the side like an idiot. I was impressed with how planted the SR-R felt when‘ getting along’, as it were. The suspension was set by young Henry Fisher and although I am responsible for the demise of many more pies, it was in that sweet spot for the ride to and from as well as some semi-spirited riding on the track. It was a whole lot of fun. Interestingly, and, let’ s be honest, logically, the suspension, while not plush or overly sophisticated on either bike, as in the same units, the upright NK felt harsher than the‘ slash R’ option. Breaking it down to the nuts and bolts, sportsbikes, for those that don’ t ride them, utilise the flex in your spine as well as shifting weight forward and down to change the suspension dynamics. I did find both bikes needed a few miles to warm the shock fluid a bit before it eased up a bit. It is adjustable at both ends and, yes, the‘ clicks’ make a difference, just not as linear in adjustment as a set from the warehouse shelves a bit higher up.
FIRE IN THE HOLE! Fuelling is a dark art. And it is an art form that is getting increasingly fickle. The CFMOTO Triple siblings have yet to fully master the art but they are far from alone in that. Euro5 + is enough to make even the mighty wheeze like an old chain smoker if not absolutely spot-on with the mapping. Running a highrevving engine on that vaguely controlled but massively variable liquid we call petrol is partly to blame. Globally,‘ petrol’ varies vastly. In some areas of the globe it is akin
KIWI RIDER 31