normally quite good.

I did pick up a pillion towards the end of my ride on the KTM as I wanted to get a feel

with a passenger and the opinion of the pillion. Overall the ride from the rider’s point

of view, it was still very positive, it handled well with no adverse affects. The general

handling was very impressive and slow filtering was no problem.

The only groan my pillion had (and I have to word this very carefully) was that she

had great difficulty in getting hold of the grab handles. The pillion seat was very

comfortable, and the suspension was superb, but the seat itself was not large enough

to accommodate that part of her it is designed for. Her rear end overlapped the seat

and onto the grab handles (heaven

help me) not enabling her to hold on

to the handles. I would point out

that the lady in question does not

have an exceptional large rear end

by today’s standards and I

personally think it’s quite nice, but

unless your pillion is a stick insect

or a weenie teenager they may well

have the same problem.

Would I ride a long distance on this

bike? Not unless the gear change

lever was sorted for me. Would I

buy one if I had a spare 9+ grand

(KTM have just put their prices up)?

Most certainly, super bike, super

fun.

These are only my observations

and opinions; others would be well

advised to take one out for

themselves and ride it, you won’t be

disappointed. The dealer was most

helpful and obliging and could not

be faulted.

Hope this has been of interest to

you.

Slow Riding Control

Skills Courses for 2009

Phil West is the organiser of our popular and very useful slow riding skills

courses.

The venue for the Slow Riding Control Skills courses is South Kent

College (SKC) in Folkestone on Saturday mornings.  This year

the courses will be held in the rear car park accessible from

Kingsnorth Gardens. There will be access to toilets and the

refectory may be open where there are vending machines.

 Failing that there is a garden centre across the road with a

café.  Bookings would be preferred through the Member’s Only

section of the website although email applications will also be

accepted.

The venue address is:

South Kent College

Shorncliffe Road

Folkestone

Kent    CT20 2TZ

There is a map on the website.

The remaining course dates for this year are:

June 13, July 18, Sept 12, Oct 10, Nov 11

Each course commences at 09:30 with space for up to 8 attendees.  To book a

place on the course contact Phil at slow.coach@ekam.org.uk