KTM Malaysia recently played host to a very special guest travelling all the way from his hometown of Mumbai, India. Enter Rahul Gavand, a 44-year-old that decided to pack his bags one day and do a ride to Malaysia from India passing through Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia.
Rahul runs a successful wedding planning and venue rental business in his hometown and is also an avid biker. In addition to his KTM, Rahul also owns a Versys 1000 and many other bikes. He decided on using the KTM 200 Duke as his stallion of choice because it would be easier to fix, source parts and maintain in the region he was riding to. His motorcycle had some modifications done to it, like the little Dirtsack panniers from India, A large Givi Outback Trekker top box and a larger flyscreen. For his tyres, he used tyre slime to make sure small flats were not an issue. To add luggage capacity he also had a large SW-Motech waterproof bag straddling his rear seat.
KTM Malaysia met Rahul at the Bukit Kayu Hitam border and guided him to their factory in Jitra. They gave him the grand tour of the facilities and he also got to meet our CEO, Datuk Chia in the process. Later that same night Rahul got to meet our northern Duker clubs from Alor Setar and Perlis.
The next day the group rode with Rahul down to Penang for a spot of sight-seeing and also meeting up with the Penang Duker club. A day later Rahul rode down to Kuala Lumpur and informed him no trip to KL is complete without a trip up Genting. Rahul took it all in his stride and was happy to meet the many bikers and people we met along the way. Malaysia is his final destination as he ships his bike back to Mumbai and flies back home. Farewell Rahul Gavand!
