KTM Adventure Rally 2025 - Road to Romania SPTSM25008

The adventure began with a special highlight: a visit to the KTM headquarters in Mattighofen – the heart of the brand that, like no other, stands for performance, a thirst for adventure, and uncompromising passion on two wheels. As soon as you entered the company premises, you could sense the special energy that surrounds this place. Not only motorcycles are built here, but a legend lives here, one that began in 1934 as a small metal goods factory and, since the first prototypes by Hans Trunkenpolz and Ernst Kronreif in the 1950s, has developed into one of the most successful motorcycle manufacturers in the world. We were given exclusive insights into the final preparations for the KTM Adventure Rally – the event where riders from all over the world experience the true meaning of "Ready to Race." Between the freshly assembled machines, carefully prepared spare parts, and the focused activity of the KTM crew, you could practically feel that this isn't just about technology, but also about passion. Another highlight of the morning was a visit to the KTM Motohall, an architectural masterpiece that also pays homage to the brand's history, innovation, and victories. In the impressively staged exhibition, we immersed ourselves in decades of adventure, racing victories, and groundbreaking technology. From the first KTM motorcycle, the "R100," to the legendary Dakar victories and the latest adventure bikes, everything was represented. The orange lights, the impressive exhibits, and the gripping stories of the racers perfectly prepared us for our own KTM days. "Ready to Race!" – after this experience, this motto no longer felt like a slogan, but like a promise that we would experience for ourselves in the days to come. Strengthened by a small lunch snack and full of anticipation for the upcoming stages, we finally set off for Admont, our first destination. With every kilometer, the excitement grew – the adventure had finally begun.

The morning in Admont was cool and slightly cloudy – just the right setting to revive our engines. We'd barely started when the sonorous roar of the KTMs filled the mountain landscape. 260 kilometers lay ahead of us, and we all knew: this day would be more than just a delivery stage. Styria opened up before us with its green hills and winding roads, tailor-made for our KTMs. A first stop in Thal near Graz brought us to a place full of energy: the Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum. In the birthplace of perhaps the world's most famous Styrian, we breathed in history – bodybuilding trophies, Hollywood memories, political careers. But the real experience of the day awaited in the hills of southern Styria: the legendary Styrian Wine Road. Endless vineyards and countless curves stretched to the right and left of the roads. The "Herzlstraße" was the highlight: a winding section that, seen from the air, forms a heart. A symbol of enjoyment, passion, and joie de vivre – and we were right in the middle of it, on growling KTMs that carried us through this postcard-perfect landscape. Lifting our helmets here, we could smell the wine and feel the warm wind on our faces. "This is what freedom feels like." With every bend, the landscape became more open and the riding experience greater. The Wine Route was more than a panorama – it was an experience! In the afternoon, the route took us further south, across the border into Slovenia. When we finally rolled into Maribor, the evening sun bathed the city in golden light. Tired? Yes. But above all, full of new impressions, conversations, and emotions. 260 kilometers of curves, culture, and a thirst for adventure lay behind us. Today we felt that this trip would be more than just a tour. The adventure is burning – and Romania awaits.

The morning in Maribor began under a gray sky. 21 KTMs were lined up in a row, ready to tackle the next stage. Even though the clouds still hung thickly above us, the mood remained undiminished – everyone knew: Behind the clouds, the sun awaited, and with it, adventure. The first few kilometers took us south through Slovenia, the asphalt still cool, the air fresh. But soon the clouds began to break, and the sun broke through – a perfect symbol of our journey. The roar of our bikes was accompanied by warm rays, the streets opened up, and the pace increased. At midday, we reached Varaždin in Croatia. As we rolled into the old town, it was clear: something special was happening here. The city festival was in full swing – colorful stalls, decorated squares, hustle and bustle everywhere. Amidst all the colors and people, we parked our bikes and briefly mingled with the action before enjoying our lunch break. A taste of Croatian life right in the middle of our route. Strengthened by lunch and full of impressions, we continued our journey. In the afternoon, we crossed the border into Hungary, and the roads led us directly to Pécs – a city with a long, eventful history. The Romans founded their settlement of Sopianae here; later, the Ottomans left behind minarets and baths, and today, Pécs is a cultural center where East meets West, past and present, meet. Thanks to our early arrival around 5 p.m., we had time to explore the city. A stroll through the alleys, a glimpse of the cathedral and the oriental-style buildings – Pécs showed us its diversity and its special charm. The evening belonged to us all again: a relaxed dinner, followed by a stop at the bar. Laughter, clinking glasses, travel stories – exactly what defines a rally community. 260 kilometers, a weather change from gray to sunny, a festival atmosphere, and a city steeped in history: This day had it all. And the 21 KTMs are eager to start the next chapter tomorrow. Romania is getting closer – and the adventure grows with every kilometer.

340 kilometers layed ahead of us. The day began with a special highlight: a short Danube crossing by ferry. A rare moment of peace as the 21 KTMs stood side by side on the swaying deck and we glided across the wide water. A brief pause before the adventure picked up speed again. Beyond the Danube, the character of the route immediately changed. We worked our way east along country roads that, in places, offered more holes than asphalt. Perhaps a challenge for others, but pure joy for our off-road-hungry KTM fleet. Every bump, every edge – exactly the terrain these bikes are built for. The orange dust of our trail spoke of pure riding pleasure. At midday, we reached Szeged, where the aroma of Hungarian cuisine greeted us. Many of us reached for the classic goulash soup without hesitation – hot, hearty, just what we needed after riding over the bumpy roads. Those who still had room treated themselves to an ice cream and let their gaze wander over the city's elegant architecture. A brief moment of enjoyment before the journey continued. In the afternoon, we rolled across the border into Romania – a milestone for us: the KTM fleet had now reached Romanian soil. With every kilometer closer to Sibiu, our anticipation of the rally grew. In the early evening, we arrived in Timișoara – after dinner and petrol talks, it was clear: Sibiu is getting closer and closer, tension is in the air. We are ready to race" – and Romania has become reality today. To be continued…

The morning in Timișoara began with excited anticipation. Today, we were to travel over 300 kilometers across Romania – with a detour that overshadowed everything else: the legendary Transalpina. After just a few kilometers, the landscape changed. Rolling plains gave way to hills, and then hills to the imposing Carpathian Mountains. The road wound higher and higher, bend after bend, until we stood on the roof of Romania. The Transalpina – over 2,000 meters high – gave us breathtaking panoramas. Clouds drifted through the valleys like cotton balls, while our 21 KTMs shone in contrast to the wild nature. It was one of those moments when you realize: This is exactly why we're here. The route to Sibiu continued over stunning mountain passes that were perfect for our adventure bikes. Asphalt, endless curves – it was a day that made every rider's heart beat faster. In the afternoon, we finally reached Sibiu, the historic capital of Transylvania. Founded by German settlers in the 12th century, the city was the heart of the Transylvanian Saxons for centuries. Today, it shines as Romania's cultural metropolis – with colorful facades, cobblestone streets, imposing churches, and the famous Grande Rôtie, where history meets modern life. But the biggest thrill came when we saw our hotel: Even from afar, everything shone in KTM orange. Banners, flags, even the details in the lobby – everything was perfectly prepared. The Adventure Rally was just around the corner. The roads of Romania welcomed us with open arms today – now we are more than ever: "Ready to Race."

For us, it was now time for registration, tire changes, and final checks. Everything was perfectly organized by the KTM team. While the mechanics worked on the bikes, we were filled with a mixture of anticipation and nervousness. Tomorrow is the day – and we all know the rally will challenge and shape us.

Let the games begin! The KTM Adventure Rally💪 is about to begin. After the first 20 kilometers, it's clear. The marked sections are anything but a walk in the park, and we're moving ahead for the 2024 Romaniacs event. Steep rocky sections, single trails, water, mud... a bit of everything. The 8th edition of the rally is undoubtedly the most challenging KTM has planned in all these years. Exhausted but happy, we reflect on day 1 in the evening. We're excited to see what awaits us in the following days of riding.

Day 2 takes us toward the Transalpina. Early in the morning, we wake up our engines and set off, kilometer by kilometer, on what we expect to be difficult off-road trails toward our destination for the day. Our destination is the ski resort in Ranca, where we'll spend the night. Another challenge that demands a lot from all participants. Minor falls, broken mirrors, broken clutch levers, and bent brake pedals are all part of it. The day's exertion is also a positive, physical challenge for every participant. And all in all, a perfectly organized event. KTM is setting new standards and has so far exceeded all our expectations.

Last day of the KTM Rallye. Going down from the Transalpina Mountains to Sibiu. Again great views and challening routes. We did it an returned safe back. Great team and great performance!!!! See u on the next KTM Event

Hey Guys, thank u for the great time, see u again…