Cruisers have always been an integral part of motorcycle culture, captivating riders with their distinctive style and allure. In recent years, manufacturers have been making cruisers more accessible to beginner riders. This trend is not limited to larger displacement bikes like the Honda Rebel 300 or the Kawasaki Eliminator 400, but also extends to smaller displacement cruisers targeted specifically at first-timers in Europe and Asia. One such example is the Hyosung GV125R, a new offering from the South Korean motorcycle brand.
The Hyosung brand has been around for quite some time and has had a presence in the US market in the past. Currently, it continues to cater to the European and Asian markets, regularly releasing new models.
The Hyosung GV125R draws inspiration from American cruisers and features a V-twin engine, albeit with a much smaller 125cc capacity compared to popular models like the Harley-Davidson Sportster. Despite its small engine, the GV125R generates 13.3 horsepower and 10.2 Newton-meters of torque, making it a lightweight option weighing just 182 kilograms with a full tank of gas. It also comes with a five-speed manual transmission.
In terms of suspension, the GV125R is equipped with 35-millimeter inverted front forks with 120 millimeters of travel and a double-sided steel swingarm with a centrally mounted monoshock providing 38 millimeters of travel. The braking system consists of a 270-millimeter rotor and dual-piston, radially mounted caliper at the front, and a 250-millimeter disc at the rear. Dual-channel ABS is standard for added safety.
Visually, the Hyosung GV125R has a muscular cruiser design with faux intakes on the side of the tank, a headlight cowl with a windscreen, and integrated brake-cooling ducts in the front fender. It features a floating passenger saddle, LED headlights, a digital instrument cluster, and even a USB charging port.
Despite its powerful appearance, the GV125R is designed to be approachable for riders of all levels. It has a low seat height of 730 millimeters and a light weight of 182 kilograms. In Europe, it is priced at 4,799 Euros, which is approximately $5,100 USD.