Kiwi Rider November Vol.2 2022 | Page 55

do better in tougher tighter , wetter , or harder packed locations where the 350cc makes the bike a bit more manageable . The combination of weight , feel , and power encourages me to ride this closer to a 250cc style of line choices and riding , but you don ’ t need to pedal it quite as hard . If you do a lot of single track the 350 will be ‘ OK ’ but it is a little on the snappy and abrupt side in the extreme end of this tight stuff . Switching map could help here , but only a little and I was missing the throttle cam to switch out so I ’ m slightly limited in my judgment .
IN A NUTSHELL
I had an absolute blast pushing this thing about in my own “ almost race ready ” condition . On the first lap I was trying to just ease into the event , but the fun factor of the bike just kept on suckering me into twisting the throttle through the smooth bottom and mid range , pushing into the ripping top end ; I felt a bit like a drug addict trying to say no to their next hit . I should have cooled my guns , but I couldn ’ t seem to manage that self control as I fried my forearms ... with a grin . If you find 450cc power too brutal and it puts you in some bad places in life , over berms or following idiotically deep ruts you felt forced
KIWI RIDER 55