Every first time is unique. A few months ago, it was my first time (and certainly not the last) on a racetrack (in Mettet, Belgium), with a superb KTM 990 Duke and a friend. What a day, what a machine, what a pleasure!

I grew up around motorcycles. My dad owned a small motorcycle repair business, and it was here, after school, where I gained knowledge of the oily bits that make bikes move. Over the years, I became more and more obsessed with KTM as a brand, and have been a staunch orange-bleeder

For me, KTM means a lot. It has shaped me for over 20 years. It was my first motorcycle, and hopefully, it will also be my last! The color orange, always combined with a rush of adrenaline—it’s more than just a brand; it’s a way of life. Riding a KTM makes me feel like part of a big family where everyone is welcome.

KTM is so much more than just a motorcycle brand - and you can see this from the passion that it ignites within the riders who choose to bleed orange - it is like nothing else!! KTM's have taken me to some amazing places, and helped me meet some amazing people, and I am incredibly proud to be part of this orange family.

When I found the KTM 690 SMC-R at a KTM Orange Days event, I realized that this was a Supermoto built for the street and I was hooked. Although I also test-rode the KTM 690 DUKE and ultimately ended up buying the DUKE as well.

We've racked up over 180,000 kilometers on their SUPER DUKEs, touring all over Europe, making a yearly effort to hit the road and cover some ground.

On hard terrain nothing can resist us. Learning enduro with the KTM Freeride E-XC

As I threw my leg over my first KTM back in 2005 I had no idea the life of adventure I’d just unlocked and the friends I’d meet. My personal orange highlight was riding my KTM up the finish ramp of the Dakar Rally in South America fulfilling a lifelong goal. I’m stoked I don’t need to wonder the direction my life would have gone if I hadn’t bought that orange bike that day.