Hey readers this is Melroy and over the next couple of minutes I would probably take you through my biking journey. Hearing Hyosung have started bookings in April 2011 for their bikes made me a bit speculative. I visited Ronit Motors, Mumbai and I was glad to see the GT650R in flesh. The bike looked simply awesome and I was taken over from the moment I saw it.
I was sold out at the moment I saw the bike but when the mighty V-Twin engine roared on the first start up I couldn’t resist and paid the booking amount immediately. Later in June 2011, I was glad to hear that my bike has arrived and I could later take delivery of the bike after the registration was completed. I was glad to be one of the first few bikers in Mumbai to purchase this bike.
Engine
The engine is a 650cc 4stroke, Double Overhead Camshaft, Water cooled sporting 4 valve per cylinder engine. The 90 degree V-Twin cylinder produces around 72bhp of power. The performance from the bike is as expected i.e. mind blowing. A slight twist of the throttle and you will be easily doing speeds over 120kmph.The power delivery is smooth and responsive; it will surely bring a smile on your face after every ride.
Transmission
The bike has a 6 speed gearbox sporting a combination of 1Down- 5up gears change. Never while riding has there been a false neutral and thus I can say that the gear shifting process has been accurate and precise.
Frame
The GT has a trellis type twin-spar frame, which offers great riding comfort at all speeds. It has a slim saddle which offers good comfort. The kerb weight of the bike is 215kg which makes it bit heavy to ride at slow speeds.
Suspension and Brakes
It has Upside Down Telescopic forks in the front and Monoshock suspension at the rear. The front offers compression and rebound damping while the rear is preload adjustable. The front brakes are double disc 300mm while rear is single disc 280mm, this kind of braking system brings the bike to a immediate stop without compromising on stability and handling. Tyres offered are Bridgestone Battlax BT56 which are exceptionally good. The front width of the tyre is 120mm wide while that of the rear is 160mm. However both front and back are tubeless radial tyres.
Aesthetics
The GT is definitely eye catching bike and everyone will give a second look to the bike. The ruby red single tone color gets most stares. The vertically stacked lights not only offer good lighting but also give a bit DUCATI 999 like look to it. The thread pattern on the tyres looks meaty enough to tackle any terrain. The huge 17litre tank is massive and the most noticeable part of the bike.
Price
On-road Mumbai cost is 5.51Lacs.
Verdict
Anyone who is looking for more performance should consider looking at the GT650R bike. Initially I was considering the Ninja 650R but it lacked the styling and ergonomics of a Super Sport bike so I didn’t consider it. The GT650R produces most of the power under 9,000rpm so power is easily accessible without having to the rev the bike too high. Even riding the bike at 7,000 rpm, I didn’t feel vibrations from the engine. The Quality level on 2011 GT650R has greatly improved compared to the earlier Comet GT250 sold here. I’m happy with my decision of buying GT650R and also with the services offered from the dealers. All in all, I am very happy with my decision. Here is hoping that my bike delivers what it is meant for i.e. sheer power and style.
– Melroy Alphonso
