overkill for two reasons. One, it is not viciously powerful and two, the delivery is excellent and very manageable, but on damp or cold days it could come in handy, but is unlikely to overwhelm the rear tyre in normal use on dry roads. Of course, if you like pushing the envelope on a wet road or are a keen track day Hoon, I’ ll probably have to eat my words. In truth, it is deceptively quick, smooth, and fun to use and would make an excellent Adventure bike engine. Err, oh, wait … it already does in the V-Strom 800DE. Yes, Suzuki has wisely used this engine in a few models in its mid-class universe, because it really delivers.
CHASSIS It only took a kilometre or two to realise the Nissin brakes are superb. They are powerful with a light feel and immediate effect, slowing the 201kg wet 8T with great precision. Also, they have decent progression, but because the initial bite is so effective the progression seems less important unless really pushing hard. They are genuinely impressive considering the bike’ s price point. Twin 310mm front discs with fourpot calipers are fitted upfront, with a Nissin disc at the rear. ABS is used at both ends and was faultless in all the conditions I rode in. The suspension action from the KYB USD
72 KIWI RIDER