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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.