KIWI RIDER 06 2019 VOL.2 | Page 40

DIRT PRODUCTS As with every four-stroke in KTM’s range traction control is available at the simple press of a button Enter the Matrix This 2019 O’Neal Matrix Glove features a lightweight, uncomplicated design for superb feel and comfort while riding. Made of long- lasting and flexible materials for the perfect fit, it features a super lightweight design with bold non-fade graphics, a synthetic leather palm with double layer thumb reinforcement, an adjustable Velcro wrist closure for secure and adjustable fit, and pre-curved tailoring to help reduce arm pump. Distributor: Northern Accessories Style: Icon Fluoro and Villain Price: $29.95 Info: http://www.dirtguide.co.nz/ searchresults.aspx?terms=o- neal+matrix+gloves Don Camo and Equalise Oakley Airbrake Camo Vine and Equaliser goggles use Prizm MX lenses, which help you see subtle transitions in dirt conditions so you can master those split-second decisions. That’ll help you pick fast lines, identify The MX-based motor packs plenty of power. characteristics you can try. While it’s difficult differences in dirt texture for traction control, Like many a 250, the KTM likes to be revved to say when the TC is working I think it makes and the see best deeper into shady ruts. from the mid- a real difference, and I like the overall feel of with of the power being Prizm are – engineered to perform range to MX the lenses top-end there’s not much in the the motor when the TC is active along with the under a wide range of light conditions, so when bottom end. The engine has an identical feel to advanced map. Set up like this it feels stronger the track goes from sunlight to canopy shade, its SX MX brother in that it revs very quickly. As off the bottom and makes it rev out for a bit you’ll have sharpened visual acuity and vivid long as you are in the right gear there is plenty longer than just the advanced map does on colour perception. of go to get you out of the corner. I found there its own. to be a lot of engine braking, probably more So, to answer my own question, I think the 250 and a Distributor: lot stronger Northern than you’d probably expect. XC-F is a motocross bike trying to hide in the Accessories Decelerating into corners I found it slowed Size style: Camo Vine in Jungle Red, white, bush. The XC range is ideal for farmland cross- goggles Torch and Irdium down blue a lot MX more than with was Prizm I expecting I country races in New Zealand… but as the trees Lens. Airbrake Equaliser with Blue, yellow found it hard to get it set-up smoothly for the get tighter you really start to feel the longer MX goggles with Sapphire Iridium Prizm rest of the corner. wheelbase and it begins to feel less nimble. Lens As with every four-stroke in KTM’s range Price: Camo Vine $289.95, Airbrake Equal- It’s a case of horses for courses, if your course iser control $289.95 is available at the simple press traction is fast and MX-like then this is the weapon for Info: http://www.dirtguide.co.nz/searchre- of a button. There are two maps to choose you, but if your favoured track type is more sults.aspx?terms=oakley+airbrake between and whether you want to have the enduro then the EXC range is hard to beat. traction control (TC) active. I’m a real fan of this as it gives four different engine/traction TOM BUXTON 118 KIWI RIDER 40 KIWI RIDER