KTM takes two class victories with 530 EXC in Australian Safari

The 2009 model KTM 530 EXC has proven to be a stand out in the Australian Safari with Motorex KTM team riders David Schwarz and Matt Fish, both winning their respective classes and finishing within the top ten outright.

David Schwarz won the production class by over one hour, where no engine changes were permitted throughout the entire 4400 kilometres of the race, while Matt Fish won the super production class by over two hours, where engine changes are permitted, yet the KTM 530 EXC easily stood its ground, with no engine changes required.

The 2008 Australian Safari took place from Kalgoorlie to Perth in WA between 23 and 30 August, with riders competing in three to seven special tests each day, whilst navigating the rugged terrain.

In addition to both Schwarz and Fish’s class win, both riders finished within the top ten outright. Schwarz rode home seventh outright, and Fish fifth outright. During one of the special stages, Fish also took an outright lead over event winner Ben Grabham.

Matt Fish comments, “This is the second consecutive year I have won the super production class in the Australian Safari, and to do it with no mechanical changes on the KTM 530 EXC, even with the option to do so makes the class win all the more rewarding.

“My two biggest highlights were winning one of the special stages over Ben Grabham and not having to put a spanner to the bike, while many other competitors in my class swapped and changed engines and parts regularly.”

For team mate David Schwarz, a reliable bike was mandatory in his chosen production class, where no engine changes were permitted throughout the entire race. Schwarz also chose to ride the 2009 model KTM 530 EXC, stating that the Australian Safari is more of an enduro style event, and you had to choose your bike of entry wisely to ensure it could stand the distance.

“Unlike many rally events I have ridden, the Australian Safari is more of an enduro style event, and I’m always one for a challenge, so I chose a class that would highlight both the motorcycle’s capabilities and my racing,” said Schwarz.

“The 2009 model KTM 530 EXC handled the conditions with ease, I had so much faith in the motorcycle to stand the distance and it didn’t let me down, while many other competitors in class had to withdraw due to mechanical or navigational error.

“This is my fourth class win for KTM in an Australian Safari. I’ve won the 450 production class three times on board the KTM 450 EXC, and now I have won the over 450 production class on the KTM 530 EXC.

“Each day we would ride between eight to ten hours with the longest day being around 700 kilometres. I prefer longer stages as that suits my riding style, and I could regularly clock speeds of up to 158 km/ph, which for a production bike is fantastic.

“My nearest competitor in class was Dean Nuttal on a 650 Husaberg, he started close to me in the early stages of the race, but each day I pulled time on him for a comfortable class win. After my results this year, the KTM 530 EXC is definitely going to be my bike of choice for next year’s Australian Safari, where I will again enter the production class with no engine changes permitted.”