Are Hyosungs worth getting?

[Ryster]

Im looking at a few bikes, Ive got my eyes on a couple and i like the Hyosungs. Ive not really heard alot about them though, are they a good brand to go for? like reliabilty wise and money wise?

[CookMySock]

Ive not really heard alot about them though, are they a good brand to go for? like reliabilty wise and money wise?Pardon? What planet have you been on?

Steve

[steve_t]

Welcome to KB Ryster. The search function is your friend and will save u some grief around here :niceone:

[Jantar]

They are a good mid-range brand. They appear to be reliable if ridden and maintained correctly. Go and try one and see if it suits your riding style.

[psycho22]

They are great for reliability. I had mine for just over a year and only had to do one repair and it was only minor.( Clutch cable ) They are definately worth the money and they are really nice to ride.

[CookMySock]

They are a good mid-range brand. They appear to be reliable if ridden and maintained correctly. Go and try one and see if it suits your riding style.Yes indeed. Reliable if ridden incorrectly as well. :niceone:

@Ryster, yes the hyos are fine, although they don't take abusive treatment very well. I suppose no bike does really.

If you are looking at the 250's, make sure you ride them all. The GV is obviously different, but the Comet and the R while looking quite the same, are vastly different to ride - the R has a more serious feel to it, where the Comet is the more friendly and amusing bike. The R isn't really an absolute-learners bike - it's really hard to U-turn them, unless you already have substantial experience.

I like them. I have five of them. ;)

Steve

[psycho22]

it's really hard to U-turn them, unless you already have substantial experience.
Steve

You got that right! Nearly dropped it the first time I tried one.

[The Pastor]

nah they are pretty crap tbh

[gatch]

although they don't take abusive treatment very well. I suppose no bike does really.

try a honda..

[Maha]

it's really hard to U-turn them, unless you already have substantial experience.
Steve

You should try it in Neutral!


try a honda..

Best advice so far.

[sil3nt]

I dont think Hyosung make a bad bike. I just think there are better options out there. I rode the 250R and wasn't all that impressed. Comes down to personal choice though.

[Headbanger]

I wouldn't buy one under any circumstances, there are better bikes no matter what your budget is.

[onearmedbandit]

What's your budget?
Are you buying new or used?
What's your style of riding?
What actually appeals to you about the Hyosungs you've seen so far?
How long do you intend to keep it?

[gatch]

Best advise so far.

My 250 spada made it to well over 100,000km, it was neglected for most of that.. Not proud of abusing but it shows the quality of build..

[Sentox]

You got that right! Nearly dropped it the first time I tried one.

Glad to know it's not just me having trouble with the U-turn on them :|

[Ryster]

$5000 ish and it would be used. I like to know that theres power if i need it and good handling is a must. I like there looks and style, esspecially the bigger frame. want it for at least 2 years

[onearmedbandit]

Thanks. What model(s) are you looking at? Faired/naked, 250/650 etc?

[CookMySock]

$5000 ish and it would be used. I like to know that theres power if i need it and good handling is a must. I like there looks and style, esspecially the bigger frame. want it for at least 2 yearsThey have ample power for open-road touring. There is certainly no need to lingering at 80-90km/hr when they will sit on 100-120. It's dangerous for learners to be stuck at 80k on hills with cars hard up your ass.

The R certainly has the styling http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=268071494
whereas the Comet is a little easier to get to grips with.


Steve

[SPP]

I had a 07 GT250R - so non-EFI.

I liked it. Here are my impressions.

Not enough power - Common complaint: "My CBR250RR would eat that Hyobag..."
This is true, a CBR or ZXR will be quicker. I had an exhaust and rejetted which freed it up a little. There's enough it them to easily sit on 120 but they're 250 slow. Not GN slow mind you, Ninja 250R slow.
Handling - Common complaint: no complaints from most
They’re not an RS that’s for sure but they are stable and capable enough. Around town or open road. The R is more difficult to U-turn on because the front of the tank get in the way of arms when at full lock.
Paint- Common complaint: Cheaply sprayed, orange peel.
Mine was actually quite good. I slapped on turtle wax and my paint stayed mint. The Hyo’s I’ve seen in NZ have CC over the decals whereas other countries didn’t.
Corrosion – Common complaint: "They rust in all the wrong places"
I've never personally seen one with a rust problem. A mate who had the same bike, about the same age had some surface corrosion on the triple and some other small places. Mine on the other hand looked like it rolled off the shop floor after a year of commuting and in winter I rode mine daily through all sorts of shit and rain. I put it down to him keeping his outdoors and never cleaning it… ever. I kept mine in a garage and cleaned it weekly.
Lights - Common complaint: They aren’t bright enough.
Yep, if you are riding down a twisty country road at night you'd better know the road. Lots of people change bulbs and a few also run new wires directly to the bulbs using the existing wires to switch a relay. With street lights or other vehicles around, they're perfectly fine.
Tyres - Common complaint: They aren’t grippy enough.
Oh no. The OEM Shinkos are made from the hardest material that can legally be called rubber. Expect them to last 20-30k... longer if you look after them. If you’re going into winter I’d say get them off the bike. What you spend in tyres, you’ll save in undies.
Brakes – Common complaint: wooden and don’t pull up the bike.
Don’t expect Brembo but they do a reasonable job. OEM pads are cheap shit.
Chain - Common complaint: cheap quality
The OEM chain looks like a motorcycle chain and is metal but that is where all similarity ends. Expect to last 10-12k if you regularly clean, lube and adjust (and I mean regularly). Oh and never over tighten, they snap. Replace with a real chain (e.g. DID, EK etc) at the first sign of wear.
Electrics - Common complaint: cheap
I added earth wires from each indicator to fix intermittent inaccurate fuel gauge readings. 'Nuff said. No problem s with the switch gear though… looks and operates identically to Suzuki
Street Cred - Common complaint: what street cred?
Get used to telling people that they’re KOREAN shit, not CHINESE shit.

[woodyracer]

dont listen to any of the negative muppets on here, they are great bikes, got a 250 EFI on thursday, set it up for racing {left stock suspension} and got a 4th on it this weekend at hampton downs......awsome bikes.

Nicer looking that many bikes around, plenty of parts ect, they are build well.

[CookMySock]

Not enough power - Common complaint: "My CBR250RR would eat that Hyobag..."
This is true, a CBR or ZXR will be quicker. I had an exhaust and rejetted which freed it up a little. There's enough it them to easily sit on 120 but they're 250 slow. Not GN slow mind you, Ninja 250R slow.
Handling - Common complaint: no complaints from most
They’re not an RS that’s for sure but they are stable and capable enough. Around town or open road. The R is more difficult to U-turn on because the front of the tank get in the way of arms when at full lock.
Paint- Common complaint: Cheaply sprayed, orange peel.
Mine was actually quite good. I slapped on turtle wax and my paint stayed mint. The Hyo’s I’ve seen in NZ have CC over the decals whereas other countries didn’t.
Corrosion – Common complaint: "They rust in all the wrong places"
I've never personally seen one with a rust problem. A mate who had the same bike, about the same age had some surface corrosion on the triple and some other small places. Mine on the other hand looked like it rolled off the shop floor after a year of commuting and in winter I rode mine daily through all sorts of shit and rain. I put it down to him keeping his outdoors and never cleaning it… ever. I kept mine in a garage and cleaned it weekly.
Lights - Common complaint: They aren’t bright enough.
Yep, if you are riding down a twisty country road at night you'd better know the road. Lots of people change bulbs and a few also run new wires directly to the bulbs using the existing wires to switch a relay. With street lights or other vehicles around, they're perfectly fine.
Tyres - Common complaint: They aren’t grippy enough.
Oh no. The OEM Shinkos are made from the hardest material that can legally be called rubber. Expect them to last 20-30k... longer if you look after them. If you’re going into winter I’d say get them off the bike. What you spend in tyres, you’ll save in undies.
Brakes – Common complaint: wooden and don’t pull up the bike.
Don’t expect Brembo but they do a reasonable job. OEM pads are cheap shit.
Chain - Common complaint: cheap quality
The OEM chain looks like a motorcycle chain and is metal but that is where all similarity ends. Expect to last 10-12k if you regularly clean, lube and adjust (and I mean regularly). Oh and never over tighten, they snap. Replace with a real chain (e.g. DID, EK etc) at the first sign of wear.
Electrics - Common complaint: cheap
I added earth wires from each indicator to fix intermittent inaccurate fuel gauge readings. 'Nuff said. No problem s with the switch gear though… looks and operates identically to Suzuki
Street Cred - Common complaint: what street cred?
Get used to telling people that they’re KOREAN shit, not CHINESE shit.
Adding my 10c ;

Theres plenty of power. Unless you have lots of mates with inline four 250's, you will unlikely be in a drag race in a straight line with one of them. Anyway, if they can beat you in a straight line, then learn to corner it.

Paint on ours were awesome.

Corrosion? Keep it clean and dry.

Um, yeah the lights are shit. Upgrade to HID.

Shinkos are scary tyres in the wet, but good training. Get used to it.

Yes, the chain is the first thing that will go in the bin. Get used to changing your chain.

Brakes are fine. Grab a big handful and the fuckers will somersault you.

I never had a problem with electrics.

Street cred? Loads of it. Everyone wants to know what it is. Keep it really clean and they look awesome. The only people who think hyos are shit are keyboard warrior idiots on Kiwibiker.

Steve

[SMOKEU]

A mate of mine has a GT250R. He's had it for at least a year and the only problem its had is that the gauges fucked out and it cost him about $400 for a second hand gauge cluster. If I go hard on the CBR then the Hyosung becomes a mere speck in my mirrors. It's a bit of a shame that a 2 year old bike can't keep up with a 21 year old bike, keeping in mind they both have the same engine size.

[Autech]

A mate of mine has a GT250R. He's had it for at least a year and the only problem its had is that the gauges fucked out and it cost him about $400 for a second hand gauge cluster. If I go hard on the CBR then the Hyosung becomes a mere speck in my mirrors. It's a bit of a shame that a 2 year old bike can't keep up with a 21 year old bike, keeping in mind they both have the same engine size.

Were there corners involved in this?

Don't listen to the haters, these are really good bikes no matter which way you look at them. Most important thing to do is to swap out the fork oil as they are known to be under full from factory, do this with some quality fork oil and it handles beautifully, even with the shinkos on it.
And for the haters out there, a 650r got a 4th place finish in F3 at Hampton today.

[Kornholio]

Im looking at a few bikes, Ive got my eyes on a couple and i like the Hyosungs. Ive not really heard alot about them though, are they a good brand to go for? like reliabilty wise and money wise?

No!!...unless you like cheap and nasty

[woodyracer]

Thew only reason they cant keep up with 21 year old 250cc 4's is because those 250 4's were build with superbike technology.....they didnt hold back...

[SPP]

Adding my 10c... Steve

Mine was good to me. I forgot to add

Fuel Efficiency - commuting I got +400km to a tank and I wasn't trying to save petrol. I heard a story of a bike courier getting 450km but I don't know. I think the most I could have gotten would have been 420km. I get ~250km for the same trip on a CBR600RR (more or less the same tank size)

[SMOKEU]

Were there corners involved in this?



In a straight line, the CBR wastes the Hyosung easily. In the twisties, it wastes the Hyosung even more. Although the CBR gets literally half the amount of kms per tank.

[SMOKEU]

Thew only reason they cant keep up with 21 year old 250cc 4's is because those 250 4's were build with superbike technology.....they didnt hold back...

Now I'm not just trying to take the piss out of Hyosungs, but in the 1980's Honda (and other manufacturers) could build 4 cylinder 4 stroke 250cc engines capable of revving to 18,000+rpm, with around 45bhp. And those engines have withstood repeated abuse over the years and they don't blow up that often. Surely with modern EFI and VVT it would be possible to build a similar engine, but with a lot more power. Or maybe not. And yes I do understand that 4 cylinder engines have the ability to rev harder than twins.

[CookMySock]

In a straight line, the CBR wastes the Hyosung easily. In the twisties, it wastes the Hyosung even more. Although the CBR gets literally half the amount of kms per tank.Lets see you get 70,000km out of it without putting a spanner on it. :sick:

Steve

[SMOKEU]

Lets see you get 70,000km out of it without putting a spanner on it. :sick:

Steve

Do you think your engine will last that long without an oil change?

[crazyhorse]

Best advise so far.

Gotta agree with you there....... :rofl:

[bluebird]

We race a new model Hyosung GT250R efi it is a great bike, put the screaming demon pipe on and some pirelli tyres and you are sorted.

[Ryster]

Thanks. What model(s) are you looking at? Faired/naked, 250/650 etc?

GT250R 2007 so yeah with the fairing, with the 650 frame

[Jonno.]

Were there corners involved in this?

Don't listen to the haters, these are really good bikes no matter which way you look at them. Most important thing to do is to swap out the fork oil as they are known to be under full from factory, do this with some quality fork oil and it handles beautifully, even with the shinkos on it.
And for the haters out there, a 650r got a 4th place finish in F3 at Hampton today.

Wow fourth no way :mellow:

[Fatjim]

I can't think of a single reason a bloke would want to buy one, let alone SIX, especially a newer one.

You're better off on any of the Honda 250's. Hornet, vtr, spada, Jade or CBR. For the same or simliar money you get a real bike.

[gatch]

I've never owned or even ridden one, so my opinion on them really is just heresay. But it's my understanding the first few years of production were shit house. But from what I have read the koreans have improved there quality control somewhat and most of the commonly bitched about flaws seem to be clearing up.

I think they are much on par with the other late model 250s and as such will probably be crapped on for perfomance by the late 80s early 90s 250s, but they have the upper hand as far as availability of spare parts and dealer warranties go.

[CookMySock]

it's my understanding the first few years of production were shit house. But from what I have read the koreans have improved there quality control somewhat and most of the commonly bitched about flaws seem to be clearing up.I got a 2003 Comet 250 with 10,000kms on it, and its a mint bike. Nothing to be done on it except ride it.


I think they are much on par with the other late model 250s and as such will probably be crapped on for perfomance by the late 80s early 90s 250s, but they have the upper hand as far as availability of spare parts and dealer warranties go.Thats a fair assessment. The 80s-90s inline four 250s will always be remembered fondly for their "superbike" performance, try crashing and repairing one and see how that works out.. as you say - brand new bits for any hyosung are cheap and easy to find.

"Fast" isn't everything. It's nice just being on a bike that looks and feels good.

Steve

[ESXB0Y]

I've had my 2008 GT250R for a little while now. Build quality is pretty reasonable I'd say, but parts are cheap and easy to locate when it does get a prang. I get 400km+ per tank regardless of how I ride it, and although not the quickest off the mark I find it good fun to ride through the twisties. I'd recommend changing the fork oil and teh chain too, and although I haven't done it yet, I've read quite a bit about how the ride is transformed by putting a decent tyre on it - next on my list! Ican happily dice it out with my mate on his 250 Ninja, but the only thing I can beat another friend who owns an er-6f is admiring glances - Had a couple of the fairer sex comment on the "nice looking red bike", much to his disgust. Makes a great everyday bike that is still fun on those weekend rides, in my opinion.

[SPORK]

Steve - is there any specific reason why you are firmly entrenched in the Hyosung world? I'm not slagging them at all, but is there any reason to have 5 (??) of them? Surely if you're gonna have that many bikes you'd perhaps maybe want at least ONE that wasn't firmly "middle-of-the-road"?

[Hiflyer]

A GT250R will be fast if you ride it fast.

Good economy, pretty nice looks and reliable if you look after it. Modern styling means it doesn't look like a box on wheels and with a nice exhaust they sound excellent.

Get one!

[CookMySock]

Steve - is there any specific reason why you are firmly entrenched in the Hyosung world? I'm not slagging them at all, but is there any reason to have 5 (??) of them? Surely if you're gonna have that many bikes you'd perhaps maybe want at least ONE that wasn't firmly "middle-of-the-road"?I'm not firmly entrenched in anything. Someone who has hondas isnt "deeply entrenched" in them either.

I like the hyos. They are cheap and cheerful - cheap to buy, cheap to run, cheap to fix, cheap to mod, reliable.

The only people who don't like them are a small percentage of KBers who have never ridden them.

Steve

[Eyegasm]

The only people who don't like them are a small percentage of KBers who have never ridden them.

I find that as well.

I am a big guy and found riding anything else was uncomfortable, hence why I bought the hyobag.
Never had a big problem with it, Only the petrol gauge tells fibs (WGTN to P.Noth on E?!?!? WTF)

As for fuel, I commute daily and it cost me $10 a week (200km) so I really love that aspect.

All I can say is ride it first as the GT250R is quite a stretched out ride, where as Ninjas are more upright.

[aprilia_RS250]

Hyo's are like those chicks that look promising and have big tits. But once you get them in the sack and it's all go go go you realise she's just a starfish wearing a Wonderbra.

[firefighter]

nice exhaust they sound excellent.

Get one!

Absolutely agree. They have a pretty damn cool sound if you put on the right exhaust.

A bike was getting a WOF ahead of mine, it started up and I thought fuck that sounds cool, had a proper look and saw a GT650R sitting there.
On the flip-side there's one at Uni (250) with a modded exhaust that sounds like crap.

They do sound lame without a modded exhaust or the wrong exhaust.......but I guess most bikes do.

I had a GT650R that I wrote off, it really does need the exhaust mod done. My mates GT250R was louder and sounded way nicer with it's modded exhaust. In fact it sounded really damn cool. Maybe I just like the sound of twins?

[Ryster]

Looking at a Kawasaki ZXR250 Ninja now 1991. As it is from a dealer and only $200 more. Heard that the older straight 4 engines are good and reliable?

[Autech]

Looking at a Kawasaki ZXR250 Ninja now 1991. As it is from a dealer and only $200 more. Heard that the older straight 4 engines are good and reliable?

A bike that old you'll be throwing the dice on reliability mate, could be great, could be terrible... Hyos don't break, neither to EX250 Ninja's.

[Ryster]

A bike that old you'll be throwing the dice on reliability mate, could be great, could be terrible... Hyos don't break, neither to EX250 Ninja's.
Its got 48,000 ks on it, not too sure if thats alot or a little for that age. but its in great condition and has a 6 month warrenty so hopefully it wont be bad. I thought that those engines were the ones to go for before they started using v twins and stuff..

[mattian]

Its got 48,000 ks on it, .

Thats nothing,.... IF!!..... its had all of its scheduled servicing and ask to see invoices of any other work thats been done.

[Ryster]

Thats nothing,.... IF!!..... its had all of its scheduled servicing and ask to see invoices of any other work thats been done.

Its been fully serviced and both tyres are new. Thanks

[CookMySock]

Thats nothing,.... IF!!..... its had all of its scheduled servicing and ask to see invoices of any other work thats been done.LOL I don't think so mate.

Steve

[mattian]

LOL I don't think so mate.

Steve
not quite sure what you mean. You think 48,000 ks is alot? not at all if its been well maintained

[CookMySock]

not quite sure what you mean. You think 48,000 ks is alot? not at all if its been well maintainedYes I think 48,000kms is huge amount for a little inline four 250, especially if it has been caned - which is what they were made to do.

Please, it's just what I think. I bet I am right though, but people should do as they choose. I'm happy to be proved wrong on this, as always.

Steve

[gatch]

Yes I think 48,000kms is huge amount for a little inline four 250, especially if it has been caned - which is what they were made to do.

Please, it's just what I think. I bet I am right though, but people should do as they choose. I'm happy to be proved wrong on this, as always.

Steve

Have ridden lots of 4 cyl 250s. Lots of abused examples seeing 80k plus and still going. Have seen a cbr250rr r rrrr with 170k.. So 48k and (supposedly) maintained should mean it is good for a few years yet..

[mattian]

I know people who are still caning around on 250's that have done twice those many ks..... and still caning the crap out of them. Maybe its your experience with Hysosungs that have given you a low threshold of expectation from an engine.

[Jonno.]

Just because it's been "serviced" doesn't mean it's sweet. Of course the dealer is going to tell that "oh yeah shit we've never seen one of these in such a condition".
I'd personally never buy any 250 IL4 because, due to their very nature they get caned and is likely to have a worse service history then a bike brought by someone who has their full. And a full service now wont save you from years of misuse (ie only change oil when time to sell). But then again it might be fine.

But 250 IL4 from a dealer are the most over priced bikes.

But I wouldn't buy a hyo either :laugh:

[vindy500]

Heard that the older straight 4 engines are good and reliable?

Lol, maybe, sometimes.. depending on what way the planets are alligned

[rapid van cleef]

I think like any company, sometimes they produce a duff one at the end of the line. People scream about the duff ones from the treetops. ive ridden my sons 250r. he bought that as it was the tallest 250 he found. it looks real nice too. however, i rode it a few times and it felt cheap and nasty. my son forgot to check the side stand one day at a petrol station and it fell over and snapped off the bar, like totally snapped in 2. ive dropped a 2 bikes, one at high speed and not done any damage to anything other than paintwork. he's had a nightmare with electrics too. ive heard engineers say they are awesome bikes, the 650 s identical to sv650 internally.i dunno, im no engineer. so, you gotta try as many as you can before you buy one. and thats not just hyo's but other brands too. my only experience of em is pretty negative, and a i said, it felt cheap n nasty. plenty of other people love em and have no problems.

[Fatjim]

Hyo's are like those chicks that look promising and have big tits. But once you get them in the sack and it's all go go go you realise she's just a starfish wearing a Wonderbra.

this kind of talk might need translating into non sexual terms for the average Hydrobag rider.