Thinking of going for a Hyo GT250N. Interested in the pros and cons from Hyo owners

[Scorp]

I've finally come to the conclusion that I'd prefer to learn to ride on a standard naked bike rather than a cruiser or a sports bike, so out with all those ideas about Viragos and Ninjas (I've also realized that naked bikes are what turn my head anyway - one day a Street Triple or an XJ6N, hopefully!).

Boiled it down to a second hand Honda VTR, a Hornet, or a new Hyo GT250N Efi.

The more I think about it, the keener I am on the new Hyo - seems like a great value package. And with 5 to 10 year old VTRs and Hornets going for around the $5k mark, it just seems to make more sense to pay the extra for a new Hyo with 2 year/unlimited Km warranty and EFI.

But I'm really keen to hear from any other riders out there with GT250s. I've read a few owner reviews on other sites complaining about a peg vibration at 5,000 revs, this review mentions it too. Also heard some talk about faulty side stand sensors causing high speed stalling and clutch cable and chain problems; not to mention and all those (normally people who don't own them) who bang on about build quality.

So if you ride, or have ridden a Hyo GT250, what do you reckon about these issues, and the pros and cons of going for a 2010 EFI model over a second hand VTR or Hornet?

Thanks for any advice guys!

[mattian]

as far as the 250 v-twins go.... the VTR wins hands down.

Why would the VTR be second hand and your Hyosung be new? I think they're all around about the same price new.

Watch out. DangerousBastard will be along in a minute to tell us how Hyosung was built by the hand of God himself.

[blackdog]

vtr250 rrp $9499

hyo gt250 rrp $6995

[mattian]

vtr250 rrp $9499

hyo gt250 rrp $6995

Oh crikey..... didn't realise it was such a difference. Shit thats alot for a brand new 250 ! what are Honda thinking? its not even a little bit competetive with the other brands.

[one fast tl1ooo]

vtr250 rrp $9499

hyo gt250 rrp $6995

you get what you pay for...

[blackdog]

you get what you pay for...

if buying new, both have 2 year w'tees. can't see anyone not wanting summit a bit bigger after that.....

[Scorp]

Plus, I'm not sure you can really say the Honda V wins "hands down"...

Honda VTR250: 32hp @ 10,500RPM | Torque: 24.00 Nm @ 8500 RPM | P/W Ratio: 0.2286 HP/kg

Hyo GT 250: 29hp @ 10,500RPM | Torque: 22.00 Nm @ 8000 RPM | P/W Ratio: 0.1895 HP/kg

The Hornet is the engine that kicks ass, with 40hp and a power to weight ratio of 0.2649 HP/kg

But I'm not sure a noob like me is going to truly appreciate the difference. I reckon the Hyo will have more than enough grunt for me. Or will until I'm looking to trade up anyway.

[Tink]

I've finally come to the conclusion that I'd prefer to learn to ride on a standard naked bike rather than a cruiser or a sports bike, so out with all those ideas about Viragos and Ninjas (I've also realized that naked bikes are what turn my head anyway - one day a Street Triple or an XJ6N, hopefully!).

Boiled it down to a second hand Honda VTR, a Hornet, or a new Hyo GT250N Efi.

The more I think about it, the keener I am on the new Hyo - seems like a great value package. And with 5 to 10 year old VTRs and Hornets going for around the $5k mark, it just seems to make more sense to pay the extra for a new Hyo with 2 year/unlimited Km warranty and EFI.

But I'm really keen to hear from any other riders out there with GT250s. I've read a few owner reviews on other sites complaining about a peg vibration at 5,000 revs, this review mentions it too. Also heard some talk about faulty side stand sensors causing high speed stalling and clutch cable and chain problems; not to mention and all those (normally people who don't own them) who bang on about build quality.

So if you ride, or have ridden a Hyo GT250, what do you reckon about these issues, and the pros and cons of going for a 2010 EFI model over a second hand VTR or Hornet?

Thanks for any advice guys!

Hi I have a virago 250, but that is cause I am a short chick... I rode a VTR on some really good roads and LOVED IT TO BITS... looked at a hyo, was not particularly keen... I also love naked bikes... Ducati for me and a harley (ha)... try them out, once you have your learners or if you do... try now.

[bogan]

dunno If they've sorted it on the new bikes, but had a mate with an 06 (i think) gt250, and it was very heavy, and gutless, my vt250 which was 20 years older was faster and lighter. Also consider you will only be on a 250 for a few years, so get a bike that holds it value, the VTR and Hornet will hold it better than the hyo.

[raftn]

dunno If they've sorted it on the new bikes, but had a mate with an 06 (i think) gt250, and it was very heavy, and gutless, my vt250 which was 20 years older was faster and lighter. Also consider you will only be on a 250 for a few years, so get a bike that holds it value, the VTR and Hornet will hold it better than the hyo.

Wat he said.

[CookMySock]

I've got a 250 AND a 650 Comet if you want to look over them. Also have a GT250R for sale.

Steve

[BiK3RChiK]

I learned to ride on the GT250R and have ridden the GT250 Comet and now have a GT650 Comet. I think the Comet is awesome to ride! I wouldn't recommend a GT-R to learn on but think the Comet would be an awesome learner bike. I love my 650 Comet. I just got back from a trip to the Naki on it. It was awesome fun...

[Tank]

The cost also includes what you get for the bike when you sell it for your next one (BTW - OP - nice choice on the Street Triple)

The Honda etc will still fetch the same price when you sell it . The Ho'bags I predict in a while really wont hold their value as much. After all - why would anyone buy a 18 month one for near the new price - thus they will have to drop to get buyers. The Honda etc have already depreciated.

As for the Ho'bags in general - DB and his missus I think are the only 2 people in NZ that have the 650 - thats got to say something. Im not saying that they are a bad bike - prob fine for learning, but I dont think that they will last that long. They are cheap for a reason.

[Scorp]

The Honda etc will still fetch the same price when you sell it. The Ho'bags I predict in a while really wont hold their value as much. After all - why would anyone buy a 18 month one for near the new price - thus they will have to drop to get buyers. The Honda etc have already depreciated.

True, good point. I guess that's the cost of 2 yrs warranty. Mind you I doubt I'd sell a second hand Honda in 18 mths for the 'same' as I'd pay for it today. Also, judging from the auctions I've watched on Trade Me, the Hyo's are now depreciating at almost the same rate as Ninjas, just from a lower starting point. I also figure a second hand EFI model will have the edge on the older ones in 12 to 18 months.

They are cheap for a reason.

True, but part of that reason might be that S. Korea labour costs are lower than Japan the US and Europe. Plus, Hyosung is hungry for market share.

[Scorp]

I've got a 250 AND a 650 Comet if you want to look over them. Also have a GT250R for sale.

Steve

I learned to ride on the GT250R and have ridden the GT250 Comet and now have a GT650 Comet. I think the Comet is awesome to ride! I wouldn't recommend a GT-R to learn on but think the Comet would be an awesome learner bike. I love my 650 Comet. I just got back from a trip to the Naki on it. It was awesome fun...

Hi guys. Did either of you have any of the issues I mentioned earlier: clutch cable/side stand/peg vibrations? Or any others for that matter?