Rebel X transform standard enduro bikes like the KTM 450/500 EXC-F into a genuine rally-raid or sport adventure bike with 21-litre tanks and everything you’d need including a navigation tower and electrics – Enduro21 takes a closer look.

Not everyone wants to travel or do rally-raid events on a big and bulky adventure bike. The option to do it on a more agile and capable enduro bike is way more appealing and, though the growing number of 450 Rally bikes straight from manufacturers give you choices, converting an enduro 450 or 500 with a kit is a viable DIY option, especially if you already own the bike.

What stops riders taking enduro bikes longer distances is fuel tank capacity and having the navigation equipment, especially if rally-raid is your goal where you need to guarantee a fixed fuel range and need to use roadbook and navigation equipment.

Step up Rebel X

Italian-based company Rebel X have the answer with a new kit which bolts straight on to the KTM EXC 2024–2027 model base and converts it into a “real world” adventure and rally bike. Their objective, they say, is “to build the ultimate lightweight, compact adventure bikes”.

The bikes are not only for riders aiming to compete in desert rallies, but adventure riders who prefer to travel the world on 450/500s, and the kit shown is applicable to Husqvarna and GASGAS models (they have a range of kit options for different manufacturers/bikes – see below for more options).

Race-proven package

At the top of the build is a carbon fibre navigation tower which they say weighs 650 grams, currently the lightest rally tower on the market. The tower supports any tablet or GPS device, with adjustable tilt for riding conditions. Above the main navigation unit, a dual tripmaster set-up features a primary wheel sensor and a secondary GPS-based tripmaster.

This exact motorcycle configuration will make its racing debut at the Africa Eco Race 2026, where it will be raced by French rider Noa Sainct, son of former Dakar Rally winner Richard Sainct.

Separate fuse box

All electronic devices are managed through a four-way fuse box with integrated LED error indicators, which means quick identification of blown fuses with easy access directly on the tower.

Rebel X’s “OBD” Power Wiring Harness eliminates the need for direct battery connections and means you have a clean, reliable wiring layout entirely concentrated on the tower. There’s also a USB charging port included to power smartphones or auxiliary devices.

An option fitted to this bike for extra navigation is a Garmin Montana GPS mounted on the Rebel X Adventure handlebar top riser for “uninterrupted navigation even in the most remote environments”. A steering damper is another option for fast desert riding.

21-litre fuel tanks

You need to go the distance in rally or adventure riding and these dual rally fuel tanks bring total capacity to 21 litres, with the possibility of an additional six-litre rear side tank.

The low-slung tanks also help rider comfort during long liaisons and extended travel stages, working with the nav tower to improve wind protection.

Further upgrades include the Factory Rally Seat Cover by Selle Dalla Valle, manufactured using special quick-dry material and featuring an integrated memory foam layer, aluminium sump guard, and full-plastic handguards.

Main Features of the Rebel X EXC Kit:

21-litre XLPE fuel tanks

Patented CNC plug-and-play frame clamp

Full carbon tower (650g)

Baja Design high and low beam headlight

Quick-release windshield

Toolbag compartment on the tower

USB port

DMD T865X tablet

DMD tablet remote control with joystick

ICO Max2 tripmaster

ICO MaxG tripmaster

Garmin Montana 750

Factory Rally seat cover by Selle Dalla Valle

Factory Rally handguards – aluminium sump guard/bash plate

Kit price from €3290–2990 depending on spec.

Rebel X Development Team

Rebel X’s development programme is led by Manuel Lucchese, former Yamaha Europe GYTR Ténéré Project Manager and 2022 Yamaha Official Team Manager, as well as a Dakar Rally competitor in the Original by Motul (Malle Moto) class, with five Dakar finishes to his name.

Lucchese’s racing experience and OEM-level project management background have allowed Rebel X to deliver the quality products needed to make a project like this a reality and rightly stand up to the scrutiny of real-world competition like the Africa Eco Race.

Rebel X say they are building a 2000 sq m R&D facility dedicated to advanced prototyping and accelerated product development both for their own projects and manufacturers with whom the company partners.

Not just KTM rally builds

Rebel X do more than just this kit for big four-banger KTMs. Check the website for many options on adventure bikes like KTM 690/900/990, and lightweight kits for Yamaha, Fantic, Honda, Husqvarna, GASGAS, Beta and more.

More information: www.rebelxsports.com