as I’ ve said, but it requires a steady input as the speed increases. It was similar to my old Thruxton R, that took some persuading to drop fast and hard at speed, but rewarded effort, this felt very similar, if occasionally lively under bumps in the tight stuff. Respect where it’ s due, I think. Tyres are MRF with about 70 / 30 tread grip pattern – quite chunky but not particularly deep. They work fine on dry tarmac, and there is bugger-all vibration from them but I’ d suggest a run up Muriwai Beach should be treated with caution.
URBAN LIFE Round town the Bear is easy riding fun. Many bikes feel unwieldy, weighty, hard to park, and don’ t invite short trips or shop pick-ups, but the Bear is so easy to hop on and fling down the road, park and then flit back again, I found myself using it for every commute and errand. The ergonomics are great and I particularly like the levers, the cross braced handlebars, and the dash. Braking is more than adequately accomplished with Bybre units front and rear
- 320mm disc and dual caliper upfront, and 270mm and single caliper at the stern. I am a sucker for wire spoked wheels, I love them on sports cars too, and these add a touch of class.
LOOKS Aesthetically the bike is a winner, the retro‘ thing’ works a treat, and the finish and design is excellent. I love the snug black tail pipe which produces a pleasing, if not throbbing, 650 burble. I was stopped several times by guys asking about the bike, and it’ s clear there is considerable appeal in the Scrambler look yet. My Bear was in white, with black engine and trim, and a grey well-painted frame and sissy bar. With the addition of the 249 number adorning the side, it delivers the retro style with aplomb. The retro look continues with a single round headlamp and tail light, and I know why they popped large indicators on, but style-wise I’ d replace these with aftermarket superbright smaller round units.
58 KIWI RIDER