is quite an amount slower at 29.5 degrees . Somewhat strangely , the steering is still very agile and light in the turns , but also manages to be very stable , which is not surprising being more raked out . The handling , both in the turns and straights , is actually very willing , confidence-inspiring and its surefootedness is excellent . The Bridgestone Battlex hypersport S21 tyres feel awesome on this bike and aid rider confidence . Our test 900 didn ’ t have ESA suspension , but the non-adjustable 43mm USD forks performed well and the single linkage free mounted shock with just rebound and spring preload adjustment was very nice too . Both ends provided a very comfortable ride that was well controlled with little bottoming for general road work – good stuff . Front wheel travel was 135mm while the rear had a little more at 142mm of axle movement . The braking performance is excellent . The front in particular has strong initial bite that is very reassuring when the pace rises . Twin 320mm discs and four-piston radial calipers are a quality combination . At the rear a single 264mm disc and single piston floating caliper is in place , but as usual has its power well muted by ABS , but it works well within that limitation .
KIWI RIDER 61