Too Fast For Dakar! - KTM 950 Rally

Fabrizio Meoni's story and the story of the KTM 950 Rally look so different, and yet one is deeply tied to the other. It's a story of success, of failure, of legacy, tragedy, and many more... A true roller coaster of emotions, a video that initially started out as a regular 9-10 minute video but quickly evolved into the wildest story I've ever got the honour to tell. I hope you all enjoy it!
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[@maurotanci5631]

Hi, I'm very pleased to see that there are people who are still passionate about the history of the 950 rally and Fabrizio Maoni, in my small way I paid a tribute to Fabrizio, two years of work to transform a 2004 950 Adventure into the splendid rally that I have in the garage, all together with Romeo Feliciani, Fabrizio Meoni's historic friend and mechanic. It would be wonderful to tell this story and show again how much grit an icon of the past like my KTM 950 Rally has. Maybe someday.....

[@antonkruger5652]

Now my 950 has even more value in my heart knowing FM was in many ways part of it. 👌🙌

[@KRANKiT]

That has got to be a pretty sweet bike! I'm sure Romeo knows quite a few tricks

[@maurotanci5631]

​@@KRANKiT Romeo developed the Rally together with Fabrizio and the official KTM team, I am proud that my Rally is not just any replica!

[@eman8209]

What are the differences between the road bike and Dakar bike?

[@duckhorse2563]

Who is dicing onions? 😭

[@seanfrench1029]

Yes, please stop. 😢

[@glitchmanshandle]

That's me just need a little bit more for my chicken tikka masala.

[@steveh100]

I saw your comment before it started... I thought it was a bit random... now I get it.. that was emotional.😢

[@szabocsaba1162]

I'm not crying, you are!

[@thothtahuti5509]

Chef's 😂

[@gioelemeons]

Thank you for your effort, really emotional for me and my family ✌️

[@KRANKiT]

I'm glad you liked it, you guys have quite the story!

[@Eldon95084]

I followed the LC8 development alongside Dakar when I was in high school. At age 20 I purchased a new 2004 KTM 950 Adventure. It was more than a motorcycle, it was an emotion, and a part of an identity. I owned that bike for 11 years. I sold it shortly after my first child was born, to fund the down payment on our home. I miss that bike dearly.

[@CommieHunter7]

2004?

[@Eldon95084]

@@CommieHunter7 oops, good catch. Yes, 2004

[@richardsimpson3792]

I've still got mine! Iim too old a feeble and talentless to do much with it off road any more, but there's nothing like it for covering ground on the road.

[@RedRupert64]

@@richardsimpson3792 100% I have two; one in great condition with 225,000 km on it, and a second in perfect condition that I bought for when the first wore out, except it didn't wear out completely. I'll be rebuilding the engine for the second time this summer. Its a truly wonderful bike.

[@steveh100]

Awesome story.. I knew it was banned but never knew all this story, thank you for making it. 😢. I always wanted one, I sat on the S version but considered them all too tall. Then I saw guy who really wasn't tall get on one, started it up, rocked it off the center stand and took off... I then got a year old 2004 (orange of course).. what a bike.. fell on difficult times 5 years later and couldn't afford to fix it or keep it.. but so glad I had it.... even if it was too big, too fast, too expensive and too scary lol.

[@sailor7557]

I have been searching for a video like this for many years to help me understand and process my grief over the loss of one of my biggest dirt bike heros. Fabrizio and I were born just months apart and both of us developed a lifelong passion for off road motorcycling and especially for desert racing. I have followed the Dakar since its inception and was familiar with all the top riders. I bought a 2003 KTM 525 EXC in large part because of Fabrizio. I eagerly awaited the Dakar each New Year and watched as much video and reporting as I could. When Fabrizio passed it was like getting punched in the gut and loosing your breath and to this day I feel an emptiness in the world that still hurts me to my core. Thank you for explaining everything to me about Fabrizio, his amazing 950 and his ultimate and horribly tragic demise.

[@KRANKiT]

I'm glad I could help!

[@Chasingborders]

I worked at the Dakar this year and had the pleasure of meeting Gioele, Fabrizios son. A truly nice guy and a heck of a motorcycle rider who managed to complete the toughest category of the Dakar with very little rally raid experience

[@TubbyTrialTeam]

What a great tribute to him. Thanks for putting it together and telling the story of it all.

[@TexasRiverRat31254]

Thank you for telling this amazing story. I was deeply moved by the end.

[@seanfrench1029]

I've had a 990 Adv S for 13 yrs now and also followed the Dakar Rally (& Africa Eco Race) for several years. Very well told story and quite moving.

[@AyushGupta-oi8ww]

amazing story, great narration. Thanks for bringing these great stories around the motorcycle world which goes unseen

[@jeroenmoser3544]

Thanks so much, man! Took me back to my childhood and watching Dakar as a kid with riders like Pal Andes Ullevalseter (?), Stephan Peterhansel still on a bike, Gerard de Rooy in his crazy front-and-rear cabin truck and bikes like the Gagiva Elephant. This still inspires me today to ride my Husqvarna 901 expedition. Great video

[@OmegaYachtBroker]

Super way of telling the story about the legend! Forza (Fabrizio) Meoni!!!

[@patchiderpirat]

Amazing Story! Really took me back to my childhood staying Up late watching Dakar on Eurosport. And remember feeling devasteted when I received the news on Fabrizio. Thank you!

[@robertgal2391]

Fabricio, what a Legend. I was one of the first in Germany who ride the 950 back in 2003. Still owend my 2004 950 Gooooo and love it since then.

[@Ingmar-Berg]

You did a very great job on this video!!! I was in the KTM camp in Holland during the eighties - nineties as an enduro rider, as i recall this was one big happy family some went to Dakar and some did not, but it was an awesome period, thank you👍

[@Redmenace96]

So, Meoni's racing KTM was a prototype and COMPLETELY different from any KTM you could buy. Classic KTM. You put a 9 on it, and say same, same? Great racer for strapping on that rocket. A man of courage and skill. Pure Dakar.

[@bastiian]

Great work on this video! Happy to know the story of Fabrizio, true legend I didn't know about.

[@TheDesertStormGuy]

Binge watching this channel and its been so long since I came across just a wonderful channel which is quality content. The last I can think of is Fortnine. Excellent story telling, simple yet powerful cinematography. Just wonderful. Loving the video guys. Keep em coming.

[@temekuguy3465]

I was introduced to the Paris to Dakar when I was stuck at home healing a broken leg I "won" on my brand new KTM 520. I would watch the highlights every night. The coverage was excellent and I was a huge fan of Fabrizio, albeit mostly because of his name being cool. I watched it every year and would rush home from work to be there at 5 pm to watch. When Fabrizio had his accident I was in disbelief. They said the trail was easy where it occurred and it looked like he was adjusting his road book. I shed some tears and later saw some pictures where they had placed his race jacket and helmet on his coffin - prompting more tears. I'm so happy you finished up his story. Most of this information I never knew. I'm very happy to see his son followed in his footsteps and honored his great father. Great Job!

[@KRANKiT]

I'm glad I was able to shed more light on it. Unfortunately, a lot of times, the most serious of crashes can come out of something simple, stupid at times... I'm not sure if this was the case here, but it does happen a lot at all levels

[@Arnoud115]

Awesome documentry man! Good work!

[@radekburkat1395]

Great job on this video. Amazing story to hear the history behind the bikes that we love and ride today. Thank you

[@cutters74]

Thank you for the superb documentary, a quality production ❤

[@captinktm]

To put his death into some sort of context. These were the days when guys won the dakar or were at best hospitalized. It truly was the hardest most dangerous race on the planet, yes and that includes the IOM TT.

[@zonta71]

i grew up watching and getting al sorts of posters from the Peugoet Automible Nigeria PAN where my mother works for over 27years. THe bikes were an iconic image for me with the trucks doing watching these machines besides 205t16 406t16 with wide open throttles on the dunes. these were the days when safety was on the back burners until fatalities. Heroes and Legends that inspire many of us to try and grow some hair on our chest. am still a junkie for the open wilderness especially sub shara and the namib dessert. i planned a bike rife from uk to namibia but never got to do it. Fabrizio Meoni. one of the greatest motorsport legend. guts, mind and the guts many of us well only dream of. Ride the clouds FM

[@kenjgood]

Absolutely fantastic video. Thank you for sharing this incredible story about an incredible man and his legacy.

[@nickg2431]

God bless you Fabrizio and may god rest your soul.When the " Showroom Dakar models" came out in the 80,s i bought one used and rebuilt it.I rode it in the Negev desert after driving it there from the uk.The dakar was an inspiration for freedom /adventure motorcycling.Just got back from a day out on my old KTM 525 exc.Thinking of you and thanks for all the dreams to all the Dakar riders.

[@tylerblack9518]

Some of the best production quality on KZbin keep of the great work.

[@Round_the_bend_and_up_yonder]

Great piece. I had the 950 super enduro and would still admire the 950 adventure. Great bikes and the golden era of KTM.

[@KRANKiT]

Thanks!

[@nomading_in]

Beautiful, thank you for all the work put into telling this story.

[@KRANKiT]

Cheers!

[@ronanrogers4127]

A great story well told. Fabrizio and the 950 are both legends, and always will be.

[@richardsimpson3792]

Proud to have one in the garage...and, it's silver!

[@scottsmall9898]

What a great story. I will always remember the day I heard he had passed away. I ride a blue KTM and always smile when I get on it.

[@albertobricconi4635]

Goosebumps, what a story, video and telling story are incredible, subscribed from italy🇮🇹, you deserve it

[@KRANKiT]

Thank you!

[@edn5170]

Thank you, these was really excellent documentary. I do watch alot of stuff in youtube and rarely come across such quality videos as these one. Well done! I had the 950SM and it made the even more intresting.

[@KRANKiT]

It's crazy what stuff they ended up doing with the 950 platform, like your SM or even the Super Enduro.

[@neilcollinson6540]

Thank you for making this, fantastic to watch ❤

[@KRANKiT]

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@bigberthaontour]

Great work. Thanks for sharing this story is such a well thought and produced way 🎉

[@HairyMTB]

Absolutely brilliant episode, thank you.

[@veedubgeezer]

I never knew the history of the LC8. Well made video and a very interesting topic. Thank you.

[@michaelhenry4405]

such a great video. Thank you

[@Hettilo]

This channel deserves so much more credit than it gets

[@KRANKiT]

Appreciate it!

[@transistor754]

A very well presented and explained movie... history well done! Thank you.

[@XLAdvRider]

I learned a lot about the 950 and Dakar from Jimmy Lewis. He seemed to be in favor of the faster twins but not everyone made them and reducing it to 450 meant more mfg’s could compete. Still have my 990 and raced Baja Rally in 2017 on it 🔥

[@pnwdirttalk]

That is the angle that I have seen discussed in the past. Everyone cites safety, but was it truly about safety, or was safety the angle used by "lesser" OEMs to knock the twins out of the competition and put everyone on equal footing again? I suspect both are true, with the political/business aspect having the greater weight. Notice the average speeds were still often over 100kmh after 2005, regardless of displacement. (13:38).

[@sethjeffreys3055]

Very good job on this story ! And Thankyou !

[@johnf650dakar]

Owned 2 950’s they are just pure joy, engineering and motorcycling at its raw form. I can only imagine the skill to ride one flat out off road

[@ortegastix]

Beautifully told, I love the passion and determination of the Meoni's both father and son and the fact they did not ignore the people of the African desert.

[@rollingmaverick8501]

Fantastic video and tribute. Such a pleasure to watch.

[@hugobaert7737]

Beautiful and yet such a sad story; amazing video

[@terremotosadv]

thank you for this film. we need more!

[@KRANKiT]

More shall come :)

[@andrewbozhozr]

You sir, have a new subscriber. Thank you for a wonderful story.

[@AsmodeusT]

Wow, that will teach me not to judge a book by its cover! I am seriously impressed with the research and delivery of this short docu-movie. You are wise beyond your years and very, very talented!

[@bikeserv]

Reallu enjoyed this vid.Good job man.Kudos

[@JagLite]

Fantastic video story. Very beautifully told. Highly recommended.

[@pass1985]

I had a chance to say hello to Gioele at the start of the last stage of Dakar this year, he is truly a wonderful human being, even with the few words we exchanged you could tell he has a great character.

[@user-vo8ij2jj4r]

Amazing video! Didn't expect this quality when I saw your followers

[@KRANKiT]

I'm glad I could surprise you :)

[@rickycervantes1224]

I dig deep to the things i love todo and this here has all my respect, i just raced an amateur race as a novice on my harley dirt bike in the desert. I found out what heavy was right away, thankyou for this video

[@KRANKiT]

That... sounds like quite the challenge!

[@allenlarson-nf8or]

You my friend,are a great story teller. great production as well.

[@segsfault]

What a lovely video this was, You deserve Millions of Views.

[@YNOTRC]

Your channel mesmerizing I appreciate what you have painted with your words and compilation of clips

[@KRANKiT]

Appreciate it!

[@ActionM]

Thank you for the story my friend.. Respect..

[@BRUNO5979]

Fantastic tribute to Meoni. And i had a 950 ADV. Great motorcycle when it worked properly.

[@tobiaswinkler4427]

Instant like after 1min! Videos with quality are really rare nowadays. Well done✌️

[@KRANKiT]

Appreciate it!

[@Akbar_Friendly_in_Cherno]

Beautiful video. Thank you.

[@CostiRadoi]

Congrats, bro! In my opinion, this is one of the best youtube moto channels.

[@KRANKiT]

Appreciate that!

[@etiennecfourie777]

Great tribute thank you for a very well made video!!

[@MikeRay1978]

I had a 990 adventure. Absolutely loved it.

[@rsbharley4766]

Excellent video, job well done. A great lost of a great man and great racer Cheers

[@alphabetical6]

Superb storytelling... You can make men cry...

[@kristopherczubik9951]

Wow just stumbled upon this Chanel. Absolutely epic video!!

[@KRANKiT]

Thank you!

[@Alien590]

Great storytelling! I really enjoyed this one

[@Mr.J.S.in.A.Z.]

I have a 990R in the garage because of this man. I remember checking the stats that day, couldn't believe what I read.

[@ProphetAndLoss]

Your script and presentation are super, this channel deserves more subs & views. Subscribed!

[@KRANKiT]

Thank you very much! I try my best!

[@user-di6bx8ng8w]

An incredible story told well Thank you

[@JD-qz7ub]

I bought an '03 950 after i partially drowned an '06 gs1200! I didn't know much about the 950 until i was 'shopping' for another adventure bike with the insurance payout from the gs. The 950 just kind of came up on my radar and made more and more sense the more i learned about them. It is now the bike i have owned the longest in my motorcycling career so far! I've owned probably over 50 bikes in my 40 years of riding. I absolutely love it. Not the easiest bike to work on because of the engine layout and trellis frame but it is an absolute hoot to ride. Love it. Handles well (even for a big dirt bike and on road too with knobbies). Can load it up. Its a reasonably heavy(ish) bike but once its on the move you do not notice the weight. Brakes well. Plenty enough power and comes on even stronger after 6k rpm. I've embarrassed plenty of more road orientated bikes on the road (mine with knobbies on too!) This bike is one of the most versatile bikes I've ever owned. An absolute keeper. If i had to whittle my modest collection of bikes down to one....the 950 would be my choice. It ticks so many boxes for me. I really do appreciate it. There is still no other bike on the market i would replace it with.....seriously! Such a good, well designed bike. It does exactly what it says on the tin and more. Full of character and very well built. I recommend that every serious adventure rider should try one. Maybe a little too utilitarian for some as it really is a big, powerful dirt bike....but what a bike! I love mine. Totally awesome!

[@michaelvickers1202]

I've owned mine for 20years and we are inseparable ironically I am attending a circuit track day this weekend with the ktm950.synchronicity.

[@jonas-gltt]

Amazing Video!!!! I loooovvee this Content, your channel needs more attention!!!!!!!

[@sheregrewal9182]

Wonderful narration..God bless the sport

[@shurhongukire4306]

Best Dakar rally story, RIP legend 😢

[@TheRafara]

Simply beautyfull. Thank you!

[@PetterIvarsson]

Fantastic story and good storytelling!

[@j_k9643]

Excellent video. You have earned my subscription and probably a lot more subscriptions. Makes me wish I kept my 950 Adventure too.

[@elliot7179]

Awesome video , you have a real gift for story telling

[@KRANKiT]

I really appreciate it!

[@bobz1736]

What a great video - well done 👏

[@nuovovideo]

I runned with Fabrizio in his last enduro stage at il ciocco italy. I was really exited

[@thebasitinengineer1248]

This is an amazing tribute to Fabrizio! I know he also has a statue as a tribute to him in Castiglion, hope to go see it one day myself to pay tribute to the legend who gave birth to the motorcycle I have and love!

[@KRANKiT]

Yes, he does, it's a small city inside Tuscany. Apparently a lot of people stop by that statue!

[@tijmenwobben]

What a story. And great storytelling.

[@Marlonlabrie]

Amazing piece of content amigo!

[@KRANKiT]

Cheers!

[@loopfly]

You are an amazing story teller. Keep it up👌

[@KRANKiT]

Thank you!

[@raymondblacklock]

I had a 950 Super Enduro. I couldn't imagine riding a bike that size in that terrain and the dunes

[@KRANKiT]

Even bigger with all the added fuel!

[@guasinis9542]

I’ve superenduro too, great bike

[@sorinmoisa72]

O poveste super. Dar și spusa cum trebuie. Bravo. Ține-o tot asa

[@KRANKiT]

Mersi mult!

[@sorinmoisa72]

Postările tale se îndreaptă, în bine spre cele ale lui Fortnine. Super interesante

[@franconannucci5124]

Fabrizio was and still is an example for many. A great man before a super champion !

[@KRANKiT]

For sure he was!

[@finlayclarke347]

How does this have only 1500 views??? Such a good video

[@Prestonesfpv]

Thank you for a wonderful video 👍

[@KRANKiT]

My pleasure!

[@mrsnoopy7557]

That was an amazing Video, not only the topic but also the edit and narration. It was a bittersweet journey watching it, nicely done. Consider yourself one german sub richer.

[@Kelly-oq9nh]

You should have many more subscribers. This was a great video. All your videos are excellent.

[@KRANKiT]

I sincerely appreciate it!

[@Kraken-uu6bb]

Great content! Could you make a video on Suzuki’s DRZ 750 and their demise from rally racing?

[@rushiiiop]

I learned how to ride dirt on a 990, I still miss her but the lack of spare part just was too annoying, still I had it for a year and did almost 25.000km and only left me stranded once.

[@NetMillionaire]

Excellent presentation ❤

[@HeavyEnduroAdventures]

Amazing bike and amazing story. Legends

[@Estuardomendez13]

I got a 990 fixed it up all nice, i love that bike, i grew up with enduro and its just that but big and powerful

[@user-xb4gz5xb8g]

This made me cry, a very good story

[@515klrkillahoobie6]

You rock the way I live and ride heavily influenced by dakkar even ma though their is lots of races on tv throughout the year it was the only time I was glued to the tube more history of great bikes and even greater legends I love making big bikes go way further in to somethin normal people think they shouldn't