Hyosung GT250N

Hyosung has confirmed that soon they will be launching the street version of their full fairing bike, GT250R. It will be sold as ‘GT250’; it is an entry level premium sports bike. In this article, we try to figure out more about this new baby Hyosung.

Design and Style

The bike looks significantly different than its elder sibling in terms of appearance. The regular GT250R has lost its fairing and looks much like any enthusiastic sports bike. It features a round shaped headlight at its front with clear lens indicators on both sides. The bike has a semi body colored front cowl with an integrated small transparent visor. The simple black colored rear view mirrors sit on the top of its handlebar. The beefy front forks and front tyre adds muscularity to this bike while its wide front fender suits the design of its black colored alloy wheels. Move to the side and you can now notice its exposed black colored engine and an up raised fuel tank with deep cuts. The neatly designed fuel tank adds premium touch to this bike. Hyosung has integrated the side panel into its rear cowl. It’s up-swept chromed silencer and black colored split grab rail makes it looks sporty when seen from either side. The LED tail light, extended but short fender and wide rear tyre gives appealing look to this bike. Its naked chain and split seats make it look funky.

Instrument Console

The instrument console of GT250R makes its way to this bike. It has a combined analogue digital instrument console which features an analogue tachometer and digital speedometer, odometer, 2-trip-meter and fuel gauge. Similar to its sibling, GT250 also has a brightness adjustable LCD with all essential LED indicators being placed around this LCD.

Engine and Gearbox

Technically, this bike is similar to its elder sibling, GT250R. It also uses the same V-twin, 4-stroke 249cc engine. This liquid-cooled engine pumps out a power output of 27.6 bhp at 10000 rpm. The torque output of this 8 valve engine is of 22 Nm which arrives at 8000 rpm. This engine is mated with a five-speed manual gearbox with one gear down and four gears up-shift pattern.

Acceleration and Performance

Despite having same specifications, this bike feels much faster and powerful than its sibling. This is because of the weight reduction; GT250 has a better power to weight ratio than its sibling and that’s quite evident in its performance. The initial pick up has improved significantly. The bike does 0-100km/hr in less than 8.5 seconds and feels much responsive at high speeds in big gears. You will be amused with the refinement level of this engine. It never feels strained and can easily go pass the speed of 150km/hr. The maximum power of this engine arrives at 10000rpm which gives you chance to rev this bike hard. The initial gear ratios are short but its big gears have taller gear ratios. You will only miss the sixth gear when you are on highways as many time while overtaking you feel short of power. Apart from that, there is no matter of concern. The gearbox works quite smoothly and feels well equipped. This bike performs best between 3000-8000rpm where you get a powerful mid-range. The vibrations only become evident after 9000rpm mark.

Mileage

Its lighter weight contributes to its improved fuel efficiency. The bike may give you anywhere around 22-24km/ltr in city conditions while you can expect better fuel figures on highways.

Comfort while Driving

The reduction of weight has made it easy for you to drive GT250 in city traffic. The seat also offers you good support while the palm grip feels quite firm. The tank gives place to your knees to stick around it while your feet are resting on its rear set foot pegs. It offers high seating position which may not be much convenient for short riders. The engine kill switch can be used by the rider to turn on/off bike frequently in city traffic. The plastic buttons are also quite soft to touch and can be easily operated.

Storage Space and Safety Features

The bike lacks any type of storage space. Its powerful headlight gives you clear vision of roads when you drive at night and its callipers also confirms your safety.

Suspension and Brakes

The gas filled mono shock absorber with swing arm at the back and 41mm inverted telescopic front forks of GT250R can also be seen in this naked version. This type of suspension system is specially equipped in racing bikes. Hyosung GT250 comes equipped with disc brakes on its both wheels. It has a front disc brake of 300mm and a rear disc brake of 230mm.

Ride and Handling

After losing 20kgs of weight, there is significant difference in the handling of this bike. It feels more nimble and responsive in city traffic. One can now easily steer this bike through city traffic while you can also park it in tight spaces. Yes, the high speed stability has been affected by the loss of its front fairing but the low speed turning ability has improved significantly. The bike has a ground clearance of 130mm and a wheelbase of 1445mm which adds stability to this bike. It stays grounded while you frequently change lanes at high speeds. Its superb suspension system along with the firm grip offered by its fatty tyres holds this bike firmly around corners. The bike can always be tamed with the help of its powerful braking system.

Tyre Size, Shades and Variants

Hyosung GT250 will have R17 sizes of tyres. Most probably, Hyosung will launch only one variant of this bike in three different colors similar to its elder sibling.

Verdict

Hyosung is yet to launch GT250 so we are not sure about the exact price tag for this bike. It’s certainly a performance oriented bike which offers superb ride and handling. Looking at the high price tag of its elder sibling, we expect the same for this bike but you never know; Hyosung may surprise everyone by announcing the prices of GT250.