my frame perfectly. I felt thrust forward onto
the upright bars – pitched into a focused,
but not uncomfortable, riding position. The
only negative I could see was a bulky plastic
number plate hanger, which, personally, I’d
investigate changing.
ENGINE
The engine fired up with the fast metabolic
rate of the familiar free-revving four, based
on the re-worked 2005 GSX-R1000 engine.
This one puts out 148bhp and weighs
around 215kg, so the power to weight ratio
is very respectable. it’s light enough that
manoeuvring it round in car parks and
alleyways gave no imbalance issues.
Taking to the streets, it was easy and familiar
immediately, felt strong and there’s plenty
in reserve, with enough torque for every day
commuting in a calm and orderly manner.
Given a sterner hand it responds very nicely
indeed – and then the comparisons start…
Recent bikes in this class that I am able
to compare with are the Triumph Speed
Triple 1050, Aprilia RSV4 and Yamaha MT-
10, all with perhaps a fraction more fire and
sting, not to say personality, when given a
whipping.
It has been said that others have found the
dual throttle system a little snatchy below
50km/h, but I didn’t find that at all, quite the
reverse, I liked its response round town, and
found lane splitting and traffic trickling easy
and smooth. However, once given a handful
and moving rapidly I found it the throttle a
little sharp above 5000 revs. A minor issue.
ON THE ROAD
I thoroughly appreciated the grip of
the Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport tyres.
The 120/70-17in front tracked well over
corrugations and very uneven road strips,
KIWI RIDER 43