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Hyosung GV 250 Review

Hyosung GV250 Review

Hyosung GV250 review (a.k.a. Hyosung Aquila 250 Review) by special guest author David G. David shares his experience on the Hyosung after owning it for tens of thousands of miles.

Say you are between 5′ – 6’4″ tall and are at least 16 years old, but, less than 75. You either want to learn to ride, start riding again, or just need a dependable commuter motorcycle to save gas money. The Hyosung V-Twin Aquila GV250 is the Leatherman, or, red Swiss Army knife, of motorcycles. You definitely need one. I promise, you’ll definitely use one, and, for some unknown reason, you will love it beyond any of its specifications. It’s so much more than your “first real motorcycle” or your “getting back in the saddle, now that the kids are grown” motorcycle. Every errand is another reason to make use of it.

Hyosung GV250 Review

Hyosung GV250 size and design

The bike is a long, low slung, Classic cruiser design. With a 27 horsepower, 250cc 75 degree V-twin nestled in a mid size frame. The seat height is a low 27-29 inches, yet roomy enough for people over 6 feet tall. The bike looks great from any distance. It’s vibration free & smooth revving from idle to the 12,000 RPM redline is quieter than most blenders, all lawn mowers, some dishwashers, and as dependable as sunrise – once the initial charging issues have been sorted out.

It’s often mistaken for a 650 or larger bike. Loaded with Chrome & ‘plasti-chrome’, it approaches gaudy, with just enough style to keep it from being bland, but, not enough style to identify it as a particular brand, let alone model. Modestly priced new at $3,999.00, it is substantially less than virtually every other 250cc motorcycle from anywhere other than China or Taiwan. Used, they can be had for $2,500 or less, which represents an outstanding value. Yet, it has more HP & torque than most of its competitors, now that the KYMCO Venox and the Kawasaki Ninja 250 are discontinued in the United States.

Hyosung GV 250 Aquila Review

How does it ride?

Honestly, not everyone wants to start their riding career on a cruiser style motorcycle. But, where else can you find a seat height low enough to flatfoot if you are only 5′ tall? Let alone the ‘E-Z Boy lounge chair’ riding position that easily accommodates a 6+ footer? Also, the cost variance between the mighty Ninja 300R is getting bigger, which helps the older Ninjas maintain higher value, thereby keeping some people out of the beginner sportbike arena, as starter & commuter bikes are very cost sensitive for tons of reasons!

Big tires with wide cross sections (150mm rear & 110 front), mounted on big monoblock billet style aluminium wheels which look great, but, makes parking, or backing up hard for the ‘noobie.’ The soft, bump absorbing, straight tracking fat tires create a comfortable ride moving. Set up like a traditional cruiser: upside down front forks & rear springs & shock inserts, there are no compression or rebound adjustments front or rear. Everything works well together to provide a nice, stable, comfortable, rattle & vibration free ride that is forgiving with easy turn in at speed.

Hyosung GV250

What’s it like?

But, it’s a 250cc cruiser (oxymoron?) that can’t eat up highway miles due to engine size. And cruisers aren’t designed for carving canyon roads with a knee down in every turn either. However, at 40 to 60 MPH on a meandering 2 lane road is where this motorcycle shines. Living in NH, having the Atlantic Ocean within 30 minutes of the house, gorgeous State Parks in every direction, and virtually no major east west running highways. Idyllic begins to describe the environment around here.

At speeds over 35MPH, the exhaust note gets carried away by the slimstream of air traveling around the bike.

Sadly, many people have compared Hyosung’s offerings to “Chinese” bikes – which they are not, by any stretch of the imagination. This bike should be considered as if it were made by the “Big 4”, and should be judged accordingly. I have seen them ‘for sale’ with over 50,000 miles with no issues and ready for annual State inspection. And, there are lots of things that can fail on this bike, as it’s loaded with features: speedometer & tachometer, fuel gauge, indicators, fork lock in the ignition, etc.

Aquila GV250

Fit, finish, and other details

The paint quality is excellent and I’ve already mentioned the gorgeous monoblock style billet aluminium wheels. Yes, the switch gear is plastic, and, some of the chrome is actually plastic as well, but- it can’t rust, looks good & works well while keeping the overall weight down (385 Lbs) and cost down. Only the KYMCO Venox has the large frame of this bike, and as many standard features.

A full tank (3.7 Gal) of gas can go for over 200 miles (55+ MPG), so, there is no need for constant checking. Since the gas gauge isn’t overly accurate, it’s a good thing. An oil & filter change can be performed in 20 minutes at home. The chain can be cleaned, lubed & tightened with ease. Most importantly, once the bike is properly sorted, you can ride it for years without fear of failure. It really IS that good. Replace front brake pads with some aftermarket pads for less than $15.00 for increased stopping power & feel, and, you’ll get less dust & increased longevity to boot.

Hyosung GV250 Cruiser

Known issues

The primary issue with the GV250 is the charging system. For whatever reason, they are all prone to stator or regulator/rectifier (R/R) failure. If not addressed quickly, it can lead to the main harness becoming a melted mess. It’s recommended to replace the stator & use an aftermarket R/R to ensure that excess charge is being effectively dispersed. It’s been suggested that if the regulator/rectifier is replaced quickly, the stator will not fail. I’m unsure if the logic behind the suggestion really makes sense or truly works. However, a quick electrical check will determine which has failed (or both).

Even the least mechanically inclined can replace the R/R with the appropriate aftermarket MOFSET solution. Other than this primary issue, there are really no outstanding issues. Various model years did have particular problems. However, virtually every bike on the road has had them fixed, replaced or repaired – either under warranty, or, by the owner.

Highway performance and conclusions

On the highway at 75 MPH, with the engine revving at 9,000RPM without complaint, or vibration. You will need to practice the Yugo driver hand wave, while yelling at the top of your lungs. “No, Yugo, this is all it’s got! Pass me, please!” If there was only a little more top speed, a little more acceleration at speeds over 75MPH. I would love to do a crazy thing like the Iron Butt Association Saddle Sore 1,000. A 1,000miles in 24 hours ride. I know- as is- right now, the bike would be fine, in every possible way.

So, it’s really not a cruiser at the end of the day. It’s an excellent bike for virtually every other road going reason. I missed it so much, that after I drove my ‘big boy’ bike for 6 months, I made up tons of reasons to get another one in my driveway. I’ll definitely keep this one until I lose the ability to ride it! Sure, my wife will be practicing with it to get her M/C endorsement. Two of my sons will need it for the same reasons over the next year or so…But, the simple truth is I love it. I drive it for no reason whatsoever and I will continue to do so.

If you’re looking for something a little bigger, and you might still want to check out something from Hyosung, check out those Hyosung 650 review.

About David Gulliver

David is a middle-aged father of four who rides motorcycles to maintain his sanity and escape a household of constant chaos. David has twenty-five years of experience modifying and restoring imported British and German sports cars, and he has one very supportive partner who understands his need to run wild on motorcycles.

37 comments

  1. Great article. I too ride a Hyosung GV250 (2009) and I love it! It will probably be a bike that will also pass down to my wife once I move on to something bigger. But I couldn’t imagine a better bike to learn to ride on. Come check out my riding blog over at cruisncanada.com as it deals a lot with my GV250 and things I’ve added or had to replace on it.

    Great bike!

    • Greg! I’ve been thanking you publicly for quite a while now! You have excellent http://www.YouTube.com video’s for oil changes, putting your bike up for the winter, etc. & so forth. Also, on the Hyosung forums, I’ve done the same, because you are such a help to new riders & new owners- a priceless gift of making the maintainence ‘doable’, instead of paying an arm & a leg! Finally, like you, I try to be transparent in all of my interests, so, I too use my name, or, the moniker DCGULL01, which was also my license plate for many years…

      • Thanks for the kind words Dave. As always more videos will follow. I have a few more things that I would like to get for my bike (nothing to serious). And as always ill post them up on my site and youtube. Keep watching !!

  2. chrislikestoride

    I also have a Hyosung Aquila gv250 and I love it. But I was wondering if any of you had a starting problem? It seems I am not getting enough power and sometimes I get a loud clunk when i try to start it. Do you have any idea what that could be? I love my bike but I have a trust issue because somtimes It wont start up? If nyone could help that would be amazing.

    • I’m not a mechanic, but, these bikes have a tendency to have charging problems from the factory. So, starting would obviously be the very first place you would notice it! I would check (or, have checked!) the stator & the regulator/rectifier. I have owned 1, and, almost everyone who has owned 1- has a bad R/R. If it’s not fixed, it will ruin the stator, which is weak to begin with. Then, you will need to replace BOTH. I recommed the Shindingen FHA0020 MOFSET R/R from http://www.roadstercycle.com. The “plug ‘n Play’ version is pricey @ $144.90 but, once done- it should last a lifetime, which almost how long I will keep mine. I’ve told my wife that after I die, she can have the GV250, but, that she will need to pry my hands open to get the keys! If you want additional input, I can be reached at dcgull01(symbol for ‘at’)gmaildotcom. I hate webbots & spam, so, I hope you understand the address!

      • Hi dave! I’m looking to buy my first bike and I’m looking at an 07 hyosung 250 classic , I drove it and I had a hard time sometimes to get it out of first gear, have you had that problem ?

  3. Hi,
    I have this bike and love it , I have 2013 model.
    I encountered tow problems maybe you be able to help me:
    1. Unlike described hear, in 75mph I feel vibrations.
    2. I have problem with ignition, when the engine is cold I need to push the gas up to 3000 rpm for 10 sec otherwise the engine is shuts down and needs to be reignite.

    my motorcycle is brand new, and the seller in my country saying that this isn’t a problem but the behavior of the machine.

    except this this is a great machine and I love it.

    • Well, honestly, 75MPH is pretty darn close to this bikes top speed. It could be the aerodynamics (bike is extremely light weight), it could be weight placement, and, of course- it could be engine vibration, too! I ride with a windshield, saddlebags & floorboards, so, I KNOW I’m not cutting a clean swath through the air. However, I don’t notice any engine vibration @ 75, below that, or, even at the very tippy top speed. Can you reproduce the vibration at the same RPM when you are NOT in gear? If you can make it happen at certain engine speeds (RPM’s) while standing still, you can show your repair shop, or, dealership what you are experiencing. When I’m riding like a motocross wild man (Sorry, but, I do occasionally!), I rev the heck out of it in EVERY gear. But, on one of the ones I’ve owned, or, others that I’ve ridden- I’ve never run into vibration at any speed. They are so quiet- I think I would notice vibration?

      RE: Starting. The 2010 & newer bikes, SHOULD NOT have a starting problem, as they are fuel injected. However, traditionally (all bikes prior to ’10) these are very hard to start, and, run very cold hearted! But, you have a dealer & warranty repair on your hands- please get that addressed by your dealer until it starts easily at every temerature! Late in 2012, Hyosung changed fuel injection suppliers, and, I was very happy, because, I believe that the new supplier is very good, has excellent support & all systems are well engineered. You should have an easy starting motorcycle, please let me know what the outcome is @: dcgull01-symbol= ‘at’-gmaildotcom. Good luck & please follow up via e-mail re; vibration, and, the outcome of the hard starting situation.

      • thinking about getting on of these, a new 2013 model. Do these still have R/R and stator problems? Can you just replace the R/R immediatley and be done with it? Thanks, I dont want to buy a project bike bike, just a good little turn key and go bike.

  4. Estou no Brasil, e tenho uma kasinski mirage 250, que por se chama áquila gv250, concordo com o que vocês disseram está uma ótima motocicleta , mas a parte elétrica já e outra história parabéns a todos nos pelas motocicletas

    • Translation: I am in Brazil, and have a Kasinski mirage 250, which is called L’Aquila gv250, I agree with what you said is a great motorcycle, but the electric part is another story and congratulations to all

  5. Gabriel Bezerra Neves

    Only nice words to this gal. Also from Brazil, the problem here is the dealer – Hyosung is represented by a once great (not anymore) dealer called “Kasinski”. From this we get the lack of parts, drop down in value (wich is fine for me, I won’t sell it and this makes the bike less wanted for robbers) and a kind of prejudice against the “Mirage”…

    It’s a real friend, thanks a lot for this article! Laughed loud about the scene where you go down holding the keys, I’d do the same.

    Kind regards!

    Neves

    • Well, another year of continous use and, well, yes, I too am having electrical problems. The fuel pump just plain died last week- while a friend was borrowing the bike for a few weeks on her learners permit. So, although I can still say that I’ve never been stranded- the bike no longer has quite the strength of character it once had. But, it IS 13 years old, and, although well owned over the years- things do go wrong as time passes.

      It’s summer in New England, which means that every possible bike is on the road, every shop is backed up by over 2 weeks- no matter whether they’re good at repairing bikes or not. So, I’ll have a bill next week, but, she will be back on the road- inspected, insured and happy- once again. Still a great bike, but, not as robust as I so confidently wrote originally. Glad that others agree, and, others have also had wonderful experiences with the little 250 that could! Cheers, and, keep the shiny side up!

  6. Yes, it’s a 2002 AlphaSports GV250, a re-badged Hyosung GV250 Aquila. Just like the Kasinki’s, Mirages and other reseller bikes. Purchased by the crate, re-assembled by the reseller, AlphaSports had it in the US from late 2001 until 2005, but, in 2004 Hyosung arrived on our shores to develop a dealer network. Sadly, not too effectively as of yet?

  7. I purchased a used Hyosung 250 Aquilla with only 3000km on the engine, a clear service history and not a scratch on the bike. I bought the bike in August and the dealer carried over the warranty for any parts which was a factor in my purchasing. The dealer also has good online reviews and seemed to have a good reputation which was another factor in my buying the bike. I drove it around for a few weeks and then all of a sudden, one ride on a particularly windy highway, the fuel Injector light came on and killed the engine while I was going 80km/hr. It startled me as a new rider and I’m lucky I didn’t crash. The bike started back up fine and ran well for another couple of weeks without an issue. Then the bike died:

On September 11th the bike started up fine. Halfway through some errands the fuel injector failed to work and the bike wouldn’t start. I checked the plugs. Fine. Battery. Fine. The bike was running perfectly 30 minutes before and after sitting in a parking lot, nothing. It had recently been serviced by the previous owner and I kept the bike in my garage. I called the dealership and asked them if they could pick it up and have a look at it. They said they would have it picked up in a couple of hours. I let them know about the warranty, the issues and where I would hide the key. I had to rush to work with the delays and trusted they would look after things.

    I called the dealer the next week to check in to see if they had diagnosed the issue. Apparently the front desk clerk had quit and made extra work for the owner so they were behind. They said the bike was in the shop and they would let me know when they diagnosed the problem ASAP. Later that week I called and they informed me that my bike was NOT in the shop and that it had been on the street where it broke down for the past week with my key available. It could have been stolen at any point and it took them a week to figure out if my bike was in the shop or not because some disgruntled employee forgot to make a work order and my bike just “slipped through the cracks.”

    They picked up the bike, under my supervision, and took it to the shop to diagnose the issue. I called every few days to check in and the owner basically just reminded me that he was busy. It took them another 2 weeks to diagnose the problem. The owner believes the ICU that signalled the fuel pump had failed and required replacement. The part was covered under warranty but needed to be ordered from S&T Motors located in Georgia. It took another 2 weeks for the “specialist” at S&T to bicker back and forth on the diagnoses all the while I’m without a bike for over a month and my insurance is running out. Meanwhile, the owner wouldn’t update me on any developments unless I called them during which it sounds like I’m inconveniencing them. The ICU and wire housing are finally shipped in early October. Then delayed at the border another week. Then it arrives and the owner tries to install it. The bike still doesn’t work. They say that S&T sent the wrong wire housing and that it’ll probably take another 2 weeks for the part to be be delivered and installed. I asked a second shop to come in and have a look they they have no idea what is wrong. Other local shops have had problems with the Hyosung brand and wont touch the bike as it appears to be a horrible design. The “dealership” also managed to break the fuel pump in their diagnostics although to their credit they replaced the part but it proves their incompetence.

    At the time of this writing, my bike has been in the shop for over 5 months with no definitive diagnoses and no improvement. Meanwhile, I’m getting charged for labour that has been ineffective and absolutely useless when it comes to customer service. I will not employ the services of the “certified” dealership ever again. My relations with the dealership has degraded and they basically don’t want to work on my bike anymore. Meanwhile, I have a dead bike. I have no respect for the Hyosung brand as their ineptitude to create a decent product has effectively created one of the worst transactions of my life. All I want is my bike back.

    • Please tell me how it ended up, did you finally fix it. I’m just about to purchase used 2010 with only 3,000 km on it. Wonder why so little on it in 6 years, perhaps some issues too. Would appreciate your response.

  8. I have a Aquila GV250 and I am going to go on long ride … Around 4000km to and fro ! What could be the maximum limit or KM the bike could go without changing the oil ?

    • Hi Rocky,

      That should be explained clearly in your owner’s manual. Should be at least 6000 km. Just change the oil before you go and when you get back to be safe if you’d like.

      • The company says to service the bike after 4000 km, that’s why I was asking and when on a road trip, I have heard that it eats up oil more than normal so that’s why I was worried !

  9. I had most of the same problems but just by listening to your bike and feeling how it’s acting you can tell what she wants or needs I love my 09 250gv Hyosung cruiser for life

  10. Greg, I’m in NH too! Great article! I’m considering purchasing a used 2002 Hyosung gv250 today. I’m wondering if it’s difficult to find someone to do repairs and maintenance when needed since I’ve just recently heard of this bike. Any insight you can share would be greatly appreciated.

  11. Sounds like your dealer are idiots… Yes there are 2 different wiring harness. Regular and EFI. They should have checked the ends before ordering. I found with Hyosung… You really have to make sure you always check what your ordering. Example… Speedometer. Is it electronic or cable. A bike could have it anyway, but you have to check. Dealer guys sound stupid!

  12. These bikes are really not complex.. The only thing I don’t like is the shipping costs on product. Obviously coming out of south Korea… For the above reader who complained about his or her bike repair. Yes having an off brand bike serviced can be a pain. Parts are cheap and these bikes are really not complex. Rather easy…. Just order what you need. Probably will take 10 minutes to fix anything on that bike.

  13. What’s the deal with the kickstand?
    When I shift into 1st my bike shuts off.
    How do I fix it? It is pretty stupid place to put a kill swich!

    • Hey Craig. This is actually a really common feature of beginner bikes. Even my city bike, a 2013 Honda CB500FA has it, but my V-Rod Night Rod does not. Have you checked the wires to make sure they are still plugged in and seated properly? You may want to disconnect, clean, and reconnect if possible.

  14. Thank you for your review. My wife just bought one second hand in great condition runs and rides well. This is her first bike.

  15. “…I would recommend upgrading to something more reliable”….

    Well now, THERE’s the kiss of death!

  16. I purchased a 2016 Hyosung GV250 Aquila in September, 2020 from J&J Motors in Massillon, Ohio.
    They had eight for sale. five 2015’s and three 2016’s. They were selling them as USED! No Warranty but ZERO miles.
    All bikes were $2395. I knew the biggest complaint was the notorious Stator and Rectifier combo. I’m planning on taking your advice and replacing the RR. I’ve put 1100 miles on the bike in 3 months and love it.
    I’ve owned a Yamaha 650 V-Star, 950 V-Star, Kawasaki Vulcan S, and currently own a 2006 250 V-Star (purchased in 2016 with 1100 miles on it for $1500), a 2020 Yamaha TW200 Trail bike, a 2016 Honda Rebel 500, and now the 2016Aquila.
    After purchasing the 250 VStar I immediately had my dealer put straight pipes on it (required larger pilot and main carb jets which I didn’t want to get involved with!) They added a tachometer, and I had them swap the 15 tooth front sprocket for a 17 tooth, and the 45 rear sprocket for a 37 tooth. It lowered my 55 mph cruise speed about a grand a on the tachometer. I added floorboards and a heel/toe shifter. It was my favorite bike! Favorite probably because it was the “Piglet” of Harley’s at 326 lbs. I believe it is rated at 19.5 ponies (HP).
    I had researched the Aquila’s years ago because they were little V-Twins and I really liked their “Retro” look! The only thing comparable was the 250 V-Star (in small V-Twins). When I saw the eight GV250’s on sale back in June of 2020, I decided to take a “chance”, knowing of their electrical “gremlins.” After all, 28 ponies for a 388 lb. bike verses 19.5 ponies for a 326 lb. bike seemed like a fair trade off! (Gain about 9 horses for 62 extra lbs.)
    To make the comparison fair, I added a windshield and saddlebags to the Aquila so it probably weighs in at around 405 lbs. now. The 2006 250 Virago (Yamaha changed it’s name to VStar in 2008), probably weighs in around 350 lbs. now. Both of these bikes are a blast for two lane country roads. I’m surrounded by farmlands and small towns so speed limits vary from 35mph to 55mph and these bikes are both ideal for these scenarios! I must say the re-sprocketed Virago wins the lower, throatier soundtrack prize at 55 mph but the Aquila has a nicer ride, has more “stock trinkets” ( such as tachometer, gas gauge, bigger tank, and EFI then the furnished Virago. The Aquila slays the Virago between fill-ups too! I’m getting 220 to 230 miles between tanks verses 120 with the Virago (that’s with a half gallon remaining in each bike). The Aquila’s tank holds a gallon more than the Virago. The Aquila’s averaging 72-75 mpg while the 72 mpg Virago dropped down to 60 mpg after re-jetting.)
    I thought this might be an interesting comparison for any of your readers. I see a lot of Hyosung “critics” posting their negative opinions and what really concerns (and aggravates me), …. most of the critics have never owned or rode a Hyosung GV250. The biggest problem is the availability of parts. Hyosung dealers are few and far between (unlike Japanese bike dealers (the big four being Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki and Suzuki). I’ve already ordered replacement clutch and brake cables for the Aquila ( mine are fine, I just wanted to keep some spare parts around and readily available). They were cheap! Like $7 each and they arrived within 10 days ( which was a shocker being overseas shipping has been slowed down due to the COVID pandemic).
    Anyhow, sorry for the lengthy reply! I’m 69 years old, in good health, but just like small bikes that are a blast to ride, don’t require extra people to upright them (should they fall over on their kickstand), and don’t cost an arm and a leg to purchase or maintain!

    • Loved all the feedback on the Hyosung, just wanted to make a little point on spares.
      Before Hyosung started making these bikes, They made bike parts for Suzuki until they decided to manufacture their own bikes.

      Now in doing so their going to use the same machines to make parts for their own bikes, which is cost affective. Therefore when looking for bike parts for Hyosung, compare them with Suzuki equivalents and I’m sure some will fit and in some cases the cost will be lower.

      Over here in the UK I looked at buying a fuel cap for the GV250, cost was around £45. I bought a Suzuki one for £17 brand new which fitted perfectly. Also same with the starter clutch.

      Final word:- A lot of bike for little money and great looking. So easy to work on even for a novice. Make your 1st accessory a service manual.

      Stay & ride safe all. (Frank age 70) x

  17. Great site. Thanks for posting.

  18. Michell Stoutner

    cool site. Cheers for showing us.

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