It’s not just the racers who are changing teams in 2017. One of the world’s leading stunt riders has switched from Triumph to KTM for his renowned extreme shows.
Scotsman Kevin Carmichael, a professional stunt rider for 20 years and a five-time European champion, debuted on his fleet of KTMs at this month’s Carole Nash MCN Scottish Motorcycle Show and will appear at events around the world on a 690 Duke, 1290 Super Duke R and 250 EXC-F enduro machine as KTM UK’s official stunt performer.
Carmichael, who spent over a decade as Triumph’s factory stunt rider, was the first performer to wheelie a superbike with no front wheel or forks and pioneered the use of a bar-mounted rear brake, an adaptation which is now considered standard for any aspiring stunt rider. A real innovator of new tricks, he’s also renowned as much for fast and loud powerslides and stoppies as he is the intricate low speed agility work that has become the staple of his competitors’ repertoires.
Speaking after his debut at the Edinburgh show, 49-year-old Carmichael said: “KTM is the most exciting motorcycle brand, so naturally I’m really happy to be working with them. Coming from an off-road background, I’ve always admired their approach to motocross and enduro and they’ve carried this individual character on to their street bikes. Since getting behind the bars of the 690 Duke I’m incredibly impressed with how light and balanced the bike is and I’ve only just scratched the surface of its potential. As for the 1290 Super Duke R, well, you never see those on two wheels anyway!”
If you missed Kevin at the Carole Nash MCN Scottish Motorcycle Show then don’t worry, the Scotsman has a full calendar of events lined up for 2017, including appearances at several rounds of this year’s British Superbike Championship.
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