Hyosung GT250R Comet Review

[kabob983]

I think there are a lot of new riders out there that are dead set on getting a new bike instead of a used one. I think this is a great option for those people. It's inexpensive and it should be great to learn on. When you drop this bike it's not going to hurt as bad as dropping something more expensive. Once you get 12 - 24 months under your belt then upgrade to something better.

+1. Personally I'd rather have a bike with no fairing as well so I don't have to worry about broken plastics.

[keysman]

kabob what are you riding now? I agree 100% about the plastic too for a new rider. How about this model. Same thing as the GT250R with out the tupperware.

[Slynax]

My stance on Korean bikes is the same as on Korean cars...


Don't waste your money.

I got the distinct impression from reading the hyosung site that they are designed and built in japan, or at least that's what was said on the page for the GT250R. Hyosung may share the same two first letters as Hyundia but that doesn't mean they're made in the same country.

[VermilionX]

hyosung is definitely a korean company.

they've been in business for a long time now.

they're just new to exporting.

[Sev]

Their lead designer is the guy who owns the patent to the SV650. Not to mention a lot of Suzuki bikes/parts are manufactured in Korea... seems like they might be good rides.

[AnthonyResto]

I just picked up my sons new Gt250R a couple of weeks ago. My local dealer was in Brooklyn NY. City Cycles NY. I paid an extra $250 for prep so I think it may have been the dealers and not so much the manufacturers fault, but I was not happy with my purchase.
The bike looked nice but it was missing screws from the fairing, the grab bar was loose, it was missing a front brake pad, and there were marks on the rear tire from rubbing under the seat. When I asked for my money back the owner told me to leave his property. I sent an email to the company and they have not responded.
Any way the bike is fixed now and it seems to be running well. My son likes it allot. He is a new rider 17yrs old just got his permit. I found the bike really easy to handle, hard to shift and find neutral, and the neutral light is worthless, don’t trust it. The power is OK for a 250. It’s really light so be careful of the wind or passing trucks. We added air horns and I will be adding HID headlights, and maybe soon LED lights, in the future for safety of course.

[Bored]

Gday Mates

Looks sexy, cheap, quite a good all rounder, great beginers bike or ladies sports bike, nothing about it screams fantastic its just a good bike and a good deal for the price.


Little More Detail:

Firstly most tech specs on my bike can be found here:
http://www.hyosungmotors.com.au/GT250R.html

I believe this bike carries the 600cc + look to a sports bike as apose to alot of 250cc who run with a real slim line 125cc look which makes this bike quite appealing, it looks like the real deal and as a 22 year old single lad having girls say "nice bike" is a big thing.

Brakes arnt the best in the world (2x front disc 1x back disk) and probably will need replacing if you intend on ridding the bike hard, but at the end of the day they only have to stop a 250cc so they are quite ample.

Tyres - need changing if you intend on using this bike to its fullest you will quickly realise the tyres are rather average.
LCD display with anolog taco is quite nice, mixes old with new quite well.

The bike is extreemly light, hence great beginner bike or ladies bike even with a full tank and a person on the back.

The frame of the bike seems to be designed for people around 6ft, i am 173cm tall and i can have both feet flat on the ground perfectly as apose to alot of japanese 250cc which make you feel like your almost ridding a mini bike.

The engine, ok yes its no rocket ship and ill give you that, but chances are if your buying a bike for speed your not buying a 250cc 4 stroke anyway, however i have heard with a few mods the bikes can become hell of alot better in top end speed and acceleration.

Well I am not going to bash the Hyosung BUT... For the Hyosung lists for 3699.00 and as you stated above needs a few but costly upgrades if you want it to be a great bike, (tires, brakes etc.) I would highly recomend taking a long hard look at the NINJA, It has an MSRP of just 2999.00 and is a fully faired bike that in my opinion looks much better and needs nothing to make it better, I took a second and got the specs on the ninja and will let you see, The foolowing is from the kawasaki site.




Twin-cylinder 248cc Engine
- Compact parallel-twin design is lightweight and high revving, with a broad torque curve
- Good mass centralization for superior handling

Liquid Cooling
- Maintains consistent engine temperatures for long engine life and sustained power
- Allows tighter engine clearances for increased power and quieter running

Four Valves per Cylinder
- Provides maximum valve area for optimum flow to boost low end torque while providing better breathing for more power at high rpm

High Velocity Induction Technology
- Provides a smooth flow of air to the carburetors for maximum top-end
- Carburetor and intake port diameters are sized for quick mid-range throttle response

Silent Cam Chain
- Low friction coating on chain guides reduces wear, increases power
- Runs quietly, reliably
- Automatic cam chain tensioner maintains precise timing without maintenance

Six-speed Transmission
- Allows engine’s full potential to be used
- Provides excellent acceleration as well as relaxed highway cruising

Positive Neutral Finder
- A Kawasaki exclusive, just lift the pedal from first at a stop to find neutral easily

Bottom-link UNI-TRAK® Rear Suspension
- Lowers the center of gravity for better handling
- Progressive rate provides a smooth, controlled ride

Handlebar Mounted Choke
- Convenient location makes starting and warm-up easier

Diamond Frame
- Lightweight, high-tensile steel for amazing rigidity
- No down tubes for lower engine placement and lower center of gravity
- Good ground and cornering clearance

Dual-Piston Front Brake
- Balanced actuation caliper front disc brake for excellent feel and long pad wear

Dual-Piston Rear Disc Brake
- Powerful, reliable, controllable stopping power

Centerstand and Sidestand
- Permits easy parking, cleaning or servicing

4.8-gallon Fuel Tank
- Long range makes it great for commuting


I have tried to find more info on the hyosung but have failed to find anything that is as informative as what kawasaki puts out. Their is no argument that the cloned bikes are not good looking but are they as good?

I have found that Hyosung has in fact been in buisness for a long time, as far back as the 1960's but nothing far back when it comes to motorcycles or transportation related products in general. I have found that they are pretty versed in manufacturing in textile related equiptment and electrics. If anyone has any info or links related to Hyosungs motorcycles over the years please post it, I am curious to see the evolution. I also could not find anything on the designer being connected to the SV650. I did notice that their touring 650 strangely resembles the Vrod though...
Well I am under the impression that their bikes look like other ones and cost a little less, but don't perform like their counterparts. I think you will get what you pay for, pay a little more and get a bike that will be better all around and last longer, however like in this case, pay a little less and get a better all around bike.

[DivideOverflow]

Well I am not going to bash the Hyosung BUT... For the Hyosung lists for 3699.00 and as you stated above needs a few but costly upgrades if you want it to be a great bike, (tires, brakes etc.) I would highly recomend taking a long hard look at the NINJA, It has an MSRP of just 2999.00 and is a fully faired bike that in my opinion looks much better and needs nothing to make it better, I took a second and got the specs on the ninja and will let you see, The foolowing is from the kawasaki site.


I have tried to find more info on the hyosung but have failed to find anything that is as informative as what kawasaki puts out. Their is no argument that the cloned bikes are not good looking but are they as good?

I have found that Hyosung has in fact been in buisness for a long time, as far back as the 1960's but nothing far back when it comes to motorcycles or transportation related products in general. I have found that they are pretty versed in manufacturing in textile related equiptment and electrics. If anyone has any info or links related to Hyosungs motorcycles over the years please post it, I am curious to see the evolution. I also could not find anything on the designer being connected to the SV650. I did notice that their touring 650 strangely resembles the Vrod though...
Well I am under the impression that their bikes look like other ones and cost a little less, but don't perform like their counterparts. I think you will get what you pay for, pay a little more and get a bike that will be better all around and last longer, however like in this case, pay a little less and get a better all around bike.

Everything on the GT250R is the same or better than on the ninja 250. The guy complained about the brakes and tires... but they are still better than the brakes and tires on a ninja 250. So saying that the ninja 250 needs nothing is a gross misconception. The little ninja is a pocket bike compared to the Hyosung (based on size). If you are a normal sized male, the Hyosung is a much better choice, as it uses the same frame as the 650 (So it is similar in size to an SV650). The suspension is the biggest thing. Anyone over 150lbs maxes out the suspension on the ninja 250 by doing just about anything. Granted, the suspension on the Hyosung isn't race-bike quality, it at least has a bit stiffer setup for those who weigh more.

Both bikes do the same top speed. The Hyosung's engine is a LOT smoother than the little ninja. Hyosung was contracted to make engines for Suzuki for years. They have sold millions of bikes everywhere else in the world. They are priced lower because they are trying to break into the American market. In the case of the 250s, I would gladly take a Hyosung over the little ninja (which hasn't been updated since its conception, for the most part).

I've posted all of this info in various places several times... do a search.

[flynrider]

They have sold millions of bikes everywhere else in the world. They are priced lower because they are trying to break into the American market.

Priced lower? I haven't seen that. I'm seeing the GT250R listed for $3700 everywhere.

[DivideOverflow]

They have sold millions of bikes everywhere else in the world. They are priced lower because they are trying to break into the American market.

Priced lower? I haven't seen that. I'm seeing the GT250R listed for $3700 everywhere.

Sorry, I meant the 650s are priced lower.

The GT250R isn't less than the ninja250 because it has more expensive components. I'd gladly pay the extra $700. The normal human-sized frame is easily $700 more. However, I've heard of a lot of people getting them for less than MSRP.