WR450F wins Dakar production class - Raptor makes it six in

Daily Motorcycle News has moved Here
Message
Author
User avatar
totalmotorcycle
Administrator
Administrator
Posts: 29679
Joined: Sat Nov 22, 2003 1:00 pm
Real Name: Mike
Sex: Male
Years Riding: 32
My Motorcycle: 2013 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba

WR450F wins Dakar production class - Raptor makes it six in

#1 Unread post by totalmotorcycle »

#WR450F wins #Dakar production class - Raptor makes it six in a row

Yamaha's WR450F has proved its performance and reliability on the toughest stage by winning the Dakar Marathon Class.

The Marathon Class is a production based category aimed at privateers that evokes the true spirit of Dakar.

The real challenge of man and machine against the harshest conditions is highlighted in the Marathon Class because the rules do not allow any major change of parts during the event.

So unlike the pro class, riders must retain the same engine, frame, forks, swingarm, cylinder heads and more for two weeks of racing.

The Dakar Rally started life as a production based event, and the Marathon Class is still very much a challenge open to all - as long as man and machine are tough enough. And this year, Venezuelan rider Cardona Vagnoni rode his WR450F home 41 minutes ahead of second spot to scoop the coveted victory.

"These production based machines are much closer to those purchased in showrooms than the full blown rally bikes. This Marathon Class win highlights the power and performance of Yamaha's versatile WR450F, so whether you're out on a day's trail in the local bush or crossing a South American desert, you can do so with confidence on the fuel injected WR450F," says YMA Marketing Manager Laurie Carleton.

Yamaha's YFM700R Raptor once again dominated the ATV class with a 1-2 finish thanks to Chilean rider Ignacio Casale and Rafal Sonik from Poland.

That makes it six Dakar wins in a row for the gruelling rally's ATV of choice.

In the pro class, Yamaha Factory Racing's Olivier Pain climbed onto the podium in third spot on his YZ450F. And despite winning two stages and matching the speed of the lead riders, Yamaha's number one rider Cyril Despres suffered time penalties and an electrical issue which relegated his YZ450F to fourth overall.

Australian Yamaha Desert Racing team member Shane Diener scored a free entry to Dakar by placing third in the 2013 Australian Safari. The YZ450F mounted South Australian was down in 73rd position on day four and clawed his way back to finish in 38th spot - one of only 40 per cent of motorcycle riders who finished the tough 9000km event.
NEW 2024 Motorcycle Model Guides
2023 Motorcycle Model Guides

Total Motorcycle is official Media/Press for Aprilia, Benelli, Beta, Bimota, BMW, Brammo, Buell, Can-Am, CCW, Ducati, EBR, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Husqvarna, Husaberg, Hyosung, Indian, Kawasaki, KTM, KYMCO, LiveWire, Moto Guzzi, Moto Morini, MV Agusta, Norton, Phantom, Piaggio, Polaris, Ridley, Roehr, Royal Enfield, Suzuki, Triumph, Ural, Vespa, Victory, Yamaha and Zero.

Locked