Which year Hyosung GT250R to buy?

[not2slow]

Hi all,
i am considering a 250 to buy for my learners. I will be using it to get to work over the Harbour bridge and will keep it for sometime as i am in no real hurry to get my full and get a bigger bike (yet??). Since i have time before i need a bike i have been doing quite a bit of trawling through the old posts about 250s here on KB. I have also been perving at a few Hyosungs on Trademe and watching the prices that the different year bikes are selling for. So i was wondering if there is any difference among the 2007, 08 and 09 bikes in terms of faults or problems. Ultimately i would like to know whether a 2007 bike going for $4k is a better buy than a 2008 going for $4.5-5k (taking into account km’s and servicing record etc.) or that the extra $500 to a grand spent on the 2008 is money well spent?

[vindy500]

All the R's from 06-09 are pretty much the same as far as i know

[Damage88]

Yep apart from fairing style there's not much difference between 06-09. 10's have EFI though.
So no an 08 with more k's than an 07 is not worth more unless you like that style of fairing better.

[CookMySock]

You will be fine with any of those. As usual, buy as low-km and as modern as you can, for the best price.

What you MUST do, is get the bike to the hyo dealer right away and make very sure that it has the modern cam chain tensioners in it, and that it is mechanically up to scratch. I'd pay them to spend a full hour on it making sure everything is cool. It might feel like a hundy down the tubes, but if theres something amiss with it you will wish you had.

If you get one with worn tires on it, then celebrate and replace them with something suitable for riding in the wet. The stock tires are bloody scary in the wet - great to learn on but not amusing to commute with.

Steve

[vindy500]

Yep apart from fairing style there's not much difference between 06-09. 10's have EFI though.
So no an 08 with more k's than an 07 is not worth more unless you like that style of fairing better.

the fairings didnt change until 10 did they?

[trailblazer]

like db said you will be fine with any of those years just get the best bike you can afford.

[Eyegasm]

I'm pretty sure the 06 had issues with the welding on the tank.

Shitty brakes and suspension come standard.

[Hiflyer]

The hyo's with black forks 08 --> are inherently more reliable than the gold forked (07 backwards) hyo's. I think while they were designing the 08 model they actually started shitting bricks when they looked a the pile of warranty claims they had.

[JimO]

best hyosung to buy would be a vtr250 honda

[Old Steve]

Expect to need a chain and sprocket replacement at 12+ thou km, I had mine replaced on my GV250 (almost identical mechanically) at 13,000 km. Cost around the $300 mark, I fitted a ScottOiler at the same time for $300 - 350, supposed to extend the life of chain and sprockets 7 to 10 times and no messy chain lubing every weekend - just top the bottle up every 800 to 1000 km. My back tire needs replacement before I go for my 6R in August, that's going to be about 15,000 km life. Front tire still OK, probably be good until I next replace the new rear tire.

The Hyosung 250 gearbox does have an annoying difficulty finding neutral when the engine is running, a hang over from the same quirk in the Suzuki Intruder. I've done an engine oil change with Total semsynthetic SAE10W-40 and eased off the clutch cable, now I can get neutral 8 or 9 times out of 10. When I parked it (and I still do) I would turn off with the tranny in first, turn the electrics on so I could see the green light when she went into neutral, and click into neutral without the engine running.

My GV250 has an anti-theft mechanism fitted to it - this is the name HYOSUNG printed across the back of the pillion seat

[CookMySock]

I'll second the oiler. We have four bikes with oilers on now - one scott, the others homemade. Wouldn't be without them.

Steve

[Spearfish]

I'll second the oiler. We have four bikes with oilers on now - one scott, the others homemade. Wouldn't be without them.

Steve

Are you able to post a pic of your DB oiler?

[not2slow]

Thanks for the advice guys.

DB, thanks for the tip on the cam tensioner, was planning on getting a bike shop to get a pre-purchase inspection. Can you recommend a good shop to use? Does the Hyo dealer on Barry’s Point have a workshop? Or is Red Barron ok? Also a pic of your DIY oiler would be good. Checked out the pics of your bikes too! Holly heck, you like these Hyos!

Old Steve, thanks for the info as it is good to know of the extra costs that i may be in for in the not too far future.

I'll be doing the theory test this week for my learners and will look to test ride some 250s (VTR, bandit, Hornet, GT250, GT250R and Ninja) in the coming weekends. I've been sitting on a few bikes in the shop and so far the Hyos and Hornet "feel" most comfortable as i'm 6'1", but the test is in the pudding, or riding. But i must admit these Hyos are at the top of my list due to the looks, price and availability of parts (and sound, they sound really nice with a SD pipe!).

[trailblazer]

good luck with your learners test it's pretty basic. I don't bother with an oiler i just give my chain a quick spray every time i fill up or after a long ride. Happy bike hunting you can't go wrong with any of the bikes you have mentioned.

[CookMySock]

Are you able to post a pic of your DB oiler?I think I have already. Have a search and see what you can find. All it is, is squeezy bottle with a thin line out of it into a 100mm long section of 8mm dia clear plastic tubing, and then back into a thin bit with goes down and rubs on the sprocket. The rider squeezes the bottle and fills the thicker tubing with oil, and then rides off as it drains down onto the sprocket and gets flung into the chain. Simple. Lots of cable ties to hold it all. Thats it.


Can you recommend a good shop to use? [...] Holly heck, you like these Hyos!I could recommend my local bikeshop but I'm not in auckland, so thats no use to you. I'd rock on in there tell them you just bought "this" and you're looking to start a long-term service relationship with the most experienced hyo people around, and were they interested?

Hyo's, yes they are cheap and cheerful, and easy to work on. And we just like them too. :niceone:


Steve

[Antonio]

I would go for honda hornet, dnt be fool by the look of hyosung, ive ridden them and they are just bad rides.
Dnt waste ur money

[not2slow]

I think I have already. Have a search and see what you can find. All it is, is squeezy bottle with a thin line out of it into a 100mm long section of 8mm dia clear plastic tubing, and then back into a thin bit with goes down and rubs on the sprocket. The rider squeezes the bottle and fills the thicker tubing with oil, and then rides off as it drains down onto the sprocket and gets flung into the chain. Simple. Lots of cable ties to hold it all. Thats it.

I could recommend my local bikeshop but I'm not in auckland, so thats no use to you. I'd rock on in there tell them you just bought "this" and you're looking to start a long-term service relationship with the most experienced hyo people around, and were they interested?

Hyo's, yes they are cheap and cheerful, and easy to work on. And we just like them too. :niceone:


Steve

DB, Doha! Should have taken a look at your location, re: bike shops! I'll have a look for your pics.
Cheers!

[not2slow]

I would go for honda hornet, dnt be fool by the look of hyosung, ive ridden them and they are just bad rides.
Dnt waste ur money

A Hornet is next on my list however, the price of a Hornet that is 10+ years old and has a whole heap of km on it is putting me off to a certain degree. In saying that i will hold off on the final judgement until riding everything i can get my hands/ass on!

[Old Steve]

A Hornet is next on my list however, the price of a Hornet that is 10+ years old and has a whole heap of km on it is putting me off to a certain degree. In saying that i will hold off on the final judgement until riding everything i can get my hands/ass on!

Hey not2slow, remember this is your learner bike.

First off, even if the Hyosungs aren't the best handling bike on the market, as a learner you're not going to be able to tell the difference. In fact, riding a Hyosung might be better for you, if other bikes are better then you've improved your riding skills on the GT250R. I have a 4 year old GV250 cruiser and I love her.

Second, once you get your 6F licence, you WILL find the money to buy a bigger bike. I've been riding now for 14 weeks so I'm 5 months away from being able to sit my 6F, I'm able to go for my 6R in early August, but I'm already looking at 750cc cruisers on TradeMe and going in to the bike shops to drool at Honda Shadows and Suzuki Boulevards.

[not2slow]

Hey old steve,
Thanks for the wise words. Is that why they call you old steve?
I suppose at the end of the day what i am really wanting is something that is reliable and will go rain or shine and will not put a large hole in my wallet. If that is a Hyo or a Hornet and the price is right...then sweet as!

[Old Steve]

I've called myself "Old Steve" cos I'm into my 60s, just got my 6L in February and been riding every chance I've had since.

I'd go for the Hyosung, don't think you can beat it for value for money. But I'm biased now having bought one. The decision is yours, and you've got to be happy with what you get. From my own experience I don't think you'll keep your 250 for too long after you get your 6F. I'd consider a Hyosung 650 when I get my 6F, I'd have to check when they made the 650 cruisers though cos I have a certain price range too.

[not2slow]

I think my finanical situation will have a large bearing on my ability to afford a larger bike, plus with the ankle biter, missus and a house that needs bits being done, my time to ride on the weekends will be limited and the communte to and from work will be my riding time. Going to look at some hyo's this weekend so will get another chance to drool :drool:.

Also i was wondering if anyone had brought Hyo parts from this place http://www.hyosungsource.com

[Neon]

Go for the Hornet, you won't regret it :scooter: But then I may be a little biased :innocent:

[vindy500]

Ive been pretty happy with hyo this year, 30km a day without a hiccup so far. cant say the same about the gpx or the bandit i had last year

[AllanB]

The stock tires are bloody scary in the wet - great to learn on but not amusing to commute with.

What the ………… If they are that crap then surely they are NOT a good learners tyre. An experienced rider may be able to compensate or correct a slide but a newbie will undoubtedly end up on his/her arse.

You may need to figure the cost of some decent rubber into the purchase.

[not2slow]

Neon, i have your bike on my watchlist! Those heated grips must be nice on these winter mornings!

[Tryhard]

ride a ninja. Pretty good. Hard to bet 4 value

[Rev DJ]

Just a thought - try really haggling with a few local dealers - see what sort of deal you could look at for a new one - or even a 2009 spec model... you may be surprised at what you could get for your dollars...!! DJ

["D" FZ1]

We have got a Red 2007 GT250R done only 500 km's for $5495.00. Motorcycle City (North Shore Yamaha) Corner of Wairau Road at the Tristram Ave off ramp. Also got a couple of brand new 2009's for $6950.00 + ORC. 09 2804895.

[Sentox]

What the ………… If they are that crap then surely they are NOT a good learners tyre. An experienced rider may be able to compensate or correct a slide but a newbie will undoubtedly end up on his/her arse.

I never departed from the bike above 0kph on account of the tires in my riding as a beginner. The 'advantage' of the crappy tires is that you quickly grasp the importance of riding smoothly and interpreting the best available road surface. Things that might go under-appreciated if your tires will let you get away it.

To have the experience to deal with something like a slide, you have to have, well, experienced it. Such experience is much easier to gain on the Shinkos, perhaps making them a better learner tool, perversely enough.

I can see the argument both ways. Maybe it's playing with fire, but my experience is that they've taught me to ride relaxed and smooth in the wet.

[Neon]

Neon, i have your bike on my watchlist! Those heated grips must be nice on these winter mornings!

They sure are. You wouldn't believe the difference they make. New bike doesn't have them...yet :shifty:

[not2slow]

We have got a Red 2007 GT250R done only 500 km's for $5495.00. Motorcycle City (North Shore Yamaha) Corner of Wairau Road at the Tristram Ave off ramp. Also got a couple of brand new 2009's for $6950.00 + ORC. 09 2804895.

"D" FZ1,
Is the 2007 all stock no aftermarket parts? PM me your best price? JFK is selling their red 2007 GT250R on trademe which has been modded and dyno tuned for that same price as your 07 GT250R.

[Scorp]

I'll be doing the theory test this week for my learners and will look to test ride some 250s (VTR, bandit, Hornet, GT250, GT250R and Ninja) in the coming weekends. I've been sitting on a few bikes in the shop and so far the Hyos and Hornet "feel" most comfortable as i'm 6'1", but the test is in the pudding, or riding. But i must admit these Hyos are at the top of my list due to the looks, price and availability of parts (and sound, they sound really nice with a SD pipe!).
Hi mate,

I was looking at exactly the same list of bikes myself while I was sitting my test and getting geared up. At first, the Hyo was at the bottom, but it gradually worked its way to the top. Initially I was dead set on buying second hand, but with 10 to 15 year old hornets and VTRs going for $5,500 plus, I eventually figured that buying a new 2010 hyo with EFi and a 2 year warranty was probably worth the extra $1,100.

I eventually went for a new 2010 GT250N, retail $6,695. (I prefer the more upright ride position of the naked bike, and the added feel of control with the more upright and wider bars).

I've only been riding it for a week and a half, first 350kms, but I love it. Feels as smooth as butter to me, probably because I don't know any better, but still... fine for learning on. As someone else has mentioned, all the better for learning on probably. I find the gearing is fine, nice and smooth (except for when I screw it up) and getting smoother every ride, not too tricky finding neutral, and easily quick enough for me.

Another thing in favor of the Hyo. It's one of the only 250s that looks and feels the size of a full size bike. A little taller in the seat and fuller in the frame. Good practice I reckon for the step up to a bigger bike, plus, if your 6'1, you won't feel daft on it.

Can't really comment on the Shinkos, I haven't reached the confidence level yet where I'm pushing the tyres too much, plus, I'm a rain shy bastard and won't take my new baby out in the wet!

It's perhaps also worth bearing in mind that apparently, Hyosung NZ has one of the best parts availability records in NZ.

My advice, go for Hyo. As new a model as you can, and do what Dangerous and Steve say - get it to a Hyo dealer for a proper check over. Good luck!

P.S. Yes, the SDs sound fantastic, especially throttling off and dropping down through the gears. It's like she's thinking dirty thoughts and chuckling to you under your arse!

:innocent:

[SMOKEU]

A mate of mine had a GT250R with only about 10,000km on it when the gauge cluster fucked out and had to be replaced. It cost him about $500 from memory to replace it.

[not2slow]

Hi mate,

I was looking at exactly the same list of bikes myself while I was sitting my test and getting geared up. At first, the Hyo was at the bottom, but it gradually worked its way to the top. Initially I was dead set on buying second hand, but with 10 to 15 year old hornets and VTRs going for $5,500 plus, I eventually figured that buying a new 2010 hyo with EFi and a 2 year warranty was probably worth the extra $1,100.

I eventually went for a new 2010 GT250N, retail $6,695. (I prefer the more upright ride position of the naked bike, and the added feel of control with the more upright and wider bars).

I've only been riding it for a week and a half, first 350kms, but I love it. Feels as smooth as butter to me, probably because I don't know any better, but still... fine for learning on. As someone else has mentioned, all the better for learning on probably. I find the gearing is fine, nice and smooth (except for when I screw it up) and getting smoother every ride, not too tricky finding neutral, and easily quick enough for me.

Another thing in favor of the Hyo. It's one of the only 250s that looks and feels the size of a full size bike. A little taller in the seat and fuller in the frame. Good practice I reckon for the step up to a bigger bike, plus, if your 6'1, you won't feel daft on it.

Can't really comment on the Shinkos, I haven't reached the confidence level yet where I'm pushing the tyres too much, plus, I'm a rain shy bastard and won't take my new baby out in the wet!

It's perhaps also worth bearing in mind that apparently, Hyosung NZ has one of the best parts availability records in NZ.

My advice, go for Hyo. As new a model as you can, and do what Dangerous and Steve say - get it to a Hyo dealer for a proper check over. Good luck!

P.S. Yes, the SDs sound fantastic, especially throttling off and dropping down through the gears. It's like she's thinking dirty thoughts and chuckling to you under your arse!

:innocent:

Hiya,
Well so far i have ridden the 2010 Hyosung GT250R and GT250. The GT250R was real fun, i was blasting around Northshore yesterday, but i got a sore left wrist (may be due to clutch grabbing and not relaxing) and a sore hip flexor (where your leg joins your hip) but i have been doubled over and squashed up in my ceiling for the last 2 weekends installing a ventilation system....but yeah..fun!! The GT250 was more comfortable as noted by others and had a better mirror set up so i could see what is behind me. I managed to find neutral instead of 2nd a few times, but i think the girls on the side walk thought i was revving it to get their attention, i then managed to hit the horn instead of the indicator...probably made their day, while i was trying to leave the scene of the gear change-indicator debacle! I'm riding a scooter to get to and from work at the moment. My poor scooter, it felt like I was riding a ten speed stuck in 9th gear going up a hill!! I think my scooter days are most definitely over.
Anyway...Hyosung is still leading the "to-buy-list". But i will try the VTR and Hornet this week! So yeah fun times on the test rides!!

I would like to buy a 2010 Hyo but $$ are an important consideration and there are some good cheap Hyo's on trademe at the moment. So looks like a 2nd hand bike will be my option.

[aprilia_RS250]

Hiya,
but i think the girls on the side walk thought i was revving it to get their attention, i then managed to hit the horn instead of the indicator...probably made their day,

Imagine how they'd react if you were sitting on RSV4 or an R1 and gave them a little rev. You'd probably still be cleaning the stains from your leathers...

[gw555]

well I have a 2006 GT250 which has clocked 128000km and I have not had that much expense or trouble with it!! - just keep it serviced at the correct intervals and when something isn't quite right fix it!!

In fact I have just bought a 2010 GT650N so thats what my thinking on the Hyos are for what its worth.......................

[born disturbed]

Im hauling round on an 07 GT250R which I have found a better step down from the big bikes I was riding so I can get my license finally. I have had CBR250s & all sorts of other bikes but they tend to be a bit short for me to commute on comfortably (i'm only 5'10") I find that while the GT is lower on power the delivery is great in traffic & still revs out really nice on the highway. Shinkos are a shit tyre but they will handle ok if your not rough on them, I am down to 10mm chicken strips & I have only been riding it during shit winter days, bring on the Sport Demons & dry roads. I love your SD comment SCORP lol :8):

[not2slow]

Just an update; I ended up buying a 2008 Black Hyosung GT250R with 6,000km on the clock. There are few small scratches on the left fairing and it has a full service record. I have only had it for a few days but it appears to go well. The front forks are soft with bugger all dampening. So the first thing on the list is to change the fork oil. Good times to come!

[Old Steve]

Good choice, better price but not too old. I hope you're as happy on your GT250R as I am on my older GV250. I'm an older rider, looking for the cool dude look on a cruiser - I'll have to keep working on it.