Kiwi Rider June Vol.2 2023 | Page 60

controlled , supple and comfortable over most terrain ... dirt and road and in general does its job exceptionally well .
AGILE BUT PLANTED The handling is stable and planted with accurate steering and an agile turn in . The 27.7-degree steering head angle is about right to offer a confident and predictable turn-in with an easy light feel . I ’ m still not completely sold on the rear fuel tank position . I can feel the fuel weight up behind me , mainly when sliding sideways . I understand the logic from a layout and ergonomic point of view , but when that rear 13 litre tank is full and fully sideways on gravel ... it can feel like the tail is wagging the dog . The feeling is of the rear being reluctant to come back in to line as you complete the slide or it wants to slide a little more than intended . It is not a big deal and it is at the extreme end of the handling envelope . Some riders may not even notice it . The important bit is - the 701 still feels a lot more manageable than a twin cylinder larger machine .
60 KIWI RIDER