that power , but it seriously hauls . On the way up past Maruia Springs Hot Pools and into the twisty section before the top of the Lewis Pass it can be left in one gear , let ’ s say third , and the throttle wound on and off . It ’ s hugely flexible with strong torque at the bottom and surging power at the top . Passing traffic is easy . Open the throttle wide for a brief moment and there is no more traffic . Keeping that hurried momentum fully in check are brakes by Brembo . Not the Bybre ( By Bre-mbo ) of cheaper machines . These are actual Brembo . And stupendously good Brembo at that . These things are Superbike level . No , really . Brembo M4.30 Stylema monoblock radial calipers are fitted at the front , coupled to lean-sensitive ABS , and there is no need to ever wish for more stopping power . Do you need brakes this good ? No , not really . They take a little getting used to . If you ’ re a four-finger type of braker then you ’ re going to have a learning curve to negotiate . They ’ re exceedingly powerful and can be grabby ( if you grab them ), though the ABS is there while you get used to them , just in case .
RUN TO THE HILLS Pulling into Hanmer , there ’ s a queue of maybe a dozen guys and girls on Indian motorcycles .
68 KIWI RIDER