So, in all the hullabaloo recently about "modern gs500".. I happened to re-stumble on
http://www.hyosungmotorsusa.com/product/spec.asp?cat=Cruise&model=GT250R
I've heard some nasty gripes about the company/bikes.. prone to rust, and other shoddy stuff.
But I'm curious if anyone thinks this is going to change, and they will eventually become the new "hyundai" of 2015 or something?
As I said, just curiosity. I'm not looking to buy another bike (Too broke!)
specs are NICE, though. fuel injected, light little sucker, 69mpg. 4valve v-twin
and only $3000
the gt650r is droolworthy, but twice the price and 75lbs heavier.
(still claimed good mpg though)
Yea and all the girls will just swoon over you cos you're be riding Syohung ...
Oh yea ...
Seriously though those bikes are rather tacky, everything is cheesy and chintzy, and to top it off, it is a 250 with a high compression motor that supposedly makes a lot of power ... sorry, gotta do a lot better than that to get into my pocket. Hyundai and kia may be industrial behemoths from Korea but sorry Syohung better do more than sound so cool.
Cool.
Buddha.
I sense a little bias against HyoSung from you ;)
Don't know about the 250's but I remember reading a comparison of their 650 with a SV650. The SV650 obviously won but the reviewer did say the Hyosung was a decent bike, just not as good as the SV. They said it was much higher quality than anything coming out of China at the time (Hyosung is Korean for those who don't know). My biggest concern with Hyosung are the prices. They are not much cheaper than a better Japanese product. And there is a lack of dealer networks in my area so I'd be worried about parts availability too. I would probably by a dirt cheap used one just to try it. I actually tried to low ball someone with a Lifan (chinese) motorcycle on craigslist before just so I could get a first hand feel for the quality (or lack there of).
-Jessie
Someone up the street has a 650, it's a good looking bike, but I think I did see a few rusty parts. I know manufacturers are always looking for ways to cut corners, but buying hardware that's gonna rust is just in bad taste :nono:
Overall I've always kinda liked them. The new ninja250 is a good looking bike, but before they updated it the hyosung was by far the best looking 250, not to mention USD forks are the way to my heart. If a bike doesn't have inverted forks, it's all I can think about when I look at it. I debated a front end swap the whole time I owned the GS.
In general all of the 250s are built pretty cheaply. I owned my 250 for one year and when I took it in for inspection I had to replace just about everything, chain, sprockets, brakes, it was unfortunate. The thing is, those bikes exchange hands so fast I doubt anyone really has time to care. I was a rare case that put 14k on mine, but normally I see them on craigslist with 500 miles and people trying to sell them for $200 less than msrp, so it'll be sold long before they notice a huge change in rusty hardware.
Quote from: Phil B on January 31, 2012, 03:21:31 PM
specs are NICE, though. fuel injected, light little sucker, 69mpg. 4valve v-twin
I agree about most of them, and the v-twin is cool for a 250, but 4 valves is the minimum you can squeeze into a two cylinder motor, so nothing too impressive about that one.
Quote from: BaltimoreGS on January 31, 2012, 04:35:20 PM
Don't know about the 250's but I remember reading a comparison of their 650 with a SV650. The SV650 obviously won but the reviewer did say the Hyosung was a decent bike, just not as good as the SV.
...
My biggest concern with Hyosung are the prices. They are not much cheaper than a better Japanese product.
-Jessie
for the 650cc maybe. but for the "new" 250cc market, theres no comparison. $3000 vs $8000? !!
Are you in the US? I thought the CBR250, Ninja 250 and TU250 were all about $4000 list.
-Jessie
oh, oops. you are correct.
honda cbr250s, are msrp $3999.
But then a--hat dealers near me all decide to slap on $1000 dealer fees on top of that, because it's new and spiffy.
The ones near me, also even add $500 or more to the kawa 250s.
$1000 if you want the "kawa lime flavor".
Ugh, makes me sick!
To return to the honda: If both the hyosung and honda were reliable, "good" bikes, I think I'd want the hyosung because of the twin, vs single.
Interesting comparison here:
http://otomotoshare.blogspot.com/2011/06/refiew-cbr-250-vs-ninja-250-vs-hyosung.html
Says that the honda and hyo are almost identical in performance specs.
Which... i find a bit disappointing
I don't know...there's a lot of used bikes I would look at before buying a new hyosung.
Those Hyosung or Shyokong or WHATEVER the FACK they're called are complete trash.
I saw a '10 model that somebody was trying to sell for 800 dollars because the key broke off in the ignition and they couldn't figure out how to start it. It was just sitting in a parkinglot near the road - had I been so inclined I could have easily taken a pair of channel locks and grabbed what little bit was left of the key and turned it. The guy that owned it was an imbecile and the bike itself was no more than that as well. Seat was all worn out (how the hell do you wear out a seat on a bike with less than 2k miles on it??). It looked ratty as hell and frankly, the only thing that even looked decent was the CHAIN because apparently the stock one had broken - it had a DID chain on it and I know that cheap crap doesn't come with a DID chain.
Point: STAY AWAY!!!!
All dealers I know tack on set up fees and freight charges to new bike prices. Usually adds $500-1000 to the advertised price.
-Jessie
If you pay with cash they won't! I was considering buying an SV650 off the lot last year and I said "So, what kind of discount are you going to give me for paying with cash?" and they said "Well...what if we waive the assembly fee and service charge" and I said "...keep talking..." and they said "And we'll give you 5 free oil changes!". I didn't go back because shortly thereafter I came into somewhat of a hard time.
If I HAD gone back, I wouldn't be here (the forum, that is) today!
During the recession most of the dealers around here folded. Pete's Cycle is about the only game in town now so you are hard pressed to get any discounts. Best bet for this area is to take a road trip to New Jersey and buy.
-Jessie
Interesting - I only know of one dealership that closed around here. I can think of at least 5 motorcycle dealerships within 20 miles. Only ONE Suzuki dealership, however. :technical: >:(
Then again, I do live in Metro Atlanta. :P
Before I bought my GS I was looking at a hyosung gt250r. Features looked good oil cooked v twin, upside down forks, efi, big tank, nice instruments. But the vibe I looked at had rust on the swingarm, the dealer wouldn't move in the price so I walked away. Then I heard from my mechanic that their quality is pretty ordinary, give it a few years and like what was said above and they'll emerge as a Hyundai of bikes.
Quote from: BaltimoreGS on January 31, 2012, 04:35:20 PM
Don't know about the 250's but I remember reading a comparison of their 650 with a SV650. The SV650 obviously won but the reviewer did say the Hyosung was a decent bike, just not as good as the SV. They said it was much higher quality than anything coming out of China at the time (Hyosung is Korean for those who don't know). My biggest concern with Hyosung are the prices. They are not much cheaper than a better Japanese product. And there is a lack of dealer networks in my area so I'd be worried about parts availability too. I would probably by a dirt cheap used one just to try it. I actually tried to low ball someone with a Lifan (chinese) motorcycle on craigslist before just so I could get a first hand feel for the quality (or lack there of).
-Jessie
IRC Hyosung actually make the 650 twin that goes in the SV. Correct me if I am wrong.
The Hyosung GT650R was on my short list of bikes before i settled on the GS500F - i read many tales of woe on Hyosung owner forums about breakdowns... on my first big ride I passed 2 Hyosungs parked on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere! Needless to say I was happy with my decision to buy the Suzuki.
The 650s are available in Aus in detuned for so they are legal for learners... but they are very easy to mod for full power and unfortunately that makes them popular
Quote from: Twisted on February 01, 2012, 02:15:54 AM
IRC Hyosung actually make the 650 twin that goes in the SV. Correct me if I am wrong.
I believe that was a myth that was debunked in the article I read. Hyosung does manufacture some components for Suzuki but the SV650 engines are not one of those things.
-Jessie
Quote from: Phil B on January 31, 2012, 03:21:31 PM
But I'm curious if anyone thinks this is going to change, and they will eventually become the new "hyundai" of 2015 or something?
Harley owns Hyosung now, right? or are they just allowing them to be distributed in their showrooms? I can't imagine them letting another manufacturer put bikes in their showrooms if they don't own them.
They're pretty unpredictable as far as what that might mean. They restricted Erik Buell the whole time he was making bikes under them, and really held back the potential of his bikes, although they were nice quality bikes. At the Same time MV Agusta was able to make a new F4 and Brutale with the new money they were getting through Harley, and then HD ended up selling MV back to it's previous owners for $1. I feel like it's a 50/50 chance when whether Harley tosses a little money at them and they're able to pick up their quality a little, or if they're just going to keep them as a cheap alternative that'll get them a few extra dollars in their pocket. I feel like the 2nd is a little more likely.
Harley does not own Hyosung. There are agreements where some HD dealers also sell Hyosung.
Quote from: john on February 01, 2012, 10:38:10 AM
Harley does not own Hyosung. There are agreements where some HD dealers also sell Hyosung.
That's such a random thing to see. Buells were literally made out of Harley motors and they were still usually stuffed into the back corners of the showrooms and ignored. I wonder what makes HD think their dealerships and salesmen are even going to give Korean bikes a chance.
Quote from: BaltimoreGS on January 31, 2012, 07:42:02 PM
All dealers I know tack on set up fees and freight charges to new bike prices. Usually adds $500-1000 to the advertised price.
-Jessie
Funny you should mention that. A friend was complaining about Pete's to the regional Suzuki distibutor at the DC MC show. He gave out his card and said if we wanted a deal give him a call.
Pete's pissed me off years ago when I was trying to trade in a CBR600F3 (which I had bought from them) on a Banshee so I started dealing exclusively with Cycle World. No choice now, it's Pete's or the internet.
-Jessie
If a dealer says he'll wave a "Set Up Fee" or "Dealer Charge" it is only to make the numbers appear to work for you. PLUS, if they are close to a Factory Bonus based on sales, then they could almost give the bike away at cost price and then make a bulk load in bonus money from the factory.
ALL dealers get Floor Terms. That is, they get the bike for free and do not have to pay for the bike for the Term (say 3 months). After which all they pay is Interest on the Wholesale price charged to them by the factory.
They will NOT give you any money (cut the price) on new bikes unless they are getting it reimbursed in some other way. And they will Never tell you those other ways.
The blanket statement "offering cash will see them remove the set up charge" is not entirely accurate. Individual situations Will vary.
And finally, if you ever think you screwed the dealer and maybe even have proof cause you saw the dealer invoice and you got it for less than that, then think again. Remember, the dealer will never do a deal to lose money. You might not be aware of how they are making money but they are.
Michael
Don't know if it is the same with bikes but the auto dealership I work at actually has no idea what the cars they sell you will ultimately cost them because the price varies based on the volume of cars sold each year. Like any smart business, they always err on the side of caution.
-Jessie
Quote from: mister on February 02, 2012, 01:56:40 AM
And finally, if you ever think you screwed the dealer and maybe even have proof cause you saw the dealer invoice and you got it for less than that, then think again. Remember, the dealer will never do a deal to lose money. You might not be aware of how they are making money but they are.
my take on this:
I'm perfectly happy for dealers to make money. and if they're making money off someone else's subsidies, all the better :)
What I'm not happy about, is the prospect of buying something "Retail", for higher than the "Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price".
Quote from: Phil B on February 02, 2012, 10:14:12 AM
What I'm not happy about, is the prospect of buying something "Retail", for higher than the "Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price".
But if you wanna be SyoHung (where is the right emoticon when you need it) sorry man, you're gonna have to ... muhaha hahaha hahaha hahaha ... :icon_twisted:
Dont take this too seriously, I am just having a slow day @ work.
Cool.
Buddha.
Back onto the hyosungs, I heard there bolts snap easier than ours, also heard that there am awesome bike. I must say when I rode one I liked it a lot.
Quote from: tt_four on February 01, 2012, 12:58:55 PM
Quote from: john on February 01, 2012, 10:38:10 AM
Harley does not own Hyosung. There are agreements where some HD dealers also sell Hyosung.
That's such a random thing to see. Buells were literally made out of Harley motors and they were still usually stuffed into the back corners of the showrooms and ignored. I wonder what makes HD think their dealerships and salesmen are even going to give Korean bikes a chance.
I know they dont make Buells anymore but a while ago I checked out the local harley dealership and they literally laughed at me when I asked if they still had any Buells. The guy even said he would sell me the Buell sign off the side of the building if he could.
Quote from: Flux Maven on February 02, 2012, 02:27:31 PM
I know they dont make Buells anymore but a while ago I checked out the local harley dealership and they literally laughed at me when I asked if they still had any Buells. The guy even said he would sell me the Buell sign off the side of the building if he could.
There were a few HD dealerships that were into them. There's even one an hour from me that has two old race buells set out on the floor for display, but most guys I talked to had a tough time getting stupid parts and everything else. You'd go to the parts counter and ask and just get a bunch of "ooh we can't get that...." answers. After Buell closed up HD promised their dealerships would keep carrying parts for a few years, but as soon as it happened most of them just started acting like they had never even heard of Buells before.
I've only just recently had this dilemna of GT650R vs GS500F. I Jumped on a Hyosung forum to ask a few question about them and the first poster pretty much told me that if you want a reliable bike, go for something else. I Started doing more research and stories of faulty ECU's (Filling cylinders with petrol), Faulty electrics not charging batteries, rust, etc,etc just turned me off. I'd rather buy a bike to RIDE not FIX.
Quote from: neodude112320 on February 02, 2012, 11:01:04 PM
I've only just recently had this dilemna of GT650R vs GS500F. I Jumped on a Hyosung forum to ask a few question about them and the first poster pretty much told me that if you want a reliable bike, go for something else. I Started doing more research and stories of faulty ECU's (Filling cylinders with petrol), Faulty electrics not charging batteries, rust, etc,etc just turned me off. I'd rather buy a bike to RIDE not FIX.
So true.
I am sorry, for a SyoHung, you need to put up with all that.
Cool.
Buddha.
[POST HAS BEEN REMOVED BY USER]
frankieG here has a hardon for hyosung he swears by them. and or swore by them. back in teh day
Im syohung, but for me, they'd have to make a 1250cc superbike model to match my persona...
(That was in jest)
Quote from: xunedeinx on February 17, 2012, 11:12:58 AM
Im syohung, but for me, they'd have to make a 1250cc superbike model to match my persona...
(That was in jest)
Yes it will be 1250cc but it will be made of styrofoam, rust and boogers holding it all together, y'know like all good SyoHungs.
Yup that was also in jest.
Cool.
Buddha.
Quote from: The Buddha on February 17, 2012, 11:15:15 AM
Quote from: xunedeinx on February 17, 2012, 11:12:58 AM
Im syohung, but for me, they'd have to make a 1250cc superbike model to match my persona...
(That was in jest)
Yes it will be 1250cc but it will be made of styrofoam, rust and boogers holding it all together, y'know like all good SyoHungs.
Yup that was also in jest.
As long as my syohung is good for one good run, itll be worth it, even if it never gets up, errr...running, again.
Cool.
Buddha.