br overta ssaey.Ionycrave ormore
power when exiting slow uphillcorners on the
mountain passes we encountered, but the parallel
twin's output was more than sufficient for 90% of
the ride, and the bike managed an indicated
100mph without too much fuss. In fact, its punch
from 70-80mph was livelier thanIexpected from
an A2 licence-legal bike.
Like theengine, the handling is easy andlazy, but
thewide barsallowyou to have some funinthe
twisties, andyoucan throw theStreet aro undwith
relative ease. Even when the pegsstart to leave
trailsofs parks, the handling remains natural, and it
doesn’t feel like you’re at thelimitations of the
W800 handling. The new suspension is softlyur- ngere approacht esoppers elver
rewardingbite ,andthereardiscbrakeisa igstep
up fromtheold drum.
Despite sharing manysimilaritieswith th eStreet,
the Café feelslikeadifferent bike. Theseat is taller
(by 20mm) andfirmer,but it is still easy to get
two feet securely on theroad as it’smuchnarrower
than theStreet's.
The Café's racer barsdramatically alteryour body
position,perchingyoufurther forward with more
weight on wrists. It’snot as natural as the Streetand
atad uncompromising around town,but it’s not
uncomfortable likesome similarly styled bikes.
On th eopen road the Café feels more alive: the
aggressive, almost racy riding position encouragesTOP:ABOVE:
version s es or
all-roundriding.28 / classic motorcyclemechanics