2008 HYOSUNG GT650S

I purchased this 2008 Hyosung GT650S new on Feb. 10, 2009. For a machine with such an attractive price tag the GT650S has an amazing array of desirable features, including:

• 6-speed transmission
• Adjustable front brake lever with 6 available positions
• Fuel gauge
• 2 trip odometers
• Digital clock
• Locking under-seat storage space
• Digital speedometer, analog tachometer
• Quality Bridgestone Battlax tires as standard equipment
• 4-way hazard warning flashers
• "Flash-to-pass" handlebar high-beam switch similar to many European machines
• Conveniently located idle speed adjustment
• Easily accessible oil filter
• 3-position adjustable rider footrests
• 17 liter (4.5 US Gallons) fuel capacity
• Comfortable semi-upright riding position
• Built-in rear bungee cord hooks
• Adjustable suspension - front damping and rear spring pre-load
• Easily accessible fuses
• A neat, well-wrapped wiring harness using a flexible armored braid covering at the steering head - a nice touch
• Automatic vacuum-operated fuel valve

Interestingly, there is no engine oil pressure (or oil level) switch, so engine oil pressure or level is not automatically monitored.

Manufactured in South Korea, similarities with the Suzuki SV650 are undeniable however the GT650 is very much its own unique machine in design and construction, this includes the engine. Despite what you may have read or heard about Hyosung or Korean motorcycles in general, overall fit and finish and assembly quality in particular looks to be very good indeed. After a close inspection of the entire machine the worst "fit and finish" issue I can find is the right front corner of the rear seat does not fit down tight against the frame rails, resulting in a larger gap at the front right side of the rear seat compared to the front left side. It is visible in the photos if you look very close.

I can find little else wrong with the fit and finish and am quite surprised and pleased with the overall attention to detail. Even the tools in the tool kit are of acceptable quality!

The half-faired GT650S is a beautiful machine which is also offered in a "naked" GT650 version and fully-faired GT650R version.

As I become more familiar with the Hyosung I will keep this page updated to reflect my thoughts and experiences, both positive and negative. As is my style, I plan few, if any, modifications for the GT650 - no aftermarket exhaust cans, windscreens, rear fender eliminator, LED turn signals, etc.

The GT650S is pictured above at an elevation of about 10600 ft (3231 meters) on Colorado Route 103.

The pics below are from recent rides on this fine machine.

Below is a pic from a ride on Colorado Route 5, the Mt. Evans road. Shot as I was descending the mountain, the photo shows Route 5 at an approximate elevation of 13400ft (4084 meters). For more information and many more similar photos of the breathtaking ride on Route 5, visit my Mt. Evans Springtime Ride photo essay, the GT650S is the featured bike!

Total mileage so far is 7028 (11315 km). My thoughts and impressions about the GT650:

• Handling is surprisingly neutral and stable - it tracks around corners like it's on rails and steers beautifully
• The rear brake sometimes howls when braking at low speeds - update 2009-05-02: switching to a set of EBC organic-compound brake pads (FA86HA) appears to have solved this issue very nicely
• The front brake seems a little weak for a machine with double front disks - update 2009-05-02: as the pads are wearing in front brake feel and stopping power is much improved
• Carburetion is perfect (later models have fuel injection)
• The engine starts readily, hot or cold
• The transmission is a little notchy and imprecise at times, but regardless, I have (still) never missed a shift - I would expect transmission operation to improve as the machine is broken in - update 2009-05-02: at 1564 miles (2518 km), transmission operation is improving and is certainly acceptable but at times does not have the precision feel and smooth operation of some other machines
• Clutch operation is superb - initially, frequent adjustments were required to maintain the specified 2mm of free play at the clutch lever. After approximately 2000 miles (3220 km) the clutch plates seem to have bedded in nicely and frequent adjustments are no longer necessary. If you have or are contemplating the purchase of a GT650 I recommend that clutch lever free play be monitored closely.
• Riding the machine it feels very solid and well-built
• It would be nice if the hinged fuel filler cap opened a little wider
• The rear suspension seems excessively stiff and oversprung even on the lowest preload setting
• The engine runs smoothly and quietly with a very low level of mechanical noise
• The mirrors are surprisingly good, always providing a clear view to the rear - in fact, other manufacturers of higher-priced machines could take a lesson from these fine mirrors (are you reading this, Ducati?!) And yes, I own one of those "higher-priced" machines!
• The speedometer seems to be about 10-15% optimistic although I have not verified this - update 2009-05-02: speed measurements using a GPS receiver confirm the 10-15% figure
• The tachometer is nicely illuminated for night riding but oddly the needle is not
• At approximately 472 lbs (214 kg) full of fuel, the GT650 is not a lightweight but as mentioned above is solid and well-built
• The engine is nicely responsive, revs freely through the gears and to me has a very engaging character. It moves the machine along with seeming ease and gives the feel of being sturdy and well-constructed. It's simply a fabulous motor in my opinion.
• A little additional steering range would be appreciated, a condition certainly not unique to this machine

The Hyosung has been a reliable and consistent performer even at elevations of over 14000ft (4267 meters). For photos from 2 of these rides I invite you to view my Mt. Evans Springtime Ride photo essay.

I have performed all scheduled maintenance myself. A valve clearance check at 608 miles (979 km) showed all clearances to be within specification. Readings obtained during a subsequent clearance check at 4037 miles (6500 km) were for all practical purposes identical to those obtained earlier. In performing the clearance checks, the top end of the engine gives the impression (at least to me) of being very nicely constructed with finely machined surfaces held to tight tolerances.

Judging from this machine I would not hesitate to purchase another Hyosung and certainly would not hesitate to purchase another GT650 - it has many fine qualities and I very much enjoy riding it. Plus, it seems to be getting better (transmission operation, engine performance, braking) with every ride!

For more information on Hyosung motorcycles you might like to visit Hyosung Motors America, Inc. or korider.com with its active riders' forum.

ronh.org Triple V-Twins! Are you an afficionado of motorcycles with 90° V-twin (L-twin) engines? Here are three with that engine configuration but in other aspects are quite different.

L-R: 2006 Ducati S2R1000 - 2008 Hyosung GT650S - 1990 Honda VTR250.

Regardless of their differences, all three are fine performers!

Click the image to supersize!

ronh.org Four 650s! Here's a shot of the GT650S with three of its like-size stablemates: Two of them V-twins, two of them inline fours, two of them shaft drive, two of them chain drive, all of them fine performers!

L-R: 1990 Honda NT650 Hawk GT - 1982 Yamaha Seca 650 - 2008 Hyosung GT650S - 1982 Suzuki GS650G

Click the image to supersize!