HYOSUNG ST7 (2011) IT BECOMES MUCH BETTER THE GV650 AQUILA PRECINCER

The Korean motorcycle industry has done quite well now and has shown itself to be on the good side. Hyosung motorcycles have shown themselves on the positive side. Although there are some mieuses, they are not weighty for budget motorcycles. By the way, my friends have a couple of bikes and they are happy with them.

All this preface leads to the model HYOSUNG ST7 (2011), which became the flagship of the cruiser line and the continuation of the HYOSUNG AQUILA family. Next after HYOSUNG AQUILA GV650.

To begin with, the GV650 was essentially a kind of sports cruiser, while the new ST7 is ideologically closer to the classics of the cruiser genre.

I think it’s understandable that the number “seven” in the name of the motorcycle implies that the V-shaped two of the motorcycle is bored to almost 700 cm3. It is the largest engine in the Hyosung range, which makes it the company’s flagship.
From the start, he seems very playful, but then he shows his phlegm. Energetic acceleration up to “hundreds” for some reason is changed by unhurried further set of speed. It’s kind of disappointing. Further, you can not “rape” him, nothing will change much. For such a cubic capacity it is rather weak, in my opinion. This is for the old calm bikers who love low speeds and agility.

Now an interesting fact: when we compare the characteristics of the ST7 and the GV650, we will see an interesting thing – despite the larger engine displacement, the new cruiser loses to Akila both in power and in the amount of torque. It should be a shame for a flagship. What the Koreans were thinking. The only advantage of ST7 is the earlier peaks of these indicators. The compression ratio of the engine remained the same, which means that the engineers changed the throttle configuration and injector settings. Obviously, they sacrificed the dynamic performance of the motor for the comfort and friendliness of the bike. I say that for a calm and measured ride.

Moving at a speed of about 110 km / h, you can happily note the ease of landing. The big “horned” steering wheel lies in your hands, like a native one. Unlike the younger Hyosung 250cc cruiser, it has a pronounced offset towards the rider, which gives the impression that you are driving a huge cruise ship. Somewhere far ahead, a 16-inch front wheel happily crushes kilometers of asphalt, and you only enjoy the headwind spring breeze.
The large dashboard on the gas tank with the classic dial of the analogue speedometer serves rather a decorative function. It very harmoniously complements the long cruiser steering wheel, and this is the main thing. Both beautiful and comfortable!

1. The dashboard is made in terms of concepts and tasteful. The chrome-plated tank lid is installed on the right 2. The driver’s side of the seat is very good, the passenger’s – on a solid “four” 3. The footrests are moved far forward. Replace them with “skis” – and there will be a tru-cruiser 4. The rear 15-inch wheel is clad in high-profile rubber. A pair of mufflers makes a great sound – not too loud, but not shapelessly quiet either. The big “retro” stop is equipped with modern LED lamps 5. The engine profile is cleaner than that of the GV650. The ignition switch is located on the right side 6. The slim 13-spoke wheel looks good with wide rubber and large fenders. Front caliper – 4-piston

The driver’s footpegs are also well-positioned and conveniently located, which is important because the legs can swell or just get tiresome to drive if the location is very close / far. All too often, on small cruisers, the Japanese set them too close. It turns out that the legs are not fully extended, and not bent enough, as on straights.
Many people think that a cruiser is not the best two-wheeled transport for getting around the city, but it’s like anyone. A friend of mine has a 250, but I haven’t heard of him complaining about the ride and maneuverability. The mid-size cruiser is usually maneuverable enough to squeeze through traffic jams, and its handlebars are slightly wider than that of a regular streetfighter. In addition, the cruiser has a huge advantage: everything here is made to enjoy a relaxing ride on your favorite bike. That’s why we love motorcycles.?!

The ST7 delivers impeccable handling. The motorcycle is easily shifted in turns, perfectly keeps the trajectory and does not wag its “tail” when maneuvering at speed. This is a good reason to use the bike not only on weekends but also in everyday life.
But not everything is so good, there are also disadvantages. Where without them. I haven’t met the perfect motorcycle yet, as well as people!) The first is the problematic gear shifting. The nature of the Korean gearbox has not changed in recent years, it still crunches loudly when switching and often requires additional effort. The second is a sharp reaction to the turn of the throttle grip. Opening and closing the throttle causes annoying jerking of the bike. It is annoying when you find yourself in a red wave of traffic lights or in a dense city stream. And a little dangerous! This throttle action is especially disappointing given the impeccable transmission of torque from the transmission to the rear wheel. A belt in this regard is much more pleasant than a cardan drive.

One of the problems of the old model GV650 – unsuccessful rear shock absorbers, by the way, and on the 250-ke are also worthless, absolutely unsuitable for Ukrainian roads. Each pothole gives a blow to the “brain” not only to the passenger, but also to the rider. In this sense, the new ST7 has completely improved. Although it is unregulated (spring preload is available at the rear), it is well tuned from the factory, which allows you to confidently and comfortably overcome road bumps, with ease in controlling the motorcycle.
The passenger seat is also comfortable and the suspension does not disturb, they were lucky. The footpegs are disappointing – high and forward. In turns, the rider’s elbows rest on the knees of the passenger. Some people will not be very pleased!

The single front disc brake has a 4-piston caliper and does a pretty good job of stopping a 244kg bike. The size of the rear disc is impressive – 270 mm, which is slightly smaller than the front.

It seems that he said what he wanted, now we can summarize: compared to the GV650, the image has been changed, the character is softer, but most importantly, a more mature and more holistic image is now read.

The original GV650 is loved for its energy and easy recklessness, and the new Hyosung flagship cruiser also leaves a positive impression. It is almost not inferior to Japanese competitors on the road and even bypasses some of them in handling and in price!))) The difference in the Korean and Japanese motor industry is constantly erased, but is still visible to the naked eye. Therefore, the price tag of ST7 is much less than that of the “Japanese”

Specifications