New bike picked up today

[Schnellmann]

Picked up my new KTM 390 Duke today. Dealer was kind enough to give me a lift to the dealership in Essex so I could ride it back.

Probably couldn't have picked a colder day to get the bike! Minus 6 first thing. Ouch.

I was very, very nervous when I rode off as the roads were very cold and greasy, I had new tyres and the small matter of more than 15 years since I rode my own bike on the road (which didn't end well). The leg I smashed up then doesn't usually give me too much trouble but ironically has been aching for the last couple of days. Just to remind me to ride slowly I suppose. Need not have worried as I hardly ventured away from the vertical on the way back. Chicken strips bigger than the part of the tyre that is dirty!

Although I was being ultra cautious it was still great to be back on a bike.

The Halvarssons kit I bought yesterday worked really well and I was lovely and warm. Pity I was wearing the summer gloves I use for track days....

Off to a bike shop tomorrow to get some kevlar jeans. I might treat myself to some winter gloves too.

[Schnellmann]

mopman94 said:

How come there aren't any decals on the tank? Did you choose not to have them or did they just not put them on.

I'm getting rid of my Duke in a month or do, the reliability and customer service has driven me mad.

I asked for the decals to be removed. Looks better that way to me.