Test ride with a difference

This weekend, the only multi-brand motorbike test centre in the Alps is set to open for its fourth season – with a bigger and better selection of new motorcycles than ever before.

This exciting summer initiative is in the village of Ischgl, in the Paznaun valley of the Austrian Tirol and has proved hugely popular with motorcycle enthusiasts from across Europe.

With hairpin bends, motorways and mountain passes all on Ischgl’s doorstep the High-Bike initiative is just that – high altitude, high energy, high power, high excitement and the best test drive ever for a new motorbike. 

“Detailed route maps ensure that you won’t lose your way on the longer trips,” said Andreas Steibl, Ischgl’s Tourist Director and a keen motorcyclist.

Last summer, riders clocked up 450,000kms on 40 bikes in 1600 day-long drives, which represents an impressive 33% increase from the previous year. From this Sunday – June 1 – to the end of September there will be 50 motorcycles available from 8am to 7pm, with daily fees starting at 70 Euros.

New offerings from BMW are the enormously high-profile BMW R nineT, the new edition of the R 1200 RT touring bike (with boxer engine), the latest generation of the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and the all-new S 1000 R power naked bike. The German auto giant has also placed the first high-power electric scooter, the C evolution, in Ischgl. Available from Ducati are the new Monster 1200 and its even sharper S version along with the second generation of the Diavel. KTM offers the new Adventure, which stands out as the only bike with Bosch cornering ABS. Triumph is defined by luxury cruisers this year as bikers have a choice between the Thunderbird LT and the America LT.

Riders must, of course, have a full and valid motorcycle licence. They can also choose to test out motorcycle gear including Rukka suits and gloves, Schuberth full face helmets and Daytona boots.

Further details on the motorbikes and accommodation options are on www.highbike-paznaun.com and www.paznaun-ischgl.com