Hyosung GV650 Aquila pro test ride and review

Hyosung GV650 Aquila pro

The Aquila Pro GV650’s blend of laid back custom cruiser and modern power cruiser design attracts a lot of stares. It has a round chromed headlamp and wide cruiser-typical handlebars. The sharply styled, large fuel-tank along with mock air dams add to this cruiser’s overall appeal. The Aquila Pro uses LCD instruments which display a speedometer that’s easy to read on the fly, while also showing fuel and temperature levels.

At the rear, an elongated tail section and LED tail-light give the GV650 a modern touch. A chunky exhaust canister and a fat 180 section rear tyre compliment the muscular image of this motorcycle. The Hyosung further impresses with a good level of fit-and-finish. Paint quality and lustre is top notch, however some plastic bits could be better finished.

The Aquila Pro GV650’s strong exhaust rumble originates from a 647cc, liquid cooled, V-twin powerplant which generates 74bhp and 9000rpm and peak torque of 6.3kgm at 7500rpm, the same engine here as does duty on the GT650R. The GV650 uses a 5-speed gearbox and its gear ratios are focussed at making the motorcycle less stressful to ride. The Aquila Pro doesn’t like being revved hard and feels more comfortable lower down in the rev range, like most cruisers.

However, slower traffic on the highway won’t intrude on riding pleasure, as a flick of the wrist or a single tap at the mechanical feeling gearbox brings you quickly to the next stretch of open road. Riding a cruiser isn’t only about sheer performance, but more about the experience in the saddle.

 The Aquila Pro GV650 deploys a double cradle steel frame with adjustable upside-down front forks and twin, hydraulic shock absorbers at the rear, bolted onto a box section swingarm. The riding position is relaxed with forward set foot pegs and wide handlebars, and a well cushioned seat adds to comfort.

Despite the Aquila Pro’s 240kg kerb weight, it tackles corners well thanks to a rigid frame and grippy Bridgestone tyres. For stopping power, the GV650 uses twin 300mm discs in the front and a single 270mm disc at the rear, both providing ample bite.

All in all, the GV650 Aquila Pro makes an enjoyable cruiser to ride back home on a long road and is a good motorcycle from Hyosung. Importantly, here’s a bike capable of delivering a credible cruiser alternative to other budget cruisers in the market.