Kiwi Rider October 2023 Vol.1 | Page 37

any competent rider does this already , almost unconsciously . But , of course , one can choose to select gears through paddles on the handlebar , much like a supercar ’ s flappy bits , should you feel the need for more input . More on this shortly .
AND … HOW IS IT ? This AT is 250kg . Ten kilos heavier than the standard manual version , which seems like a lot of extra weight . I expected to feel it , but I simply didn ’ t , although it was clear that the lower crankcase had several differing extra bulges , and the weight was quite low down . Technology-wise , the map and drive configurations suddenly become more complex but also make more sense of the rider choices Honda offers . It ’ s possible to change gears with the manual flick switches on the left grip , but take off requires a press of the DS rocker switch on the right . D for drive , and depending on map configuration , Gravel , or Urban , or Tour , for example , the drive snicks into gears at very low
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