Hero MotoSports, the motorsport division of Hero, has showcased its new Hero RR 450 rally bike. The motorcycle has received a number of changes over last year’s bike in order to make it perform better for the upcoming Dakar Rally 2018. The company has also announced its commitment towards growing the enduro and rally sports in India.
The new Hero RR 450 rally bike will be making its debut at the Dakar next year. It has a redesigned tank and body panels along with the entire front section to improve weight distribution, handling and riding ergonomics. Hero says that the key learnings from the team’s rookie year and last year's Dakar experience have been implemented in the bike.
The CTO of Hero MotoCorp and Head of Hero MotoSports, Dr. Markus Braunsperger, 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. We are convinced that India is an enduro and rally country and we are working towards building on it."
Hero MotoSports Team Rally rider, CS Santosh, 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 with them. 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.”
The Dakar Rally 2018, for its 40th edition, will cross three countries, starting with Peru on January 6, 2018, and travelling through Bolivia before concluding in Argentina on January 20, 2018. It is already being considered as one of the most difficult ones yet, with 14 days of riding, only one rest day, five days above 3,000m altitude, and over 4,500km of special stages.
Vishal Venugopal
Ved Janve
Azaman Chothia
