offering riders access to race spec brakes , control and suspension systems in a trackcapable package , while ready to ride as a commuter or daily rider as well . The design team took their cues from the 2009 RSV4 , using benchmark aerodynamics around the fairing , and brought it into a modern iteration , ensuring deflectors , wings , and graphics all added to the overall stability , plus giving attractiveness to the eye . The designers had three things in mind , speed , beauty and protection . I think they have succeeded admirably . In walking around the different offerings on the launch day , I could see three liveries , ‘ opalescent light ’ ( white ), ‘ racing stripes ’, and ‘ prismatic dark ’ black . My test machine was the ‘ racing stripes ’ version , with black rims instead of orange , and it had a few nice additions - red pegs and levers , and the autoshifter . The electronics package is also top notch with a clear colour TFT display , three rider modes Sport , Eco and Rain , plus three levels of traction control ( ATC 1,2 and 3 ). The ride by wire system is the same as that utilised on the RSV4 , as is the control unit by Marelli . So far , so very trick and high spec .
RIDING The bikes were turning heads at the launch , and although I was not able to get on the track , I had the bike on the road from the next day onwards . Apparently , it had been ridden with some intention the day before ; the pills / balls at the edges of the rear tyre belied any holding back . It ’ s clear on mounting that I ’ m not the target market ; it is quite small , in length , seat height and stature , and the pegs gave my hips a workout with my heels heading skywards towards my sternum , a damn snug configuration . There was some weight on the forearms too , as I contemplated the pitched forward position . It spoke volumes of my laziness aboard my current adventure tourer , but worse was the pressure on my neck , as I craned my head up to see ahead . Bugger , headaches looming . Once on the road - all such considerations disappeared . It was fun to ride ; sheer simple exhilarating fun . The exhaust burble emanating from below the right foot in a tucked away config was sweet as a nut , with just a tiny hint of rasp and whistle . Promising . Two hundred kilometres later , I was grinning and happy , if a bit sore . The bike is willing ,
KIWI RIDER 59