Born Again Biker – (This Time It’s Personal)

The phrase “born-again biker” conjures up a certain image…

At least, it used to when I’d see it bandied about in motorcycle magazines or heard it whispered behind cupped hands. “Born again biker” was almost a term of mockery, loaded with implication. ‘Don’t ride behind him. He’s unpredictable at best, bloody dangerous at worst. He had a DT125 for three months in the 80s and now look at him!’

Well, it turns out my prejudices were unfounded—because suddenly, I am one! And let me tell you, a born-again biker is nothing like the mythical creature described above. The bike? Not what you’d expect, either. I’ve just picked up a KTM Duke 125 (2025 model) from the brilliant folks at JD Racing. Yes, a 125! And no, I’m not planning to commute. I’ve got much grander plans in mind.

But first, a little history.

From Whence He Came

I passed my test at 23, on one of those (poorly named) crash courses. Seven days from hiring a 125cc to earning the coveted full license on a CBR600. Between 23 and 41, I kept my licence, never fell off (unless you count pulling away with the disclock still on), and rode like the proverbial bat most of the time. My last bike, a 2002 “Hooligan” ZX9R, would sooner spit in my face and throw me in a ditch than deliver me safely home. I was no stranger to a track day, either.

So, why did I stop riding?

Honestly, I started to feel like I was running out of “luck.” Every ride seemed to have a near-miss. So, I ditched the road bike with the intention of sticking to track days. That would have been fine, but life had other plans.

There’s no easy way to say this: my brother, best friend, and riding partner passed away. Not on a bike, but at the hands of the big C. He was only 52. I was heartbroken. Colin lived for riding. It was not unusual for him to have four bikes in the garage at any one time. When we knew time was short, he offered to leave me one. But I couldn’t. I never wanted to put on a helmet or leathers again. What was the point?

Grief is a tough road to navigate.

My brother Colin, doing his thing

Me doing my thing with slightly less colour co-ordination

Back to Basics

So why am I back on a bike?

Simple: I want to honour my brother’s memory, in a way he’d approve. This May, my brother-from-another-mother, Ben, and I will ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats in support of St Luke’s Hospice.

We will ride on back roads and cycle routes, astride our shiny new KTM 125 Dukes. That’s a solid challenge for any rider. Add in a decade-plus layoff (on my part), and the choice of a 125cc feels almost poetic. I barely got to know my learner bike before being thrust into the world of near misses.

The Duke of Cornwall

A run out to Widemouth Bay, the long way!

I’ve now clocked nearly 2,000 miles on the little Duke. We’re well enough acquainted for me to share some insights.

Handling

Wow. This bike rides like a big bike. Daisy (as in Daisy Duke) feels planted when you want, flickable when you need. The grin factor genuinely surprised me. I’ve found myself taking 30-mile detours for milk, riding from Gunnislake to Waitrose via Dartmoor, just because. Daisy is pure fun.

There are a few rules to learn when living with a 125cc as your main machine. Ride with intent—keep the revs high, don’t lean too far into those sweeping bends if you want to keep moving. These are the things a fresh minded 17-year-old adapts to in a flash. At 40 years north of that, I’ve had to unlearn as much as I’m learning.

But here’s the thing: I can’t help but think I’ll be a better rider when I eventually trade up after our challenge.

Equipment

But here’s the thing: I can’t help but think I’ll be a better rider when I eventually trade up after our challenge.

Performance

OK, she’s not fast. You have to keep the revs high to make progress. Overtaking punch is non-existent, so you’re best off tucking in and enjoying the slipstream. But the lack of brute power is no problem. From the first press of the starter, the fun-factor is initiated. Know what this bike is—and what it isn’t—and you’ll never be disappointed.

New to Bikes?

You’ll learn a lot from the Duke. She’ll set you up perfectly for your first “proper” machine.

Got Other Bikes?

The Duke deserves a spot in your multi-bike garage.

Returning to Motorcycling?

Fall in love all over again—and pick up a few new tricks along the way.

My average speed over nearly 2,000 miles? 28MPH. Just six miles an hour faster, on average, than Ben and my last cycle ride to the Alps. That’s Duke’s magic: devouring roads with a grin, but without the constant whiff of danger you get from bigger machines.

Do you really need more than 400cc on the road? I’m starting to think not.

Touring

Hahahahahaha…

Well, we’re about to find out!

I’ve done a few three-hour rides and one five-hour stint on Daisy. The latter was tough, but I loved every bend and camber. Three hours is often not quite long enough.

We’ll be fine, I’m sure. Ben and I will split each day into two sections—about two hours of riding apiece—to cover the 3,200-mile challenge in a month. We leave in May. You can follow our adventures here. As for Daisy Duke—well, I think I’m falling in love…again.

Want to sponsor one of the bikes? Get in touch!