HYOSUNG GV650 AQUILA (2006 - on) Review

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Annual servicing cost: £50
Power: 79 bhp
Seat height: Low (26.6 in / 675 mm)
Weight: Medium (485 lbs / 220 kg)

Prices

New £5,499
Used N/A

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The Hyosung GV650 Aquila is an oddball Korean concoction whose extreme Dan Dare styling is surprisingly more than  matched by its consummate ability, specification and value – for a cruiser at least. 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.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
4 out of 5 (4/5)

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.

Engine

Next up: Reliability
4 out of 5 (4/5)

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.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
3 out of 5 (3/5)

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.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
3 out of 5 (3/5)

At £4000+ new, the Hyosung GV650 Aquila isn’t actually any cheaper than Suzuki’s own SV650, wo it’s not actually the bargain many expect. That said, the Hyosung GV650 Aquila is well equipped and, in the middleweight cruiser class, is pretty well unique making it good value. Find a Hyosung GV650 Aquila for sale.

Equipment

3 out of 5 (3/5)

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. 

Specs

Engine size 647cc
Engine type 4v 90-degree V-twin, 5 gears
Frame type Steel twin spar type
Fuel capacity 15 litres
Seat height 675mm
Bike weight 220kg
Front suspension None
Rear suspension Preload
Front brake 2 x 300mm discs
Rear brake Single 230mm disc
Front tyre size 120/70 x 18 in
Rear tyre size 200/70 x 17 in

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption 42 mpg
Annual road tax £117
Annual service cost £50
New price £5,499
Used price -
Insurance group 11 of 17
How much to insure?
Warranty term Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance

Max power 79 bhp
Max torque 50.1 ft-lb
Top speed 124 mph
1/4 mile acceleration 13.6 secs
Tank range 141 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

2006: Hyosung GV650 Aquila launched.

Other versions

None.

Owners' reviews for the HYOSUNG GV650 AQUILA (2006 - on)

12 owners have reviewed their HYOSUNG GV650 AQUILA (2006 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your HYOSUNG GV650 AQUILA (2006 - on)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Engine: 4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Reliability & build quality: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Value vs rivals: 4.7 out of 5 (4.7/5)
Equipment: 3.7 out of 5 (3.7/5)
Annual servicing cost: £50
5 out of 5
13 June 2022 by Jim Rune Reiten

Version: the electrical charging,but by changing it early and keep a good battery,the issue is fixed

Year: 2007

The best is its power and handling,worst is

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
4 out of 5 2007 Hyosung Avitar
19 September 2021 by Kurtis Lopez

Version: Avitar carb.

Year: 2007

Annual servicing cost: £50

I love the bike it rides nice and easy to handle, the bad part is the cheap plastic chrome covers it comes with other than that, it's allot of fun and I eat Harley Davidson 883 and Honda shadow 750 for lunch!!😎😜

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Suspension not that great but ok, besides, I live in Puerto Rico and driving here is like riding in the moon

Engine 5 out of 5

It rocks

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Now I have 2

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Oil and filter and that's it

Equipment 4 out of 5

Accessories are hard to get and the distributor in Korea kills you whith shipping charges blaming it on the virus 🐂💩

Buying experience: Bought it used with 3700 miles for $1000 us dollars, it needed TLC I worked on it and now she puurs

4 out of 5 A great bike no matter what the "experts" claim.
10 April 2017 by Fredrik

Year: 2006

Alot of "self-educated-experts" spread alot of false statements about Hyosung as a brand. There have been some minor issues in the early 2000's when the 650cc engine came. It was more or less sorted out to 2005 and most bikes works very well. For the money does Hyosung give huge value and to compare it to chinese brands are only embarrassing.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Stable, fast and comfortable. Breaks are ok, but not Brembo class.

Engine 4 out of 5

Good power for a 650 twin, beats most cruisers twice the engine size.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

The 650's weak spot are the rectifier, like Suzuki used to have. Replace it early and it wont give any problems. Also maintain the bike properly, like most other brands need.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Cheap parts, best is to buy from the superb korean internet shops.

Equipment 3 out of 5

Have what os needed, but not more.

Buying experience: I have owned two GV650, bought a Harley in between and got tired of vibrations and low power. Bought a GV again.

5 out of 5 Sports bike fans should try it and see..you may be surprised
05 February 2016 by Steadyeddi

Year: 2006

I've owned my Aquila 650 for nearly 8 years and I love it! I had over 20 years of sports bikes and many enjoyable years of knee down action. However I found myself sitting on the Aquila over several years of visits to the Bike Show, loved the quirkiness and decided to try a test ride. The dealer gave me some great advice... test it, come in for a coffee, then take it out again. Initially I couldn't get used to the feet forward position and didn't feel comfortable cranking the bike over. Second time round though it felt more natural and more to the point, was fun! After purchase I eased into the riding style - I've never ridden another cruiser but this one can certainly be leaned over onto the pegs with confidence. The main points with this bike though is that it is different - it's not one to go for if you're worried about biker cred' - a Korean cruiser will not go down well with the purists. However it rides well, sounds great and always draws interest - It just makes you smile when you ride it, whether it's around some twisty back roads or a trip into town. Am I missing my knee down sports bikes - yes! Am I thinking about selling the Aquila - no chance! It looks like there will be two bikes in the garage shortly.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Great bike for shorter journeys but the riding position tends to put pressure on the lower back for longer rides. I wouldn't be touring on it.

Engine 5 out of 5

Lovely pick up and decent power. It will accelerate up to 90 without issue and you don't really buy this sort of bike for speed. I just love the small pops of backfire when you back off the engine revs!

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Extremely reliable engine but the chrome work is not great. The tank has started to seep petrol but I can live with it. Otherwise good.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Cheap to run, insure and maintain

Equipment 3 out of 5

Having a petrol gauge is useful. Having a digital display is ok until it is hit by sun glare. The display buttons are too stiff to push and use

4 out of 5 all season
24 August 2014 by james1984

Bought mine last year on 11 plate and love it done 10,000 miles on it with no faults. the only thing is lack of aftermarket parts. Great bike

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
4 out of 5 swap
21 May 2014 by rennix1985

is one of these bikes worth swaping for my yamaha wr400f 98 road legal

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 3 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5
Value vs rivals 3 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 2008 gv650
09 August 2009 by john8169

I have had my gv650 for 1 year now and i love it! i ride it any time it's not raining, both locally and on long trips. i bought it because it has a style all it's own, a work of art on two wheels. now with 4400 mi on it, it has proven to to be very reliable, economical, powerful, and pleasurable ride.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5
5 out of 5 first time love
12 January 2009 by sifi5582

Originally went for a second hand bike while based abroad. Saw this thing brand new for 5000 tax free. Had a choice between normal model or the 30th anniversary edition. Got the anniversary one and then rode it back from Germany through Hull. Extremely comfortable under 80mph and will do almost 180 miles to a full tank. Would recommend one to anyone that wants something different to start with.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5
5 out of 5 Spares in Spain
24 September 2008 by SteveinSpain

Saw the bike, fell in love and had to have it. Not in the least disappointed, great looker, great ride and as for value for money, can't be faulted. Now the sad part...having had the bike for only a few weeks I was knocked clean off it by someone who never had the decency to stop and ask 'you ok mate'? Had they done so they would have seen that neither the bike nor myself were 'ok'. My leg well smashed and substantial cosmetic damage to bike, including a well dented tank. That was last May (2008). Leg is on the mend which is more than I can say for the bike as (now almost end of Sept) still waiting for parts. OK, I know I live in Spain and things can take a little longer there, but come on, almost 5 months now and still waiting!!! All I would say is do yourself a favour, if you intend to treat yourself to a GV650 (or any Hyosung for that matter), have a chat with the dealer first about spares and parts, especially if living in Spain. Should you ever be unfortunate enough to require them I sincerely hope you have more luck than me.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 Surprisingly pleased
07 July 2008 by AussieSpog

Having had my GV650 for about 18 months and done 16000 km on it, I am absolutely wrapped in the bike. I love it's performance, and handling, probably due to my expectations of a cruiser, (my heritage being sports bikes)! Comfortable seat postion for about two hours at a stretch, but this is more due to the old body not working so well any more. Love the motor, very tractable and quite zippy when getting into the upper rev range. I guess a tacho might be an addition, but after the first week you never look at it anyway!! I like the new instruments on the 08 model, with the indicators more prominent. The only thing I would like to change are the rear shockers, which are fine for solo riding but add a pillion and they sag a lot. This is probaly due to the very forward rake on the rear shocks, great for the rider, but all the pillion weight is behind the shocks. I tend to get a lot of sag with the resultant low ground clearance (not great in the first place). The adjustment mechanism on the standard bike is pathetic, light tinplate that buckles when you try to adjust them, and then you seem to get an extremely hard ride. If anyone has a good option I would be vedry grateful. Cheers Wayne

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
4 out of 5 Sexy beast
09 February 2008 by Pikeybiker

I was looking at a Harley Night Rod when I just so happened to walk into my local Hyosung dealer and it was love at first sight ! After a year of HARD saving I managed to pin one down in Taunton for £4799, with a whole load of accessories chucked in. The ride home ( around 80 miles) was a doddle, with my grin getting wider all the way, especially when I passed a VERY disgruntled looking HD rider who looked like he'd just sat on a screwdriver ! Since purchase I've changed the stock mirrors, and added the Scorpion twin slash pipe exhaust system, which has improved the MPG and power, and wakes my nxt doors up with the baffles out ! My mate has a Honda VTX 1800, which I can out manouver on most bends, and the bike got a lot of interest at the local N Chopper Club show. Satisfied ? you betcha ! After all, most blokes want something cheap, sexy and oriental that you can shag all day and night, but most of them only get that sort of experience once in a lifetime. Me ? I get it every day, and I'm not complaining !

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 Aquila magic
01 August 2007 by N.D.Testing

Smooth, powerful enough for most people. Need to keep the engine spinning 'cos its not got the low down torque of a big cruiser. Looks to die for and very comfortable. Deserves some accessories such as tachometer and some Harley type bits and merchandise 'cos its as big and well made ans smooth as silk.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
Back to top