WOULD I WANT MY SON OR DAUGHTER,
USING THIS AS THEIR EVERYDAY COMMUTER
BIKE IN AUCKLAND? 100% YES
The instrument layout is simple, a bit dark
for my taste, but clear and bright enough.
I rode it around for a couple of days and grew
to like its cheerful nature, but.. why does it
have to be so agonisingly slow?
I have to say that the engine was still very
tight, with just 8km on the clock. After a
day’s solid zipping about it did ease, slightly.
However, here’s the real issue. Would I
want my son or daughter, using this as their
everyday commuter bike in Auckland? 100%
Relegated to a rough average of 40km/h, it
yes. Why? Because its built very well indeed,
seemed timid for Auckland streets – wrung
should last well, even in this climate, and
out on the flat it will get to 50km/h – almost.
continue to work without issue for years.
Down Chinaman’s Hill it got to 70 with the
It will be cheaper than a Bic lighter to run, will
throttle off – but uphill and, perhaps unfairly,
be seen in dark and wet conditions, and it
carting my 100kg bulk it was down to 12km/h,
has actual operating suspension, in front with
throttle to the stop. A tough test maybe, but
85mm of travel, and 50mm to the rear it rides
a rival Japanese engine of the same 50cc
and handles (Auckland’s) ceaseless freaking
size really zooms up hills, so why does this
roadworks better than most, and you’ll never
new engine struggle so? Is it the emission
get a speeding ticket. And it’s a very good buy
standards delivery choking it, or is it simply a
price. So if eco stands for economy, and low
function of two-stroke versus four in a small
emissions? Perfect.
powertrain?
KIWI RIDER 73