KIWI RIDER 08 2019 VOL.2 | Page 35

More low rev torque and more top end - a win-win... RR125 Some specific updates here: the standard 2020 RR125 now gets the ‘Factory’ model engine spec from 2019, with a new cylinder with modified exhaust port, a new exhaust flange, new exhaust valve system (and ‘boosters’) with different timing to improve power delivery and a new expansion chamber. Beta say this engine now generates more low rev torque and more top end (a win-win) for a bike that’s easier to ride. Now their RR125 was already an easy-to- ride 125, for 2020 it’s easier still. Of course it’s no easy task getting a 125 to lug a near- 100kg middle-aged man, but the RR125 did it well. The standout being that added low-rev torque which meant when Mr Slow-Wit was in a gear too high (almost everywhere) the wee RR125 still pulled – not big time, but it at least pulled rather than falling over on itself, which 125s typically can. Now a keen teenager will be riding this bike in the powerband the whole time and it’ll fly, but the important news here is that for someone coming up – say from riding a 125/150/230cc four-stroke – this RR125 is a good next bike, it’s not experts only. For smaller people, not just kids, this is a good thing – and it gives them a bike with scope to really bring on their riding. And save for the electric start (it would barely need it), it has all the whistles and bells of the bigger bikes. KIWI RIDER 35