Wow, what a few days I had, visiting the Milan bike show with my brother.  EICMA has been on my list of shows to visit for quite a few years, however, I have always managed to miss it for one reason or another, usually, because I was having fun riding bikes over the summer and not thinking of the show season in time to arrange things, 2019 would be different though.  I had my flights booked in good time and a hotel booked but didn't remember to invite my brother until it was almost too late.

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.

Whenever I post a ride in the Bikers España facebook group I never know what to expect, sometimes it's me and one other person, occasionally just me on my own which is fine as we all have family and work commitments to fit our hobbies around, but occasionally there are a few of us that go out and have a great day.  Sunday 29th September was one of these occasions.

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.