The GD250N feels larger from the saddle due to the meaty rear end of its tank and the wide and flat handlebar. The bike offers a sporty yet comfortable riding position and the handlebar makes it easy to manoeuvre in traffic; although it would be even more comfortable if the foot-pegs were placed a bit lower. Placement of the mirrors is spot on and the seat is well-cushioned, but the bike has a few design flaws. For one, the steering column needs to have a higher degree of lock-to-lock movement since the turning radius is quite wide with the current set-up. Secondly, the bike should have more ground clearance since the exhaust hits the ground while riding over speed humps.
The GD’s 249-cc single-cylinder engine comes to life with a throaty growl from its underbelly exhaust, and it is similar in nature to that of the Honda CBR 250R due to its strong mid-range and top-end power delivery. 4500 revolutions per minute is when the engine really starts pulling, and it gets stronger and stronger as it unleashes all its 28 horses at 9,500 RPM. The engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox with ratios that suit crowded city riding as well as highway cruising. The show bike we rode was restricted to a true speed of 130 km/h, which it attains in the fourth gear, so we are sure the production bike will go faster. The bike also had a problem in its fuel injection system that required rectification.
The GD’s braking system comprises a large 300-mm petal disc on the front wheel and a 230-mm petal disc on the rear wheel that provide excellent stopping power, but we doubt whether Hyosung will add ABS to the package since pricing will be a crucial matter in case of this bike. It feels committed when leaned into corners and the grip from MRF’s Revz tyres is reassuring. Suspension set-up is firm and does good job of soaking up the bumps on the road to offer a smooth ride.
The GD250N would be a promising contestant in the quarter-litre segment in India provided Hyosung rectify the issues we have noticed and get the price right. The bike should cost much less than its siblings due to its single-cylinder engine but it must be considered that the GD250N will be imported in parts and not manufactured in India, so keeping the on-road price below Rs 2 lakh will be a challenge.
Story: Piyush Sonsale
Photography: Rommel Albuquerque
The bike looks promising. Since it is a prototype they will surely fix all the bugs on the production bike. I hope Hyosung stops being lazy and just assembling bikes and start production in India.