Powered by a Vee-twin motor throwing heaps of torque at the rear wheel, does the new Hyosung GT250R from Korea pack in enough punch to challenge the might of its existing well-heeled 250cc rivals? We look for answers

Model: 2012 Hyosung GT250R
Engine: 249cc, Vee-twin, DOHC, air-cooled, 8-valve
Power: 27PS @ 10,000rpm
Transmission: 5-Speed, 1-Down/4-Up
Torque: 22Nm @ 8,000rpm
Weight: 188kg
Power-to-weight ratio: 143.6PS/Tonne
0 - 100km/h: 8.3seconds
Top Speed: 149km/h
Fuel Efficiency: 25.7kmpl

While 2011 was a rather slow year with just three all-new motorcycles breaking cover, namely the Bajaj Boxer 150, the Hero Impulse and the Honda CBR250R, 2012 has witnessed an upbeat start with plenty of launches and more to come. The last couple of decades have witnessed action in the lower end of the Indian motorcycle spectrum, but now it seems that the larger capacity premium models are getting their due with the aspirational Indian buyer looking at motorcycles as more than just an economical mode of transport.

And while the pace of launches may not be as vibrant as in the lower segments, the 250cc class of motorcycles is certainly picking up pace rather quickly. With international players aiming to gain a foothold in the second largest motorcycle market in the world, the top-down strategy to establish one’s brand and then unleash the model line-up in a gradual manner seems to be working for many bike makers.

One of the newest entrants to adopt a top-down strategy in India has been Korean motorcycle maker Hyosung, which  has found a partner in the resurrected Garware Motors to sell its range of premium models in the country. After giving us three middle-weight motorcycles, the sporty GT650R, the streetfighter GT650N and the cruiser ST7, Hyosung is now focusing on the quarter-litre space with its latest offering, the GT250R, a full-faired race replica motorcycle that is big on presence and is the only other multi-cylinder offering in its class alongside the revered Kawasaki Ninja 250R.

By big on presence we mean serious head-turning potential, especially in the new 2012 dual-tone livery. The smaller GT250R gets its wheelbase shortened by 10mm while the overall length, width and height remain identical to its elder sibling, the GT650R. Helping the rather full size dimensions of the GT250R, which are ideally found on 600cc machines, is the extremely athletic and muscular styling of the motorcycle.

While Honda’s CBR250R looks elegant and sophisticated befitting its sports tourer appeal, the Kawasaki Ninja 250R manages the fine balance of sporty yet dignified guise to appeal to everyone. On the other hand, the GT250R is out there and brashly honest about its race-ready disposition. Stack the three quarter-litre machines together and the Hyosung GT250R’s strapping build surely comes out as the most imposing further aided by its large proportions that are more suitable for a 600cc super-sport machine. Those looking for an all-out race replica machine in the 250cc class will certainly be very happy to be astride the Hyosung GT250R as it can certainly get the heads turning real quick.

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