Up front , upside down forks work with a hint of firmness and maintain rubber contact very well . Stopping is by way of a four-piston caliper on a 300mm disc , to the rear is a 230mm disc , stopping is progressive and is , of course , complete with ABS . The subframe seems to have been borrowed from the 250 and the 390 , and the tank holds an impressive 13.5 litres , and with the weight of a new euro compliant cat converter , it is perhaps easy to see where the kilogram additions have occurred . The dash is slightly disappointing ; it ’ s a simple display with a vaguely orangey background , but monochrome numerals and letters . I found it almost impossible to read the rev numbers , and found it very hard to make out anything clearly when under way . However , it ’ s a niggle when one considers the surprising price all this is offered for . At $ 4699 , I think it ’ s a steal , not something one normally thinks when buying KTM - some $ 300 cheaper than when we tested the 200 in 2017 .
+ Top value ; nimble ; entertaining - It ’ s not the 250 ...
FRISKY COMMUTER Look , it ’ s not a race bike , and not a tourer , but it is a very real fun and frisky city bike that is hugely entertaining to ride and will be as economical as any scooter or small Japanese commuter . But you ’ re going to have the time of your life coming out of your lecture or audition , and dancing through traffic to coffee or kombucha with mates and dates . If there ’ s a niggle , its why not the 250 version ? There would be a few more horses , and not much change to the price apparently , but this is what we have - so , it ’ ll do pig , it ’ ll do . And do nicely . It ’ s small , but its quick , its nimble as hell , and like Elton John ’ s song Tiny Dancer , it ’ s a winner and something to make you smile , counting the headlights on the highway , after your busy day .
32 KIWI RIDER