Introducing the KTM 1290 Super Adventure!

A few weeks ago, I walked into a Harley Davidson dealership in Maryland to meet up with my bike club. As I walked in, a few of my brothers were gathered around this beautiful white and gray beast. I glanced over, curious about why so many hovered around just one when there were so many beautiful rides on the floor. It was love at first sight. I am generally not attracted to large white bikes, but this one had something special. I couldn’t quite understand what at the time. Perhaps it was the slick curves of her body or the robust breastplate surrounding her tank. Or maybe the soft, small tail end that seemed to sway ever so slowly as she stood there surrounded by so many suitors? Or perhaps it was her crystal-clear eye, gleaming ever so softly under the dealership lights with the subtle brilliance of a 12-lumen LED light. I never thought I would fall in love with a Cyclops, but there I was. She wasn’t young, but she hadn’t traveled far either. Her life on the road was relatively short, given how long she had been there. She was not a Harley. She was a lady of adventure, at ease as much on a city road as on a mountain trail, a river crossing, or a dirt country road. She did not belong here with the rowdy, rumble-thirsty, loud Harley Davidson crowd, yet fate had led her to these steps just weeks before. No doubt, her previous owner had decided to abandon his life of true adventure and settle for the call of the flat and smooth, less bumpy, and louder, albeit safer road. It happens to many a man. Youth is fleeting. The mature man knows when his body can no longer handle the young and adventurous lifestyle he intended to keep up with. Yet, sometimes, we quit too early. A man’s ride must reflect his spirit. I am convinced he was no longer able to give her the life she was born for, so he gave up on her. There she sat, unloved and uncared for, her shoes over 10 years old, needing a makeover, and her energy running low, exhausted from a lack of attention and care.

It wouldn’t take long before I wrestled her from the arms of those other grubby suitors. We faced off, several suitors laying claim to her, her guardian ready to give her up, but only to the best prospect. And? I was convinced she would be mine that very same day. The others were too short, Harlista, and loud for her. They would never understand her needs. The battle for the right to take her out was fierce. Each suitor argued why she belonged with them. I knew they were only attracted to her looks, not her abilities. She stood there silently, not saying a word, smiling imperceptibly, no doubt secretly enjoying the attention while simultaneously hoping that these rowdy Harley Riders would bother someone else. I made my move. I knew I could take care of her. Take her wherever she wanted, whenever she wanted. Her guardian and I spoke for a good while. Finally, he was satisfied that I had the means to take care of her. After much deliberation and assurances, we walked out together that day. We have been together for several months now. And it has been fantastic! We have had a few adventures on and off-road but are planning a much longer trip soon. She deserves to be out on the open road, the breeze pushing gently on her windshield, as her wheels fly swiftly over paved highways and dirt-covered muddy gravel trails, leaving nothing but dust behind her!

When we got home, I parked her next to my Harley-Davidson Pan America Special. Another adventurous soul, just like her. Destined to be best friends. I imagine them chatting all night long about the next great trip while I sleep, dreaming of my next adventure.

Life is the journey. The road is the way.

The Road Eagle!