Bike tested: 2011 Hyosung GT650R
Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 5,50,000/-
Garware Motors’ current entry level bike in India, is the GT650R. This full faired machine might look alot like a Suzuki GSX model and there is a reason for that. Before Hyosung started to make its own bikes in Korea, the company used to produce Suzuki bikes under license. That is from where the influence comes till date. The Hyosung GT650R is no tourer, it is a sports bike in the true sense with its aggressive riding stance and high revving motor. We took the GT650R for a spin to know how good this machine actually is.
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Styling – The most obvious thing any motorcycle enthusiast will notice about the Hyosung GT650R is how similar it looks to the Suzuki Hayabusa. However unlike the Busa, the GT650R is relatively compact. The headlights are stacked vertically, the visor is big and the dual intake vents look purposeful. The 17-liter fuel tank appears bigger than it actually is and the Hyosung GT650R has plenty of cuts all across the body. The six spoke alloy wheels can hardly be noticed thanks to the massive twin floating disc brakes at the front. The fairing blends very well with the body while the raised rear seat gives the bike an aggressive stance. The exhaust is huge and the chain is exposed. The rear tail lamps are powerful and look beautiful with the two piece grab rails. Massive 160 section tyres adorn the rear wheel.
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Instrument Cluster and Switch Gear – Turn on the ignition of the GT650R and the tachometer does a spin off to the maximum and back. The bike features digital speedometer which also gives out digital readings for the odometer, dual trip meter, fuel level, time and temperature. The instrument cluster also houses turn indicator lights, headlight on/pass by indicator along with Neutral and FI malfunction indicators. There are two rubber buttons, which are for resetting the trip meters and for toggling between the odo and trip meters.
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Performance and Gearbox – The Hyosung GT650R uses a similar engine which powers the Suzuki SV650. The 650 cc V-twin produces 72 BHP of power at a rather high 9000 RPM and 60 Nm of torque at 7500 RPM. Start the engine and you will instantly feel the smoothness of this motor. There is decent torque at low RPM and the GT650R sees no urgency till 5000 RPM. The exhaust note is calm and rather subtle till this point. Whiz past 6000 RPM and all hell breaks loose. The GT650R does a speedo indicated 84 kmph in first gear and 136 kmph in second gear. The GT650R rushes to the redline with ample vibrations through the handlebars and footpegs. Infact the vibrations are so prominent, even a pillion can feel it. At high revvs the GT650R is LOUD. The smoothness is all gone and the growl from the V-twin motor is extremely evident, booming inside your helmet.
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The GT650R will do 100 kmph in just 5.5 seconds and hit a top speed of well over 200 kmph. The bike has excellent performance and shows the metal posed by middleweight sports bikes. In gear acceleration is strong as well and you can simply put the GT650R in sixth gear at speeds as low as 50 kmph and it will still pull to three digit speeds effortlessly. The gearbox is smooth and the clutch is decently weighed. Garware Motors needs to work on the vibrations and granted that a V-twin does vibrate a bit, the company should use a method to prevent it being transferred to the rider. A sporty snarl would make this motor an all round engine which redlines all the way at 10,500 RPM.
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Ride, Handling and Braking – The first time you sit on the GT650R, you notice the aggressive riding stance of this machine. The tank can intrude the comfort of hefty riders and the rider needs to lean forward on the GT650R. If your not used to riding a sports bike, you will take some time getting used to the aggressive lean position of this Hyosung. The ride is little on the harsh side but overall is quite comfortable and absorbs most bumps which our monsoons have gifted us.
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The GT650R is slightly heavy but that doesn’t show when you ride the bike spiritedly. The turn in might not be as accurate as you would expect but the GT will never let you down with its good balance in the corners. The tubular chassis makes the GT650R very corner happy and helps it absorb rapid weight transfers with ease. Straight line stability is nothing short of excellent and the GT650R feels at home doing triple digit speeds without a hiccup. Brakes are very good on the GT650R with the all round discs and fantastic Bridgestone tyres ensuring the GT stops quicker than it takes off.
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Conclusion – Garware Motors has managed to offer a bike which feels like a real sports machine. The Hyosung GT650R is not tamed, which is a fantastic thing. It does have rough edges but the overall feel of the bike is very positive. Power is more than enough for most riders and seldom will anyone feel the need for more performance. The GT650R particularly impresses with its predictable handling and stellar looks. Add to that the fantastic engine performance and stupendous acceleration, the Hyosung GT650R looks like a worthy machine which will put a smile on your face every time you ride it and a skip of your heart beat every time you twist the throttle.
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Whats Cool
* Styling
* Performance
Whats Not So Cool
* Vibrations and engine heat
* Brand awareness
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Hyosung GT650R Specifications
* Engine: 647 cc, 4-stroke, DOHC, 8 valve, 90-degree V-twin, Liquid Cooled
* Fuel Delivery: Fuel Injected
* Power: 72.68 BHP @ 9000 RPM
* Torque: 60.9 Nm @ 7500 RPM
* Transmission: 6-speed manual
* Top Speed: 210 KMPH
* 0-100kmph: 5.5 seconds
* Fuel Consumption: 17-18 kmpl (City), 20-22 kmpl (highway)
* Fuel Type: Petrol
* Suspension: Inverted telescopic forks (front), Progressive linkage (rear)
* Tires: 120/60/17 (Front), 160/60/17 (Rear)
* Brakes: 300 mm Ventilated Disc (Front), 230 mm Discs (Rear)
Hyosung GT650R Dimensions
* Overall length x width x height: 2095 mm X 700 mm X 1135 mm
* Wheelbase: 1445 mm
* Ground clearance: 165 mm
* Fuel Tank Capacity: 17 liters
* Kerb Weight: 215 kgs