KIWI RIDER 06 2019 VOL.1 | Page 56

ELECTRONICS Testers Pete and Jock have already waxed lyrical about the gorgeous full-colour 6.50-inch TFT display in the test of the 1250GS in the last issue – you can read that in the link at the end of the test. I’ll add that it’s easy to read in the brightest conditions, automatically switches between night and day modes according to ambient light, tells you how many kilometres until empty, what the tyre pressures are and much more. The controls /interface for adjusting the suspension and rider modes are intuitive compared to most manufacturers’ systems. Switching off the ABS or traction control is extremely simple via a single button on the switchgear, and it can all be done on-the-fly. Here in NZ we get the fully loaded machine with the full complement of electronics. The GSA gets Switching off the ABS or traction control is extremely simple via a single button on the switchgear, and it can all be done on-the-fly Enduro and Enduro Pro (configurable) riding modes on top of the standard bike’s Dynamic, Rain and Road riding modes. There’s Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) giving variable amounts of assist depending on lean angle. Raising the overall height of the GSA is 20mm taller suspension front and rear than on the GS, which contributes to the 40mm larger seat height – 890mm in the low position and 910mm in the higher placement. Changing the seat height is simple, just take the rear seat off, remove the rider seat, move two adjusters and put both seats back on again. At roughly 6ft tall (182-183cm) with long legs, I set it in the low position and left it at that. I’m sure riders of Jock’s 6ft 2in stature and taller will appreciate the even taller seat position.