Hyosung Aquila V 250cc

Having owned a Hyosung GV 125 for two years for the wife to practice on, and knowing the make and model well, I decided to upgrade it to the GV 250. I found a good secondhand one at a dealer for 1500 euros, and began taking all the accessories off the 125 and mounting them on the 250. An easy task as they share the same frame.

The GV 250 is a vast improvement in terms of quality over the already decent yet earlier version that was the 125. The engine is smooth and capable, and the 5 speed transmission well geared for various riding conditions. That said on the motorways I do find myself looking for the 6th gear that the 125 had. Cruising speed is around 110kph-120kph with a top speed of around 130-135kph according to the speedo, which some reviews have suggested is a tad optomistic.

Generally the bike is comfortable to ride, and certainly doesn´t feel underpowered like its 125 sibling. One quirk is the way the rear drum brake is attached directly to the swing arm rather than through a linkage, this does cause the rear brake to stiffen up if you go over a bump, albeit briefly, but once used to this, its not much of a problem.

Oh and one other quirk, on the version I have, which has the more 1950´s style fuller mudguards, changing the numberplate bulb is a fairly long and tedious process, involving either removal of the rear mudguard to give more space to turn the three bolts necessary to remove the rear light cluster, or spending about one hour to remove the said assembly a fraction of a turn of a bolt at a time, change the bulb and re attach it at the same slow speed.

Those are the down sides, however the smooth ride, bigger than 250 feel of the bike and the hours of fun, combined with excellent looks, and the kerb appeal far out way them. Fuel consumption wise I am getting a decent 5.5 litres per 100 kms, which considering the weight of the accessories and my not exactly lean frame, I am happy with.

In summary, a great bike, which can be bought at a bargain price second hand, yet deliver good performance and keep up with the traffic in all conditions, with enough left over for the odd cheeky overtake. I really don´t think any other bike in this class offers such value for money.

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.

great ride, looks and power. Easy to keep in good shape. Friends think iys bigger engined !! Had it new for six months only and it really is a pleasure to drive for long periods. Only use it weekends and really look forward to it. Have read poor reports but I cannot find any real faults.

I have done 9500 kin my Aquila 250 mainly to and from work

I have had minor problems in the heat and with the fault light cumming on in the past

Just recently had the new program installed in the computer and the bike goes like a dream

Why would you go past this bike for value for money

wish list for Hyosung

better supply of parts

would like to see a 350 cc cruiser

This is the first road bike i have owned. I have 12000km on the clock and it runs like a swiss watch. Daily commute to work and back 70km round trip at 110/120kph sees 280/300km from 14ltr tank of premium unleaded,can it get any better.Factory backrest,for the bride,works a treat on the weekend cruise to brunch at the beachside cafe. Saddlebags and mounting brackets for any extra luggage do a great job.Cold starts can be a problem but usually fires up by second try,wonder if the new injected model has this covered? Trading up may be on the cards mmm. GV250 big bike looks heaps of street cred for the learner biker. Get one under you and see for yourself.

I have had my Aquila GV250 for just over a year and have been riding for 17years, I wanted a small bike to come to work on and have a bit of fun with a 125 was to small and slow but this is great and super cheep to insure £82 F/C,

its plenty fast enough in town and fine on the motorway to.

It looks good too!

The Hyosung Aquila V 250cc is the best bike in the country in india

I love my Hyosung Aquila V 250cc, I have 1000 miles on it. It is getting faster as I break it in. Every one that sees it, loves the look.

had my gv 250 2months now and is what i was looking for in a bike after been away for 25 years. but to anyone buying the 250 or the 125 a word 1! set the bars to your settings they are always setup forward to make the bike look bigger(old trick) and take the back springs up to at least to 3 to stop the back end coming to the front . and when running in give a good 5 or 6 miles at 9k rpm and see what this great little bike will give you back.

the Hyosung Aquila is what japanese bikes were in the 70s 80s great fun and who rules the bike world now apart from v rossi

The Hyosung Aquila is really a great bike, the looks make it a head turner, people think it is a 500cc or bigger. I bought my bike in December of 2008 and have put 3500 miles on it. I have not had any regrets since I purchased it, it has performed great, get around 70 miles per gallon, and can cruise at 70 miles an hour all day.

I love this bike, and it's price, get yourself one and you will see for yourself.