Becoming Vintage—A Letter from Marisa

Depending on who you ask, 20 years is when a motorcycle becomes “vintage.” Some insurance companies say 25 and some collectors start the clock at 15, but 20 feels like a pretty solid milestone.

That’s especially true in today’s world, where bike manufacturers would prefer you trade in every two years and keep the throttle of consumerism wide open.

When I realized my 2005 KTM 950 Adventure turned 20 this year, it hit me harder than I expected. Not because I was surprised—I’ve owned it for over half its life—but because of what that age represents. 

In a time when motorcycles are upgraded, upsized, or traded in before the first valve adjustment, keeping a 20-year-old bike feels a little rebellious. 

I've ridden hundreds of bikes over the years, from sleek touring rigs, to cutting-edge adventure machines, wicked fast sport bikes, minimalist scramblers… The list is long. And yet, I always come back to the 950. 

It’s the bike that fits me best. Not just physically (although it does that too), but in a deeper, more personal way. I love the way it handles, the torque that comes on like a freight train, the raw and visceral attitude. No ride modes. No ABS. Just you and the throttle. It’s a machine that demands something of you and gives something back, if it deems you worthy.

The bike is steeped in history, too. In fact, it got its start the same year I did.