town . This can be done on the fly - just close the throttle , press the mode button twice ( once to access traction control and again for drive mode ), press the toggle down and hit mode once again . Sounds tricky , but it became second nature very quickly . Happily , the settings you choose stay selected when the bike is switched off and back on again , so there ’ s no more of that faffing with the buttons every time you start the bike - more manufacturers should take note . The new motor pulls pretty well from as low in the revs as 2500rpm , with a slight lugging feel , but there ’ s plenty of drive . Keeping it at
3000rpm or above makes town life less lumpy . Get past the urban speed limits , once the revs get to 4000rpm it pulls well , with a slight lull at 4500 before really coming on song at 5000 , where it punches really nicely . This midrange surge works perfectly for most roads and situations . As the engine doesn ’ t need revving , it doesn ’ t seem all that fast , but it is deceptively quick ; short-shifting through the gears between 5000 and 7000rpm is the sweet spot . At 100km / h the engine is quietly cruising along at 4250rpm , just ready to come into the power . There ’ s no need to drop a gear to overtake , just
32 KIWI RIDER