2013 Hyosung GT650R Test Ride Review

2013 Hyosung GT650R – Click above for high resolution picture gallery

Bike tested: 2013 Hyosung GT650R

Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 5,24,400/-

The Hyosung GT650R continues to please with terrific performance from its 650cc motor.

When the Hyosung GT650R was first launched in India, it did not have any real competition. Soon Bajaj-Kawasaki launched the Ninja 650R, which ate into the GT650R’s sales. However both bikes are very different. While the Ninja 650R is a more relaxed machine, the Hyosung GT650R is an aggressive motorcycle with a very committed riding position. Now DSK-Hyosung have launched the 2013 GT650R, which gets mild updates to keep the product fresh. The changes are not drastic and are not immediately apparent either but they do make the GT650R more appealing.

Styling – The 2013 Hyosung GT650R gets cosmetic changes. While the rest of the bike remains largely the same as before, the front gets revisions which are immediately noticeable. The oval shaped headlight has been replaced by a V-shaped unit which looks sharper than before. The nose and side body panels have been re-styled and improve aerodynamics of this machine. The air dams have been changed and are now sleeker than before. The company has given the GT650R new body graphics along with new colors, which further accentuate the appeal of this motorcycle. The GT650R continues to turn heads where ever it goes.

Instrument Cluster and Switch Gear – Not many changes have been done to the console of the Hyosung GT650R, but the cluster looks fresh thanks to the use of new colors. The all black analogue tachometer is easier to read than before while the digital display houses the same amount of data as last year’s model. The display is now back lit in orange color, making it easier to read even in extremely sunny conditions. The quality of switch gear is good although not the best, there are a few rough edges, like the adjustable front brake lever not being the easiest to use.

Performance and Gearbox – The engine of the Hyosung GT650R produces the same output as before but has been tweaked to offer better city driveability. The 647cc, liquid-cooled, V-twin motor produces 72.68 BHP of power at 9000 RPM and 60.9 Nm of torque at 7500 RPM. This motor does perform well although throttle response is not immediate. The engine feels strong in the mid-range and once past 5000 RPM, it accelerates very brutally to its 10,500 RPM redline, with power starting to trail off gradually and vibrations increasing as the revvs build. The engine does tend to heat your legs through the fairing after continuous amount of kms on the saddle. The 6-speed gearbox works well although it does tend to get a bit rough at times but the clutch is well weighed and the overall performance of the GT650R is nothing short of exciting with 0 – 100 km/hr being achieved in just 5.5 seconds. This V-twin powerplant feels at home cruising and one can pull the GT650R from 50 km/hr in top gear to its top speed of 210 km/hr without any hint of uneasiness from the motor.

Riding Dynamics – The Hyosung GT650R is not short on hardware, getting a rigid steel frame and Kayaba upside down forks. The riding position is super aggressive with the rider having to crouch forward, making it uncomfortable to ride this machine in the city. This sporty riding position takes getting used to but the seats are good and offer very good comfort to the derriere. The GT650R is a heavy machine, weighing in at 215 kgs, which doesn’t make it the easiest bike to push around corners. Handling is good but changing directions quickly requires some effort. The balance of this motorcycle through corners is extremely good and so is the high speed stability, with the GT650R staying firmly planted to the ground at all speeds. The Bridgestone tyres offer very good grip and braking performance is excellent although ABS should have been offered, atleast as an option. Ride quality is on the harsh side but very good by sportbike standards.

Verdict – DSK-Hyosung are betting bike on the Indian market. The company is working on improving customer experience and its nice to see them revise the GT650R. The mild updates to the Hyosung GT650R makes this motorcycle a better overall package. While the GT650R does have a few short comings, the company has priced the machine aggressively, making it one of the best sportbike in its segment.

The Hyosung GT650R might not be polished, but it offers an excellent sportbike experience without breaking the bank.

What’s Cool

* Styling
* Engine Performance

What’s Not So Cool

* High RPM Vibrations

2013 Hyosung GT650R Specifications

* Engine: 647cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve,V-twin
* Power: 72.68 BHP @ 9000 RPM
* Torque: 60.9 Nm @ 7500 RPM
* Transmission: 6-speed manual
* Top Speed: 210 km/hr
* 0-100kmph: 5.5 seconds
* Fuel Consumption: 17-18 kmpl (City), 20-22 kmpl (highway)
* Fuel Type: Petrol
* Suspension: Inverted telescopic forks (front), linked monoshock (rear)
* Tires: 120/60/17 (Front), 160/60/17 (Rear)
* Brakes: 300 mm Ventilated Discs (Front), 230 mm Disc (Rear)

2013 Hyosung GT650R Dimensions

* Overall length x width x height: 2095 mm X 700 mm X 1135 mm
* Wheelbase: 1445 mm
* Ground clearance: 165 mm
* Fuel Tank Capacity: 17-liters
* Kerb Weight: 215 kgs