do , since reading the tedious blargh that passes for a bike review in today ’ s world gives me indigestion . That said , the overseas offerings are usually far better than the trash you ’ ll read here in Aussie – and the American reviewers were quite voluble in their praise for the Pan America . But , you know ... American reviewers . They ’ re like the Pom reviewers who keep awarding Triumph every accolade they can imagine . Happily , here in Australia , we don ’ t make any bikes , so our parochialism doesn ’ t extend there .
SUSPENSION VOODOO As I stood looking at the example that greeted me in the foyer of the hotel , I found myself nodding . The Pan America certainly looked the business , to my eye . In black or that killer deep green colour – both of which do the bike more favours than the strange orange-and-cream version – it looked every inch a capable Adventure Tourer . I actually like the way it looks . It ’ s unique and kinda brutal about the head – and that ’ s a positive thing in this segment . It looks very fit-for-purpose . And it had all the must-haves such a beast had to have ... Radial Brembos , a very clever flip-up brake pedal to take the foot-stretch out of stand-up braking , heated grips , cruise control , hill hold , slip-assist clutch , a centrestand , adjustable engine-braking , Showa electronic semi-active suspension , tyrepressure monitoring , Bosch traction control and lean-angle sensitive ABS ,
50 KIWI RIDER