Hyosung GV650 2011 Review

The most powerful legal learners' bike in the country is also one of the cheapest. Hyosung's GV650 cruiser combines South Korean build quality with classic cruiser style to give riders a laid-back alternative to a regular motorbike. 

The grunt ensures it won't just appeal to riders restricted to bikes on the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme - this is a genuine middleweight cruiser that will competently hit the road two-up and with the panniers fully loaded.

VALUE 

Hyosung has made its reputation on selling value-for-money machinery and the GV650 is no exception. The paint is glossy and deep, the chrome is a polished as you could hope for and the overall impression is that it's a quality bike. Options run from a cruiser muffler to panniers, a tinted windscreen, pillion backrest, footboards and engine guards. 

TECHNOLOGY 

Fuel-injection is the big news here when some learners' bikes still persist with carburettors. The throttle twist is crisp and linear across the rev range - and this V-twin likes to rev - and the belt drive ensures there aren't any unsettling surges. The brakes are typical for a cruiser - they do the job but there's not a huge amount of feedback. 

DESIGN

This is the area that Hyosung has covered. Yamaha's XVS650 is the only thing that can match the cruiser looks at this price point - but it has less grunt and is more expensive. Adjustable front pegs and levers on the Hyosung means it isn't hard to find a comfortable ride position no matter your height and the swept back bars and teardrop tank give genuine cruiser cred. 

SAFETY 

Cruisers are inherently safe to ride, providing you don't expect them to act like sportsbikes. Cornering is a case of slow in, quick out unless you want to scrape the pegs or the chrome exhausts. The adjustable levers ensure the front brake is where you want it when you need it. 

RIDING 

It isn't hard to have fun on a cruiser. The relaxed ride position and wide bars make it easy to adjust your line to avoid that pothole hidden in the shadows while the V-twin punches out a staccato soundtrack at any revs.

Roundabouts shouldn't be taken at speed unless you enjoy the pegs touching down but ride it right and the Hyosung is more than capable of maintaining a quick clip on country or suburban roads. 

VERDICT 

The Hyosung may be the road less-travelled against the Yamaha XVS650 but unless you are an absolute brand snob it's a road well worth test-riding if you're in the market for a middleweight cruiser. 

Hyosung GV650 Aquila

Warranty: Two years/unlimited km
Engine: 647cc V-twin, 47kW/58Nm
Transmission: Five-speed, belt drive
Seat height: 675mm
Dry weight: 229kg
Fuel tank: 17 litres
Suspension: 41mm front inverted forks, dual rear springs with adjustable preload
Brakes: 300mm front disc with four-piston caliper, 270mm rear disc with single-piston caliper