Look past the GV650 Aqulia's Star Trek styling and there’s a decent SV-style engine, quality cycle parts and effective, real world performance – and not much to rival the Hyosung GV650 Aquila.

The Hyosung GV650 Aquila motor is essentially a copy of Suzuki’s excellent liquid-cooled V-twin from the SV650 – and a good choice it is, too. This mid-sized V-twin in the Hyosung GV650 Aquila is eager yet flexibile, responsive around town and yet thrilling and brisk at the top end, too. The gearbox is sweet, too. If it can match Suzuki’s own reliability record, Hyosung are onto a winner with the GV650 Aquila.

Again, surprisingly good. Many assume cruisers don’t handle and although the Hyosung GV650 Aquila's certainly no sports bike, with decent usd forks and twin discs up front and a reasonable twin shock set-up at the rear, the GV650 Aquila manages to be both laid-back sumptious AND retain enough control to makes bends entertaining. Well, for a custom bike at least.

You don’t get a hugger or centrestand with the Hyosung GV650 Aquila. You do get a pillion seat on the Hyosung GV650 Aquila that’s not a dirty joke, and a digital display for water temp, trips and clock making the GV650 Aqulia a pretty equipped bike.

Still a little early in the day to say with the Hyosung GV650 Aquila. The oddly-named GV650 Aquila was launched onto the UK market in early 2006 and although no major problems have yet come to light (nor have they with the similarly powered roadster GT models), these are new products from a still largely unproven manufacturer.

Riding in the city is a pleasure. Even with the wide cruiser bars, it is still simple enough to split traffic if you are that way inclined. Put it in gear and it will happily chug in traffic or pull away as the need fits. With a long wheelbase parking can take a bit of practice. But once parked, you'll have many onlookers. The favourite comment that I hear a lot - "Is that a Harley?"

The 649cc engine thrives on the open highway, 110km is no issue with plenty of grunt to overtake. The riding position is classic cruiser, with feet out in the forward positions, comfortable for hour upon hour of riding.

You'll enjoy the twisty countryside. You won't get the sports-bike lean angles as this is a cruiser after all. But you will still have a lot of fun.

Suspension is not bad for the price. Front and rear suspension is simple to adjust for your needs. The factory setting is pretty decent, but you'll need to play to give your pillion a smooth ride.

While the bike is being run in, changing gears can be a bit rough. But as things loosen up, the clutch and gearbox work beautifully. The ratios are set in classic cruiser style with plenty of low down torque. Very nice Hyosung, very nice.

http://www.dskhyosung.com/home.aspx?c=1

http://www.hyosung.com.au/cruisers/gv650-aquilla-sport-efi/

http://www.hyosung.com.au/hyosung-announces-1000-cash-back-on-gv650-aquila-sports/