fins on the outside cylinders. The chassis is all
new with a horizontal, back-link mounted shock,
and a lightweight steel-tube frame that uses the
engine as a stressed member. Fully-adjustable
USD forks grace the front end with ABS, of course,
at both ends. Adjustable traction control is part
of the package, which can also be switched off.
Out on the road the RS is a stunning road bike.
The power is plentiful, with loads of ‘oomph’ right
where you need it and totally accessible to the real
world rider. Last year I was very impressed with
our Z900 ninja-style test bike. The engine in it was
a beauty and I think this new RS version is even
better... the torque and peak power may hit a little
lower in the rev range, but that only boosts the fun
factor and overall feeling of ‘gruntiness’, particularly
because it’s still very responsive. The grunt is
there for effortless roll-on top gear overtaking
and the thrust from turns in the twisties belies its
medium capacity – by today’s standards anyway.
The engine really is a hoot and a heap of fun if
you want to play, but then it’s silky smooth and
demure, purring like a nice pussy cat when you just
want take in the views and idle home. Some may
38 KIWI RIDER
say it’s a little abrupt in on/off throttle situations in
low gear but I had no problems. In fact, everything
has a slick, quality feel. The clutch is smooth and
light, the gearbox effortless, while the brakes are
light to operate and very effective with pin-point
accuracy on the road. The ABS is well calibrated with
no early intervention as some bikes have, and the TC
allowed reasonable power-stands even in setting 1,
while switching it off completely allows you to fully
embrace your inner hoon - if your licence points
can take the hit. But then you can dial in more TC
intervention if required on those wet slippery days.
The suspension was an excellent blend of firm
control and compliant comfort; it effortlessly
soaked up most of what our nasty back roads
could throw at it. In a succession of choppy bumps
it packs down slightly in the rear (a couple of
clicks less rebound damping would help) and
there is some feedback from the front, but
really it’s minor stuff and the overall suspension
action is taut and confidence inspiring. Most
retro-style bikes don’t come with adjustable
suspension, but the RS is ‘clickable’ at both ends,
so you can tweak it to suit your riding style.