KIWI RIDER NOVEMBER 2017 VOL.1 | Page 92

Words: Ben Wilkins, Mark Whyte / Photos: Geoff Osborne K awasaki’s 2017 KLX110 was built with the serious off-road enthusiast in mind. 112cc of power, a 680mm seat height, and a sticker price of $3,895 differentiate this Kawasaki in what has become a highly competitive segment of the motorcycle market. Built in Japan Kawasaki has fitted this bike with plastics that give it the sleek racing looks of its big brother KX-F range. The electric start four stroke KLX110 comes with a semi-auto four-speed I loved riding the KLX110 because it had four gears and no clutch, which was cool to ride after riding my own KTM 50 without gears. Electric start is also cool because I could put it in neutral and start it without my Dad. I rode it on a very muddy day and when I fell off, I could lift it up myself even though I am only seven years old. I could do some jumps on it and I really want one for Christmas! MARLON VAN HELLEMOND transmission which is great for the entry level rider.From the KLX110 you move up to the Kawasaki KLX110L with a 730mm seat height 20mm higher than KLX110 but the same 112cc electric start power plant. The KLX110L has a four-speed transmission with a clutch that is great for learning to do wheel stands. It has more suspension travel front and rear than the KLX110 and looks sharp, it is a great bike to start on or move up to from a semi-auto transmission. First up for me was the KLX110 with a clutch. This had an electric start too, bonus! I liked this bike for the starts, the smooth gearbox (it’s easy to change up and down through the gears), good brakes for stopping and a real comfy seat. I really enjoyed riding this bike. The second bike to ride was the KLX110 clutchless model. It has electric start, which is good for us kids and even better for when you bin it. You can just pick it up, push the button and you’re off riding again. This bike was the easiest to ride, there’s no clutch to have to remember and the shocks felt better in this bike too. RHYS BAXTER HYTE CAMPBELL W Age: 14 wn: Paeroa Hometo e: Suzuki RM85 Own bik KIWI RIDER ARCHIVE ASHTON W Age: 12 HYTE Hometow eroa Own bike: n: Ka Pa was aki KX85 small wheel