India’s bike segment is expanding at a phenomenal rate, and there’s a lot of interest in the recent middle-order, assembled-in-India motorcycles like the Kawasaki Ninja 650R and the Hyosung GT650R. Kawasaki and Bajaj have failed to ensure an adequate supply of the Ninja 650R to satiate consumer demand, which makes this the perfect time for Korean manufacturer Hyosung, which has tied up with Garware Motors, to move in with the GT650N.

STYLE FILE

At first glance, the GT650N benefits from its strong street presence and the large, macho-looking naked motorcycle is quite a head-turner. There are generous helpings of pitch-black parts, including its alloy wheels, mudguards, engine bay, exposed frame and massive exhaust.

The family look is shared with its sibling, the GT650R, but the N replaces the vertically stacked headlights of that sportier bike with a tapered headlight, crowned by a set of aerodynamic and petite-floating instruments. This modern console is comprehensive enough, displaying all essential information including a bold tachometer. However, it lacks finesse and fails to match the top-class readouts that all its rivals sport today. Likewise, the rearview mirrors show off nice form but fail to provide clear rear vision. Hyosung would also have done well to provide the GT650N with better quality palm grips, levers and switches. The push-to-cancel indicators demand too much effort to operate and lack good feel.

A voluminous fuel tank with smart indents and smoothly-sculpted knee recess grooves sits over exposed-frame twin tubes and a split seat lends the naked GT a sporty air, providing a storage facility under the pillion. The tail section is similar to the 650R, with a pair of large, split grab handles.

Overall quality, though, leaves a lot to be desired. Many parts look smart from a distance but feel under par when operated. Fit and finish need to improve and several rubber and plastic parts — like the rubber boots for the levers — belong to an age gone by.

TANK TALK

The GT650N shares its engine platform with the GT650R — a Hyosung V-twin, four-stroke cycle engine with liquid cooling and a displacement of 647cc. It is a fuel-injected powerhouse with short stroke dimensions and a bank of eight-valve equipped cylinders. Maximum claimed power output at the crankshaft is a healthy 72.6bhp at 9000rpm, with peak torque of 6.2kgm delivered at 7500rpm.

On the positive side, the GT650N packs a punch mighty enough for even the best Indian roads, and you will never be left high and dry, asking for more power or performance. Low- and mid-range grunt are impressive and the GT650N zips from 0-100kph in a scant 4.65 seconds, still accelerating seamlessly as it clobbers the 160kph mark in 12.78 seconds. Top whack is pretty respectable too, with this Hyosung running out of steam only over a true 200kph.

RIDER’S DEAL

However, much of the excitement starts fading when you come to terms with the chinks in this bike’s armour. The GT650N suffers from a really heavy clutch that seriously hinders riding pleasure — almost from the moment you start off. The six-speed gearbox fails to shift with a positive and light feel. Worse still, the GT650N is plagued by a really disappointing fuel-injection system, due to which the bike idles erratically and outputs an under-par power delivery. Jerky throttle response is often experienced at low- to mid-engine speeds and vibrations build up to go beyond acceptable levels when pushing this bike hard.

While this bike’s big advantage, especially for Indian roads, is its more relaxed, comfortable and upright riding position, the GT650N’s suspension and riding saddle fail to deliver adequate comfort. Ride quality feels too stiff, often allowing potholes and road undulations to attack the rider’s spine, the seat padding leaving you sore even over reasonably long-distance rides.

Excellent Bridgestone tyres at both ends are standard kit, with good traction. The GT650N provides good straight-line stability but handling is still only average, calling upon heavier-than-expected inputs. Cornering manners are up to the job, provided you’re riding over smooth roads and the brakes provide solid anchorage for the quick GT650N.

Fuel economy should rank lower than crucial to GT650N buyers. However, having put this latest Hyosung through a thorough test, I can say that it returns 18.4kpl in crowded city traffic, and 27.4kpl cruising at close to 100kph on the highway.

FINAL VERDICT

Although the Hyosung GT650N is styled to impress on Indian roads, its shortcomings stand out the moment you’re astride. It’s low on quality, the engine lacks refinement, the performance goes down with hiccup-afflicted fuelling and the GT650N’s jarring ride nullifies the advantage of a good riding position. As an overall package, the GT650N could make a tempting proposition — until able competition like the 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 650R and Ducati Monster 795 hit the roads.

SPec check.

HYOSUNG GT650N

• Price: Rs 4.39 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
• Top speed: 205kph (est)
• L/W/H: 2095/700/1100mm
• Engine: Twin cylinder, 647cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke
• Maximum power: 72.6bhp at 9000rpm
• Maximum torque: 6.2kgm at 7500rpm
• Brakes (F/R): 300mm discs/ 270mm discs

Photographs by Ashley Baxter

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My dream car

I hope I can buy a limousine someday. I feel it’s the ultimate luxury vehicle — with classy looks and enticing interiors consisting of bar, TV sets et al, the car is literally a house on wheels. I would like a silver-coloured Limousine.

– June Banerjee, singer