Sometimes it's nice to just get out with a couple of friends for a shortish ride and a bit of a chat to catch up with what is going on.  This was the scenario for the KTM's first proper ride out on the 21st July.

Meeting up with Roger and John, a couple of local biking friends, at the bar in Tormos for a quick coffee before the off, I was filled with a bit of trepidation, it would be my first proper ride out on the new bike and the first time anybody had seen it, most people didn't even know I had bought it.

Ten years old, wow that has flown past. Actually, we are a little over 10 years old now, as the first article, CV435 Real De Montroi to Dos Aguas, was written and published on 29/04/2009.

In May of 2018, I had a test ride on the KTM 790 Duke at the Orange Days event at Moto Sport Carreres in Crevillente.  The bike was awesome and I said in the review that if I had the money with me it would have been in the garage.  Well 14 months later it has happened, after a bit of prevarication, a house and business move and all the issues that go along with it, it was time for a decision.

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).