KIWI RIDER JUNE 2020 VOL2 | Page 102

OUR BIKES “ THE BIKE COMES WITH PRETTY MUCH EVERYTHING YOU NEED. APART FROM A RADAR DETECTOR OF COURSE... COMPROMISE So the bike looks, goes, handles and brakes like an absolute stunner. But there must be some things that aren’t amazing right? Well, I have to be honest, yes. Under seat storage leaves a lot to be desired, but then the bike’s not designed as a tourer. It’s in the Triumph’s Roadster category, which basically means it’s a hoon’s bike that you can go away on if you want to – so it comes with compromises. This also means that luggage for more than a few days can be tricky. I carry my puncture repair kit and everything of that nature in my backpack and that works just fine. The seat isn’t particularly luxurious, either, and it won’t be 600km days next January in the South Island, but I’m more than happy to do shorter days. The wiring for my radar detector fits nicely under the battery cover at the front of the fuel tank and I use Kreiga seat bags for going away. The mounting straps for those go under the pillion seat (I use the pillion seat when travelling so’s not to scratch the seat cowl). They were a bit fiddly to arrange at first, but now live there permanently so no issue at all. It’s not like there’s space for anything else under there anyway. ACCESSORIES I have added some Triumph accessories, including a flyscreen (looks good but that’s about it), front axle armour, smaller bar end mirrors, carbon side infill panels, anodised brake fluid reservoirs and the Triumph shift assist/ quickshifter. This last one is a must – makes riding the bike so easy, and it sounds awesome. I’ve also fitted radiator and oil cooler guards as I believe these are a ‘must have’ with our chipseal roads. Otherwise the bike comes with pretty much everything you need. Apart from a radar detector of course; stay safe kids. 102 KIWI RIDER