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CHASING NEW HORIZONS

ON THE BIKE AND IN LIFE

Nicolas Gaviria Mejia is one of the fifteen ORANGE BOARD members. He is a passionate rider who is always searching for new terrains to explore on his bike. Professionally an engineer, he is a great asset to the team when it comes to providing honest and valuable feedback to the product and the brand. We asked him a few questions…

Give us three words that describe you as a rider.

Adventurous, Passionate and Purist 
For me, Adventurous means always searching for new terrains, from deserts to high mountains, and enjoying the unknown. Passionate reflects how deeply I connect with my bike and the KTM community — riding isn’t just a hobby, it’s part of who I am. And Purist is about focusing on the essence of motorcycling: no distractions, no shortcuts, just the raw experience of riding and feeling every sound, every terrain, every moment on the bike.

Tell us about a special moment, experience, or trip you had with your favorite KTM motorcycle.

The most special trip I’ve had was the first one with my brother — five days riding around Santander, which I consider the best region for motorcycling in Colombia. In a single day, we experienced desert off-roads and high mountain landscapes. It took me almost four years to convince my brother to get an Adventure bike (he bought a KTM 890 ADVENTURE R). Before that, he only had an enduro bike, and I had the KTM 790 ADVENTURE, so we never really rode together. This trip was incredibly meaningful not only because it was our first one together, but also because it was my first long ride after knee surgery. It felt like the perfect comeback — riding with my brother. Ever since that trip, we’ve tried to ride together every single weekend.

What do you think should be the outcome or influence of the ORANGE BOARD – and what’s your role in that?

I believe the ORANGE BOARD should be a space where riders from anywhere in the world have a voice that KTM truly listens to. It gives KTM direct, early feedback from real riders — the ones that matter most. KTM has made us feel valued in this process, and not many brands are humble enough to admit they need their community’s help to make the best decisions. My role is to be as candid as possible — to share honest feedback, even if it means having difficult conversations that challenge the status quo of the brand.

What does being part of the ORANGE BOARD mean to you?

It’s both an honor and a big responsibility. It’s an incredible opportunity to give back to the brand and help shape its future by sharing my honest opinions. For me, it’s about focusing on what already makes KTM the best while also pointing out where we can improve.

What’s your life outside of the ORANGE BOARD like?

I’m a software engineer with more than 10 years of experience building great products. I live in Medellín, Colombia. I love coffee, and I’m a huge fan of great engineering — from Legos to rockets.

What makes the KTM community special in your eyes?

The passion. Everyone in this community is deeply passionate about motorcycles and riding. It’s amazing to meet people who truly understand what makes you feel alive.

What’s the best advice you’d give to someone just starting out with motorcycles or motorcycling?

Safety comes first. Never ride if you’re not feeling it, and always go at your own pace. Don’t think of it as a race — unless you’re actually racing. Instead, focus on connecting with the bike, enjoying the moment, and letting the experience make you better with every ride.

Do you have a favorite riding playlist, ritual, or superstition?

I only listen to music while riding if the section is boring or if I’m commuting. But as soon as the road gets interesting, I turn it off and just enjoy every single sound my bike makes.

How does riding fit into your everyday life?

Riding is one of the few moments where I’m fully present — no phone, no distractions, just focus. I’ve realized that if my life feels like it’s going too fast and I need to slow down, I take my KTM 790 ADVENTURE “S-ally” (a 790 Standard with Rally components) out on the twistiest road I can find. On the other hand, if life feels too slow and I need excitement, I look for the most challenging hard enduro trail I can find. For me, riding motorcycles is the way I balance my life.

After the first meeting – would this still give the same answer to why you wanted to be an ORANGE BOARD member?

I think I would adapt it slightly and add something: I want to share not only my riding experience in Latin America, but also my perspective as a product-minded engineer. Coming from one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, I’ve ridden across every type of terrain — from sea level to nearly 5,000 meters, from desert dunes to dense jungle. I’ve lived these experiences on KTM motorcycles, from twisty paved roads on a KTM 390 DUKE to Hard Enduro through dried river beds on a KTM EXC 350 SIX DAYS. At the same time, with more than 10 years of building products, I understand the importance of feedback, testing, and refining details — and I bring that same mindset to my bikes. I have a deep connection with KTM and my motorcycles, which makes me both passionate and highly attentive to what can be improved. I believe this combination of rider experience and product sensibility can bring valuable insights to KTM.

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