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Date: September 22, 2024
Rider: Myself
Bike: 2019 KTM 790 Adventure R (High Mileage)
Mileage: 40,000+ miles
Destination: Myrtle Beach, SC
Starting Point: Canton, NC
Trading a motorcycle isn’t just about swapping machines; it’s a whole emotional and physical journey—one that can be filled with unexpected challenges. My recent trade of the 2019 KTM 790 Adventure R was no different, and this one pushed me to the limit in more ways than one.
The Departure
The plan was simple: leave at 5:00 a.m., head from Canton, NC, to Myrtle Beach, SC, and trade in the high-mileage KTM for a 2023 BMW F 850 GS. But as with most adventures, nothing went as expected.
Just as I was about to hit the interstate, the bike came loose inside the van. There I was, in the dark, parked off to the side, re-strapping it by myself inside the high roof of our Ford Transit. The anxiety of doing this alone was kicking in, but I managed to secure it once again, hoping the worst was behind me. Little did I know...
The Breakdown
As I continued down the road, the battery light in the van suddenly came on. I was nowhere near Myrtle Beach and had barely made it to Columbia, SC, before realizing I needed to find a mechanic—fast. By 7:45 a.m., I had pulled into a Precision Tune Auto Care on Broad River Rd, right off the interstate. Fortunately, the area had everything I needed: a McDonald’s and a large parking lot where I could regroup and devise a plan with my husband over the phone.
The Plan
We decided that I would ask the shop if they could diagnose and fix the van while helping me unload the KTM so I could finish the trip on two wheels. The manager at Precision Tune was incredibly helpful, asking two of his mechanics to assist me in unloading the bike from the van. These guys were so kind and professional, ensuring the bike was unloaded with care. They reassured me that they could get the alternator I needed and have the van ready by the time I returned from completing the trade.
The Final Stretch on the KTM
Now, I was left to face another challenge—riding the KTM 2.5 hours to Myrtle Beach, knowing it wasn’t built for long-distance comfort. I was already sore from the morning’s stress, but I had no choice but to push through. My body ached, but I kept reminding myself: "This is still better than any day not riding a motorcycle."
The Trade and the Ride Back on the BMW GS
When I finally arrived at Redline Power Sports in Myrtle Beach, the staff had everything ready. The KTM was officially traded in, and I was handed the keys to a pristine 2023 BMW F 850 GS. The minute I started the GS, I knew I was in for a different kind of ride. The bike felt sturdy, the digital display was impressive, and the cruise control was so simple to use—it was perfect for the fast speeds of interstate riding.
Despite the aches from my ride on the KTM, the GS felt like a dream. The trip back was smooth, and I almost wished I could ride it all the way home instead of loading it into the van.
A Return to Precision Tune
Once I arrived back at Precision Tune, the van was fixed and ready to go. The same two mechanics and the manager helped me reload the new BMW with great care, treating it like it was their own. Their help made the whole ordeal bearable, and I have to say, it was one of the best customer service experiences I’ve ever had.
Reflection
Looking back, the entire experience was a whirlwind of anxiety and worry. I had never done this on my own before—especially being responsible for strapping down and transporting a motorcycle. Yet, in hindsight, everything went smoother than I could have hoped. It almost felt divinely orchestrated. I had asked multiple people to join me on the trip, but no one was available. Now, I can see that having someone along might have made the situation more complicated. Instead, everything worked out just as it was meant to.
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