OUR BIKES
Molesworth and the circuitous road to Portage . That ’ s a corner ( on seal ) every three seconds for 50km , and then back again . My bike never missed a beat . It never does . And that maybe is why I love it . When I ride in the ‘ zone ’, it makes my heart sing . I try and ride around the 5000rpm mark , as that ’ s when the F700GS is at its absolute best . I also have a set of TKC80 knobby tyres , so if we go away for some sustained gravel touring , they get swapped when we plan a decent off road ride ( hardly ever nowadays ). The TKC80s cover just about all types of terrain , and it is good not having to worry about traction when in the middle of nowhere .
GOOD FOR ALL RIDER LEVELS My bike is so easy to handle , it has never given me any worries . A beginner can just as easily ride the GS , as can an expert . You
ride to your capabilities and this bike has a wide range of ability . I am still learning how much more it can do on a ride . It forgives missing a gear , and it handles the corners like a pro . It can give the rider ( well , me anyway ) whatever they desire . John rides my bike sometimes , and he ’ s used to his F800GSA . He loves the lightness of touch , and its acceleration and agility through the corners . At around 210kg fully loaded with fuel , it might seem foreboding , but it ’ s so well balanced , with its centre of gravity down low , I never feel that weight at all . The bike would still be great ‘ as bought ’ without all our accessories ; but looking at what we have added , I feel that my favourite has to be the exhaust . The GS would be so quiet , shy and almost bland without its Akropovic . I could live without the rest , but don ’ t take away my exhaust !
112 KIWI RIDER