age, you tend to get a bit picky with what you like on a bike. Since you spend a lot of time at the helm, to me this is where it matters. Triumph in my opinion have nailed it here, the handlebars are low and wide with minimal sweep, which to me is perfect. It helps create that rider triangle we often hear Birchy talk about. Pair those bars up with Brembo master cylinders on both sides, beautiful hand controls and easy to use switch gear, which includes launch control, traction control, quick-shifter and engine maps, you sure as heck are off to a great start. Speaking of great starts … this 250cc is a powerhouse. Quite honestly, it’ s impressive, quick to bark into life and strong. Having stepped off a 300 two-stroke and onto this, you might wonder what I was up to, however those who know me know I love a good 250F and this is simply a very, very good one. The motor has a very distinct sound, a very Triumph sound
which made me wonder if it had the beautiful torque of a Triumph triple. I can tell you it’ s not short of bottom end. The power builds strongly throughout the rev range, and, while it doesn’ t have the over-rev of some of the other 250s, to be honest you don’ t need it. The mapping provided with the bike is great in the trees. I prefer the blue map and feel the bike can carry a gear higher than I expect, which makes it easy to ride fast. Another thing I love is there’ s no flaming-out in tight corners, even when I’ ve picked the wrong gear- the motor just pulls through and a flick of the clutch brings its straight back up to howling beast. Now, with all that motor you need something to bolt it to and plant your behind on, don’ t you? They’ ve got you covered in that department. The stock seat is slim in all the right places, comfortable for lazy old buggers and has a brilliant gripper seat cover from factory. Great
48 KIWI RIDER