Hyosung GT 650 R, how good are they?

Any hands on experience with these bikes? Do they even scratch the surface comparing to the big 4?  

The '09 model was heavily updated, and is one that we haven't had experience with. The last time we tested one was a few years ago, and that model was pretty primitive compared to the Big Four. The newest model has fuel injection, radial-mount front calipers, etc.  

Hey bud,

You're right, I actually read a comparison on Motorcycle.com between the 09 model and SV650. The koreans have improved but they are not quite there yet. Overall, SV650 was a better bike. Some beleive since the Koreans have a cooperative  agreement with Suzuki, the GT650R is somewhat an SV650 with a sporty skirt on. Nonetheless, SV650 is a much better bike when it comes to reliability, component quality, handeling, smoothness of throttle and gear shifting. Apparently the only upsides of the GT650R is holding the line in the twisties and probably the looks but that depends on people's taste. From what I understand, I think Hyosung still has a long road of improvement to be able to compete with the big 4.  

SuzukiFanatic:
Some beleive since the Koreans have a cooperative  agreement with Suzuki, the GT650R is somewhat an SV650 with a sporty skirt on.

The reason that the Hyosung engine looks so much like the SV unit is because the lead engineer for Hyosung was one of the original engine designers for the Suzuki SV engine.  

I have had a couple come through my shop, they are between chinese and japanese in quality. Decent all around but fit and finish is well below japanese. I would think hard on a sv 650 if you want a middle weight v-twin sport bike.  
There are worse things than death cowardice is one of them.