Motorcycles, motorcycles, motorcycles that´s what I am talking about!
King of the throne is as expected KTM, backing down a few units from last year, 69 riders in total and a 37,7 percent market share. In 2009 the number was 56 percent.
This manufacturer is in the lead when it comes to the total wins of the motorcycle class in the Dakar rally, a total of 11 wins since 2000. Out of which Marc Coma and Cyril Despres has provided seven.
Yamaha second to one also increases it´s numbers by another six riders this year. Total number of wins in the Dakar from 1979 to present day reaches seven, of which Stefan Peterhansel secured the win six times!
Biggest leap upwards in the chart this year is performed by Honda, gaining 6,9 percent by the 13 riders representing the brand, reaching almost 20 percent (12.1% 2012).
Suzuki last represented back in 2009 is once again in the rally with one rider. Beta takes the big plunge with only two entrants, two years ago there were eleven of them.
The no-shows this year is Husaberg, Riejo and surprisingly enough Aprilia not one single rider heading to the dunes on their machines. Aprilia has for the last four rallies had participants, best year was 2011 with 13 riders, last year only four. Fransisco "Chaleco" Lopez and Alain Duclos both factory riders, (Giofil ApriliaRacing, in 2012 signed on to new deals (Bordone Ferrari Racing Team and Team Sherco Rally Raid). New segments on the market to reach or perhaps the financial recession might have put an end to Aprilia´s presence in the rally this time around. Hope to see them back soon!
The numbers compared are the official list of entries on dakar.com; 2012; and 2013 dated 25th of December 2012.
Changes will occur on the 5th of January as the final list of entrants is made public.
