KIWI RIDER MARCH 2018 VOL.1 | Page 42

upright handle bars form the basis of a beautifully commanding riding position. The Showa shock allows 155mm of wheel travel and is mounted to a lovely looking, compact, single-sided swingarm and rising rate linkage. It is adjustable for preload and rebound only. While the Showa USD forks offer a little less travel at 140mm, they are adjustable for compression, rebound and preload. I didn’t alter the suspension at all from standard and was most impressed with the reassuringly firm, comfortable and controlled ride on the road – it really is excellent. This Tiger really impressed me with its relaxed and planted composure even at some quite feral speeds. Th e engine is a beauty, it produces 93kW at 9475rpm and 106Nm at 7000rpm. While those numbers are 42 KIWI RIDER