Possible Class Leader

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Hyosung Aquila V 250cc
★★★★☆
4.5
93.0% of users recommend this
  • Build quality

  • Reliability

  • Value For Money

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Gav21's review of Hyosung Aquila V 250cc

“Possible Class Leader”

★★★★★

written by Gav21 on 18/06/2013

Having owned a GV125 for about two years, for the wife to practice on, and finding its only fault was lack of power on the open road, I decided to upgrade it for a GV250. Having scoured the free ads for a decent second hand example, I decided to go for a carb version rather than the newer fuel injection, mainly on esthetic grounds, as I much prefer the shotgun exhaust over the cannon. Also I wasn´t keen on the rather poorly hidden fuel sensor in the exhaust on the injection version.

I found our bike at a dealer with one years guarantee and a new road test for 1500 euros, and once I got it home, began transfering all the accessories that I had. A very easy task as the two bikes share the same frame and a host of other parts. One fault I found on the ride home, was the front foot pegs which seemed to foul my boots somewhat when trying to shift down the gears. Problem solved by changing them for foot boards.

My GV 250 dates from 2006 and is the fully fendered version, which I tend to think of as the second edition of the model. The build quality it has improved since they built our 125 cc.

The 250 engine may not win many races, but it has sufficient power for the open roads as well as for city traffic. The 5 speed transmission coupled with it delivers a cruising speed of between 110-120kph and a top end of 130-135kph. Most impressively is the fact that this bike will pull up a significantly steep mountain road at between 100-110 kph without breaking a sweat.

The retro styling with the full sweeping fenders coupled to a two tone paint job and lots of chrome, gives this bike a very showy feel, which is easily enhanced for not much money. I have added chrome beading round the fender edges and the tank seem, which gives it a more finished look.

For the taller rider switching out the rises for taller ones, isn´t essential, but does add to the comfort. The seat on my bike had been recovered recently and may be one reason for the additional comfort over the 125, added to the fact that the engine is slightly less revvy, therefore reducing some vibration.

One difference between the two bikes is the rear brake on the 250 being bolted straight to the swing arm rather than via a linkage, this does give a tendancy of the rear brake to stiffen over a bump, when being applied, however over time you do learn to compensate for this.

Also on the fully fendered version, changing the number plate bulb is a long winded process as to access it, you have to unbolt the rear light cluster completely, which with limited access unless you take the rear fender off, is time consuming. Allow up to one hour for this job, and enjoy laying flat on your back with a spanner in your hand.

As with its baby brother, most onlookers think it must be at least a 500cc bike due to its size, and are surprised when you correct them.

Ride and handling are good, although U-turns do need a fair bit of space, as with all custom style cruisers.

Fuel consumption is also a very reasonable 5.5L per 100Kms, approximately on a combined cycle.

In summary with good second hand prices, it´s practically impossible to buy a second hand cruiser, that is as capable, and such a head turner for the money.

All in all the Hyosung GV250 is a real contender, if not the class leader in 250 cc cruisers.

  • 2006

    Year Manufactured

  • 3 Months

    Length of ownership

  • Build quality

  • Reliability

  • Value For Money

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