Michelin Malaysia and KTM Asia have announced an exciting new partnership in Southeast Asia, aiming to elevate motorsports by pushing the boundaries of performance, innovation, and resilience. This landmark collaboration will make its debut at the 2024 Rimba Raid, the world’s largest motorcycle adventure race, taking place in the stunning Lenggong Valley, Malaysia, from September 25th to 29th.
At this year’s Rimba Raid, Michelin’s state-of-the-art tire technology will be seamlessly integrated with KTM’s high-performance motorcycles and their renowned “READY TO RACE” philosophy. The event will highlight this partnership through a team of five elite racers from Singapore, Malaysia, and the Republic of Korea, riding KTM 890 ADVENTURE R bikes equipped with Michelin’s acclaimed MICHELIN Enduro Medium tires. These tires are engineered for maximum control, featuring intricately designed tread blocks that provide exceptional grip and stability across the most challenging terrains.
Staying true to KTM’s ethos, the motorcycles will race in nearly stock condition, featuring select enhancements from the KTM POWERPARTS catalogue. This setup will be further supported by a dedicated technical team from both Michelin and KTM Asia, ensuring peak performance throughout the event.
Prichapakorn Dangrojana, Managing Director of Michelin Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: “At Michelin, our tires are built for high performance and endurance on the most challenging terrains. Through our collaboration with KTM Asia, we are not just enhancing the racing experience; we are advancing motorsports excellence in line with our #WeRaceForChange initiative, which emphasizes sustainability, diversity, and innovation. Together, we aim to push the limits of performance and contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive future for racing.”
Enrico Remigio, General Manager of KTM Asia, echoed this sentiment: “KTM is excited to partner with a tire company that understands the extreme demands of high-stakes racing. This collaboration reflects our mutual commitment to motorsport excellence, and we are eager to put our partnership to the test at Rimba Raid Lenggong 2024.”
Known as one of the toughest races of its kind, Rimba Raid challenges both riders and their machines to their limits. With fewer than half of the participants completing the last two editions, the race has earned a reputation for its grueling demands on endurance and performance. In 2023, the event attracted 279 competitors from 24 countries, including 21 pioneering female racers, highlighting its global appeal and commitment to inclusivity. The race also serves as a dynamic platform for leading motorcycle brands, with 19 manufacturers showcasing their latest innovations and products.
