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Full size bike with budget price

I bought this bike on a whim because the price was too good to be true with the early positive comments I had read about Hyosung bikes.



Initial quality isn't quite up to Japanese standards but there really was nothing glaringly wrong with it. Just a little short on the final details.



The bike... is roughly the same size as a Suzuki SV650 and has a similar upright comfortable seating position. This is a big change from the other 250cc standards on the market. Apparently the Big 4 didn't anticipate a 6'3" mongoloid riding their 250cc models.

The engine springs to life with little drama or excitement. Sound is muffled to scooter proportions with the ridiculously large muffler. The muffler would look more at home on a Mac Truck.

The bike pulls off relatively well but reminds you that it's a 250cc when you get to the end of first gear at 20mph. The torque comes on quick enough that first gear becomes optional with a smooth left hand.

The small engine is really more of a benefit than a hinderance in my opinion. My other bike is a Suzuki GSF1200s. I rarely get a chance to open up the throttle on the Bandit, but on the GT250 I can wring it's neck and ride the bike to it's limits without risking a lengthy jail sentence.

Braking is not spectacular using a single disc with calipers that look a lot like those found on Honda's Rebel. In fact they use the same pads. This is easily improved with aftermarket pads and stainless brake lines.

The suspension is shockingly good up front for a budget bike. The downside of this is that it shows how terrible the rear shock really is. Not the end of the world for the typical GT250 rider though.

Fuel economy in real world conditions ranges from a low of 55mpg pegging the throttle from stop light to stop light, to a high of 70mpg cruising the interstate.

Yes I said cruising the interstate. The bike in stock form will cruise at a steady indicated 80mph with no problems. Wind blast gets to be a bit much at any higher speeds, like all naked bikes. Top speed with a 220lb rider(ok 240lb but who's counting) is right around 100mph (indicated) while tucked tightly against the tank.

For the steal of a price I got on it, it's by far the most fun i've had for this small a price tag, unless you count that one night in Tiajuana... Read Full Review