Ergonomically, the riding position feels unconventional at first. The pegs are set a lot further forward than I’ m used to, with the foot controls encouraging a flat-footed approach akin to sitting upon a sofa, with one’ s arse up against the back support. This is in comparison to a standard setup I would more readily describe as perched on a too-tall bar stool, with the balls of your feet set on a strut directly below and parallel with your hips. Strangled furniture metaphors aside, I grew to love this layout, and found it very comfortable for those mid-length rides. For longer journeys, a more cushioned seat wouldn’ t go amiss, or perhaps some tinkering with the rear suspension by one more mechanically gifted than I- and, besides, it’ s better than I expected. As for passengers, there’ s no seat. The bike does come with passenger footpegs, I presumed for some unfortunate emergency, or perhaps for masochists who hate the idea of comfort. But, it turns out you don’ t have to see the Shotgun as a purely solo act. The accessory catalogue is extensive, including rather sweet cast alloy wheels as well as indicators, engine bars, fly-screen etc … and the missing passenger seat for your beau- or your weekend luggage( there’ s also a rack for that).
BRAKES AND OTHER AIDS The Shotgun 650 sports disc brakes front and rear, with dual-channel ABS. The braking setup is functional, if not spectacular, provided by Brembo subsidiary, Bybre. The front lever is broad and flat, excellent for full-hand braking but not optimised for the finer, singlefinger feathering I favour. Feel at the lever is consistent, and stopping power is adequate, although a little more initial bite would be welcome. Speaking of rider aids, the Shotgun’ s instrument cluster is plainly simple. A classylooking analog speedometer with an LCD inlay that covers the basics( fuel level, trip meter, clock). Sadly, there’ s no tachometer, which feels like an odd omission for a bike so otherwise focused on the riding experience. The engine’ s friendliness in lower-end torque
56 KIWI RIDER