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Hyosung X4 launch

Over the weekend I was at Auckland's Hyosung Motorcycles Takapuna for the launch of the first comprehensively new Hyosung in a few years, the super-commuter X4.

"It's been a tough four or five years for development out of the factory, but we think the platform of the x4 and their whole thinking process of building a bike is changing and it's really turning a corner" said importer Ken Dobson just before the covers came off the X4.

With an all new 250cc single cylinder engine with 28hp and 26Nm of Torque the new 250 Hyo just edges out the incumbent GT250(R) power wise.

It doesn't stop there either, the X4 sits on its own newly engineered frame bringing weight down to a dry 135 Kg, thus making it lighter than the GT250 models.

The braking is, for a word, excessive - with a full size single calliper and petalled disk with braided brake lines standard up front. Out the back is the same.

Hyosung have put lots of thought into the ergonomics of the X4 with the rider sitting 'in' the bike rather than perched upon it. This helps the shorter riders out there to get both feet firmly planted on the asphalt.

An all new display brings up the usual much needed info, much along the lines at we have come to expect from premium brands such as KTM with orange back lighting and an all digital display.

It appears Hyosung have listened to riders and journo's alike, finally adding in a gear position indicator to the dash.


No surprises where the stylish X4 is aiming to take sales from, looking a little more than similar to KTM's small capacity Duke range.

Imitation is the the most sincere form of flattery right?

No word on official fuel consumption figures yet, as importer Ken Dobson knows better than to trust factory figures.

S&T Motors, Hyosung's parent company, are reportedly engineering a full set of factory accessories to accompany the X4 in the near future too. It'd be pretty nice to get a sweet pipe under the engine to give the X4 a little more street presence. 

Coming in at a touch under $6,000 the X4 is an honest entry level commuter that wont destroy the bank.

Test rides start today and I'm really hoping for a bit of seat time in the early new year once a few more arrive in the country.

For now, there is only the one with the first shipment arriving just before Christmas. The Hyosung team are taking orders for that shipment now and the bikes won't last long.


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