Cyril Despres’ works KTM 690 Rallye was sold at Bonhams’ Les Grandes Marques du Monde auction for €51,750 (6 Feb 2025). This motorcycle claimed victory in the last true Paris-Dakar Rally (2007) following the classic race route – before the adjustments and eventual departure from the African desert.
The Last ‘True’ Dakar Rally Winner
Cyril Despres; works KTM 690 Rallye – Image: Bonhams
About Cyril Despres
Few riders have mastered the art of desert racing like Cyril Despres, whose five Dakar victories, all with KTM (2005, 2007, 2010, 2012 and 2013), are a testament to his exceptional talent. His continued success, after switching to four wheels, marks him as one of Rally Raid’s most versatile competitors.
Beginning his off-road career in 1998 Despres first entered the Dakar in 2000 finishing 16th. From 2003 he claimed a remarkable streak of ten consecutive podium finishes.
In 2007 Depres beat Gauloise KTM teammate David Casteu, who finished second and Chris Blais, riding for KTM Red Bull, who came in third – all were on KTM 660 Rally motorcycles.
Cyril Despres is widely respected among fellow riders for his skill, competitive mindset and endurance in rally raid racing.
The Machine KTM 690 Rally
This is Despres’ rally-winning KTM 690 Rally race bike, featuring the famed LC4 single-cylinder, 690 cc engine. It’s been in private hands since 2008 when it was acquired through the Wings for Life Foundation.
Cyril Despres; works 2007 KTM 690 Rallye Motorcycle – Image: Bonhams
Sold “as is/where is” at the Grand Palais Historique event, the machine carries all the hallmarks of its victorious desert campaign. The prominent Gauloises-blue tobacco advertising firmly places the bike in a bygone era – perhaps making it all the more appealing for collectors.
Provenance
An Austrian Type Approval registration document establishes provenance, showing the bike was first registered to KTM Austria on 03 October 2006 – then deregistered in April 2008. The document also confusingly refers to the bike as KTM Rallye/KTM 690 Rally Factory Replica – then later, KTM Rallye rather than a Replica.
Cyril Despres; works KTM 690 Rallye – Winning Bike 2007 – Image: Bonhams
Nonetheless, it appears this is the very machine that carved its way through the Sahara to clinch the historic final Dakar victory. The lot included a photograph of the bike’s handover and Despres’ race-worn helmet – enticing memorabilia for a collector.
It may be a few years, if not decades, before this bike changes hands again. Meanwhile, Despres’ status as a rally raid legend, continues to grow. The value of this machine, in financial and historical significance, may increase well beyond its value today.
