Zigwheels Exclusive: DSK Hyosung planning a 450cc bike for India

Could DSK Hyosung be the dark horse of the Indian performance bike segment? Zigwheels has just learnt that the company is secretly working on a range of exciting new models, which are being developed keeping Indian buyers in mind, and would be launched in the next 9 to 12 months.

Recently at the Auto Expo 2014, the motorcycle maker had launched the Aquilla 250cc cruiser priced at Rs 2.69 lakh(ex-showroom Delhi),powered by a 250cc, oil-cooled, V-twin, 8-valve engine, capable of 26.5PS and 21Nm. They also had on display the GD 250N which grabbed plenty of eyeballs, thanks to its sharp styling. This naked street bike comes fitted with a four-stroke, liquid-cooled, 249cc single-cylinder engine, churning out 28.5PS and mated to a six-speed gearbox.

The 250cc version that was on display at the Auto Expo 2014, received a positive response from the motorcycling community, but a major concern was the pricing of the quarter-litre naked bike. The aggressively priced KTM 390, and the anticipation around the recently unveiled Bajaj Pulsar 400, has made it difficult for DSK Hyosung to propose a 250cc bike at a similar price bracket.

To tackle this issue, Hyosung is developing an all-new 450cc liquid-cooled, single cylinder engine producing about 50PS of peak power. Powered by this new motor the naked street bike would be christened as the GD 450N. The GD series will be highly localised and assembled at their plant in Wai, near Pune. Infact, the GD 250N which was on display at the Auto Expo 2014 already ran on Indian made tyres.

Furthermore, the company will be introducing a fully faired variant called the GD 450R, which will follow the lines of a concept bike displayed by them during Europe's premium motorcycle show, EMICA, last year. These steps would not only satisfy the performance seeking enthusiasts, but would also justify a higher price tag.

The other interesting bike at DSK Hyosung's stall was the RT 125 D which attracted plenty of attention for its off-beat styling. A puny fuel tank, flat and long seat, and an upswept exhaust give it a unique design and fits the bill for those looking for an unusual bike which can even handle a fair amount of off-roading.

We all know that this bike will be following the GD series into India,however, when it does it, this offbeat motorcycle will come equipped with a 250cc engine instead of the 125cc motor. Yes, this has also to offer better value for your money. There is no clear indication of Hyosung GD 450R's pricing yet, but the Hyosung GD 250N is likely to be priced at Rs 2 lakh while the RT 250 D will be in the Rs 2.5 lakh segment. Now, whether these motorcycles change the game in the 250cc performance bike segment, remains to be foreseen, but with these new offerings on the way, enthusiasts will be surely spoilt for choice. Till then, we can just play the waiting game.