Lifelong rider Jason Pain is a bonafide KTM Orange Bleeder. Having cut his teeth in the motocross arena, he’s well-versed in blasting through berns and launching over jumps. How will he get on with a brand new KTM 990 DUKE? Let’s find out.
By Shane Oosthuizen
KTM: Firstly, a huge congrats on your new KTM 990 DUKE. Let’s start with an introduction. Who are you, where do you live, and most importantly – what do you ride?
Jason: I'm a 23-year-old Frenchman, and for as long as I can remember, I've been a motorcycle enthusiast since. I started riding motocross when I was little and gradually moved to riding on the street.
KTM: Do you have any trips planned with your new KTM 990 DUKE?
Jason: I have some trips planned. I would like to go a bit of a European tour, and hunt down those twisty mountain passes you always see in magazines. So, the idea is to plot a route through Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Austria – not in that order of course.
KTM: Awesome! Do you have any modifications or enhancements planned for your KTM?
Jason: Regarding modifications, I like to keep my bikes as original as possible. But who knows – I think a DUKE deserves a loud pipe and even louder custom vinyl wrap.
KTM: If you had a teleportation device, where would your ultimate riding destination be?
Jason: I have a lot here. My dream destination would be the US, with a Los Angeles, Miami, and Las Vegas road trip. But, something that has also been keeping me interested is the idea of riding the Tokyo streets at night.
KTM: Having joined the 30 YEARS OF DUKE media event, what was your "stand-out" moment?
Jason: The DUKE’s 30th Anniversary event is something I will simply never forget. Not only was the city of Almeria an utterly magnificent choice to launch the new DUKE range, but everything from the scenery to seeing riders like Jeremy Mcwilliams rip around the ride on the circuit, was almost like being in a dream.
Then, of course, there is Rok Bagoros doing freestyle on a motorcycle – which makes you wonder how it is even possible.
But the most memorable moment for me was doing laps on the Almeria circuit. To experience these awesome machines like that was truly magical.
KTM: Right, our last question; What does the DUKE mentality mean to you?
Jason: The DUKE mentality for me is to ride the best roadsters with the greatest power/weight ratio – but also its about absorbing that thinking into yourself.
KTM: Nailed it! Thanks for speaking with us and enjoy your new DUKE!
Jason: Thank you! Long live KTM and long live Austria!
Keep an eye out for the last of our interviews with KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE WINNER, Florian Kloehn, dropping soon!