Our first off-site KTM riding day was hailed a huge success with the weather kinder than expected.
A late change in the weather outlook meant much of the rain missed us at Bentwaters Business Park, at Rendlesham, where we were joined by KTM UK.
Based at artisan bakery Harvey & Co, our 50 guests were well catered for with a wide range of KTM motorbikes and tasty food and drink.
Dave Willis said: “Unfortunately we were limited on numbers so could not have everyone we wanted there. It was so successful that we hope to do another one in the future so we can offer places to more people.”
We took our full range of KTM demo bikes which were going out again with new riders as soon as they came back.
Our KTM test fleet comprised:
- 390 Adventure
- 790 Adventure
- 890 Adventure
- 1290 Super Adventure S
- 790 Duke
- 890 Duke R
- 890 Duke GP
- 1290 Super Duke R
- 1290 Super Duke GT
- 1290 Super Duke R Evo
- 890 SMT
- RC 390
- 690 SMCR
KTM UK brought another new 890 SMT supermoto sports tourer as this just-launched motorbike was the star attraction when it came to people wanting to test-ride it.
Another centre of attention was a KTM MotoGP racing motorbike.
KTM UK staff were also on hand to answer questions about the brand and help guide riders through the hi-tech electronic riding aids.
It was our first KTM riding event not held at the dealership.
Dave Willis said: “We were really pleased with the turnout and how the event went. The weather was a bonus because the forecast had been awful in the run-up to it.”
The event was held on a Sunday, when the dealership is shut, so the Orwell team had more time to chat with customers.
“On Saturdays, the sales guys are usually kept busy looking after customers in the showroom and so can’t always spend the time they’d like to with people returning from test rides.
“It was nice to have this event on a Sunday and people riding the bikes could chat about it afterwards in a relaxed setting. And, being out of town, the riders could get straight on to the country roads.
“We made it as sociable and relaxed as possible.”
The new £12,499 890 SMT was in demand and Dave is already a fan.
“I like the 890 Adventure but can’t touch the ground on the R. I want a bike that sort of size to go touring on, with luggage, and the 890 SMT ticks all the boxes for me. And I can get my feet on the ground comfortably.
“It’s a sensible bike you can use every day and then go to Europe for two weeks of touring.”
Find out more about the KTM 890 SMT and check out the KTM range at orwell.co.uk/ktm/new-ktm-motorcycle-range