Hyosung or not to Hyosung, that is the question

[badassblake]

Hey team. I have been looking at a few Hyosung GT650's lately. Only ridden the naked ones so far and have been reasonably impressed. I am looking at them as a Lams bike with the option of de-restricting once on my full. Have looked at 2012 models around $7000, with around 9-10,000ks. Does anyone have any knowledge on them? I have heard a few negative comments about build quality etc, but that seems to be focused on the older Hyosungs. I am open to other options, but struggling to find anything that offers similar value for money.
Apologies if this is in the incorrect forum, but fellow Learners and Restricted riders might have some pretty good input.

Thanks!!!

[Akzle]

listen, "blake".

you are no bad ass.


do not buy a hyoshit.


you now owe me some fucking sushi.

[GSW]

10 foot pole and dont touch

[badassblake]

Thanks "Akzle" Your reply is enlightened and informative.

Also, thanks GSW, have heard similar comments!!

[GSW]

Thanks "Akzle" Your reply is enlightened and informative.

Also, thanks GSW, have heard similar comments!!

The build quality is pretty average at best, and the OEM parts tend to wear out and break at the drop of a hat

[DR650gary]

I see you are in Auckland so you have a large market to look at.

This is my listing but is not LAMS approved. http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=771998697&ed=true

There is a Lams model and it is an easy mod, the dealer may tell you about it.

Anyway, go look at one and then compare it to the Hyosung. They are miles apart in build quality and ride. The Hyosungs that I have looked at were a bit baggy when a few years old and heavy and lumpy when fairly new.

They did seem indestructible but then they did seem to be the sort of bike that you would want to destroy.

For the money that you want to spend there are many good options that will have a better resale in the future.

I like the DR650 as a good learner and play bike but I am biased.

Cheers

[nzspokes]

We have a Hyo gt650 quietly rusting away in the shed.

[The End]

I was looking at getting one too, before I decided against it and got a 2007 Hornet 900.

I would say stay away - I did a lot of research and got pretty close to buying one, but the reliability was putting me off majorly. Now that I have the Hornet, I am glad I didn't try to save a bit of $$ and get a worse-off bike (inb4 debate).

Check out korider.com - a great Hyosung community that will be able to answer any questions you have.

Do what I did if it applies to you - wait a bit, save up some cash and get a better/more reliable bike. Have fun

[FJRider]

Thanks "Akzle" Your reply is enlightened and informative.

Also, thanks GSW, have heard similar comments!!

What he means ... "Badass's" DON'T ride Hyobag's ... enjoy the enlightenment ... :shifty:

[Akzle]

What he means ... "Badass's" DON'T ride Hyobag's ... enjoy the enlightenment ... :shifty:

:Oi: cunt. don't go thinking you know what i means. and while that's 100% true. salmon sushi. with okonomiyaki and inari.

[FJRider]

:Oi: cunt. don't go thinking you know what i means. and while that's 100% true. salmon sushi. with okonomiyaki and inari.

Cunt .. ??? Smells fishy to me ... but so does the Sushi ... so all is well ... :innocent:

[Akzle]

Cunt .. ??? Smells fishy to me ... but so does the Sushi ... so all is well ... :innocent:

theres a cream for that. Or wasabi. Get your nose into that!

[Ender EnZed]

Hyosungs aren't necessarily total shit but for $7k you have a lot of options.

Unless you're a midget or a weak little girl I'd recommend a DR650 (or a KLR if you have bad taste/ are fat) for substantially less than what you have available. They go well better than any pre-LAMS learner bike (probably better than the restricted new ones as well) and you can kick them down a bank or ride up a river without much trouble as a bonus.

[mossy1200]

find another 5k and buy a MT03

[Sable]

If you're looking at a Hyoshit 650 for 7k, stump up the extra 1k and buy a brand new CFMoto 650NK with a 2 year warranty.

[Tazz]

I know a dude with a 2 year old GT650. No major issues and he seems to like it. There was one small thing that was covered under warranty, can't remember what it was, and the part took it's sweet time arriving, but you can get that with any make if the dealer is crap.

[awayatc]

You wanna be badass or brokenass....?

not sure if you manage to become to first, but getting a Hobag will be a mayor step towards becoming the latter

[Ifsn8u]

I bought a new hyo gt250 end of April. I know it's not the gt650 but my experience might help anyway.

I am 32, new to bikes and obv on learners.

Did plenty of research and took a punt. There was definately plenty of hate towards them, but that did seem to be older models. I use it solely for commuting and the odd jaunt and have not had any issues. I do 100km a day from albany to papakura. so im nearly 8000k's done already. Lane splitting is a breeze with it.

The build quality isn't up to the likes of other brands but it is ok. I havent had any bits break or fall off.

it does what is is supposed to. its cheap, basic and works. Buying new you get warranty so if something does play up they fix it. On that I can't fault the team at hyo taka they havent put a foot wrong yet for me with services.


Just figure out what you are going to use the bike for. I see the gt650 and gt250 good for a commuter and easy sunday ride. I don't believe the gt250 or gt650 would cope with a skilled biker wanting to take every corner on the knee at break neck speeds, in terms of suspension and brakes and power.

Least if you crash it it's only a hyo not your dream bike for learning the ropes.
Hope that helps.

Bring on the wrath of hyo haters. :bleh:

[f2dz]

Chances are you'll want something better than a Hyo 650 once you have your full anyway so I wouldn't bank on the idea of destricting it once that time comes.

I've only ever ridden a GT250R but I can safely say that it felt a lot worse than the two Japanese 250s I had ridden before that. That experience alone makes me pretty hesitant when it comes to Hyosungs.

If I had a spare $7000 and had to choose a LAMS bike I would get a Ninja 300 then sell it once I had my full to get something bigger. My 2c.

[The End]

it does what is is supposed to. its cheap, basic and works. Buying new you get warranty so if something does play up they fix it. On that I can't fault the team at hyo taka they havent put a foot wrong yet for me with services.


This is exactly why I got very close to buying one too. However as I wasn't going to buy new, I didn't want to take the risk of no warranty. The guy (can't remember name) at Hyosung Takapuna was very nice to talk to, he was straight up about the bikes past and very nice to deal with.

You need to keep in mind that a lot of people who buy Hyosungs are new riders - people who don't know how to maintain and necessarily ride correctly/smoothly. So of course there are going to be issues. Top that off with the fact that people are more likely to talk about a bike online if its broken down, than boast about how amazing it is, and you should get some context for their reliability.

If you go for a Hyosung, get one new. Warranty will (hopefully) protect you.

[Taxythingy]

Least if you crash it it's only a hyo:

Done that. :bleh:

Had a 2008 250R. Most of the following will apply to the 650. Build quality won't win awards. Steels are a bit soft and prone to corrosion: e.g. pistons in calipers (my rear was fekked when I got it), master cylinder (same). Kickstand switch failed because they gum up with crap. Brakes not as good as competition, but will stop you in a hurry all the same. Headlight is shit to see with (and for car drivers to see, apparently). My front dipped a bit much under braking. Steering lock is rubbish, which is worth considering when you get asked to do a U turn in a licence test. It's doable but not as easy as most bikes. Service intervals are a bit short (4000km?).

Ride's ok, goes round corners, has good fun factor. Probably better options out there. I'd check out the CFMoto as well if you can get the extra cash. Not sure what else in that price range since I haven't looked.

[argada]

I had a 2010 Hyosung GT250 for about a year and a half.
It was okay, rides fine, got the job done as a daily commuter.

However, there were some issues:
* F.I. warning light would come on from time to time. Never got to the bottom of that, dealer couldn't get the error code, was never recorded or... whatever.
* The bike shut itself off while traveling at motorway speed. Dunno what happened there, but it wouldn't start, had to get it towed. Turned out starter motor was toast. Replaced under warranty.
* Shifting between 1-2 was a bit rough, would sometimes get nasty grinding sound.
* Left the bike outside work one time, found some paint damage on the tank, some bubbling, like a chemical reaction of some sort.


That was my experience with Hyosung. Wasn't, THAT bad, but will not be buying again.

[Smiff-ta]

Chances are you'll want something better than a Hyo 650 once you have your full anyway so I wouldn't bank on the idea of destricting it once that time comes.

I've only ever ridden a GT250R but I can safely say that it felt a lot worse than the two Japanese 250s I had ridden before that. That experience alone makes me pretty hesitant when it comes to Hyosungs.

If I had a spare $7000 and had to choose a LAMS bike I would get a Ninja 300 then sell it once I had my full to get something bigger. My 2c.


Ditto.

When I had my learners I rode the GT250R and the Ninja 250. Poles apart. The Kwaka gearbox and suspension was miles better.

[badassblake]

Thanks everyone for the valuable input. I still haven't made my mind up, but now am opening my eyes to the other options available. Perhaps a short term option is the way to go, and then pick something bigger and better once I'm all licensed up. Thanks again.

[The End]

Thanks everyone for the valuable input. I still haven't made my mind up, but now am opening my eyes to the other options available. Perhaps a short term option is the way to go, and then pick something bigger and better once I'm all licensed up. Thanks again.

Wait till you have your full and then go Scorpio - Hornet like I did ;)

[Ifsn8u]

You need to keep in mind that a lot of people who buy Hyosungs are new riders - people who don't know how to maintain and necessarily ride correctly/smoothly. So of course there are going to be issues. Top that off with the fact that people are more likely to talk about a bike online if its broken down, than boast about how amazing it is, and you should get some context for their reliability.

This is why I bought new. I wouldn't of bought a second hand hyo.

[skinman]

if I were dojng my L again I would look at the 650 adventure style bikes, BMW F650 etc. will do you to full & maybe beyond

[Swivel]

If you're looking at a Hyoshit 650 for 7k, stump up the extra 1k and buy a brand new CFMoto 650NK with a 2 year warranty.

I think the NKs are only 1 year unlimited km now, aussie still have the 2 year.

[Fatt Max]

I've been riding Hyosungs for 7 years, started with a GV250 and upgraded to a ST7.

Hyosung dealership in Takapuna provide an excellent service and for a good price.

As for the bikes, absoultley brilliant, no complaints at all. I am a big fat Bastard and I tookl my GV250 to Nelson and back without a hitch, rode like a dream. The ST7 has also been great, one fault that was covered by the 2 year warranty and even got a service, wash and polish thrown in as well.

Yes they are cheap but great value for money. Easy to maintain and parts are simple to get hold of if you want to do the DIY repairs but if you take it in to the dealers you wont get stung either.

Scored a $500 luggage rack with the ST7 as well....and two baseball caps.

Speak as you find I always say, thats my story.

Happy hunting

[5150]

If you want to go sports bike way, why not Suzuki GSX600. They are fully faired and there is LAMS approved model, which can later be derestricted for full power once you get your full license.

[Autech]

Had a Hyo 250 for my L and R period and put 40k on it, this was a 2008 carb Model only issues I encountered were:

Side stand kill switch (I disconnected it)

Fork oil, I believe one for was under filled, stuck some Motul 15w in it and it made it handle very well. This quality control shouldn't be an issue these days though.

And that was about it apart from consumables which you would do on any bike. Great bike, got my knee down on it at Taupo, took it on the Corro loop more times than I could count and was out riding every weekend on it, in short it did everything I required of it.
Go see Ken and the team at Hyo, they are passionate about their bikes which is a lot more than you can say when it comes to some dealers.

Haters will hate so do your research and don't listen to anyone who hasn't ridden or owned one.

[GrayWolf]

Thanks everyone for the valuable input. I still haven't made my mind up, but now am opening my eyes to the other options available. Perhaps a short term option is the way to go, and then pick something bigger and better once I'm all licensed up. Thanks again.

I would agree with the advice going for a DR650, F650, XT660, KLR650 etc, etc, They are not restricted (low power but good torque). Designed and built as they are from the beginning. All have a long history of production and are proven designs. All will cover big distances competently if required.

As for the 'issue' over Hyo's?
Simple reality is, yes they are cheap, (by the way the CF Moto 650 has also had a fair few issues, see the CF Moto owner group in Aussie, one of the common ones is the engine bolts are not 'high tensile' and are known to shear). :baby:
Hyo/Cf is 'budget buying' so they are going to be 'budget bikes'.... There are far too many 'anti this/that' because either, the Hyo isnt high on 'street cred'...Or, they try to thrash the fuck out of them like they would a Jap sports 250. :brick:
As was mentioned in another post, they trash the suspension/brakes because it doesnt handle like a Jap sport 250. Simple truth is, go ride a classic Jap 250 ( RD, X7, KH etc) they perform about the same as the Hyo, and you'll then realise the Hyo actually handles reasonably well. :cool: Any heavier bike will be slower to chuck round bends, mine weighs 265 kilo's and has a modern sports frame, R1 brakes, Ohlins rear suspension, KSS rebuilt forks, it doesnt go round bends like a sprotbike, but I can keep a poor rider on one VERY HONEST. :lol:
The Hyo isnt a lightweight sprot 250, even though they are marketed and look 'quick'.. (Mostly because its the Rossi wannabe look that sells, rather than 'sensible styling').

Buy the bike that suits your NEEDS, not what Captain Crotchrocket and the 250 riders from Herpes advise you.

Your height, weight, comfort, what the requirement of the bike is, (commute, fun, distance etc)... Also your budget for maintenance as well,,,A twin is dearer to service than a single, both cheaper than a 4 cyl.........

[nzspokes]

Haters will hate so do your research and don't listen to anyone who hasn't ridden or owned one.

I do. I wouldnt recommend one.

[The Reibz]

If you buy a hyosung, your turning gay within the next year. It's a given

[mossy1200]

If you buy a hyosung, your turning gay within the next year. It's a given

Turning gay = upgrade to a Honda ????

Idd own a Hyosung to ride around town as long as I had a tinted visor.

[The Reibz]

Turning gay = upgrade to a Honda ????
Correct. You win the internet for the day

[Big Dog]

If you buy a hyosung, your turning gay within the next year. It's a given

My ex sure did.


Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.

[F!ddl3r]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-772859034.htm

[Swivel]

If you buy a hyosung, your turning gay within the next year. It's a given

You must know from experience:lol:

[Fatt Max]

If you buy a hyosung, your turning gay within the next year. It's a given

Now you tell me, chubby cheeks.......

[SNF]

Don't do it. Quality control is abysmal - anything from leaking fuel tanks to brake shoes falling out. If you're lucky you'll get a good one where 5 things might break instead of 20. There's a reason why they are called hyoshits.

[ducatilover]

Don't do it. Quality control is abysmal - anything from leaking fuel tanks to brake shoes falling out. If you're lucky you'll get a good one where 5 things might break instead of 20. There's a reason why they are called hyoshits.

They don't have brake shoes.


I got a very cheap 250r a while back and have put a little time in to it. You can make them handle well for a budget bike. You can make them stop well too.

They are simple things to spanner on and if anything goes wrong (except a rare big end failure) they are super cheap to get parts for.
Comfy too (but fuck me the 250 is amazingly slow, my GN250 when it had the 300 high comp motor I did, was quicker)

I would recommend being very careful about buying one, you'd want a very good example.
The 650s are a much better bike and usually better quality (although all of them up to the end of 06 were poor quality control, later ones not so bad)

[badassblake]

Thanks for all your input, people.

After numerous test rides I ended up with a 2002 CB400. I owned one in London a few years back, and figured that as this one is 13 years newer, it's worth another go.
About 1000km's so far of commuting and a few joy rides and so far so good.

Thanks again.

[Ender EnZed]

Good choice.

[caseye]

So aye, he's partially gay, at least. Good on you, got a good brand and a reliable ride, go enjoy those dry long days over summer. In the end it is always your choice.