MEET THE FIRST OF OUR 30 YEARS OF DUKE WINNERS – RACHIT VERMA

Waking up, Rachit never thought he’d see an email announcing him as the winner of a brand new 2024 KTM 390 DUKE. In his own words, Rachit said he broke out into hysterical laughter at his sheer luck. We asked him a few questions about life, Dukedom, and what it means to live life Naked. Here’s what he had to say. 

By Shane Oosthuizen

Rachit on his brand new KTM 390 DUKE. PC: KTM India

Rachit on his brand new KTM 390 DUKE. PC: KTM India

KTM: Firstly, a huge congrats on your new KTM 390 DUKE. Let’s start with an introduction.  Who are you, where do you live, and most importantly – what do you ride?

Rachit: I'm a 35-year-old aspiring startup founder with a background in engineering, consulting, and data science. I've been riding motorcycles since I was 18. In fact, I haven't driven a car since I got my license - and over the years. Currently I own a 1st Gen KTM 390 DUKE – the love of my life – and now the Gen 3 KTM 390 DUKE.

I currently live in New Delhi, though I have been living in Indonesia for most of the last 3 years, heading the analytics and data science department for their leading used car marketplace.

KTM: Sounds like you do a bit of riding in your free time – Do you have any trips planned with your new DUKE?

Rachit: Indeed! I try to do at least 2 long trips every year.

This year, I'm planning to explore the Himalayas again in April or May when the Indian summer starts roasting us in Delhi. Another trip that I'm planning is to Ladakh in July.

KTM: Awesome! Do you have any modifications or enhancements planned for your KTM?

Rachit: The Indian version of the KTM 390 DUKE has a lower seat height, so I want to get the higher seat accessory for my comfort. I'd also like to get a flyscreen for touring purposes. 

KTM: If you had a teleportation device, where would your ultimate riding destination be?

Rachit: Based on what I saw at the 30 YEARS OF DUKE event, and after a 1,100 km trip that I subsequently did across the south of Spain on a KTM 890 ADVENTURE, I'd probably choose Spain as my riding destination of choice.

KTM: Tell us a little more about your KTM DUKE ownership experience.

As I mentioned previously, I own a 1st Gen KTM 390 DUKE, and I've ridden my fair share of the Gen 2 KTM 390 & 250 DUKE models.

They all have this signature "Naked Aggression" philosophy embedded in them. From the way they look to the way they accelerate and handle, they're always goading you to try to go faster, brake harder, and corner sharper.

The view from the cockpit leaves you naked to the wind, and it feels like all you have under you is a wheel and a tire. Meanwhile, the engines always feel like they want to give you a little more if you'd only rev them a little harder.

This is even more obvious in the Gen 1 bikes, where the engine grumbles and shudders if you keep it at lower revs, and shoves you in the back as you push past 6,000 rpm.
I absolutely love them! 

Rachit is a great admirer of the KTM DUKE in genereal. PC: Francesc Montero

KTM: We’re stoked you do! Having joined the 30 YEARS OF DUKE media event, what was your "stand-out" moment?

Rachit: As an experience, I had an eye-opening moment the day before the event, when I joined the American contingent for dinner and got to meet some amazing guys whom I had been following on YouTube for years.

Another stand-out moment was checking into the hotel at Cabo de Gata, where we were handed a KTM SUPER DUKE-themed key card. When we opened our hotel rooms, we were greeted by KTM DUKE branded paraphernalia such as the taglines in the bathroom and shower, and KTM SUPER DUKE coasters. 

Everything at the event was KTM DUKE branded. PC: Francesc Montero

However, it was when I laid my eyes on the KTM-themed riding gear – helmet, suit, gloves, boots, base layers – that I broke out into hysterical laughter at my sheer luck. It's difficult to surprise a grown man with presents, but it's even harder to believe that Santa Claus exists and that he wears Orange!

Finally, from the perspective of riding, as overwhelmed as it felt to ride the KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R for the first time on a race track, the real revelation was the KTM 990 DUKE!
From the moment I put my leg over the 990, it felt perfect. From the seat height and riding position to the experience of pulling my 1st power wheelie in 3rd gear to the way, the electronics dealt with my clumsy downshifts and slides on the rainy mountain roads around Almeria.
It’s quite simply, a masterpiece. 

Rok Bagorosh showing some tricks at the 30 YEARS OF DUKE media event in Almeria. PC: Francesc Montero

KTM: Right, our last question; What does the DUKE mentality mean to you?

Rachit: In my mind, the DUKE mentality has two parts. One, it is about prioritizing fun and performance above all else, and two, not being afraid to look and think differently from everyone else.

KTM: Nailed it! Thanks for speaking with us and enjoy your new DUKE!
Rachit: Thank you!

Keep and eye out for interviews with our other winners dropping soon!