When I was much younger I owned, at various stages, a number of 250cc motorcycles, which back then were considered "large" bikes, so I do find it annoying that these days they are labelled "commuter or learner transport", especially when mine ended up covering thousands of touring kilometres. Their label hasn’t been helped by the fact that some recent 250’s seem to have less performance than their older counterparts.

Well, that’s going to change if the new Hyosung (pronounced Hoy-song) is anything to go by. The Korean’s make some very good cars, scaring the Japanese manufacturers out of their proverbial scones, and, it will come as no surprise that they can produce 2 wheels as well as 4.

Out on the freeway the Aquila GV250 cruiser sat on 110kph (7,000rpm according to the tacho) very happily and still had another quick 20kph in reserve for overtaking. The Hyosung is physically larger than most of it’s competition so it won’t lose its appeal after the first few months. A 14 litre fuel tank means you will be able to cover a lot of territory between fills (it has an accurate fuel gauge), matter of fact, it’s range will certainly outdo a large number of the bigger capacity cruisers. Being a big person (183cm & 90 kilos) I look ridiculous on small bikes, but I felt and looked completely at home on the Aquila, I know this because I checked out my reflection in the shopping centre windows. Well you do, don’t you?

The 150kg V-twin’s performance is very lively and better than some bigger bikes, I found it necessary to remind myself that it was a 250. The rear view mirrors are solid and wide, offering excellent coverage with no detectable vibration. The headlight and horn are adequate for the task, while the superb instrument cluster could do with being tilted more to the rider for better reading. Combined with the strong high revving engine is a smooth shifting 5 speed gearbox with nicely spaced ratios that appear in perfect harmony with the motor. The brakes (front disk, drum rear) also match the bike’s performance and pull the whole show to a halt quicker than a brick wall. Handling is good, with plenty of clearance for leaning into corners, which the Aquila loves, so there’ll no roundabout fireworks.

There are 6 pre-load settings on the rear suspension and fat tyres shod to neat looking alloy wheels that add to the bikes "big" look. Checking the sight glass oil level needs the bike upright, which can be done from the rider’s seat (height 695mm). A centre-stand is available, while the side-stand has an engine safety cut-out. The finish in some places doesn’t match the rest of the bike, and overall it may not be quite as good as its Japanese competitors, but no doubt that will square up with time.

I see the Aquila as a great first bike, but I also reckon it’ll be kept long after the attainment of a full license, due to it’s excellent road manners. Furthermore, this is an excellent bike for ANY rider who doesn’t need to carry around anything more than an occasional pillion (good seating also) and it has the added advantage of low registration and running costs.

Price is $7200 on the road, which is brilliant value. As with the Triumph America, this was a fun bike to spend a weekend with and I wouldn’t mind one for the wife, I might even let her use it when I wasn’t.

May Your lid never skid…www.users.hunterlink.net.au/~mbbidp