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.

I've owned a SV650S for 8 years.
The fit and finish is nowhere near say a Yamaha R6, but then, neither is the price.
But the bike itself is an unkillable tank.
Did some work at a trade show and got a close long look at the Hyosung.
Complete knock off of the SV but an obvious piece of crap.
Everything looked cheap. Fit and finish was just awful.
Scariest of all, it was obvious to the eye that the metal parts were substandard.
I would never trust my life with one of these on the highway.
Just looked like it was going to fall apart or explode, but probably both.
They'll sell in China cause they're just a hair better than the made in China garbage. IMHO  
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