RK 520XRE- Desert domination in Dakar Rally2 Class
PRO GuIDe
Back in January, RK Chain supported team, BAS World KTM Racing Team ' s rider Toni Mulec conquered the 2026 Dakar Rally, Rally 2 Champion title. Within the motorcycle categories of the Dakar Rally, the Rally2 class is where privateers and rising talents take on the world ' s toughest race without full factory support. Rally2 is designed primarily for nonelite riders. While they race similar 450c c rally machines as the top-tier RallyGP competitors, regulations limit certain modifications and assistance. This keeps costs lower and competition tighter, putting more emphasis on rider skills and mechanical management. Most Rally2 riders compete on production-based rally bikes from manufacturers like KTM, Honda, and Husqvarna Motorcycles. The machines still feature long-range fuel tanks, rally suspension, and full navigation towers- but without the extensive factory development programs of RallyGP teams. " In the deserts of Saudi Arabia, Rally2 becomes a true test of independence. Riders must manage tires, protect their engines, and often perform much of their own maintenance after exhausting stages," said RK Chain ' s Export Sales Manager Daisuke Takagoshi.
" For many competitors, Rally2 is a gateway to professional rally raid racing. Winning here doesn ' t just mean finishing fast- it means mastering endurance, navigation, and mechanical discipline on motorsport ' s biggest stage ". Equipped with RK ' s advanced XW Ring technology and the lightweight, high-performance 520XRE chain, " Toni powered through one of the harshest rally races in the world to secure this incredible victory." Developed using " cutting-edge technology derived from international on-road and off-road racing, the RK 520XRE delivers outstanding racing performance, combining high durability and lightweight construction, providing quick and smooth acceleration response and excellent manoeuvrability. " The RK 520XRE XW-Ring technology features two lubrication pools and three contact lips, a triple barrier structure to further seal the lubrication and prevent debris to enter the chain. The durability of 520XRE has been dramatically improved from the previous model."
RK JAPAN Tokyo, JAPAN www. rk-europe. com
Photos by @ basworldktmracingteam
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