KIWI RIDER JANUARY 2018 VOL.1 | Page 50

The riding modes of rain and road only broaden the bike’s skill set, so that in rain mode it truly will cosset the rider in the ugliest of conditions. On a dry track day, select road mode and let every one of the 165 horses (121kW) loose. Of course a well-sorted traction control plays its part in safer riding too, but perhaps the bigger news is the all-new cornering ABS system on this model which really pushes the safety net out. Cornering ABS considers how far the BMW is l aid over and the resulting reduction in traction, and then reduces the stopping power accordingly – it is an extremely clever system and certainly a potential life saver. Imagine entering a blind left hand turn a little too quickly on a wet road and encountering a surprise oncoming truck and trailer... this is what corning ABS was designed for – it will eliminate the effects of a panicked front wheel lock-up. The brakes themselves are excellent with a super strong initial bite that takes some getting used to. Thereafter the big twin 50KIWI RIDER