This update focuses on ZXMOTO Morocco Rally. The Rallye OLA Energy du Maroc has given ZXMOTO a successful, full-scale rally-raid test across Morocco’s demanding tracks and dunes.
ZXMOTO Morocco Rally: first outing in the World Rally-Raid Championship
From 28 September to 3 October 2026, the Rallye OLA Energy du Maroc hosted the first official rally-raid entry of ZXMOTO in the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC). The manufacturer lined up two ZXMOTO 450 Rally bikes.
American rider Skyler Howes and Austrian rider Tobias Ebster both reached the finish on these machines. They were entered under the ZXMOTO Joyride Factory Rally Team banner, but in two different classes: Howes in RallyGP and Ebster in Rally2.
The route took competitors from the Atlantic coast of Agadir to the dunes around Zagora, mixing fast tracks, rougher sections and sandy stretches typical of major rally-raid events.
From the Rallye du Maroc to Dakar 2027
For ZXMOTO, the Rallye du Maroc was more than a result sheet. The event was above all a key stage in preparing for Dakar 2027.
Team managers used this W2RC round to test the ZXMOTO 450 Rally in race conditions similar to those of the Dakar. Data collected on reliability, fuel consumption and overall behaviour of the bike on different surfaces will now feed into development work.
Skyler Howes, who won the Rallye du Maroc in 2022, returned to familiar ground, this time with a new manufacturer. His presence gave additional sporting weight to this ZXMTOTO Morocco Rally debut.
This step into rally-raid complements the brand’s circuit-racing programme. The team statement highlights six victories this season in the World Supersport Championship (WorldSSP), which provide a solid technical background.
A 450 Rally built for Moroccan stages
Both riders competed on the same model: the ZXMOTO 450 Rally. The bike uses a 449.9 cc single-cylinder engine, with claimed figures of around 58 hp and 43 Nm of torque.
Dry weight is about 142 kg, with a 32-litre fuel tank designed for long special stages. The suspension package is tuned to cope with the changes in terrain between Agadir and Zagora, from rocks and hardpack to softer sandy sections.
- 449.9 cc single-cylinder engine
- About 58 hp and 43 Nm of torque
- Approximate dry weight: 142 kg
- 32 L tank for long specials
According to the team, bringing both bikes to the finish of the Morocco Rally validates this first step. The way the ZXMOTO 450 Rally handled Moroccan tracks is expected to guide upcoming upgrades, ahead of further W2RC rounds and the run-up to Dakar 2027.
For Moroccans living abroad, this type of event underlines Morocco’s growing place on the rally-raid calendar. The Rallye du Maroc remains a showcase for desert landscapes and open spaces, and an opportunity to plan a trip back home around a major international competition.
For more context, readers can follow Canal212 news for Moroccans abroad.
For official updates, readers can check the relevant official source.
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