Hero MotoCorp, the country’s largest selling bike manufacturer, will showcase a rather special motorcycle tomorrow. To be put on a show under the Hero MotoSports Team Rally, which is the motorsports division of the company, the new motorcycle is known as the Hero RR 450 and will participate in the Dakar Rally next year. Hero MotoCorp entered the Dakar rally this year with Speedbrain rally bikes. It seems like the Hero RR 450 rally bike is based on the Speedbrain 450 RR and hence, is likely to offer similar specifications.
Also See- Hero Bikes at Auto Expo 2016 | Bikes at Auto Expo 2018
Hero MotoSports Team Rally is a result of a partnership between Hero MotoCorp and Speedbrain GmbH, with the latter being an off-road specialist from Germany. For the year 2018, CS Santosh and Joaquim Rodrigues will be seen riding the new Hero RR 450 rally bike. The duo has been regularly participating in many international rallies and off-road events. Rodrigues finished 9th and Santosh finished 16th in the Afriquia Merzouga Rally held earlier this year. Chances are that the Hero RR 450 will be even put on a show at the fast approaching Auto Expo 2018.
Also See – Bikes at Auto Expo 2016
Hero RR 450 Rally Bike Images
Commenting on his debut in the gruesome rally of Dakar earlier this year, rider CS Santosh said, “We are absolutely proud to carry the tricolour of India to Dakar 2017. This year will be a completely different experience for me, as I am going to participate as a member of a world-class factory team. After a great first qualifier, we are now charged-up for the Oilibya Rally in October. Hero MotoSports Team Rally has all the traits of a champion team and I am hopeful that we will put up a great show at the Dakar next year.”
Hero RR 450 Rally Bike Specs
Both the riders will be seen riding a Hero RR 450 rally bike each at the Dakar 2018. This motorcycle is based on the Speedbrain 450 rally motorcycle that is powered by a 449.5cc single-cylinder engine. The engine outputs a maximum power of 50 bhp. The motorcycle has a dry weight of 140 KGs. Hence, the bike ends up offering a favourable power-to-weight ratio. The bodywork of this motorcycle is made up of a Carbon-Kevlar composite. The motorcycle is built around a lightweight chromium-molybdenum steel frame. Highlights of the specs include dual overhead cams, electronic intake pipe injection, digital engine management and an O-ring chain. The motor comes mated to a six-speed manual transmission.
As you might have guessed it, the Hero RR 450 Rally bike is a special motorcycle developed only for usage in professional rally events. Hence, there is no chance of it launching in our market anytime soon.
