During the winter of 1999 - 2000 I sold my Honda Fireblade and was on the lookout for something new, something better than the Honda. Many would say this was an impossible task as the Fireblade was/is such a great bike, however, I found it quite boring. Don't get me wrong it was a superb motorcycle, doing everything I asked of it in a typical efficient manner you would expect from a sports bike from the big H, however, I found it a bit bland, a bit too easy.
Sometimes you don't make any plans but still, have the best time. I started without any plan to ride the bike at all, apart from maybe a quick run-up to the top of Coll de Rates to warm the tyres. I walked the dog early and took a picture of the beginning of one of my favourite stretches of road and the view down to my home in the Costa Blanca village of Parcent.
A couple of years ago whilst searching on Google for some interesting roads to explore, not too far from home, I came across a picture of an interesting looking bridge in a small valley. I also found the road was near to Dos Aguas which I have been to before many years ago and decided to plan a days ride around the area taking in a couple of reservoirs along the way.
Everybody has differing views on how to run in a new motorcycle, some say stick to the Manufacturers recommendations whilst others say "ride it like you stole it" from day one. Personally, I've only had to do it a couple of times with this being my third new bike in about 35 years of biking. My first new bike was a Yamaha RD125LC when I was 17 and the second was the trusty GSXR750Y that I bought when I was 28.
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.
Unfortunately due to my poor timing, the first service on the KTM had to be delayed a few weeks, due to the annual August shutdowns. However, I managed to get it booked in as soon as the dealers opened up again.
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.
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