The last ride you have on any bike you own is always a bit special, or eventful in some cases.  The last ride I had on my Suzuki Bandit was special, even though I didn't know at the time it would be the last time.

Over 3 years of ownership I had managed to complete around 8,000km of riding mostly early morning jaunts around the local mountains bit a little touring too, including a 2,700km 5 day trip, which I still haven't finished writing about.

It had been a hot week, not only in Spain but all across Europe with 40-degree temperatures across France and many other areas.  Taking this into consideration an early start was called for to get some long-awaited biking in.  Waking in the early light at 05:30, setting off on a bike ride was the last thing on my mind however I had promised myself that after a couple of months off it was about time to get back on the horse so to speak.

So today, thanks to Dave at D. W. Motorcycles, Scarborough, I finally did it and got out on the Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor.

Climbing on board for the first time the bike felt really light and well balanced, but WHO put the foot rests there!!! Ouch, my leg!! yep, the non-retractable pegs are exactly where your calf muscle and shin bone are and don't you know it. This little glitch is quickly put to one side but not forgotten (you'll be given a painful reminder if you do forget).

Over the years I have ridden all sorts of different bikes that I have owned or borrowed from friends.  Mainly sports bikes in the early years with occasional commuters and some naked's but never a tourer/adventure bike.  That was until a few years ago at the NEC in Birmingham UK when I test rode a KTM 1190 and then again in 2018 when I tried the KTM 1290 Adventure S.