KIWI RIDER 09 2018 VOL.1 | Page 55

To explain; rather than technology getting in the way of the experience, I found the clever stuff opened up the raw experience of riding, and riding really well. Bosch delivers the ABS and if you are ready to take this thing to the peak of all of its astonishing performance, it can be disengaged using the mode button on the clock. So, it looks like Tron and handles similarly. I have found it hard to find anything to criticise. Stylistically it is completely satisfying - every line is continued to its extension, from the cast alloy black mags to the cut of the seat and tank, down through the cowls to the lighter band on the exhaust. ‘The Split’, as it is known, runs from the fuel tank down to the exhaust hanger, with a fillip of yellow, showcasing the superb design forethought. Is this a rave? Yes, I’m afraid so. But the 701 has put the Husqvarna brand right back where it needs to be. At the pinnacle of design and delivery of motorcycling, just as it was in the 50s, 60s and 70s. And I am a convert. If this is where we are going, the future rocks.