, one for vintage and one for modern machines. The  Swank Rally 700  was the perfect bike to tackle the epic competition, bringing a mix of Yamaha's Faster Sons vibe, Deus custom magic and XSR rideability to the event. Having successfully contested in Sardinia, it was of course on to Biarritz for the next stage of the summer, and the sun-kissed Wheels & Waves event. Adding extra flavour to the show, Deus arrived with a stunning 1958 Series 2 Land Rover, Landy, perfectly partnered with a vintage icon, Yamaha's XT500, a machine that wrote the legendary opening chapters in the early days of the Dakar Rally in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Both vintage wonders rivalled the sunshine in glorious yellow liveries. 

Fashion & Pitti 2019 

Deus is of course a driving force in fashion so it was no surprise that the Yamaha and Deus collaboration also touched down in Italy for the Pitti 2019 event. Taking pride of place amongst the apparel and clothing were two superstars of Yamaha's rally racing past - firstly a very special Yamaha DT 400 that took part in the 1976 Abidjan/Nice Rally, still wearing its original race livery.  Demanding equal respect was a very rare Yamaha HL600 that saw action in the 1977 FIM Motocross World Championship. 

The Yamaha Sport Heritage range is a major success with those riders who appreciate the unique formula that blends timeless style with a special character, sophisticated engine and chassis technology. This retro appeal mixed with contemporary high-tech motorcycles are enabling today's riders to discover the true essence of motorcycling. It is the Faster Sons philosophy, a refreshing approach to motorcycle design attracting riders of all ages and backgrounds to the Yamaha Sport Heritage line. 

From the first collaborative builds together and continuing with the official global technical partnership, the relationship with Deus and Yamaha grows stronger, bringing a shared passion for fun and emotional riding experiences and the custom lifestyle to a happy and engaged fanbase of motivated two-wheel enthusiasts around the world.

Yamaha Motor and the Iwata City Council, Japan, announces today the beginning of an evaluation trial on public roads of low-speed autonomous driving vehicles.

This trial is based on the "Partnership Agreement for Low-Speed Autonomous Driving Technology Evaluation Trials within Iwata City" concluded in October last year, and has two objectives:

firstly, functional evaluation of and ascertaining issues with autonomous driving systems, and

secondly, consideration of the driving environment working toward rollout of low-speed autonomous driving vehicles.

Comment from Mr. Osamu Watanabe, Mayor of Iwata City
"With the onset of the decreasing birthrate, aging population, and declining population overall, it is predicted that the operational environment for public transportation - a key part of community mobility - will become even more adverse. Given these trends, we are very pleased that this evaluation trial of low-speed autonomous driving vehicles is beginning in Iwata City, as this technology is anticipated to create a new form of public transportation. We hope that this trial will establish the feasibility of low-speed autonomous driving technology, and thus play a role in resolving community public transportation issues and increasing resident convenience in daily life."

Comment from Mr. Yoshihiro Hidaka, President and Representative Director of Yamaha Motor
""I would like to take the opportunity with the commencement of this evaluation trial to thank the local residents of Iwata City and everyone concerned with this initiative, who have given us invaluable support. This initiative forms part of "ART for Human Possibilities, Rethinking Solutions," one of the Company's medium- to long-term growth strategies. By offering land cars which move at a gentle pace - and which are capable of autonomous driving - as a last-mile mobility solution, we aim to expand the possibilities of low-speed mobility, and also contribute to addressing a variety of transport-related issues which are becoming apparent, such as maintaining public transportation in mountainous and depopulated regions and the advancing aging of drivers.""

Overview of Trial

Trial period:Two years from July 2019

Trial location:Around Mikuriya Station (planned for opening) Iwata city, Shizuoka, Japan

Distance to be traveled:Maximum of 4.2 km

Trial vehicles:Electric small and low speed PPMs (Public Personal Mobility) - public road specification land cars

Trial objectives:
1. Functional evaluation of and ascertaining issues with autonomous driving systems 
2. Study of the driving environment working toward rollout of low-speed autonomous driving vehicles

Historic victory for the tyre brand and for the British rider from Bradford who,Historic victory for the tyre brand and for the British rider from Bradford who,riding the RACETEC™ RR Slick fitted Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR of the SiliconeEngineering Racing Kawasaki team, crossed the finish line in first position withan impressive 53-second advantage over the next pursuer.

The METZELER brand also achieved victory in the Lightweight TT with MichaelDunlop realising a total of eight podiums thanks to James Hillier and JamieCoward performances, in addition to those of Dean Harrison.

Douglas (Isle of Man), 7 June 2019 – The METZELER brand and Dean Harrison have todaywon the Dunlop Senior TT, the most prestigious race of the Isle of Man TT, a historic andfascinating motorcycle competition which has been held since 1907 on the 60.720-kilometre(37.733 miles) road circuit of the Snaefell Mountain Course.

Victory in the Dunlop Senior TT is the perfect crowning moment of a week in which theMETZELER brand flew high winning the Lightweight TT with Michael Dunlop and climbingthe podium a total of eight times thanks to performances by James Hillier and JamieCoward., in addition to those of Harrison and Dunlop.

The success at the Dunlop Senior TT represents an historic victory for both METZELER and therider from Bradford who, after seven years of collaboration full of successes and victories in allthe other classes of the Isle of Man TT, a first time win in the Dunlop Senior TT. Furthermore, at30, Dean Harrison is one of the youngest riders ever to win this race.

After getting three second places in the Superbike and Supersport races on Monday 3rd Juneand in the Superstock race on Thursday 6th June, today Dean Harrison, on the Kawasaki NinjaZX-10RR of the Silicone Engineering Racing Kawasaki team fitted with METZELERRACETEC™ RR Slick tyres, has achieved a fantastic victory. He crossed the finish line, with anadvantage of over 53 seconds over Peter Hickman, second, and Conor Cummins, third.

To complete the podiums obtained by METZELER were James Hillier, third in the secondSupersport race, and Jamie Coward, who gave the tyre brand a splendid double in theLightweight TT classifying second behind Michael Dunlop, thanks also to the performance of theRACETEC™ RR treaded tyres.

The success in the Dunlop Senior TT and the excellent results obtained also in the other classesof the Isle of Man TT, as well as in the many road racing competitions such as the North West200 and the Ulster Grand Prix, demonstrate the high technological and performance standardsreached by METZELER in the development of its range of slick and treaded racing tyres. Theseproducts are tested in the toughest and most demanding road racing conditions and races, suchas the Isle of Man TT, and are made available to all riders through their dealer network

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. has finalised its entry in the 2019 FIM Trial-E Cup with the TY-E electric trials bike for the second successive year. Kenichi Kuroyama will once again ride for the Yamaha Factory Racing Team as he aims to clinch the title win that he narrowly missed last year, finishing 2nd overall by just three points.

The Trial-E Cup began in 2017 with just a single round, but that number was increased to two last season. This third season of the competition will again consist of two rounds, held alongside Round 3 of the FIM Trial World Championship in Zelhem in the Netherlands (June 22–23) and Round 4 in Comblain-au-Pont in Belgium (June 29–30).

Kuroyama is a top-class trials rider with a record 11 All Japan Trial Championship titles and has finished a career-best 3rd in the FIM Trial World Championship. He is riding for the Yamaha Factory Racing Team in the All Japan Trial Championship’s premier IA Super class and currently sits atop the point standings with a 2nd at Round 1 in Wakayama and a win at Round 2 in Miyazaki.

The TY-E made its debut in the Trial-E Cup with Kuroyama last year. The Japanese rider was in close contention for victory at the opening round in France and eventually triumphed by riding to 2 marks and 28 cleans for the win. The scene was similar at the next round in Belgium, but this time Kuroyama fell short of a second win, finishing 2nd. This tied him with his rival on total points with a 1st and 2nd place finish each, but the series rules place priority on the final round’s results, thus Kuroyama and the TY-E ended their first Trial E-Cup campaign as the runner-up.

Yamaha TY-E Electric Trials Bike

The TY-E is an advanced development vehicle created as part of Yamaha Motor’s Evolving R&D programme. This initiative allows employees in the Research and Development Section to use 5% of their working hours at their discretion for voluntary, independent research not bound by conventional frameworks in order to spur innovation.

To help overcome the development problems associated with electric vehicles, such as delivering high output from compact and lightweight components, and being easy to ride where the bike responds just as the rider intends, a group of engineers looked to creating a competition trials model and set to work on its development.

The TY-E’s features include 1) a compact, high-rotation, high-power motor that achieves outstanding off-road performance with both powerful low-speed torque and long-lasting acceleration, 2) motor control technology delivering excellent response and a feeling of power from the extremely low to high-speed range, 3) a power unit equipped with a mechanical clutch to ensure instantaneous power and control, and a flywheel optimised for the electric motor to provide excellent traction, 4) compact, lightweight components like the newly designed, compact high-output battery pack, 5) a CFRP monocoque frame made as light as possible while securing optimal rigidity and space for the battery pack, and 6) extremely slim styling that does not interfere with the dynamic rider actions characteristic of trials.

Cameron Beaubier scored a pair of seconds this weekend at Road America to help close the points gap on the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship leader to just nine points. His teammate Garrett Gerloff crossed the line behind him in both races, making it the fourth double podium this season for the Monster Energy Yamalube Yamaha Factory Racing Team.Saturday’s race one was met with varying conditions. Rain flags came out before the half-way mark, but it was not enough to come in to exchange slicks for rain tires. This closed the gap between the competition, making it both a challenge for position, as well as a challenge keeping it on two wheels. Ultimately the race came down to the wire with four riders left in the fight. After a competitor’s mistake, both Beaubier and Gerloff were able to advance to podium finishes. The reigning Superbike Champion wanted more though, and made one last push to draft up the hill for the lead, but unfortunately was .253 of a second short.

On Sunday, Mother Nature was more cooperative with sunny weather, which made for a hot pace. Both Beaubier and Gerloff were part of the four-rider lead group who were able to gap the field. The Texan made an attempt to move up towards the front, but ultimately was shuffled back to fourth. He then lost the draft and got dropped from the lead group.

Beaubier waited patiently, had a few attempts towards the front, but was unable to make it stick. In the heat of the battle on the final lap, his championship rival made an error that put him in the gravel, resulting in another double podium for Beaubier and Gerloff on their Monster Energy Yamalube Yamaha Factory Racing Team YZF-R1s.

Up next on the schedule for the team is round five of MotoAmerica at Utah Motorsports Campus, June 15-16.

2019 MotoAmerica Superbike VIR Race One Results

1. Toni Elias
2. Cameron Beaubier
3. Garrett Gerloff
4. Josh Herrin
5. Mathew Scholtz
6. Cameron Petersen
7. JD Beach
8. Jake Gagne
9. David Anthony
10. Jake Lewis

2019 MotoAmerica Superbike VIR Race Two Results

1. Josh Herrin
2. Cameron Beaubier
3. Garrett Gerloff
4. JD Beach
5. Mathew Scholtz
6. Kyle Wyman
7. Jake Gagne
8. Jake Lewis
9. Cameron Petersen
10. Sam Verderico

2019 MotoAmerica Superbike Standings

1. Toni Elias 151
2. Cameron Beaubier 142
3. Garrett Gerloff 104
4. JD Beach 100
5. Josh Herrin 96
6. Mathew Scholtz 80
7. Jake Lewis 76
8. Cameron Petersen 65
9. David Anthony 59
10. Kyle Wyman 48

Irwin, Hillier and Bonetti share spoils as Harrison, Coward, Rutter, McGee, Elkin and Cooper join them on the podium

Munich (Germany), 20 May 2019 – It was another dominant event for METZELER at the opening International Road Race of the season, taking victory in the Superbike, Superstock and Super twin races alongside additional podiums in the Super sport category.
 
With fantastic weather gracing the North West 200 circuit throughout practice and qualifying, the riders wasted no time in getting their machines dialled in, seeing lap times quickly tumble. In the Superbike class, METZELER riders Glenn Irwin, Dean Harrison and Alastair Seeley all lapped under the existing lap record on their RACETEC™ RR Slick tyres to lock out the front row. Seeley secured pole position in the Super sport class on his RACETEC™ RR road legal tyres whilst Jamie Coward topped Super twin qualifying.
 
The now traditional Thursday evening races saw disaster strike Seeley as he crashed out whilst battling for the lead, however both Harrison and Hillier were able to reach the podium with second and third. The opening Superstock race saw Irwin kick off his North West 200 with a second place whilst the Super twin race saw a podium clean sweep as Stefano Bonetti took his maiden International Road Race victory ahead of Jamie Coward and Michael Rutter.
 
With weather taking a turn for the main race day, action was heavily delayed as rain soaked the nine mile circuit. Finally getting underway with a six lap Super sport race, Derek McGee narrowly missed out on victory, eventually securing second place at the chequered flag but setting the fastest lap of the race in the process.
 
The opening Superbike race was reduced to four laps, with the circuit quickly drying. Taking to the track with RACETEC™ RR Rain tyres, Hillier and Irwin immediately took the lead, edging away from the rest of the field. Battling it out to the final lap, Irwin was able to slice past his team mate at the Juniper chicane to claim his fourth North West 200 Superbike win in a row and making it a METZELER 1-2.

Christian Elkin and Michael Rutter took second and third place in the second Super twin race whilst the last Superstock race saw Hillier scorch off the line and pull away to take his maiden North West victory ahead of METZELER-shod newcomer Richard Cooper, who took a sensational second place. With the weather closing in again ahead of the final race, the second Superbike race was cancelled.
 
North West 200 Race results (METZELER riders in bold):
 
Supersport Race 1
 
1) Lee Johnston
2) Dean Harrison
3) James Hillier
 
Superstock Race 1
 
1) Peter Hickman
2) Glenn Irwin
3) Michael Dunlop
 
Supertwin Race 1
 
1) Stefano Bonetti
2) Jamie Coward
3) Michael Rutter
 
Supersport Race 2
 
1) Davey Todd
2) Derek McGee
3) Conor Cummins
 
Superbike Race 1
 
1) Glenn Irwin
2) James Hillier
3) Conor Cummins
 
Supertwin Race 2

1) Jeremy McWilliams
2) Christian Elkin
3) Michael Rutter
 
Superstock Race 2

1) James Hillier
2) Richard Cooper
3) Davey Todd

The all-new Yamaha YZF-R125 arrived on the scene in January 2019 as the most advanced 125cc Supersport created by Yamaha. This YZF-R125 is instilled with R-World and racing DNA, building on years of experience by our racing teams in many categories. From May onwards this year the strands of this DNA run deeper and stretch further, combining pure racing spirit from Yamaha's legendary MotoGP Team into the special YZF-R125 Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Edition.

This exclusive edition of the YZF-R125 perfectly reflects its racing pedigree with the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP inspired livery that closely matches the YZR-M1s look of MotoGP superstars Valentino Rossi and Maverick Viñales. The edgy, aggressive styling is unmistakable, and the instantly recognizable green Monster Energy claw marks this out as a track predator. This edition gives riders the opportunity to take one step closer to the world of racing talent, proudly reflecting pure Yamaha racing DNA on their own machine. 

Of course a genuine Supersport machine needs the power to back up the styling and the YZF-R125 doesn't disappoint. The 2019 125cc liquid-cooled 4-valve beating heart at the centre, was completely redesigned for the 2019 model, for even more high-output torque and a broader, smoother power delivery at the flick of a wrist. 

The technology behind the engine is pure science, a Variable Valve Actuation system (VVA) that optimizes the intake valve timing in relation to engine rpm. Translated to performance, the VVA system means the YZF-R125 rider experiences great thrills powered by high torque and strong acceleration from low to mid rpm and solid performance at higher engine speeds.

The impressive performance and power delivery is topped off by a handling package to match. The Deltabox frame with optimized geometry delivers the YZF-R125's legendary handling. The 2019 designed, lightweight aluminium swingarm completes the chassis setup optimizing rigidity for a sporty, agile and comfortable ride.

Power and handling are nothing without control, so the YZF-R125 offers plenty of serious R-Series features, including an accurate A&S (Assist and Slipper) clutch, 41mm upside down front suspension, GP style handle crown and a beefy 140 rear tyre.

The exclusive 2019 YZF-R125 Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP edition is the ultimate homage to the real MotoGP deal and available to order from May 2019 onwards at your local Yamaha Dealer.  The YZF-R125 comes also in Yamaha Blue, Tech Black and Competition White. Please contact your official Yamaha Dealer for more detailed information and the local retail price.

Key Features:

R-Series body with Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP livery

125cc engine with Variable Valve Actuation 

High combustion efficiency for smooth power

Deltabox frame providing excellent rigidity

Aluminium swing arm for sporty handling performance

Light and precise Assist & Slipper clutch

Special design fuel tank with 11-litre capacity

YZR-M1 MotoGP-inspired supersport cockpit

Sophisticated high-visibility LCD instruments

Strong ergonomics for balanced riding position

Wide 140/70-17 rear tyre for sharp road holding and style

Powerful braking system with large diameter 292mm front disc and 230mm rear disc

Genuine Yamaha Accessories

Genuine Yamaha Accessories enable every R-Series rider to transform their own Yamaha even further. Designed to give enhanced performance, functionality and style, the range of components for the Yamaha R-Series models includes titanium exhausts and slip-on mufflers, billet covers, protectors and more.

Yamaha is working closely with approved suppliers to develop new products, and so the Genuine Yamaha Accessories range of parts and accessories is constantly evolving to include serious upgrades such as a full exhaust system, footpegs, and seat cover, or the impressive complete Sports Kit, featuring an endurance screen, license plate holder, rim stickers, tank pad, side sliders and LED blinkers.

The all new Euro 4 refined and beautifully detailed Mv Agusta Dragster and Brutale are arriving, customers will be offered an exclusive experience including riding skills, access to events etc. Each bike is sold with a 3-year factory warranty and a 3 Year full maintenance plan which includes wear and tear items. Where MV previously focused on selling over 15 000 motorcycles a year, there new strategy is to build beautifully crafted limited motorcycles. 

MV Agusta South Africa will only be importing exclusive limited numbered bikes and will restrict the number of units sold so that each motorcycle although numbered will be sold in very limited numbers to retain their exclusivity. 

The first Models to arrive are the very popular MV Agusta Dragster RR America of which only 2 will come to South Africa, the all new Brutale RC is also arriving and will be restricted to 2 units. 

Pricing will be announced. 

www.fireitup.co.za

Ross Branch has done it again…
 
The rider fondly known as the ‘Kalahari Ferrari’ finished the 2019 Merzouga Rally in second place overall. This comes as a massive breakthrough for the 33-year old, who is fast making a name for himself in the world of Rally.
 
Branch has spent the past week racing in the heart of the Sahara Desert, where his Rally skills were put to the test over five grueling stages. A stand-out moment will certainly be his stage four victory – the first Rally stage win of his career.“When I’d finished the fourth stage I wondered why my phone had so many messages. I knew I’d pushed really hard, but I had no idea that I’d won the stage! This was a really big deal for me – it’s the first Rally stage win of my life!” 
 
The Merzouga Rally has a strong reputation as the ‘Dakar Academy’ and presents a kaleidoscope of landscapes in south-eastern Morocco. The event also sets a very high bar for navigation – just the kind of experience that will pay off for Branch going forward.This was the first time the Botswana rider has returned to the dunes since his stand-out performance at the Dakar Rally, where he made headlines as the 2019 Dakar Rookie Champion onboard his KTM 450 Rally Factory Replica.
 
“With a podium finish at the Merzouga Rally, following Ross’ outstanding Dakar debut, he has sure laid the path for a new venture in his racing career. Long distance navigational races seem to suit Ross and we are looking forward to seeing him tackle more Rallies going forward with a firm eye set on Dakar 2020. Ross has delivered impressive results with only two Rallies to his name and has made his mark within the Rally circles, so we can’t wait to see what the future holds in store for him.”, KTM South Africa’s Managing Director, Franziska Brandl, commented.With an army of Southern African Rally fans behind him, Branch cannot emphasise his gratitude enough. “Second overall at my first Afriquia Merzouga Rally! I’ve been working really hard to get this podium and I’m so happy with this result! I can’t say enough how grateful I am to the BAS Dakar team and everyone else for their support. Thank you for always believing in me!” enthused Branch.

After 6 days and over 1000 kilometers, the KTM ULTIMATE RACE winner has been crowned!

Scott Myers has defeated the desert in order to become the winner of the first ever KTM ULTIMATE RACE.

After six days of racing in the Moroccan sands as part of the Merzouga Rally against eleven other KTM ULTIMATE RACE qualifiers on equally prepared KTM 790 ADVENTURE Rs, it was the 50-year-old from the USA who tasted victory.

Entry to the KTM ULTIMATE RACE was available to any rider who took part in one of the six KTM ADVENTURE RALLIES held during 2018 and at the start of this year. The special qualification events tested the riders to show if they had the excellent machine control, navigational skill and competent mechanical ability required in order to line up on a rally-prepared KTM 790 ADVENTURE R for a special class held within the Merzouga Rally.Only the top two riders from each event would be chosen and, further proving this was the opportunity of a lifetime for these KTM Adventure riders, they were supported like KTM Factory riders at the KTM ULTIMATE RACE. Backed up by four mechanics and 14 members of KTM staff, in the lead up to the event and throughout, the competitors were also coached by some of the world’s finest and fastest offroad riders like Chris Birch, Marc Coma and Quinn Cody.

The race began on March 31 with a short prologue and finished on April 5, with the KTM ULTIMATE RACE competitors having to cover five stages – including a marathon Stage 3 with an overnight in a bivouac and no outside mechanical support. In total, almost 1100 kilometers of hard offroad riding and navigating would push them to their physical and mental limits.Myers was consistently in the top places for all stages and took the early advantage with victory in the prologue. Radek Burkat from Canada retaliated for the Stage 1 win and New Zealand’s Kevin Archer fought strongly to take Stage 2. But it was Myers, again, who took the honors in the grueling marathon Stage 3 and sealed the win with runner-up in Stages 4 and 5.

After an emotional conclusion to the race, not only does Myers have the honor of being the first ever KTM ULTIMATE RACE victor, he will also get to keep his race-winning machine along with receiving an all-expenses paid package for two people to see the 2020 Dakar Rally.On finishing the race, Scott Myers (USA) said: “This is the best feeling in the world. You have no idea how happy I am right now. It was extremely tough, especially in the last stage. I just kept watching and thinking this has got to end! It was so hard. I was following Jordan (Huibregtse), he crashed, then he followed me, then I crashed. And we just kept doing that for the whole stage. But what an awesome experience. So cool.”

In second place and 59 minutes and 55 seconds back, it was Radek Burkat, 45, from Canada. He said: “That was awesome. Fantastic. I’ve never ridden anything like that in my life. Such an awesome event; the Merzouga Rally and the Ultimate Race. This is the epitome of adventure biking. Like the highest level. The pinnacle of cool stuff you can do with an adventure bike. Thank you very much.”

He was chased hard by Jordan Huibregtse, 27, from the USA who was just ten minutes further back to complete an all-KTM 790 ADVENTURE R podium, of course. He said: “It was a blast. Riding in Morocco on a KTM 790 ADVENTURE R with a bunch of great people from around the world. That’s an awesome experience. Seriously cool. I’m thrilled that I made it. Thrilled the bike made it and that I kept my podium spot.”

Hubert Trunkenpolz (CMO KTM AG): “The KTM ADVENTURE RALLIES and the KTM ULTIMATE RACE demonstrate what makes KTM Adventure riders different and that the READY TO RACE spirit is alive in our customers. I want to congratulate all twelve riders who took part, especially as the race was extremely tough on them and the KTM 790 ADVENTURE R. These are normal people and not Factory riders, but they saw the opportunity for an incredible adventure and tackled it head on.”

KTM ULTIMATE RACE 2020
For those who are attending this year’s KTM ADVENTURE RALLIES on a twin-cylinder KTM ADVENTURE bike, KTM is excited to announce the renewed possibility to compete for a place at the KTM ULTIMATE RACE in 2020 – registration can be done directly at the online booking of a KTM ADVENTURE RALLY event.

KTM ULTIMATE RACE 2019 RESULTS
1. Scott Myers (USA)
2. Radek Burkat (CAN)
3. Jordan Huibregtse (USA)
4. Sebastian Blum (GER)
5. Christiaan Odendaal (RSA)
6. Kevin Archer (NZL)
7. Elliot Kent (NZL)
8. Vasile Scurtu (CAN)
9. Greg Hodgskin (RSA)
10. Steve Robertson (AUS)
11. Stefano Sassaro (ITA)
12. Robert Nowak (AUS)