Auckland motorway probably heard my enthusiasm after I decided to give her a quick flick of the wrist , because damn , was I surprised . How can something so big , boogie so well ? Coupled with a very thumpy exhaust note , I was a giggling git from the moment I set onto the motorway . This thing boogies , and it does it well – even for a restricted model . The torque delivery is clean , the exhaust note growls . It tips into tight corners and comes straight back out without a hesitation in the world . Considering the 636 can throw epic tantrums if I decide to mess something up , the 650 just rolls with the flow and is very forgiving – reminding me so much of my 400 ( which I still rate as the best learner bike available ). I came out of each corner grinning ear to ear and learning to love this voluptuous lady like it could be my own . For a bike with almost 90hp less than my 636 , I arguably had more fun . I think people forget that as much as it ’ s cool to have a ‘ quick ’ bike like the 636 , the handling aspect is entirely different . It demands more focus , attention and brain power for every corner – even on a dialled down power mode . The 650 is just fun . The more I ride the 636 , the better the agreement between us becomes , but from a winter off riding it , I can confidently say the 650 welcomed my more casual riding antics with open arms . Overall , I could see myself happily commuting on it during the week , with a spirited weekend ride to ease the commuter boredom . It ’ s a bike that can keep up around the corners ,
74 KIWI RIDER