The KTM Motohall pays tribute to the Dakar with a historical exhibition

2023-06-06 14:03:23

No other race in the world has such a long legacy of extraordinary stories in some of the most remote places explored on a motorcycle as the Dakar Rally. To celebrate 30 years since Heinz Kinigadner’s first participation with a KTM in this incredible event, the KTM Motohall in Mattighofen (Austria) announces a very special exhibition, “Legends of the Dakar”, which opened its doors on May 11.

From 50 degree heat, desert and rocks, to icy mountains and challenging ravines, the Dakar Rally is always a race of extremes. Having competed in the event for three decades, KTM enjoys a rich Dakar historyfrom the days of Heinz Kinigadner in the ’90s, to the most recent win with Kevin Benavides in January 2023.

The themed exhibition at the KTM Motohall offers visitors the opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of the Dakar, a career with a million stories. With only the help of a compass and a small support team, Heinz Kinigadner took his adapted LC4 Enduro to the test from stage to stage, in an attempt to put KTM on the map and make his dream of a Dakar podium come true. .

Little did the two-time Motocross World Champion know then that his vision of competing in the event would lead KTM to the success it celebrates today, cIt is 19 Dakar victories since the first achieved by Fabrizio Meoni in 2001. In 2023, after almost 44 hours of racing and with only 12 seconds difference between first and second place before the last stage, two KTM riders caught the world’s attention.

The exhibition “Legends of the Dakar” tell untold stories and relive moments from the history of this incredible race, Directly from those who have experienced the heat and the cold, as well as the moments of glory and defeat, firsthand. Featuring 10 historic Dakar bikes and numerous memorabilia from this famous race, the exhibition brings visitors closer to the action of the Paris-Dakar, South America and Saudi Arabia.

Years in which legendary pilots were forged, such as Heinz Kinigadner, Fabrizio Meoni or Marc Comaas well as more recently Matthias Walkner, Toby Price and Kevin Benavides, are looked back on to offer untold stories, while reflecting on what it means to compete in what is possibly the toughest race on the planet.

The KTM Motohall is located at KTM Platz 1, in Mattighofen (Austria). The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 09:00 in the morning to 18:00 in the afternoon. The entrance has a cost of 13 euros, 9.10 euros if purchased online, and children under 14 years of age do not pay admission. There is also a family ticket for 28 euros valid for two adults and three children over 14 years of age.

“There is no greater adventure than the Dakar, and the drive and motivation it provided us in those early years, which were instrumental in promoting the KTM name and the development of our bikes, have never waned.” dice STefan PiererCEO of PIERER Mobility AG.

For Heinz Kinigadner, “Talking about the history of KTM and the Dakar fills me with pride. When I started in 1994, I couldn’t believe the enormous media coverage of this event: it was much more than what I received for my world titles, and I knew that participating could be good for the brand. Although the style and professionalism in the world of racing have changed since then, the fundamentals of this event remain the same. It’s a great adventure.” –

Matthias Walknerwinner of the Dakar 2018, says that “There is no other race like it, nor a feeling comparable to winning it. I am very proud to have been an Austrian rider achieving it with an Austrian bike and with an Austrian sponsor, and it is really great that the KTM Motohall tells these stories, especially the ones that don’t we always get to know in detail.”

“Winning this year’s Dakar has truly been the best feeling of my life. And now, being part of KTM’s ‘Legends of the Dakar’ exhibition fills me with pride. I’m still overwhelmed, it’s unbelievable,” describe Kevin BenavidesWinner of the Dakar 2023.