Hyosung Aquila GV300

For DSK-Hyosung, the Aquila model name has proved popular in India. However, with not much by way of an update in the old model, its design was getting a bit long in the tooth. Cue the GV 300. This new 275cc V-twin engined replacement for the ageing cruiser is set to win hearts afresh, even as competition in the 300-cc segment heats up. During its initial launch, the Hyosung Aquila 250 had been the cynosure of everyone’s eyes, offering the V-twin engine in a 250cc capacity at a time when single-cylinder engines were the norm. This and the low-slung cruiser build had struck the aspirations of many a bike-lover. With no other offerings in a similar capacity or price-range, the Aquila had taken its throne rather easily. 

However, that is not the case in the present day. With Royal Enfield’s presence and model line-up having doubled since then, and the entry of US-based UM Motorcycles this year, dominating the market will be an uphill task for the GV300. It seems to have come prepared for this. The 2016 DSK-Hyosung Aquila GV 300 is built around a 275cc, V-twin, oil-cooled, fuel-injected petrol motor. It produces 26bhp of power and 23.5Nm of torque, figures which are not impressive on their own. Then again, this is a cruiser and is not built for outright performance. It will offer a linear response for a comfortable highway ride while you meditate to the beautiful beat of the 8-valve V-twin.

With a 110mm 19-inch tyre at the front, and 150mm 16-incher at the rear, the bike looks ready to take you down the long winding highway and is capable of running fair distances with its 14-litre fuel tank. The GV 300, unlike its predecessor, has lost most of its shiny chrome bits to adopt a more relevant understated style. It still retains the 2-into-1 chromed exhaust which looks like a cannon from the side. The GV 300 or Aquila 300 as it will be called at launch has also ditched the twin instrument cluster setup from the 250 in favour of a single speedometer with integrated multi-information display (MID).

The bike also has thinner mudguards, which highlight the new 10-spoke black finish alloy wheels. Interestingly, the bike offers dual-channel Bosch ABS as standard, which will complement the 300mm front and 270mm single rear disc brake, respectively. The keyhole has been moved to the right side under the tank, to keep scratches and distractions during riding at bay. This cleans up the view one gets while cruising on the motorcycle. The Aquila 300 is pegged to cost a similar Rs. 3 lac as its predecessor at launch.