Hyosung Aquila: the Korean cruiser in three sizes

The Hyosung Aquila is a custom-style motorcycle that the South Korean firm has built in three displacements: 125, 250 and 650 cc. All three were launched in 2000 or soon after, and in 2004 the range took the GV suffix that still marks the later versions.

Hyosung Aquila at a glance

Based on one source, the Italian Wikipedia article on the Aquila; it covers the three displacements separately.

History of the Hyosung Aquila

The first Aquilas, 2000

The Aquila appeared in 2000 in 125 and 250 cc form, and both were sold in several series. The first-series 125 was a V-twin with two silencers on the right, an oval airbox set on the right between the cylinders, wire wheels, a teardrop tank and separate rider and pillion seats. Its rear mudguard ended horizontally, carrying both the stop light and the number plate. The first-series 250 shared the layout but used cast wheels, fork stanchions with covers, differently mounted front indicators and a more enveloping rear mudguard.

The GV versions, 2004

From 2004 both small Aquilas were revised and given the GV suffix. The second-series 125 was restyled to look like the second-series 250, while the 250’s most visible change was a single silencer in place of the earlier twin exhaust.

The Aquila 650

The Aquila GV 650 was presented in 2005 and went into production on 27 January 2006. It was the firm’s flagship: a liquid-cooled V-twin closely related in layout to the Suzuki SV650 engine, giving a top speed of about 200 km/h and, with a weight of some 220 kg, a strong power-to-weight ratio for the class. Power stood at 70 hp when production began and was raised to 81 hp from 2008. Hyosung kept the price competitive by assembling the bike in South Korea, where labour costs less than in Japan or the United States, even though the components themselves were conventional.

30th Anniversary edition

For the company’s 30th anniversary in January 2008 Hyosung built a limited edition of the GV 650. It was shown in September 2008 but only went on sale on 27 January 2009. The bike was distinguished by a red frame and red wheels set against black paint on the engine, tank, headlamp, tail, intercooler, mudguard and fork. The edition, also called DME, drew criticism from some who thought the colour scheme made it look too much like the Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special.

Design and features

• One line, three sizes: the same custom formula offered as a 125, a 250 and a 650.
• V-twin engines: the 125 and 250 used a V-twin layout unusual in the small-capacity class.
• GV restyle of 2004: the second series brought the GV name and, on the 250, a single silencer.
• Flagship performance: the 650 reached about 200 km/h from 81 hp and about 220 kg.
• Anniversary special: the red-framed 30th Anniversary GV 650 of 2008–2009.

Hyosung Aquila versions

• Aquila 125, first series (2000–2004): V-twin, twin right-hand silencers, wire wheels, separate seats.
• GV125, second series (from 2004): restyled to match the second-series 250.
• Aquila 250, first series (2000–2004): cast wheels, covered fork stanchions, wrapping rear mudguard.
• GV250, second series (from 2004): single silencer.
• Aquila GV 650 (from 2006): the flagship cruiser with a liquid-cooled V-twin.
• 30th Anniversary GV 650 / DME: limited edition with red frame and wheels.

The 250 and 650 versions have their own pages: the GV250 Aquila and the GV650 Aquila. More Hyosung models are in the Hyosung collection.

Video: Hyosung Aquila 250 | Comprehensive Review

Video by Autocar India on YouTube.

Sources

• Hyosung Aquila, Italian Wikipedia: series, engines, 650 performance, anniversary edition