gear changes , with leg , foot and torso positions well thought out . Add the clip-on bars with risers , and the visibility is elevated and opened to the perfect height while still drawing the rider into an engaged riding position – and , it is lithe and athletic when pushed . So , it could be described as basic perhaps – but basic getting a hot sausage off a smoking barbie , slapping it in buttered white bread with a splash of Watties tom sauce , and tossing it back with a cold lager basic . Basic and bloody good . It is also an exceptional platform from which to accommodate almost any mad mod you might care to come up with . The new 650 engine is a workhorse , well balanced and willing with 55 claimed horses on tap and a linear torque curve . I found myself on the motorway and hill curves often , and plotted ways to go home that belied the time on that charity-hard little seat ( hey don ’ t judge too hard , I ’ ve been spoilt with a gel seat in recent years !). Probably most important of all , the Continental GT 650 will make you rethink your riding – those big questions - why , where , and when do you ride ? And what is it you want from that experience ? People checking out your cool style ? Tick . Guys pulling alongside and giving a knowing nod ? Tick . A non-broken budget and a happier partner ? Tick .
50 KIWI RIDER