Launch: Hyosung 250cc EFI range

Hyosung knows what it's like to hold the 250cc roadbike balance of power in Australia, and it wants to reclaim that mantle from Kawasaki's Ninja 250 wonder child - while keeping fresh blood like the sharp-looking Megelli upstart in its wake.

Hyosung is under no illusions that it's got its work cut out, but the resurgence has now officially begun with electronic fuel injection (EFI) on its three 250cc models: the GT250 naked, GT250R sporty and GV250 cruiser.

The GT250 and GT250R have also received some welcome styling updates: some subtle, some more obvious.

There were a few false dawns in adopting EFI, and the original proposal to source a Japanese system was eventually abandoned in favour of an in-house module produced by another division of the massive S & T Motors, of which Hyosung has been a part of since 2005.

That decision has proved to be a real boon from a cost perspective, and performance is bloody good too.

A couple of months ago, the Bikesales Network ventured to the media launch of the four 650cc models (GT650, GT650S, GT650R and GV650) and we came away with very impressed. The EFI bikes are a quantum leap above the old carburetor fare, and produce smooth acceleration from the basement to the top end.

Hyosung Australia recently held part two of its 2009 EFI media launch for the EFI tackle, but this time for the 250cc tackle.

To coincide with the release of the updated 250s, Hyosung Australia has unveiled a bespoke advertising campaign to sell the updated message - "Massive package".

Yep, it's worth a giggle (I now have a mental image of Matt Shirvington in full sprint mode at Sydney Olympic Stadium), but it does actually make a lot of practical sense. And that's what Hyosung is all about: price conscious customers seeking value for money.

The 'massive package' refers to the list of features and benefits on the Hyosung 250cc range vis-à-vis its competitors.

To illustrate the point, Hyosung listed the suite of standard features on the GT250R -- 41mm USD forks, twin semi-floating 300mm front discs, EFI, etc -- which even the Ninja 250 can't match -- and it retails for $509 more than the GT250R.

That's the message Hyosung is trying to sell, as well as attempting to take bite-sized chunks out of the used bike market.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
If you're ever talking about to the hierarchy from Hyosung Australia and they start gushing over S & T, allow them the indulgence.

You see, a large part of the reason the EFI models have been kept at the same price as the superseded carburetor bikes is because of the savings derived from adopting the in-house system, rather than lining the pockets of a supplier like Keihin.

The end result is that the GT remains at $5990, the GT-R at $6990 and the GV at $5990.

Other than EFI, new colours and clear turn signals, the GV is the same as the previous model, while the makeover has been more comprehensive for the GT and GT-R. The changes include:

The GT now also has satin-finish handlebars, a bikini screen and electronic instruments.

The triumvirate share an air-cooled 75-degree DOHV V-twin, with the GT and GT-R producing a claimed 28hp at 10,500rpm, and 22Nm at 8000rpm. The GV has less power, but there's only a bee's proverbial in it. They are all Euro 3 compliant.

I've already touched on some of the GT-R's hardware, including the USD forks and massive dual front discs. The GT also has that kit too, while the GV has much more basic architecture - but it's certainly no basket case.

ON THE ROAD
In fact, the unpretentious little 167kg (dry) GV - which now has a single muffler with EFI instead of two -- is a professional accumulator of miles and just never trips up or loses its balance.

The steering from the 16-inch front end is extremely light, if not sometimes a little too flighty, it's got a comfy perch, and the indefatigable mill will keep you going all day. And it doesn't tie itself in knots mid-corner, even if the rider is showing some over-exuberance.

The EFI is icing on the cake, providing a solid spread of power through the five-speed gearbox.

Riding a 250cc roadbike certainly demands patience, and in this case the Hyosungs are no different. Liberties you might take with torquier larger capacity bikes often have to be thrown out the window, but once you've found that right throttle/clutch/gearbox balance, they really are a lot of fun.

Just be prepared to give the gearbox a solid workout, as momentum cannot be taken for granted -- as I found out tonight when I rode a GT250 home into a wicked headwind. I toggled between second (no lie) and fifth on a 110km/h freeway, but at least it kept me busy.

And because there's very little intimidation factor, you can be the aggressor - not the other way around.

All the Hyosung 250s pull cleanly from idol, and you'll then get another punch from about 5000rpm. The gearbox ratios are fairly well spread, but the gap between first and second isn't that massive that you'll find yourself dropping back to first gear for tight city riding.

The twin front discs on the GTs pack a decent amount of punch, although some of the pads were getting a bit chirpy - just like some of the previous Korean fare.

The GT has always been my pick of the 250cc Hyosungs, and the one-day strop through the fire-ravaged areas of Victoria from Black Saturday was simply an exercise in reinforcement.

I'm a big wrap for it, much like I am for its big brother, the GT650. There's nothing particularly peerless about the GT250, but I reckon the upright riding position just makes so much more sense for novice riders: the cruiser set-up is too unnatural, and the clip-on style arrangement too restrictive and extreme.

But this is from someone whose neck is just about buggered - hence the new $150 pillow for my birthday…

But even discounting the ergonomic factor, the GT250 glues itself to the road with the same authority as the sportier GT250R, and with the same level of tempo (both have Dunlop Arromax tyres). For me it's the pick of the bunch, although I'd like to see some span adjustment on the clutch and brake levers. The GV is also without that feature.

The GT250 I rode also had an annoying vibration around 5000rpm. It wasn't noticeable on the other bikes, so I reckon it was a unique 'event'.

And the GT-R? Well, based on what we've see in the last couple of years, this is the bike that's going to do the 250cc heavy lifting for Hyosung in the next few years, and it's certainly ready for the challenge.

It's always had a beautiful body, which has been improved even more with its sharper looking arse end. Combine that with the improvements from the EFI and the other modern bits and pieces, and it's mobilised and all ready for action.

The arrival of the Megelli 250 will be a genuine gauge of where the 250cc market is at in Australia. The Megelli looks a million dollars with its European-like styling, but appears destined to be everyone's whipping boy in the performance stakes.

But at $4990 in a price sensitive market, it may just be a bolter from the pack.

Time will tell, but for a combination of modern technology at a great price, Hyosung is the current grand master.

TRANSMISSION
Type: Five speed
Final drive: Chain

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame type: Perimeter double cradle (GV250: Perimeter cradle)
Front suspension: 41mm USD forks, non-adjustable (GV250: 41mm conventional forks, non-adjustable)
Rear suspension: Monoshock, adjustable for preload (GV250: Dual shocks)
Front brakes: 300mm discs with four-piston calipers (GV250: 275mm disc with dual-piston caliper
Rear brakes: 230mm disc with single-piston caliper (GV250: Drum)

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Claimed dry weight: GT250 153kg, GT250R 159kg, GV250 167kg
Seat height: 790mm (GV250: 710mm)
Wheelbase: 1435mm GV250: 1508mm)
Fuel capacity: 17lt (GV250: 14lt)
Fuel type: 91 RON unleaded

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 29hp at 10,500rpm (GV250: 27hp at 10,500rpm)
Claimed maximum torque: 22Nm at 8000rpm

OTHER STUFF
Price: GT250 $5990, GV250 $5990, GR250R $6990
Colours: GT250: red, white or black. GT250R: red, black, red/black, silver/black or white/black. GV250: Black, black/red or silver/black.
Bikes supplied by: Hyosung Australia (www.hyosung.com.au)
Warranty: 24 months, unlimited kilometres