Hyosung GV650 Aquila pro review

We ride Hyosung’s latest low-slung cruiser, just in from Korea.

Hyosung has just launched the GV650, priced at Rs 4,99,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi) that is making its way into India via the CKD route, assembled at Wai, Maharashtra. The GV650 is Hyosung’s second product since DSK Motowheels took over the company in India. Can this modern cruiser raise the bar for Hyosung motorcycles in India and set an example for other cruisers to follow?

The GV650’s blend of laid back custom cruiser and modern power cruiser design attracts a lot of stares. The GV650 has a round chromed headlamp and wide cruiser-typical handlebars. The sharply styled, large fuel-tank along with mock air dams add to this cruiser’s overall appeal. The GV650 uses LCD instruments which display a speedometer that’s easy to read on the fly, while also showing fuel and temperature levels. At the rear, an elongated tail section and LED tail-light give the GV650 a modern touch. A chunky exhaust canister and a fat 180 section rear tyre compliment the muscular image of this motorcycle. The Hyosung further impresses with a good level of fit-and-finish. Paint quality and lustre is top notch, however some plastic bits could be better finished.   

 

The GV650’s strong exhaust rumble originates from a 647cc, liquid cooled, V-twin powerplant which generates 74bhp and 9000rpm and peak torque of 6.3kgm at 7500rpm, the same engine here as does duty on the GT650R. The GV650 uses a 5-speed gearbox and its gear ratios are focussed at making the motorcycle less stressful to ride. The GV650 doesn’t like being revved hard and feels more comfortable lower down in the rev range, like most cruisers.   

 

However, slower traffic on the highway won’t intrude on riding pleasure, as a flick of the wrist or a single tap at the mechanical feeling gearbox brings you quickly to the next stretch of open road. Riding a cruiser isn’t about sheer performance, it’s more about the experience in the saddle. 

The GV650 deploys a double cradle steel frame with adjustable upside-down front forks and twin hydraulic shock absorbers at the rear, bolted onto a box section swingarm. The riding position is relaxed with forward set foot pegs and wide handlebars, and a well cushioned seat adds to comfort. 

 

Despite the GV650’s 240kg kerb weight, it tackles corners well thanks to a rigid frame and grippy Bridgestone tyres. For stopping power, the GV650 uses twin 300mm discs in the front and a single 270mm disc at the rear, both providing ample bite. 

 

All in all, the GV650 makes an enjoyable cruiser to ride back home on a long road and is a good motorcycle from Hyosung. Importantly, here’s a bike capable of delivering a credible cruiser alternative to other budget cruisers in the market. 

 

For more details, see the Hyosung GV650 ride review in the upcoming Autocar India February 2013 issue. 

 

Fact File

Price Range (in lakhs)*

Ex-showroom price

Rs 4.99 Lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

Engine

Installation	V-twin
Type	647cc, V-twin, liquid-cooled, four-stroke
Bore/stroke	81.5/62mm
Power	74bhp at 9000rpm
Torque	6.3kgm at 7500rpm
Power to weight	308bhp per tonne

Transmission

Gearbox

5-speed, 1-down, 4-up

Dimensions

Length	2330mm
Width	840mm
Height	1150mm
Wheel base	1670mm
Ground clearance	160mm

Chassis & Body

Weight	240kg
Wheels	3-spoke alloys
Tyres	120/70 x 18 - 180/55 x 17 inches

Suspension

Front	Upside-down forks
Rear	Hydraulic shock absorbers,box section swingarm

Brakes

Front	300mm discs
Rear	270mm disc
Anti-lock	16 litres