QUIKSPIN: Hyosung GT250R - Unsung Hero
On paper, the Hyosung GT250R is a sales-chart topper. Compare it to the best-selling machine in Australia in recent years, the Kawasaki Ninja 250R: it boasts upside-down forks over the Kawasaki’s conventional set-up, it has twin-discs over the single disc front-end of the Ninja, uses fuel injection over the carburetor fed Kawasaki, and it’s $500 cheaper.
Now look at the official sales figures over the 18-month period from January 2010 to the end of June this year and Kawasaki sold 2098 new Ninja 250Rs compared to Hyosung’s 681 units sold in the same period.
In my opinion, the numbers don’t paint a true picture of the state of play. While the experienced Japanese manufacturer has had more than 20 years to perfect the Ninja – which began life as a GPX250 in the early 1980s and has only had minimal changes since, compared to the relative inexperience of the Korean manufacturer – the Hyosung is still a very capable entry-level machine.
Its 249cc 75-degree V-twin engine produces decent and predictable power through to around 7500rpm. Cruising at 100km/h in top gear has you sitting on 6250rpm, but stay there for too long and your hands begin to nod-off to sleep from the vibrations coming through the bars.
The brakes have plenty of power but lack feel, the non-adjustable front fork is a little soft, but the pre-load adjustable-only rear shock is up to the task.
If looks are important to you as a learner, then the Hyosung ticks all the boxes. It has pure sportsbike appearance, and the ergonomics to match with the full fairing and clip-on bars. The paint finish is excellent, it has a cool stacked headlight, clear tail light and smoky indicator lenses. The large 17-litre tank gives it big-bike looks, but could prove intimidating to new riders, and you can find your thumbs jammed between it and the bar on full lock.
The instrument cluster provides great information, with its digital speedo, fuel gauge, odometer and two trip-meters, and the back light is even adjustable to five different levels of brightness. Both the mirrors and the windshield perform their intended jobs really well – though the dust covers on the mirrors’ mounting bolts can trap water and cause rust.
The large pillion seat and good-sized grab rails give great luggage carrying capacity and there are tie-down points integrated into the pillion-peg footrests for more security. Unfortunately, the rider’s seat looks homemade with vinyl stretched and puckered in some places, and coarse stitching, but no one will notice when you’re riding it.
The Hyosung brand has improved tenfold since it first hit the Australian market back in 2002 and it keeps improving with every new model year. And while the GT250R not quite up to the Ninja’s level just yet, it’s still a machine well worth considering before parting with your hard-earned.
Protect your Hyosung. Call Shannons Insurance on 13 46 46 to get a quote today.
