Boy Racer's Dream

Arguably New Zealand’s most popular beginner bikes, Hyosung’s 250cc Comet series offers a variety of styles to meet different tastes. Top of the line is the GT250R – a particularly sleek package offering exceptional value for money. But not everyone will warm to it, writes Lawrence Schäffler.

I’ll confess upfront I’m somewhat ambivalent about the GT250R. It’s a superbly-engineered machine, it looks great, goes even better and, for what it is, it’s pretty affordable. So what’s the problem? Probably my age…

I’m a laid-back, non-confrontational, cruising kind of biker, so the “butt-up-head-down” riding crouch demanded by the GT250R doesn’t “sit” naturally with me. The daily commute left me with a sore neck (peering up) and aching wrists (not good for a writer). That said, I am sure younger riders will be puzzled by these statements: Neck? Wrists? What’s the matter with you? Just lie low and open the taps…

So I’ll make a call. I won’t recommend the GT250R as a candidate for commuting, but hundreds of beginners (and many seasoned riders) will relish all it has to offer – performance, handling, excellent fuel economy, and solid engineering. Its real attraction, I’d suggest, is that it’s a machine beginners won’t tire of quickly.

Masses of hot appeal here. Streamlined and racy, the bike is dominated by the oversized fuel tank, sleek fairing and low grips – a visual package reinforced by the six-spoke alloy wheels, the huge pair of discs (300mm) on the front wheel, the racing-style muffler and the tapered tail.

With the full fairing, you can’t see much of the engine, but it’s a Hyosung standard for the 250 Comet series. A V-twin (75 degrees ) with DOHC and four-valves per cylinder, it breathes through twin-downdraft Mikuni carburetors.

It borrows freely from technology developed for race engines (roller bearing cam shafts, bevelled primary drive gears, dual squelch combustion chambers). It’s a high-revving unit, developing its maximum 27hp at around 10,000rpm. And it climbs to those levels very quickly – providing a top speed of around 160km/h – with plenty of torque through each of its five gears. Sounds pretty good as well – a healthy “howl” from the free-flowing exhaust system.

Handling

Nicely balanced, and if you’re that way inclined, it’s a bike that tempts you into living your Rossi dream. Sitting deep in the saddle, slung over the tank, it’s almost obligatory to slide your butt from side to side and flick the bike through corners. The low seating position enhances the bike’s low centre of gravity, so it feels solid and secure.

The sure-footedness is complemented by the racing-heritage suspension system: fat (41mm) inverted telescopic forks (magnesium finish) and a hydraulically damped, five-stage, adjustable rear monoshock. They combine for excellent stability – especially under hard braking, delivered by twin 300mm disc brakes at the front and a 210mm disc at the rear.

Like its cousins in the Comet series, the GT250R offers storage under the pillion seat for items such as wet weather gear and maps. No room for your girlfriend though – it’s definitely a single seater. The pillion is minute and there’s not much in the way of grab rails.

The massive fuel tank is something of an aberration – it only holds 17 litres (looks like it should hold double that). But the engine’s very efficient, and unless you drive like a maniac, fuel stops should be fairly infrequent. Note, the GT250R is reputed to be one of the fastest 250s on the market – so “sensible” riding might be a bit of a pipe dream.

I liked the digital instrument panel – clear and easy to read at a glance. It includes a fuel gauge, clock and dual trip meters. The dual-lens headlamp complements the fairing, and provides good illumination. The bike’s available in four colours - mango yellow, signal red, midnight black and metallic sky blue – and all look pretty cool.

So other than that riding crouch, there’s very little I can fault with the GT250R – it’s a solid machine and if it’s anything like its Comet sisters with their enviable low-maintenance record, will offer owners years of trouble-free riding.

Now where did I leave my Zimmer frame…?

Engine V-twin (75o), four-stroke, eight valves

Displacement 249cc

Carburetor twin down draft Mikuni

Fuel Tank 17 litres (2.5 litres reserve)

Overall Length 2080mm

Overall Width 760mm

Overall Height 1120mm

Ground Clearance 180mm

Dry Weight 155kg

Wheel Base 1445mm

Seat Height 795mm

Front Tire 110/70-17 54H

Rear Tire 150/70-17 69H

Front Suspension 41mm upside down forks

Rear Suspension Gas shock absorber, pre-load adjustable

Front Brake Twin 300mm discs

Rear Brake Single 210mm disc

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