There's nothing wrong with "old school", especially when it is priced and performs as competitively as Hyosung's GT650 S sports tourer. The fit and finish isn’t close to Japanese bikes and the chassis has been around for almost as long as Kawasaki persisted with its 250cc Ninja. Fire it at a decent bit of road, though, and you suddenly appreciate just how competent it is.
VALUE
The $3500 bulge in your bank account will go a long way to compensating for the lack of looks. At $6590 nothing comes close to the Hyosung GT650S in terms of bang for the buck - the nearest Japanese rivals cost $10K or more. And there are three GT650 models to choose from - the fully faired R adds $400, while the naked GT650 is just $6390.
TECHNOLOGY
The fuel-injected V-twin does a great job of damping vibrations until you're well over the speed limit and is a smooth, sweet-sounding unit. A major positive is the fact this machine can be sold to learners, though power falls from 59kW to 40kW to earn LAMS approval.
The suspension is surprisingly good for this price and the front has rebound and compression adjustment. The updated 2013 range is about to be launched with revised suspension but will also come with a higher price
STYLING
Methuselah designed this bike with a parallel oval frame and Hyosung hasn't seen fit to change it. In an era where the South Korean bikemaker's car counterparts update their ranges every 18 months, it is a glaring omission, if only in terms of looks.
Look beyond that and the compact bike - it doesn't feel much bigger than a full-sized 250 - has a great seat and sensible ride position that will let owners cruise for hours at a relaxed lope or tuck down under the screen for a red-hot go.
RIDING
The basics are all there for Hyosung - a willing V-twin engine with a decent exhaust note, solid six-speed gearbox and a frame that doesn't flex until you’re on the absolute limit. It is also capable of upsetting trendier Japanese riders by sticking with them in the downhill twisty stuff. The Bridgestone Battlax rubber helps here by giving good grip and reasonable feedback for a factory fitted tyre.
The GT650 can't match the in-line fours and lighter weight of modern bikes uphill, though, and doesn't reward revving right out to the 10,500rpm redline. The rear brake is so-so but the front stoppers work well.
VERDICT
Cheap thrills are the Hyosung's forte. It is an easy-riding commuter, decent back-roads runner and comfortable tourer in the one package. Hyosung just needs to house that V-twin engine in a newer and lighter body to tempt more riders into a test ride.
Hyosung GT650S
Price: $6590
Warrenty: Two years/unlimited km
Service intervals: 6000km
Engine: 647cc V-twin, 59kW, 67Nm
Transmission: Six-speed, chain-drive
Dimensions: 2.09m (L), 0.78m (W), 1.09m (H)
Seat height: 0.79m
Fuel tank: 17 litres
Suspension: 41mm inverted forks with adjustable rebound and compression, rear monoshock with adjustable preload
Brakes: Twin 300mm front discs with four-piston calipers, 230mm rear disc with single-piston caliper
Dry weight: 203kg
.jpg)
