How much does the Dakar cost?
As a first-time privateer, I had hoped to spend around $50,000. My goal was to get by on $50,000 but that is about the bare minimum I could see spending. More realistically it’ll be closer to 55 or 60. Without much effort I could easily double that amount. I am using my own used bike, not a new rally bike so there is significant savings but it comes at a cost. My mechanic is also funding his own ride but to bring one along would be another $20,000 or so. I am saving where I can but it comes to a point when you are severely stacking the odds against you by cutting corners. I feel like I am spending what I need to maximize my chances of getting to the finish without wasting precious resources.
