adding to the hazards, and I would have preferred less sport-focused tyres than those supplied as standard, but I had no problems as such, just care and concentration were needed. I like the new cast alloy wheels for version, I think they have a more refined look, even if my heart still prefers cleaning-intensive, classiclooking spokes. The alloy short mudguards are a nice step up from the plastic of the base model.
AESTHETICS It is at home in an urban setting, and would grace any agency or clinic carpark- with a sporty orange tank striped with echoes of the cooling fins, and nacelles on the headlight bracket. The single instrument / clock is perfectly adequate, but it feels like a nod to efficiency and the future, rather than the pleasing twin analogue-feel clocks of earlier models, particularly as the bike is designed as a retrostyled rocket. I feel there is a slight clash between the vibe and being modern here – and it is exacerbated by the addition of the, admittedly excellent, Öhlins adjustable gold reservoirs standing out boldly at the back of the rear shocks. I get the sporty vibe, I do, I like that nod to back yard tinkering that sets a bike apart as a loved masterwork, even if it feels the tiniest bit cheaty to buy it off the showroom floor. After all, aesthetics are a big part of this bike’ s appeal. But, hell, who cares?
KIWI RIDER 59