KIWI RIDER 01 2019 VOL.1 | Page 48

Riding off on the CB, it feels small, light and yet roomy enough to be very comfortable for my tall 6’ 2” frame. My knees fit nicely in to the large tank scallops giving the CBR a narrow feel. The handle bars are straight, reasonably high and wide enough to be quite commanding. The pegs are high, but not too high to be uncomfortable, except perhaps for the very tall on longer rides. The seat is great, in general it’s a very nice riding position, the only drawback is the lack of a screen for wind and weather protection – but this is the price to pay if you desire the styling of a naked bike. The 998cc inline four engine is a real beauty. At only 143hp, it is not in the modern-day superbike category from a horsepower persepctive, but the headline power number doesn’t tell the whole story. This is utterly delightful motor, and it’s in something of a stunt/fun bike when you select User mode. This mode allows the rider to disable traction control completely and have full power. There are three rider modes for Rain, Standard and Sport. Each mode has three levels of adjustment for power, traction control and engine braking control. This excellent adjustable sensitivity, plus the option to turn the TC completely off in User mode, means the Honda has a very wide range of engine options, basically a setting for everyone and all weathers. The ABS cannot be turned off, which is fine by me for a road bike, but will limit stoppies for those inclined. In all modes the engine is smooth with virtually no vibration. Obviously the power delivery ramps up in aggression from Rain to User mode, but it’s always quite linear in progression and very accessible for road use. It has a lovely bottom end to doddle along with, which is so nice around town. In Sport mode the revs climb in a responsive linear fashion, low-ish TC controlled wheelies come easily in first and second with third gear ones only requiring a little more intent. In User mode it just plain loves to wheelie. I wouldn’t say it’s a low rpm monster though, more of a midrange beast, with a not too shabby top end either. On the road the CB just surges along in an effortless, flexible and responsive manner.