2005 HYOSUNG GT650R

[justsomeguy]

Hi there,

Just found out about this bike while trawling the net looking for porn (bike pics and reviews).

From its reviews it seems a viable alternative to the SV650S, a bike that I was considering as my next bike along with the TRX 850. Note I have at least 9 months before I decide, so only looking for information at this stage.

Looking at bikepoint.co.nz it seems this bike can be had new for $10K - I understand it may not be cutting edge technology but this is a VERY sexy bike. I see a few MV Agusta lines here. It's also NEW meaning manufacturers warranties and possible buy back schemes.... which offer great peace of mind.

Does anybody own one of these or ridden one of them??

And don't start with the "Oh it's Korean" and "Hyoshit what??" crap..... a bike is a bike no matter what.....and deserves an equal amount of respect and love.


PS: Post no: 2222 ....

[John]

Was a review/analysis of the 650 naked in the latest kiwi rider, I cant say what was said since that would be breaching copyright...

Dont be fooled by looks remeber, just because it looks good dont mean it go good, go test ride one and ride the shit out of it, and see if you like it, also there was a post about this particular model awhile ago I will try dig it up.

edit: http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=3883&highlight=gt650

[Waylander]

What about Hyoshit? Nah just kidding mate. Bit goofy looking for my tastes but that's just me.

And in counterpoint to John, Just cause it looks goofy don't mean it goes goofy.:stupid:

[justsomeguy]

Was a review/analysis of the 650 naked in the latest kiwi rider, I cant say what was said since that would be breaching copyright...

Dont be fooled by looks remeber, just because it looks good dont mean it go good, go test ride one and ride the shit out of it, and see if you like it, also there was a post about this particular model awhile ago I will try dig it up.

Cheers for that Johno....

I only have looks to go on at this stage bud and peoples opinions...... until I get my full I need something attractive to *cough*turbate on...

How are you?? Long time since I remember seeing one of your posts, how's the ZXR?

Just got a new tyre for ZZR and it needs an oil and filter change done ASAP.....

[justsomeguy]

edit: http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=3883&highlight=gt650

Hmm...... not much could be added......

Any of you Aussie or Kiwi KB'ers know of any owners?? Any of you test ridden one??

Where's Zapf? You got a spare moment sometime mate??

[John]

I'm sure that someone would have test ridden on here, surely - they aren’t _that_ bad, considering the price and all, the main problem that would worry me is possibly the future of the company, wouldn’t be to cool if they went bust (don’t see many of there bikes around, but they would undoubtedly be very popular in the Asian market), but IF that’s a big if they went bust, I would be concerned about the availability of parts.
That’s why I try get my long term purchases that require possible part replacement/servicing from a well established brand that won’t disappear quickly (although you dont hear of to many bike manufactures falling apart to often), although you can’t bag the newcomer - their bikes look rather tasty and I haven’t heard much stinks with them considering their amazing price... (Yes I still refer to them as ‘hysoshits’ waylander, but I try be open minded - except with cruisers they are all gay pt).

[highjack]
Yea JSG, being rather busy with the bike - just getting the paint touched up from the tank repairs now, then a bit of work on the carbs and she will be fantastic, well it would be nice if I could get some preload into the forks (My forks are foobard) no preload and busts seals like crazy, hence me not bothering to attend any rides, no need to try risk being silly with funked suspension, oh and my head bearing is pretty stuffed, don’t know how that could happen ;).... no seriously... :P
Oh btw, JSG did you ever get a new helmet? I just went and got a crappy nitro thingy for an ok(ish) price since my 800$ shoei got wrecked oh well...

[justsomeguy]

Yes I bought a new helmet the next weekend. Replaced my HJC CL-12 with a CL-14.

Good to know your bike is nearing the fully restored condition you want. Hopefully by the time you sort your bike I'll sort my employment and we both shall have something to celebrate.......yes I'm still looking for a job, still looking as I want a proper job not justsomejob...:laugh:

But back to topic most of the reviews I've read say that there's nothing wrong with the bike and that it is great value for money. So I shall add it to the next bike dream list.

[Waylander]

(Yes I still refer to them as ‘hysoshits’ waylander, but I try be open minded - except with cruisers they are all gay pt).


Meh, Don't mind me I'm still coming down from the high I hit today. Just ignore me for a bit (as if you didn't always.:whistle:)

[justsomeguy]

Meh, Don't mind me I'm still coming down from the high I hit today. Just ignore me for a bit (as if you didn't always.:whistle:)

You make that call?

[Waylander]

You make that call?
Yep, need to get up there either tomorrow or sometime after tuesday next week.

[justsomeguy]

Yep, need to get up there either tomorrow or sometime after tuesday next week.

Cool, you should find them a nice bunch of blokes to talk to, SARGE can entertain you with stories of his adventures ....:whistle:

[Waylander]

Cool, you should find them a nice bunch of blokes to talk to, SARGE can entertain you with stories of his adventures ....:whistle:
Had a bit of a PM fit with him the other night. Was fun as..:rofl:

[John]

Had a bit of a PM fit with him the other night. Was fun as..:rofl:
hey wait, are you applying for that job at colmans...?

[Waylander]

hey wait, are you applying for that job at collemans...?
Behind as usuall aye John? lol, yea I am. Might actually have to move up to aucks till feb next year cause my "bank doesn't want me comuting that far

[John]

Behind as usuall aye John? lol, yea I am. Might actually have to move up to aucks till feb next year cause my "bank doesn't want me comuting that far
You bastard - infact I will give my left or right nut (right nut scared from rugby incident but otherwise in good condition, always buffed clean) to work in a bike shop, oh well good on you! Hope you get it.

[Sorry for the hijack]

[John]

Hmm...... not much could be added......

Any of you Aussie or Kiwi KB'ers know of any owners?? Any of you test ridden one??

Where's Zapf? You got a spare moment sometime mate??
Oh you did see that link to the review huh? ( http://www.bobpickett.co.uk/bkit/hyosunggt650.htm (http://www.bobpickett.co.uk/bkit/hyosunggt650.htm%29..just) ) just checking..

[Waylander]

You bastard - infact I will give my left or right nut (right nut scared from rugby incident but otherwise in good condition, always buffed clean) to work in a bike shop, oh well good on you! Hope you get it.

[Sorry for the hijack]
Tell ya what, develop a taste for cruisers, then one for choppers and then learn how to run electrics for bikes and I'll give you a job in my own shop whenever I open it.

(oh and shame you didn't post this thread in rave on JSG, I could have removed all our off topic ramblings for you.)

[John]

Tell ya what, develop a taste for cruisers, then one for choppers and then learn how to run electrics for bikes and I'll give you a job in my own shop whenever I open it.

(oh and shame you didn't post this thread in rave on JSG, I could have removed all our off topic ramblings for you.)
Well your lucky, dont tell anyone but I secretly have a weak spot for crusiers - and I am an electronics geek (retired). DAMN I GOTTA STOP THE THREAD JACKING ARRGHHH

[zadok]

A guy at my work has a 250 Hyosung and he is rapped in it. I must admit it looks nice in the flesh. The pics of the 650 look good to me as well.

[Zapf]

Hmm...... not much could be added......

Any of you Aussie or Kiwi KB'ers know of any owners?? Any of you test ridden one??

Where's Zapf? You got a spare moment sometime mate??

Hello JSG... so how about you organise one and I'll take it out for a few hours :) you should park up a new one of these next to a old shape SV650S.... you might find them being out of the same mold.

Just like Suzooky sold the entire line and tooling to them.

by the looks of it you get real ram air and also USD forks too... but is it just for looks? with little go...

[zadok]

you should park up a new one of these next to a old shape SV650S.... you might find them being out of the same mold.

Just like Suzooky sold the entire line and tooling to them.
Don't forget, Hyosung were and maybe still are strongly connected with Suzuki.

[FROSTY]

I'm looking at one myself -they cleaned up in F3 in the south island this year
It feels a bit heavier than the sv and although its got fancy looking upside downers I wasn't over impressed with the front shocks.
Personally Im keener on the new kwakka 650 coming ont in october.
It just plum looks sexy

[Sniper]

I still would like to ride it if they provide life insurance with it too

[NhuanH]

...Bit goofy looking for my tastes but that's just me.
some might say YOU are a bit goofy for THEIR tastes big fella :Pokey:

[Waylander]

some might say YOU are a bit goofy for THEIR tastes big fella :Pokey:
Meh is only thier opinion. Everyone is entitled to thier own opinion.

Ofcourse that wouldn't stop me from punching them in the face...:whistle: (PT)

[SimJen]

the GT650R has less power than the previous model 5hp less because of a new Catalyzer in the pipe. Looks pretty good. Get the latest Australian Motorcycle News and it has a quick review of it. Reckon its a good bike for the money but the front forks are too soft.

[justsomeguy]

Hello JSG... so how about you organise one and I'll take it out for a few hours :) you should park up a new one of these next to a old shape SV650S.... you might find them being out of the same mold.

Just like Suzooky sold the entire line and tooling to them.

by the looks of it you get real ram air and also USD forks too... but is it just for looks? with little go...

Sweet lets do it sometime,

Well I don't want too big a jump up from the ZZR and it does seem to look nice and have a decent enough go (it's supposed to be a tad faster than the SV)......It is also very heavy probably 200kgs plus wet, so it should be enough of a challenge......then Frosty said they are eligible in F3, so that's another thing to look forward too....

I don't like the half faired look of the SV.....so yeah this looks like a better choice.

I have a feeling in another year or two F3 will be Hyosung vs SV650 vs the new Kwaka.......

[N4CR]

Hope it's nothing like the 250 comet I tested :puke: nothing much to say about that ay. Well... cheap but nasty.

[justsomeguy]

Hope it's nothing like the 250 comet I tested :puke: nothing much to say about that ay. Well... cheap but nasty.

I don't think it will be a really great bike - if they are selling it for 10K, I guess it only costs something like 3-4K......

So yeah - lets see...... meanwhile it gives me another option to explore.

[justsomeguy]

To me, it has to be race proven to earn some respect. Quite frankly, it doesn't float my boat but good on ya if it does for you.


I know what you mean. A ZXR400 would be great but I hate to deal with resale problems and reliability issues and the hassle of finding a mint one.

Looks wise I think it looks better than a SV650S or a TRX850......

Didn't someone say they are doing well in the South Island??

Could you ask your racer buddies if they know how they perform??

[justsomeguy]

I'm looking at one myself -they cleaned up in F3 in the south island this year
It feels a bit heavier than the sv and although its got fancy looking upside downers I wasn't over impressed with the front shocks.
Personally Im keener on the new kwakka 650 coming ont in october.
It just plum looks sexy

Do the Kwakas have a full faired version or just the Brutale look-a-like??

[justsomeguy]

Doesn't look bad in race spec either...

[chickenfunkstar]

Is the 650R a new model?
I vaugely remember looking at the naked 650 when I was looking for a repacement for my 250 last year.
Can't remember exactly how much it was but I remember that it seemed pretty cheap for a brand new bike.

[geoffm]

I looked at them in the bike shop - there wasn't a huge difference in price (then) betwen the Suzuki SV650 and the Hyosung. My thought was at the time that it would be easier to get parts (aftermarket and used) for the Suzuki, and it would probably have a better resale value.
I shoudl find an excuse to test ride one
Geoff

[justsomeguy]

I looked at them in the bike shop - there wasn't a huge difference in price (then) betwen the Suzuki SV650 and the Hyosung. My thought was at the time that it would be easier to get parts (aftermarket and used) for the Suzuki, and it would probably have a better resale value.
I shoudl find an excuse to test ride one
Geoff

What you doin tomorrow??

Zapf - you too??

[Grizz]

I was in at Red Baron last week, and they said that they are brought in by Kawasaki, so I guess that says something. They haven't sold that many and none so far have come back at them. For what its worth.

[MD]

I liked the look of the first 650 naked they brought out about 18 mths ago and had a few good squizzes at them in the shops. Got good mag reviews too. Quality of manufacture was right up there and I wouldn't be worried about the Korean Co.disappearing. If they grow similar to Hyundai, as some bike reviews commented, it'll be the Jappo companies in danger.
Doubt resale will be to good in these early years but once they get established as mainstream- not some oddball from a strange country that might improve.

[justsomeguy]

I wouldn't be worried about the Korean Co.disappearing.

Hyosung is one of the richest/biggest/most successful companies in Korea. They set up for business in 1952. They are involved in all sorts of industries. Bikes are only a small part of their portfolio.

[Waylander]

Hyosung is one of the richest/biggest/most successful companies in Korea. They set up for business in 1952. They are involved in all sorts of industries. Bikes are only a small part of their portfolio.
They also do sewing machines...

[justsomeguy]

They also do sewing machines...

Hyosung's global network of over 30 overseas subsidiaries and satellite offices has enabled it to effectively expand its presence in diverse fields such as apparel and industrial synthetic fibers, specialty chemicals, industrial power systems, industrial machinery, construction & development, information technology, and international trade.

[John]

Hyosung's global network of over 30 overseas subsidiaries and satellite offices has enabled it to effectively expand its presence in diverse fields such as apparel and industrial synthetic fibers, specialty chemicals, industrial power systems, industrial machinery, construction & development, information technology, and international trade.
Event the most successfull companies can fuck up in an industry they arent familiar with, time will tell.

[justsomeguy]

Event the most successfull companies can fuck up in an industry they arent familiar with, time will tell.

Yup true :yes:

Who is Hyosung?
We swiped this from the company's website: Hyosung is one of the largest and most respected companies in South Korea, and was founded in 1952. Hyosung Motors & Machinery Inc was established in 1978 as a motorcycle manufacturer. In 1979 a technical tie up was established with Suzuki Motor Corp of Japan for producing Suzuki models for some Asian markets. Hyosung established its own R&D centre in 1986 to develop models under the Hyosung brand for export to global markets under the banner "Made by Hyosung, Ridden by The World". Twelve per cent of staff are engaged in R&D to keep pace with aggressive development of new models suitable for export markets. Hyosung produce some models that carry a Japanese brand name that are exported worldwide, and components produced by Hyosung can be found on several other brands of motorcycles.

http://bikepoint.ninemsn.com.au/portal/alias__bikepointau/tabID__5760/ArticleID__119821/DesktopDefault.aspx

[SPman]

Excerpts from from Motorcycle Online

The Hyosung has a lot of nice touches for a bike priced at $5,999. There is some good attention to detail, as it seems to have been assembled properly, with no unseemly gaps or poorly routed cables. There is a strap to secure the passenger seat, adjustable rearsets, and though the Bridgestone BT56 tires are an older model, they are known to be grippy and long-wearing. The front end is very good, with easy-to-adjust damping (but no preload adjuster), stiff looking, upside-down fork assemblies and beefy triple clamps. Brakes are two-piston, sliding-pin calipers in the front grabbing floating rotors, similar to the Suzuki's. The component quality of was a little poorer than I expected. The plastic is that brittle, older-style ABS, and the paint has a fair amount of orange peel. The clutch lever rattles, and the brake lever isn't adjustable

The motor fires up quickly and easily, with a raspy sound and noticeable vibration. The clutch has a smooth, easy pull, and the gearbox has short throws and shifts easily, although finding neutral from a stop in first gear is difficult. Pulling up to a stop, I notice that the brakes have a wooden feel and require a strong pull. Once I'm stopped, getting my feet down flat is easy, thanks to a seat that is noticeably lower than the SV's.

The adjustable footpegs are in a nice position, and the seat height is just right for me. The motor is buzzy above 6,000 rpm, but it is geared fairly tall and cruising at 80 (mph) (indicated- I think there's an 8-12% speedometer error) is fairly comfortable. There's plenty of torque for passing if you click down a gear or two, but the buzzing at high rpms is hard to take: your fingers practically vibrate right off the grips! It pulls hard in the midrange, but it isn't as sharp and satisfying as the SV's motor, which feels refined and silky smooth by comparison.....

Once on a curving road, the GT is very good. With the steel frame and swingarm, it feels noticeably heavier than the SV, but it turns in nicely and holds its line well. Steering is very linear and progressive; that's a hallmark of those BT56's! The front suspension is pretty good, tracking over bumps and not mushy at all, but the rear shock is cheap-feeling and under damped. I think the handling and ground clearance are good enough that the GT would make a decent track bike and Hyosung should consider sponsoring a spec racing class .....

The Hyosung GT650R has a lot of flaws. But it surprised me with how much it had to offer. It's a stylish, well-designed motorcycle that need make no apologies for its suspension, motor or handling: the stuff that matters. The overall build quality is cheaper than what I'm accustomed to, but it's acceptable and looks like it will hold together with proper maintenance.

[Pixie]

Testers have said that they like the Hyosung motor better than the SV650.
The designers of the motor were apparantly head hunted from a company in Hamamatsu. Suzuki's home town.

[Marknz]

I reckon this things would make a great one make clubmans class of racing or somehting like that. Would be great if Hyosung ( or Kawasaki if they are the importers ) would market them like that and provide benefits to people buying them to race.

[justsomeguy]

Chickenfunkstar, erik, madguitarist! and I met up today and went to Mt Eden to have a look at the new Hyosung. The plan was for us to go take the bike for a test ride and then hand it back and go for a ride later.

However Mt Eden only had one bike in stock and it was brand new, with 0kms on the clock...... Chris was ok with us taking it for a ride but only if we wanted to buy it. We never rode it as it was not meant to be demoed and we didn't think it right to scam it off them pretending to be buyers.....

Over all I found the bike VERY VERY good looking it scores a 10 on looks. We did start it up and it did make all the right noises. It's a bit on the heavy side but very well balanced. The riding stance too is perfect, sort of between a SV650S and a 05 636.

The build quality is not perfect and the paint looked kind of faded over the tank area - and the bike had done 0 kms....:oi-grr: .....but I'm sure it would polish right out..

The storage space was adequate, similar to a Triumph 650 Daytona and it did have tie downs and a grab handle.

In shiny red it looked a lot like a MV Agusta ...... very :2thumbsup...Can't wait until I get my full.

[magnum]

trxs are very underated and well priced :yes:

[justsomeguy]

trxs are very underated and well priced :yes:

How do they handle??

Will they be too big a step up from a slow (not fast like the ZXR/CBR) 250?

80+nm of torque is A LOT.

[magnum]

i havent ridden one but my mates vtr is a piece of piss to ride,tourqe makes it easier to ride :ride:

[Zipper]

nice bike i got one. front brake coulds be beter. But for price its great. i can get a knee down easy its holds its line well. power is great i can give any of the jap bikes a go.

[GB500nz]

I've got the naked 650 Comet and I love it. Goes like the clappers, handles very well, stops, starts. Very comfortable, I could ride it to Wellington without feeling like a cripple. 330km or more on a tank, 24km/litre. I've got a Givi screen on it, which is really necessary. Got mine from Mt Eden Motorcycles, and they're really good with aftersales service. It's the only bike I've ever had that people would actually stop and get out of their cars to admire. Nice design.
Negatives? It's a bit overweight, the oil level can only be checked when it's on the centrestand but there's no centrestand [!], gearchanges have to be really positive or you may get neutrals. But it's bloody good value and I'm chuffed.
Terry

[justsomeguy]

Awesome stuff GB500nz and Zipper. Will be interesting following your bike reviews for another 9 months until it's decision making time.

[Firefight]

Hey JSG, have just :wait: read all these posts, :wait:. I guess you have to be happy with the choice, its your money, but in 9 months try them all, listen to everyone, read all the shit there is, and then at the end of the day(its night), no sorry what I ment at the end of the day its your choice !

I have just spent the last month trying different 600-750s to update my R6. I have listened to heaps of crap from my kb mates, but in the end, its down to me, and now, finally I have made up my mind.

I a'm Not big on bagging different bikes on the site, I like them all. will pm you my thoughts on this Hyosung bike..

Good luck with your choice.

F/F

[James Deuce]

Shop with your heart.

Test with your bum.

Buy with your head.

Always remember that where there is one bargain, there is another.

Having said that the Hyosung looks like great value and all of us sports bike riders hardly use the potential of our supposedly superior Japanese and Italian bikes, so I can't see there being a real life issue in terms of "keeping up". It's not what you ride, it's how you ride it.

[Bonez]

Popped in to the Liven Kwaka shop this morning. They've got a blue naked one and a red full faired one which certianly caught my eye. Looks very solidly built alright.

[SuperDave]

Quite a good looker, must say I really like the stock can.