Is the KTM 450 RFR Rally Replica the ultimate rally bike? With a huge price tag of over £32,000 it’s a lot of money but is it worth it? In this video, which is part of my 6 part Morocco Desert Challenge series, I will run through all my thoughts on this bike and why I think it’s quite possibly the best bike I’ve ever ridden!
Watch the full video – Is KTM Rally Replica worth the price?
Key modifications that I have done on the KTM 450 rally bike:
K-Tech Suspension set for my weight Michelin Motorcycle desert bib mousse and tyres to ensure zero punctures
Caulfield Leather custom seat for a happy Vanessa bottom
Talon Engineering Ltd custom wheels
And my own personalised graphics designed by me
Custom tool kit hidden under the seat Teng Tools with my emergency flare
Weighing in at 175kg he is a beast in the dunes but he’s like a glove for the desert.
Don’t forget to watch the rest of my Morocco Desert series:
For reference this is a comparison based on my experience racing other events on a range of bikes including, KTM 450 enduro cup, Beta 480 with rally nav tower kit, KTM 450 with rally nav tower, Honda CRF 450 RX enduro cup, big adventures bikes such as Tiger 900, Tenere 700, Husqvarna 701, Africa Twin, Husky 500.
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life changing accident, which started it all.
Join me for an in-depth review of the Honda XRE, the 291CC miniature Africa Twin that accompanied me on my 10-day adventure in Colombia
In this video, I share my thoughts and experiences riding this confident bike through various terrains. Discover what makes the Honda XRE a standout choice, and why I think it could be the baby Africa Twin, as I delve into its features and specifications.
The Girl on a bike Honda XRE review
From its height and riding posture to the practicality of luggage bags for off-roading, we cover it all. Learn about the power, protection, ground clearance, suspension, and wheel size that contribute to the XRE’s performance.
Watch the Honda XRE Review here
I also provide insights into the usefulness of luggage racks and demonstrate how to lift the Honda XRE. And if you’ve ever wondered why Honda launched the XRE exclusively in Latin America, I’ll address that too. Whether you’re considering this bike or simply curious about its capabilities, this review will provide valuable insights.
Watch the full video to get all the details and make an informed decision.
Don’t forget to watch the rest of my Colombia adventure series:
Part 1: Group of girls brave Colombia on motorcycles
Part 2: There’s more to Colombia than drug cartels… here’s why you should go
Part 3: Colombian back roads and mental river crossing – girls adventure motorcycle riding
Big thanks to Big Little Rides for getting 9 ladies from 6 countries together for a Colombian adventure! https://www.biglittlerides.com/
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life changing accident, which started it all.
I can understand why New Zealand by motorcycle is a bucket list destination. Join me in this multi episode series as I tour the incredible South Island on a Harley-Davidson Road Glide. I’d say “what happens on tour stays on tour”… But not with me
3000 miles around New Zealand’s beautiful South Island with my best friend Emma Wolstenholme, the epic organisation of Tour1 Gary France, and amazing group of Harley-Davidson riders. From the scenery to the roads, the landscapes to the hotels, it’s been incredible. It’s been a wild adventure with landslides, extreme weather, seals and flat track, to gondolas and unicorns.
When things go wrong… that’s when the real adventure starts right?! New Zealand was facing some extreme weather resulting in multiple landslides, power lines down and totally cut off roads, so we ended up stranded on the north west coastline, penned in by nature’s disruptions. Thankfully Tour1 sorted new hotels for the group and eventually, 24 hours later we got back on track taking an alternative route around the island. The rain and flooding was mental. 400mm in just a day!
Part 2: Girls on tour… New Zealand and why it’s a bucket list motorcycle destination
Why I like Group Tours:
Part 3: Burt Munro, lake dips, Lindis pass and so much more – the final leg in New Zealand
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life changing accident, which started it all.
How to protect your bum on a motorcycle – anti monkey butt
Here are my top tips on how to protect your bum to avoid monkey butt on a motorcycle based on my experience from extreme long distance endure desert rally’s
Watch the full video – Why does no one talk about this, how to avoid monkey butt
How to protect your bum and prevent monkey butt on a motorcycle is a big topic but one that no one seems to talk about. In this video I am going to share my top tips built from my experience of doing extreme long distance endurance desert rally’s and how to keep your bum and genitals happy on a motorcycle. These tips vary in their cost, but for the ultimate effect I recommend all 5.
Top tips for bum comfort and monkey butt prevention on a motorcycle:
Custom motorcycle seat for improved comfort – my seat is by Caulfield Leather https://www.caulfieldleather.co.uk/ it is worth noting they will do any motorcycle seat from street bike cruiser, adv, you send them your seat and they will re foam, gel and upholster it
Anti chaff cream. Designed to reduce friction, monkey butt and also help control bacteria that is apparent with high levels of sweat you would anticipate when doing extreme sports – https://amzn.to/3EN6rjJ this is the same cream used by professional cycling athletes
If you get sore both on your bum and your lips, use Germolene. My top rally hack tip is Germolene on your lips instead of any kind of lip solve. It is an antiseptic and antibiotic cream that helps cracked skin, so it is amazing for your lips or sore bum – https://amzn.to/3PwowaK
Sweat wicking seamless cycling impact shorts. The key is to make sure they are a seamless technical layer, you do not want to wear cotton on a motorcycle ever, due to its ability to hold and store moisture which will ultimately lead to chafe. Also, the added padding of cycling shorts supports with the fatigue on your saddle
Technical base layers. Depending on the temperature of the riding conditions you are in you want to make sure you are wearing the correct base layers on your skin. These should be sweat wicking and temperature appropriate to your environment. It may seem slightly counter intuitive but having full length base layers even when in a 52-degree desert race will still keep you cooler than having other materials on your skin due to the moisture wicking technology. I do wear my impact shorts underneath my base layers to prevent chafe from the material pattern of the technical layers being on your skin. I am a big fan of the Alpinestars base layers to help with monkey butt
Hopefully this gives you a few tips to help keep your bottom from becoming a monkey butt and keep you comfortable on longer motorcycle rides, whilst I am talking about this in an intense enduro race environment these tips will still work for your usual everyday touring conditions.
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life changing accident, which started it all.
I think it’s safe to say the Road Glide has become my favourite Harley-Davidson.
With the world to explore finding the right touring bike can be a challenge, so in this review video I’ll share my experience riding the Harley-Davidson Road Glide around New Zealand with Tour1. The organised tour took us on several thousand kilometres of road through the wonders of the South Island in both the pouring rain and glorious sunshine.
I’ve ridden many other Harley’s before and have a Street Bob 2015 in my own garage… but I think it’s safe to say the Road Glide, especially in this light popping red paint, has become my favourite Harley-Davidson.
From its poised stance with the shark fairing, to it’s amble power, insanely comfortable seating position, pillion comfort and great touring features, the Road Glide has won me over.
Check out the video below for more details, including hearing the sound of the Milwaukee engine.
This video is part of a multi episode series of my Tour1 New Zealand Harley Road Glide adventure so make sure you check out the other videos in the series:
Part 1: When your breath gets taken away but …
https://youtu.be/J94WFpjBJ9A
Part 2: Girls on tour… New Zealand and why ..
Part 3: Burt Munro, lake dips, Lindis pass and so much more – th
Why I like group tours: How to make new motorcycle friends
Tips for riding in a group:
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life changing accident, which started it all.
It saved me! Is a motorcycle airbag worth the price tag? Alpinestars TechAir 5 off-road Dakar explained
Safety is a huge factor with extreme desert racing and so I’m a huge believer in the use of airbags. This video I talk through the specifications and my experience with the Alpinestars TechAir 5 off road Dakar approved airbag protection.
It appears like a normal full body armour with elbow, back, shoulder and chest protection but it also has a seamlessly integrated airbag system. It’s a little bulkier than a normal protector but it’s incredibly comfortable – and body saving.
It feels like a normal body armour but with a bit more bulk and is designed for the airbag system to deploy in a crash. The airbag system has intelligent accelerometers and gyroscopes which tell exactly when the rider needs it, which allows it to deploy before you even hit the ground! Thankfully, you’re not going to have an embarrassing curbside inflate as the technology is far more attuned, knowing what’s an actual crash versus a little stumble. The airbag technology is incredible.
This is a compulsory kit for most of the major rallies and it’s already saved many breaks and most probably deaths.
The Dakar approved version will be available on the wider mark in early 2024…so stay tuned! But for now they do have street and off road versions of a slightly lower spec available. Check out Alpinestars airvest on their website.
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life changing accident, which started it all.
Vanessa Ruck is a TEDx & award winning motivational speaker, motorcycle racer and adventurer, rally driver, content creator and presenter – 550k+ followers
School children are being inspired and encouraged to take a Because I Can attitude with workshops and speaker sessions – suitable for primary and secondary school children. The movement is all about giving kids the right tools to take on life, despite the setbacks and uncertainties, such as covid-19. The initiative has come about as a vehicle to motivate kids to go beyond their comfort zone and demonstrate anyone can achieve great things with the right mindset and the appropriate training.
I believe that it’s about realising that wanting to quit is normal, that anxiety and stress can be overcome and that with the right mindset and strategies anything is possible. Born from real life experiences, her workshops bring highly relatable lessons and tools to help better equip youths, and adults alike, for the battles and challenges of life.
At a time when the world is full of doom and gloom, particularly for the ‘lost generation’ of school students interrupted by covid, I want to deliver a real drive and inspiration. Bringing real life challenges, battles and big goals to youth in the hope that it will encourage the future generation to get up and take life by the hands and focus on what they can do.
Organised by me Vanessa Ruck, I attend schools to deliver workshops on finding ways to make things work, dealing with the lows and the set backs, whilst moving steadily towards the objective.
What a refreshing presenter! Vanessa delivered an emotional and hard hitting story, with clear and concise strategies for thriving in life, in a cool, calm and professional manner. Vanessa spoke to all year groups and delivered smaller group workshops to our disadvantaged students. She showed a deft ability to switch between the styles needed in these different environments and has built a lasting impression with many of the students she interacted with. Vanessa lures the students attention with her knowledge and experience and when their guard is down she delivers the tough lessons that they need to hear. We look forward to working with her again in the future.
Vanessa brings fresh perspective to a diverse range of kids from age 6 up to 18.
“The energy Vanessa brought to the school was fantastic. Not only is her story inspirational but she actually delivers actionable tools the kids can relate too.”
Ben Cordy, Leeds Faith In Schools
With engaging storytelling, Vanessa’s sessions can deliver practical advice on:
Reality that life does have challenges and battles – it’s normal
Learning to accept your situation and focus on the road ahead
Importance of talking about mental health and asking for help
Working on outcomes with goal setting to keep focused
Dealing with pressure and anxiety by utilising the facts in the situation and pushing aside the ‘noise’
Empowerment through mindfulness
FEAR being False-Expectations-Appearing-Real
The importance of understanding the facts in the situation and pushing aside the ‘noise’ when anxiety hits
Importance and benefit of gratitude
Taking control to find the solution with an overcome mindset
Remembering that wanting to quit is normal – but what makes you extraordinary is not quitting
Rednock School feedback
More practical, smaller group sessions can cover:
Really the options are huge, we can work together for something more bespoke for the needs of your school or students. However, as food for thought, these more intimate sessions could cover:
Reflection on past challenges
Learning from our own mindset
Current and future challenges and areas for preparation
Goal setting for big stretch ambitions but also smaller goals to work towards the big goals
Identifying obstacles and areas where support can be utilized
Finding areas for gratitude
Self care and body image
Female empowerment and believe
By the end, the children are challenged to come up with their own #BecauseICan challenge and set goals.
What is on offer?
The school workshops that can take a very flexible form:
large assembly presentations with audience engagement
Smaller more intimate round table sessions
Interactive mini workshops
Evening parent sessions
Staff sessions
Parent and staff sessions of the school speaker sessions are a great way to help triangulate the support network around kids to help the thought process continue. Conversations at the dinner table, support at home, and everyone understanding the language used during our sessions helps empower kids to put their learnings into action.
Really the options are open so please do get in touch and we can discuss the best plan for your school.
Intimate coaching workshops
How it works:
Contact Vanessa Ruck
Discuss your school’s needs, programmes and how best to fit the workshops into your programmes
Book a date and ideally organise multiple sessions across the day /days to get the largest impact for travel
Vanessa will come and deliver
What is the cost?
Every school is different, and so is every request. Whether you’re looking for a single assembly, multiple workshops, a full-day programme, parent sessions, or something more bespoke, the best next step is simply to get in touch.
Costs will depend on:
the type of sessions you’re looking for duration and number of students any specific aims, outcomes or deliverables location (as travel expenses may apply)
If you’re exploring options or still shaping an idea, that’s completely fine — please reach out. We can have an open conversation about what you need, what’s possible, and agree a package that works for both of us (including options for schools with limited budgets).
My goal is always the same: to make a positive impact on young people and help them build resilience, curiosity and confidence — and I’m always happy to work with you to make that happen.
To enquire or book, please get in touch and we can take it from there.
All workshops and sessions are also available for clubs, groups and corporate events but these are at a higher cost – any paid events help me to keep a subsidised rate for schools enabling me to give time to schools for a more lower rate.
How can you help?
– Schools message me to book your speaking event – Brands reach out to support the big picture and schools programme – Corporations please reach out to book me for your motivational speaking, employee engagement, diversity & inclusion, key note speaker, annual conference headline speaker etc – Book me for resilience training at your company as the funding helps support my subsidised schools programme
I offer youngsters a new perspective on life’s outcomes and highlight an approach to reaching life’s goals. Be part of the solution!
About Vanessa Ruck
As a motorcycle rider and racer, Vanessa speaks passionately and authentically about the challenges of recovery from a life changing accident and making the most of every day. After being hit by a car while cycling in 2014, Vanessa’s world was turned upside down, resulting in 7 surgeries and a roller-coaster of mental and physical recovery spanning 7 years. Through her recovery she discovered motorcycles, becoming known as “The Girl On A Bike”.
‘Motorcycles, something I started post-accident, have become my love and passion. If you’d asked me 7 years ago whether I would be racing off-road motorcycles I’d have probably choked on my drink! But life takes us on some amazing journeys.’
‘People can relate to my story because everyone goes through bad times. Hopefully I am inspiring others with my school sessions to show that if I can bounce back after 7 surgeries, others can get through their hard times.’
Vanessa Ruck from accident to racer
Helping Inspire Others to Make the Most of Each Day
Combining her ten-year career in marketing and her resilience for life, Vanessa has built a following of over 550,000. She now inspires others to get up and tackle the battles life throws at us with gratitude and happiness. Instead of adding to the sometimes-toxic social media landscape filled with ‘all so perfect’ lives, she’s real and honest, sharing the highs and the lows. Showing the strength needed to come out stronger against life’s curve-balls.
She’s absolutely brilliant, she’s so engaging. I could listen to her for hours and it’s so clear the kids will take loads away from what they’ve heard.
Anonymous teacher
Vanessa is on a mission to show that nothing is impossible if you work hard enough, even as a slightly reconstructed person following the accident. Vanessa has successfully leveraged the power of social media, passionate storytelling and marketing to share her story and inspire others. She empowers others with the lessons she has learned through her emotional, thought provoking and highly engaging story.
If you can pull her away from her bikes, she will bring an incredible energy to your school for pure resilience, determination and inspiration.
Vanessa speaks from the heart
What the audience can expect
An exciting story of sports and challenges from the point of view of Vanessa, who as a fit and active individual with many passions was struck down by an easily avoidable accident and went on to find new ways of slaking her thirst for adventure by becoming “The Girl on a Bike”.
Presentation Approach
Vanessa speaks from the heart, and as such will take the group on a journey of emotions. They will feel they are with her through the adversity and adventure alike and will come away from the presentation with a renewed vigour and outlook.
For further information, including booking a school visit for your school, please get in touch.
You never grow in your comfort zone
The Girl On A Bike
Finish line of the first hard enduro race
Hear what some of the schools have to say:
“Vanessa worked with 440 children in one afternoon across years 9, 10 and 11. Each session had clear messages linked to their personal experiences, but they also managed to carefully reflect the needs of each group to maximise possible impacts. Her ability to create links between her own seemingly untouchable achievements and the everyday mindset needed by us all, captured their audience’s attention.”
Matt Skinner – Personal Development and Wellbeing @CMCS
“Vanessa embodies the mindset that sits at the heart of the #BecauseICan project. Her experience, storytelling and ability to apply her learning to others has inspired young people across Leeds to step up throughout the multiple school tours of Leeds. Tooled with the insights from their sessions I’m excited to see how the young people we work with will put the #BecauseICan mindset into practice”
Over 20 years of working in education I’ve listened to many different speakers on a wide range of interesting topics; however, I must say that your incredibly powerful and engaging presentation was by far the most enjoyable and beneficial presentation I have been privileged to witness. You have a natural way to deliver and engaged the pupils, you speak from the heart and share experiences wholeheartedly with the pupils. You are inspiring not just to the children but to the adults that were in the room, all humans need more speakers such as yourself that provide a truly engaging and supportive approach towards everyone’s lives, your belief in them was genuine and they could feel this!
Phil Keeling Burton, Orchard School, Bristol
“Just wanted to say a huge thank you for the time and energy that you gave to the students on Tuesday. The assemblies were brilliant – they developed your inspirational story and then made it very relatable to how students can use mindset to achieve goals. Vanessa’s obvious enthusiasm for life and her inspirational story connected with students and helped them to think about their own life goals and barriers to success . The workshop was particularly powerful and Vanessa worked empathetically with the groups to discuss their aspirations and plans. It would lovely if you could revisit”
Sarah Haines, Headteacher, Bradon Forest School
“We absolutely loved your visit. The girls were totally transfixed during your talk (this doesn’t always happen, especially on the last day of term!). You pitched it perfectly to all the girls in the audience and their huge number of questions at the end was testament to their interest in everything you had talked about. It was fun, interesting, thought provoking and inspiring on all levels. Life doesn’t always take the perfectly paved path you imagine and you have to take what’s thrown at you and make the most if it! Thank you for making it a truly memorable End of Term Lecture!”
Fiona Haywood, St Catherine’s Association
Want to donate and support more subsidised school programme?
I unfortunately do have somewhat limited resources so I am always welcome to sponsors supporting me. Please do get in touch to donate and help me fund more school visits.
Supported by …. could your name / brand go here?
As a small individual I am desperate for any support to help me keep on visiting schools. Please get in touch to make a donation or sponsor the schools programme.
I am fortunate to be able to explore the wonders of many parts of Africa while racing. These countries are incredible places to visit, but sadly the health care and transport infrastructure is far from ideal.
For many people across Africa the only way of reaching medical care is to walk miles by foot, travel the bumpy roads on a donkey and cart or get pushed in a wheelbarrow. And many do not not make it at all. Two Wheels for Life works to ensure healthcare reaches people in the poorest and most remote parts of Africa – using reliable, appropriate vehicles.
“I feel so fortunate to be able to explore the wonders of many parts of Africa while racing. These countries are incredible places to visit, but sadly the health care and transport infrastructure is far from ideal. By working with Two Wheels for Life I have the opportunity to give something back to the people in a part of the world where motorcycles and their effective use literally saves lives.”
The programmes they support, delivered by sister organisation Riders for Health, use a unique system that involves sourcing the appropriate vehicle, training health professionals to ride safely and perform daily checks, and providing fuel, ongoing maintenance and parts.
Two Wheels support Riders programmes operating in The Gambia, Nigeria, Malawi and Lesotho reaching over 47 million people with increased access to healthcare. By working with Two Wheels for Life I have the opportunity to give something back to the people in a part of the world where motorcycles and their effective use literally saves lives.
One part of being a Charity Brand Ambassador for Two Wheels for Life we are offering the chance for Two Wheels “Win the experience of a lifetime at the Africa Eco Race” prize draw winner to have drinks with me and chat through my experience of racing across Africa. This is just one part of an all-expenses paid trip to the finish of the Africa Eco Race in in Dakar, Senegal.
Two Wheels for Life’s Zoë Herron-Coleman said: “We’re really excited that Vanessa is joining us as an ambassador. She’s an incredible person who has forged her professional racing career out of adversity, and is committed to using her influence and experience to do good in the world.
We hope her involvement will help us build our support base in the worlds of rally and adventure riding and I know she will bring great energy and enthusiasm to her work with us.”
For your chance to meet Vanessa in Dakar in 2024, enter the prize draw below:
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life changing accident, which started it all.
Morocco Desert Challenge a 3000km extreme desert race
This is a 3 part series showing you the real behind the scenes of one of the toughest races out there; the Morocco Desert Challenge. I’ve entered the full rally raid class, so up there riding with the pros, and it’s a full on 8 day moving bivouac race.
In part 1 you’ll see what goes into getting to the start of the race and taking on the prologue. The prologue is designed to be a ‘short’ 150 km ish day with a special stage. The times in the SS are then used to seed the riders into the first full day of racing.
Successful day based on..
1. I didn’t vomit with nerves at the start line
2. I made the prologue finish line
3. I didn’t get lost
4. I had fun
5. I 3 million % fell in love with my new bike he’s a beast but just gorgeous to ride, even in the sand
And..
6. I came 25th overall!!! Mad stoked with that.
Watch part two here: Biggest crash of my life
Watch part three here: My eyes have never hurt so bad…
Watch part four here: I had to pee while riding….
I mention my Tunisia Desert Challenge series where I was the first female to ever enter and first to finish, I highly recommend watching:
I’m riding Big Buddy for the Morocco Desert Challenge!! After just one shake down ride the only way to describe him is like sex on wheels. He has to be the nicest bike l’ve ever ridden!! Quite possibly swayed by knowing the adventures we’re going to have together with the first race being the MDC. He’s a brand new KTM 450 rally replica with some key modifications:
– Custom tool kit hidden under the seat @tengtools with my emergency flare: / @tengtools3639
Weighing in at 175kg he’s going to be much lighter than the Tiger in the dunes [see 1000 Dunas series for me racing the 900 Rally Pro] but a lot more capable than my little Honda rally bike [see Qatar rally video]. lt’s time to up my game and ride with the big boys. I’m road with Desert Road Racing as my bike support, rally mechanics and all round knowledge pool as I take my rally riding to the next level. This was a BIG rally.
KTM 450 Rally Replica review:
For more information on details shared in the videos:
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life changing accident, which started it all.
The Bike Shed show in London is a weekend long event with hundreds of custom bikes, live music, food, shed talks with guest speakers and of course my KTM 450 Rally Replica on display.
The Bike Shed show at Tobacco docks London is a weekend long event with hundreds of bikes to look at, including my KTM 450 Rally Replica “Big Buddy”, live music, lots of food, a VIP night, Shed Talks and a huge array of custom bikes from both professional builds to home shed builds. The range and amount of motorcycles is incredible, and a great place for inspiration.
Join me in my video below for a walk around the Bike Shed Show and see first hand why this is an event worth adding to your calendar.
During the show I was honored to join Gareth on the Shed Talks stage to talk about Dakar and Beyond, alongside Chris Evens, the UK Dakar customer liaison. It was an interesting talk you can check it out here
DAKAR & BEYOND – SHED TALK – LIVE AT BIKE SHED MOTO SHOW LONDON 2023
With the main Bike Shed Show sponsor being Michelin I also show you their take on Past, Present Future with the augmented reality custom bike.
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life changing accident, which started it all.
