Economic slowdown has hit the auto market drastically but that hasn’t made any impact on the launch-pads. 2014 is all set to transform the two-wheeler market and take the enthusiasts to newer heights. Half a decade ago enthusiasts had very limited or no options for quarter-litre or higher capacity bikes. But the market has changed at supersonic speed and now we have some decent machines.
We already know that the upcoming year has plenty of gifts lined for us with the Harley Street 750 and 500, Honda CBR300R, KTM RC 390 and 200, Pulsar 375 and 200 SS. If things go well, we may see the Duke 690 and Triumph Daytona 250 hitting the streets as well. That’s a big line-up for the country as it would leave enthusiasts plenty of options to go with. Spicing up the line-up would be a couple of quarter litre bikes namely the Hyosung GD250N and GV250 Aquila. The bikes will be showcased at the 2014 Auto Expo that is scheduled to be held in February. The Hyosung GD250N will be launched in India in April 2014.
The Hyosung GD250N is a naked bike powered by a 249cc engine producing a power of 28 BHP and 24 Nm torque. GD250N’s mono-cylinder engine would be coupled with a 6-speed gearbox. The chassis is made up of aluminium and is equipped with swing arms on both the sides. It has got 37 mm inverted forks at the front and mono-shock suspension at the rear. The front and rear wheels would be accompanied by petal shape disc brakes. The headlamp is a beauty and according to us is the best in the class.
The Hyosung GD250N is neatly carved and looks decent from all angles. The silencer position and some of the parts on the tank syncs up with the KTM Duke. We wish the exhaust could have carried more length and height to give it a superior look. The GD250N’s kerb weight is about 145 kgs which is quite impressive for a quarter litre bike. This naked motorcycle looks outstanding and can be spotted from a distance. The bike will be assembled in India and we can expect DSK-Hyosung to price it around Rs. 1.70 lakhs.
The Hyosung GV250 Aquila belongs to the cruiser segment and will also be launched early next year (around February, it has been delayed time and again). The Aquila is also powered by 249cc but this one is a V-twin engine. The V-twin pumps out a power of 25 BHP and 22 Nm torque; accompanied by a 5-speed gearbox. The GV250’s chassis would be a standard cradle type. The suspension is detailed as telescopic forks in the front and coil over damper at the rear. The braking system is a mixed one with disc on the front and drum at the rear.
All the parts point the Hyosung GV250 Aquila towards comfortable seating and handling positions. The chrome finish is spot on with the contrast of black. The bike carries a vintage look with retro finish and we have to admit that it looks pretty much like a premium segment product. The Aquila GV250 is the only one in its class in the country with the Bajaj Avenger being only a mere competitor (Royal Enfield aside). The Avenger is priced at Rs. 1 lakh while we are expecting the Aquila to be priced at Rs 2 lakhs. This would make DSK-Hyosung the sole manufacturer of such bike enjoying monopoly at-least for the time being. The Aquila is certainly a bike to grab especially if you are a cruiser fan.
Source – Overdrive