Kiwi Rider August Vol.1 2023 | Page 31

importers have been lobbying the government to adopt the Euro A1 , A2 structure to encompass the modern 800cc twins . If it happens , we might get the same here in NZ . Time will tell .
HAPPY HUNTING GROUND Quiet . Grunty . Comfortable . Jerky . Those were the first thoughts which sprang to mind leaving Suzuki ’ s launch HQ . Heading up the coast through urban small town areas gave insight into how the bike will deal with its most probable environment . The seat is decently supportive , the bars high-ish and pegs low . At 182cm tall I had loads of room and found it very comfortable . At the presentation , Suzuki staff had taken us through the electronics suite , including the different power modes - Suzuki calls them SDMS ( Suzuki Drive Mode Select ) - A , B and C . A is sporty and responsive , B slightly softer throttle response and C for slippery conditions . Around town in A mode , the throttle response was too instant for me . Not ‘ bad ’, but B or C modes were easier by a decent margin . The change between the modes softens the initial throttle opening response , effectively making it feel like there ’ s a bit more slack in the throttle cables , so the power doesn ’ t come in as quickly . I found myself riding in mode A on the open road , where the speeds are higher , then switching quickly to mode B on the way into