His challenging personal journey and experiences with KTM so far
Pune has always been more than just a city for Unmesh Damle – it has been his playground, and the place where his love for bikes was reborn. With over 25 years in the IT industry, he has navigated the fast-paced and ever evolving world of technology, but his true calling lies being on two wheels on the open road. A techie by profession, a rider by passion, Unmesh found himself rekindling his love for motorcycles in what he calls “Round Two” of his biking journey. Only this time, he had a camera in tow, capturing his experiences for his YouTube channel.
A Journey Reignited
Unmesh’s love for two-wheels initially began in his teenage years, with his first two-wheeler, a 50cc 2-stroke scooter at the age of 16, and later on a 100cc commuter bike at age 18. As soon as he started earning, he upgraded to a 200cc sport bike in 2005. It fueled what he calls “legendary multi-day rides” to Goa with his office friends. But as life took its turns: marriage, kids, a knee injury (ACL surgery), and the pandemic – his beloved bike sat idle, collecting dust.
In 2021, after 17 years, he let go of his trusted steed and stepped into a whole new world—the world of KTM. The 200 Duke was nothing like he had ever ridden before. Aggressive, precise, demanding; it made him relearn whatever he knew about riding bikes from scratch. The struggle was real; with recovering from an illness and knee surgery – even a 10km ride felt like a big challenge. But a challenge is exactly what he needed. Slowly and steadily, with courage – 10km became 50, then 100, then 300, then 600. Finally came the real test: a 900km overnight ride to Bangalore for a KTM ProXP event at Kolli Hills – the journey changed him. He was not just a rider anymore, he was an adventurer.
Pushing Boundaries: Ladakh And Beyond
The call of the Himalayas was irresistible. In 2023, Unmesh embarked on a solo 6,000 km expedition from Pune to Ladakh. It was a test of endurance, skill, and sheer willpower. It made one thing absolutely clear—it was time to level up.
In March 2024, he welcomed a KTM 390 Adventure into his life. Within just four months, he found himself once again in Ladakh, this time as part of the legendary Great Ladakh Adventure Tour (July 2024). It was an experience that redefined his perspective on adventure motorcycling. From conquering rugged terrain to mastering water crossings, this was the ride of a lifetime.
The KTM ProXP Experience: More Than Just Rides
KTM ProXP events have been pivotal in Unmesh’s growth as a rider. Each event has been a new chapter, a new learning curve:
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Kolli Hills Ride (March 2023): Pushed his endurance on long highways and taught him the art of efficient packing.
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Bronze Adventure Academy (March-April 2024): Unlocked the true off-road potential of the KTM 390 Adventure under expert guidance.
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Great Ladakh Adventure Tour (July 2024): Taught him the importance of momentum in off-road riding and how to trust his bike on steep inclines.
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Trail in the Dark (January 2025): A thrilling test of night-time trail riding skills.
Every ProXP event has been a masterclass in riding, teaching him that skill matters, momentum is key, and trust in your bike makes all the difference. More importantly, it has connected him with a thriving community of KTM owners – people who have become life long friends, an extended family with a shared interest.
Not Just Ownership, It Is A Way Of Life
Owning a KTM is about embracing a lifestyle of adventure, pushing limits, and never settling for the ordinary. The transition from a 200 Duke to the 390 Adventure has been nothing short of transformative for Unmesh. From struggling on short rides to conquering Ladakh solo, from high-speed highway sprints to mastering technical off-road riding, KTM has been present throughout all of it.
Every challenge, ProXP event, and ride, Unmesh has found himself evolving – not just as a rider but as an adventurer, a storyteller, and a learner for life. And trust him when he says he is just getting started!
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