Its on-road performance also impressed me. I don’t know what I had been expecting, but what I was seeing was a well-built, competent motorcycle.

My only specific criticisms were about the shape of the instrument panel (I labelled that a matter of personal taste) and the fact that the left-hand mirror vibrated loose and sagged during my first ride (someone had slipped up in pre-delivery).

My experience with many Hyosung test-bikes since, including a 650 Comet we had as a long-termer, has done nothing to change my positive opinion of the brand. And no other mirrors have vibrated loose…

This is the first ‘Classic’ version of the Hyosung Aquila cruiser I’ve ridden, having tested several examples of the ‘Sports’ version previously. The ‘Sports’ has a look and proportions that seem to draw heavily on the Harley V-Rod’s styling, whereas the Classic resembles your traditional full-fendered American cruiser.

The Classic, selling for $8990 (plus ORC), worksfor me, perhaps better than the Sports. It has a convincing cruiser presence. It’s a B-I-G bike, bigger in fact than the new Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback. 

Fit and finish and build quality are as good asever.

While the engine ‘only’ displaces 650cc, it’s a physically large motor that looks more like a 1200 – perfect for the cruiserlook. And its 47kW (63hp) maximum power isn’t to be sneezed at, either. The Aquila has no trouble keeping up with the other guys. Of course, what it lacks is tunza grunt at low revs, a real ‘big twin’ trademark. But get the GV650C revving and she really gets going.

It’s a good all-round performer. Everything works well. Engine fuelling is excellent. Both clutch and gearshift are sweet to use.

Cornering clearance is surprisingly good for acruiser, while the brakes are good too, with plenty of power and reasonable feel.There’s even an adjustable front lever – a surprising feature at thisrelatively modest price point.  

SPEX

ENGINE

Type: Liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-valves-per-cylinder, 90-degree V-twin

Capacity: 647cc

Bore x stroke: 81.5mm x 62mm

Compression ratio: 11.6:1

Fuel system: Electronic fuel injection

TRANSMISSION

Type: Five-speed, constant mesh

Final drive: Belt

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR

Frame type: Tubular-steel perimeter cradle

ront suspension: 41mm telescopic fork, non-adjustable

Rear suspension: Twin shocks, adjustable for preload

Front brake: Single 300mm disc with four-piston caliper

Rear brake: Single 270mm disc with twin-piston caliper

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES

Kerb weight: 229kg

Seat height: 675mm

Fuel capacity: 17lt

PERFORMANCE

Max power: 47kW (63hp) at 8250rpm

Max torque: 58Nm (42.7ft-lb) at 7500rpm

OTHER STUFF

Price: $8990*

Colours: Black, Pearl Candy Red or White

Bike supplied by: Hyosung Australia

Warranty: 24 months/unlimited kilometres

*Manufacturer’slist price excluding dealer and statutory costs

   THUMBS UP

– Heavy-duty looks

– Goes really well

– Tops for value
   THUMBSDOWN

– It’s not an air-cooled ‘Big Twin’