Thoughts/Oppoinions- Hyosung Gt650R

"jkm7680" (jkm7680)
04/21/2014 at 13:41 • Filed to: Two Wheels Good?

It's cheaper than the Yamaha Fz6r, and the Ninja 650. Used prices also are blatantly cheaper. I've heard that the build quality is just about shit though, and that you barely get any acceleration after a certain speed on the highway.

What does Two Wheels Oppo think of the Gt650? Good, Bad, Shit, Nope.

Oh, and I might add, I am not interested at all in getting one of these, I'd take an Fz or a Ninja 650 and get over the higher price over the Hyosung.

DISCUSSION (39)

Lekker > jkm7680
04/21/2014 at 13:44

I turned two of these down. It may just be me, but spending half the cost on something I will be traveling 35+ mph (I used mine for in city commute) should definitely be expensive enough to be thoroughly tested and known to perform at least decent. I ended up going with a Triumph Daytona 600.

jkm7680 > Lekker
04/21/2014 at 13:50

Yeah, another thing for me would be going for a reputable brand that people have actually heard of.

When you rattle off names like Triumph, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha people will know what you are talking about. If you get really lucky, they'll know that they make good, reliable bikes.

When you rattle off Hyosung and Zongshen. Nobody will have any clue what you are talking about.

In the case of Zongshen, I wouldn't even pay the $1,500 that those went for new. I've spotted them on Craigslist for close to $300, and I wouldn't put my life in the hands of a $300 bike.

Lekker > jkm7680
04/21/2014 at 13:56

So true. To be entirely fair however, there are some things that rule-of-thumb doesn't apply on. When I mentioned Triumph to my buddies, everyone thought I had a 70's Boneville, or that it wold immenently have electrical issues... (it did). The problem is, sometimes we just don't know a lot about a brand. I JUST ran into this when trying to buy a new set of headphones. If you go big brands, like Panasonic, Sony, Bose, you're paying for the badge. Sure some are amazing, but so is the price. I ended up with a brand that 90% don't know. Why? They're all about their specs, and things being done right. Sadly, with motorcycles that isn't the case since you need so much $ to do R & D.

Are you looking into a daily rider?

jkm7680 > Lekker
04/21/2014 at 14:01

Yeah, I agree. Most of the time people go for the big brands because they know a lot about those brands. They might have just the same amount of issues as the non brand name brands.

But yeah, I'm looking into a new commuter. I'm getting really bored, really quick of my Gw250 and it isn't giving me near the amount of performance that I'd like to have in a bike. It's a good bike in all, but I really with I had started on a 650.

Reigntastic > jkm7680
04/21/2014 at 14:05

Hyosung is not a good company, I wouldn't recommend cheaping out on a 500 pound metal asphalt rocket that sits right under your dingleberries.

Get a used Kawi, Yamaha, or Honda, not necessarily in that order. Older CBRs are cheap and much better than that knockoff piece of shit.

yamahog > jkm7680
04/21/2014 at 14:06

I'm a firm believer in "you get what you pay for." Not that I don't appreciate a good deal, but at the cost of quality? Ehhhh...

Lekker > jkm7680
04/21/2014 at 14:08

Ah nice! Was it you a while back that posted the bike article, and the Ducati and two other bikes? I recall a similar article.... either way.

Well I supposed it all comes down to how the roads are where you will be commuting. It wouldn't make sense to get a Supersport if you have roads like a teenagers bumpy face. What have you ridden?

BurningDinosaurs > jkm7680
04/21/2014 at 14:08

My roommate has a 2012 Ninja 650; He really likes it and it has had great reliability so far. Brand recognition is one thing, but finding a good source for parts, service, etc can be really helpful. Even over a Triumph I can get parts for my Yamaha a three places I would pass on the way to the closest Triumph shop. Thats one reason both of us in my house went with Kawasaki & Yamaha.

You might look in to the Yamaha FZ8 if going used. I commute on mine and love it. Still has full bars and a fairly upright seating position. If you're feeling bored on a smaller displacement and can find an FZ8 for not much more than the FZ6R it could be a really good way to go. It really is much more bike for not much more money. Since being replaced by the FZ-09 you might find a good deal on one too..

jkm7680 > Reigntastic
04/21/2014 at 14:10

Yeah, Haha.

I trust Nixon more than I trust Hyosung. My dingleberrries are precious, and I won't have any Korean knockoff bike take them from me.

I do love the Cbr650F. Really nice looking bike that one. If I can find a nice Yamaha, Kawa, Honda, Suzuki, I'll jump on it. I might get a few more miles out of my Gw250 before I move though. I feel like I should get slightly more out of the bike.

jkm7680 > yamahog
04/21/2014 at 14:11

Yeah, I'd have to go for quality as being the number one.

I've heard of all types of issues relating to the Hyosung products, and with bikes there is more that can go wrong, and injure you than on Cars.

jkm7680 > Lekker
04/21/2014 at 14:14

That probably was me, Haha.

The roads are worse than a teenagers bumpy face. They are nearly Dual-Sport adequate, thanks to Dc, Gravel, and potholes.

The majority of my experience has been on the Gw250, a couple other 250 bikes, and briefly offroad on a Dirtbike.

jkm7680 > BurningDinosaurs
04/21/2014 at 14:16

Yeah, I love the Fz-09. (Blue wheels, gold forks=Sex) and I might have to look into the FZ8 though.

I might have to ease myself from the transition from standard bikes to sportbikes though.

Lekker > jkm7680
04/21/2014 at 14:21

Well that rules out anything I know lol. Whats the budget? do you want something comfortable, or can you compromise some of that for some form/function? Budget? :D I love bike hunting.

yamahog > jkm7680
04/21/2014 at 14:22

FWIW, my dad picked up his brand new FZ09 for $7k after the dealer gave him $1000 off. Not sure if they were running any deals or my dad's just a very loyal customer.

jkm7680 > Lekker
04/21/2014 at 14:23

Haha, I've raised my budget to around $5,000. It used to be around $3,000 but I couldn't find anything above another 250 that was low in price.

It doesn't have to be super comfortable, probably not another Standard. Something well balanced, fun and fast.

Lekker > jkm7680
04/21/2014 at 14:24

You're in DC right?

jkm7680 > yamahog
04/21/2014 at 14:25

Coolio, I wish my Dad rode.

They'd probably look at me funny for some time, then give in. I did get a slight discount of around $300 on my Gw though. That was probably just to make a quick sale though, I didn't even ask for it.

jkm7680 > Lekker
04/21/2014 at 14:25

Yeah, I'm around Prince William.

Lekker > jkm7680
04/21/2014 at 14:35

I found a 2008 Ninja 650R for 4k, Lime green and in good condition. Dropped once by newb rider = good discount.
There is also this 2003 R6 for 4k, grey and 13.5k miles.
If you want a bad ass one (250 over budget) there's this track style ZX636R .
This particular one is a newer R6 , 2006 and newly serviced for 4900. I bet if you show up cash he lets it go for 4 or 4.5k.

OR.. you could go the BAMF route and get one of these Z1000 s. 1000cc's of no fairings and mean looks. For 4900. So jelly.

jkm7680 > Lekker
04/21/2014 at 14:40

Oooh, that Z1000 is looking sexy as hell. Good lord I want that. That Zx636R is making me extremely Jelly. With that 650, all new riders should get Frame sliders, Haha.

I like your taste in bikes! Thanks for the suggestions.

How about this one? It's a Katana in good shape. I'm not sold on the shape of it's body. But I don't really mind it either.

http://easternshore.craigslist.org/mcy/4426689189…

Lekker > jkm7680
04/21/2014 at 14:45

Yeah the Z1000 is the bike I almost bought instead of my Z haha. I know what you mean. The track one tho... all you need is a front headlight and you're done. Seriously. A track ready bike for that cost. Such a steal.

I like the Katana but those tend to be very touchy. I had a buddy who spent 50% of the time riding and the rest fixing it. Same year too. BUT, if you want something closer that range....let me work my command foo. Brb lol

Lekker > jkm7680
04/21/2014 at 14:48

Sweet Jesus, this isn't any closer to the budget or style but its amazing.

DUDE...DUDE... I'm having a mental breakdown.. SHE APPEARS IN MY LIFE AGAIN! This. I'm sorry I have no logical reason to suggest anything other than this, for that cost. comfortable, unique as shit, SOUND IS ORGASMIC, and did I mention unique as shit?

KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs > jkm7680
04/21/2014 at 14:54

$3000 will buy you a lot of bike. But it may not be what you are wanting.

I originally was looking at a Ninja 650 or an FZ6R. But for $3000, I ended up with a under 5K mile Triumph Sprint ST.

It only has come over all British on a few occasions, one involving the oil pressure (There was pressure, but it was convinced there wasn't).

I also have some fairings on order, since I have tumped it already, and I'll install them if I ever want to sell it.

jkm7680 > Lekker
04/21/2014 at 14:54

Hnnnrrrrr I'm hyperventilating over that Daytona. Want is high. Love yellow bikes also.

jkm7680 > Lekker
04/21/2014 at 14:57

Haha, I appreciate the help!

Ugh, I need a track bike in my life already.

Lekker > jkm7680
04/21/2014 at 15:19

She is soooooooooooooooo purty. It has the older style projector headlights, which means you have much better visibility at night. It has the Perfect exhaust (two brothers is kind of the shit for Daytonas) and its the most gorgeous yellow ever. You have to do it man. I sat on it for such a long time, and I regret it more than you know! If you have a chance, test ride one.Have you heard how the triples sound too? Gr... I need to go home and change my jimmies again.

As you can see, I love things that go fast no matter the amount of wheels haha. Pleasure to help sir, if you find something cool you should post about it! I'd love to see what you find and end up choosing

t_s > jkm7680
04/21/2014 at 15:25

I tested one of these a couple of years ago. Imagine that your favourite movie is The Avengers and you've downloaded it from the internet. Now imagine that instead of Robert Downey Junior, the part of Tony Stark is played by a short balding man with a Turkish accent. Imagine that instead of that massive blonde bloke, Thor is played by a recently retired chartered accountant named Trevor. Instead of Scarlett Johansson you get a 54 year-old nurse named Doris. Sure, the story is the same, the characters say the same stuff, but somehow what you're watching just isn't The Avengers, it's an awful copy with no character and if you were ever to show it to your friends they would immediately point to you as a fraud, a cheapskate and a charlatan. That's what the Hyosung GT650 is. Buy the proper Suzuki version and leave this to people who have lived in a cave for 45 years and have no understanding of what quality motorcycle components, decent assembly and handling feel like.

jkm7680 > t_s
04/21/2014 at 15:41

Love the way you put that, Haha.

You sound like Mr. Regular :)

jkm7680 > Lekker
04/21/2014 at 15:44

I'll give him a shot, and hope it lasts. I'm not at a serious level of want. I'll have to run it by the Lady Friend first. Have to see how that goes.

I'll call you my motorcycle go-to guy, Haha. I'll make sure to tell you if I come across something that's good!

vdub_nut: scooter snob > jkm7680
04/21/2014 at 15:45

Mr. Regular has said he posts around these parts....

YOU NEVER KNOW

jkm7680 > vdub_nut: scooter snob
04/21/2014 at 15:46

Haha, it could be!

Lekker > jkm7680
04/21/2014 at 15:51

Ah I hear ya. You never know, I started by browsing and my wife ended up suggesting me to get when I found the one I wanted. So I wish you luck in that journey sir!

And its funny because I've owned one motorcycle haha. But I would love to help as much as possible. As usual!

jkm7680 > Lekker
04/21/2014 at 15:54

Haha, I really appreciate the help.

Now all I've go to do is throw a pitch to the Lady Friend and see how that goes.

Lekker > jkm7680
04/21/2014 at 16:25

Make sure you start with "You know how you always.." lol, that worked for me with the Z and the bike. And the rifle. And the tat. And the dogs... you get the point :p haha. Make sure you explain why its GREAT value for money! lol

jkm7680 > Lekker
04/21/2014 at 16:51

Haha, luckily I got my Tat before my Gf and I got serious. I'll deffinately try to win her over though

anothermiatafanboy > jkm7680
04/22/2014 at 10:55

I own a Ninja 650R and love it. Got it a couple years ago. Its an 07, when I bought it only had 4,000 miles. Its got about 17,000 now :) been nothing but happy with it. If it were me I wouldn't go near that, being a smaller less well know brand, whereas Kawi or Suzuki are part of the big four. Maybe im just conservative though. But there are so many deals to be had on Ninja650s and SV650s I just don't see why..

jkm7680 > anothermiatafanboy
04/22/2014 at 15:22

Very nice! What color is it?

I'm going to aim for Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, and Yamaha for my next bike. I wish I could ad Bmw to that list, but their bikes are quite pricey.

anothermiatafanboy > jkm7680
04/23/2014 at 10:55

Mine is the Candy Blue. I think it is a stunning color, but YMMV. It has a ton of torque, can accelerate from any RPM in any gear. And with the exhaust it sounds meaty and loud and throaty, much more appealing to my ear than the super high strung 4 cylinder sound. You live near WI? Im selling it.

jkm7680 > anothermiatafanboy
04/23/2014 at 11:02

Nice! I'm in Va though.

It's a great looking bike!