2006 Hyosung Aquila GV650 from Australia

Summary:

Great value for money cruiser -- rough, but honest

Faults:

The original equipment mirrors disintegrated at the base within the first couple of months. They are plastic (!) bases.

Screen cracked at an attachment screw. (Dealer put it down to overzealous tightening on his behalf and replaced it free)

General Comments:

Surprisingly quick for a 650 V-twin -- it certainly out-accelerates some larger cruisers and leaves equivalent cruisers in the dust.

I find the seat very comfortable. However, my regular pillion can't handle more than an hour at a time on the back, since the seating position forces me to lean back slightly, robbing her of any space or room to move.

Brakes are very effective, if somewhat "wooden". Never a drama stopping.

Bike is very stable at speed, and even at walking pace. A little ponderous perhaps, but easy to turn and manoeuvre. For a cruiser, it corners well -- your heel will let you know how close you're getting.

Fuel consumption is reasonable. About 300+km on a tank. You wouldn't want to ride more without a break anyway.

Gearchanges are easy and remarkably silent.

Some of the chromed "bling" is actually plastic; its longevity will be interesting.

The huge muffler does nothing for the engine note, but the dealer showed me a "sports" exhaust that had it snapping and snarling!

Instruments are reasonable, though I feel a tacho would be good (on a cruiser!) in light of the way this motor revs out so (too) easily.

It attracts attention! People like the look of it. It has road presence.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th August, 2006

26th Nov 2006, 23:57

What is a replacement for the mirrors? At $136 each, a bit costly. Found the plastic type used in the guards soft even after 12 months, scratches easly.

Tyres are good wearing. Book says that at 10k service heads to be taken off, why? This is a 4 stroke bike.

Only bad fault, replaced by shop, was the radiator got a hole in tube, and not a rock thanks to the guard.

Can a set of extra lights, like the Harley, be fitted to the front forks?