KIWI RIDER SEPTEMBER 2021 VOL1 | Page 43

I took this as three scenarios for the owner - I mean , who would let two other people ride their bike AND have their own settings ? So for me I envisage … User 1 : Long blast , User 2 : Commuting / rain and User 3 : Thrash / track day . The saying goes that ‘ On the other side of complexity is simplicity ’. And that ’ s how it is with the ‘ busa . I ’ d say the huge variety of options is best digested at length . But , after that , the settings would be locked , the rider loaded and off we go . First , the obvious … the bike is big and , though that perception dissipates as the ride becomes more spirited , the bigger bike trump of being firmly attached to Terra-firma doesn ’ t . With the higher ratio of sprung to unsprung mass , the suspension ’ s ability to track the wheels and the electronic aid ‘ insurance ’ enables you to , quite simply ,
‘ mash ’ that throttle . Sure , it takes faith to do so , but it certainly makes for a fun and not very taxing ride . There ’ s so much electronic cleverness going on in the background , all to offset a potential mental lapse . Those ‘ mature ’ wrists of mine found the ride harder going than I would like , but this is still a sports bike . It ’ s not a race replica , but it ’ s definitely a sports bike . The up / down quick-shifter and cruise control are welcome additions to any bike and , dare I say , a must on newer models . I think even more people will enjoy living with this beast than the large number who have already enjoyed the original . Quick road riders and track day punters are in for a treat . The technically savvy , even more so . If I lived in more open country ( think lengthy plains smattered with fast sweepers ), the Hayabusa would certainly shine very brightly . TODD SUTHERLAND

+ Sophisticated and refined ; agile yet stable ; an awesome package

- Ergonomically less than ideal for taller riders

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