Practical test Hyosung GV 125 S Aquila: exceptional phenomenon

Hyosung used to be 650s from Korea that had the reputation of being a Suzuki SV 650 in disguise. There were one or the other model more, and for example a brisk 250 with 28 hp. But a few years ago it was all over once more. First off. Because now the brand is back on the German market. The model name Aquila for the brand’s choppers is still common, but the reinterpretation stands out in at least two ways.

So there it is: the first bobber in the lightweight segment. While naked bikes, enduros and 125cc super athletes characterize the small class this year, there isn’t even a chopper for the next generation of motorcyclists. But right now at least one alternative. And that can be visually seen from the outset. The styling with a small tank, thick air filter box, tight fenders and fat front wheel is absolutely successful and harmonious. And so that no doubts arise, the Hyosung also bears its generic term in raised letters on the side cover, just to be on the safe side.

But oops, what’s that? Only at second glance does another unique selling point of the GV 125 S Aquila stand out among the competition – the V2 engine that matches the vehicle concept. This was last seen in the entry-level class ten years ago with the Honda XL 125 V Varadero. Long story short: Hyosung succeeded in surprising us. And since you’ve been there before, the Bobber is also available as a 300 (just by the way).

“GET READY” is what the small Aqulia’s display greets the driver following switching on the ignition. And following you press the start button, the small 60-degree twin with its six valves pleases with its relatively full-bodied sound. We would not have expected that given the two small cylinders and are delighted. The rest of the engine can also exist, the small two-cylinder pulls up evenly.

The A1 bobber does not fully exploit the power, but with 14 hp it is close enough not to fall behind in terms of driving performance. Officially, the small Aqulia is 98 km/h fast. The digital speedometer sometimes shows up to 110 km/h, at which point the needle of the analogue rev counter then touches the red marked 10,000. From 7500 revolutions it tingles slightly under the seat and in the footrests. But you can hardly feel anything on the handlebars.

The shift lever, which is placed too high up, takes some getting used to and is best pulled up with the instep. The five-speed gearbox works without complaint. The front brake might do with a little more pressure and bite, but the rear stopper responds to the foot command all the more precisely and sensitively, but might do this a little earlier. The tires made by Tinsum, which are thick for a 125 mm, do not reduce the playful handling and only minimally affect the directional stability at the front. The latter does not play a major role in this speed class anyway. The wide and flat handlebars and the low seat height ensure the best bobber feeling. And with the inevitable contact between the air filter box and the right lower leg, the Aquila emulates its role models, which are great in both senses of the word.

If you want, you can also display the gears instead of the total kilometers, the time or one of the two trip masters in the cockpit. With bellows and hazard warning lights, the Aquila is also not stingy with equipment elsewhere. In order to keep the price low, however, instead of ABS, there is only the common Combined Brake System (CBS), and the brand lettering in a chic used look is only glued on. On the other hand, there are classic turn signal housings instead of loveless plastic housings and a quilted seat in the driver’s area.

Two things cloud the positive overall impression a little: The digital fuel gauge should work a little more reliably, as it likes to lose two bars at once, but sometimes returns them just as surprisingly. In addition, the paint on the handlebar tube looked clearly weathered following less than 1,000 kilometers. The surface treatment might also be a little better in one or the other place.

The GV 125 S is available in black, matt black and in the bronze tone officially called orange for just under 4300 euros. (Jens Riedel, cen)

Data Hyosung GV 125 S Aquila

Drivetrain: 60 degree V2, 125cc, liquid cooled, 5 speed, chain
Power: 10 kW / 14 hp at 10,250 rpm
Max. Drehmoment: k. A.
Top speed: 98 km/h
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: k. A
Tank capacity: 12 liters
Seat height: 710mm
Weight: 195 kg (ready to drive)
Standard consumption: 2.7 l/100 km
CO2 emissions: 62 g/km
Tires: 120/80-16 (front) / 150/80-15 (rear)
Price: 4299 euros