delivering some 65 horses , a little less than the config for Moto Guzzi ’ s V85TT adventurer , but it ’ s the way it delivers that power that is such a feature of the Special . Smooth , direct and managed is how it feels , while reminding me of those dream motorcycles of earlier years . The seat height is low at 770mm and offers a sporty-upright riding position , with just the merest hint of leg discomfort after some kilometres . This is possibly because of my own odd geometry - the opposite of most Italians - I have long legs and arms , but a short torso , and I would prefer flat bars for fit , and to complete the racing retro look . Turning circle is a little constricted and manoeuvring in parks is a bit of back and forward , but that ’ s a minor niggle . The seat itself is very comfortable and probably one of the best standard seats I ’ ve ever found , it is soft , but not cloying , although the dark grey Alcantara finish does tend to grip riding jeans fabric , and shifting around on the seat while aboard took effort . It ’ s not the lightest bike at 189kg , but it certainly feels more effortless than most , and it
will fit the city rider very well indeed . It has real character too , something that many bikes lack , and it could very quickly become your ‘ go to ’ everyday machine . Stopping wise I was not surprised to see just the single disc , but I certainly harboured doubts about the efficiency of it . I was concerned unnecessarily - the four pot Brembo on a 320mm front disc given a serious handful pulled up against the ABS without shimmy , quirk or fault . At the rear is a 260mm disc , it ’ s an assistant , and used in conjunction from 100km / h to a dead stop on an empty road , saw my fears happily erased .
FUN WITH ITALIAN STYLE The bike is fun . Simple as that . And it ’ s a definite head turner too , several people commented on what a great looking motorcycle it was , men and women , and it certainly has flair and style . However , there are some things that didn ’ t please me , some you could fix with a little personalisation , and I ’ ll start with those . The mirrors are awful , they appear to have been fixed on later by government enforcers - they
60 KIWI RIDER