Hyosung Aquila 250 review, test ride

The latest gen Aquila is powered by a four-stroke, 249cc, oil-cooled, V-twin and fuel-injected engine, generating 26.2bhp at 9500rpm, with peak torque output 2.1kgm at 7000rpm. A gentle vibe sets in on the handlebars and foot pegs when the engine is stretched over 5500rpm mark, but that isn’t obtrusive, and the motorcycle feels responsive enough, and revs effortlessly as well. You don’t need to rev this 250 hard to find the business end of its power band, with strong grunt available from low-down in the powerband in any gear. Fuelling could however have been better, much better in fact, the Aquila not settling into a steady idle easily, and power delivery feeling a touch erratic at low rpm speeds. Once up and revving into its mid range, things settle down and the Hyosung feels more at ease, throat cleared and singing on song. The Aquila comes with a five-speed gearbox, shifted in the traditional one-down four-up system. Shift feel is notchy, calling for heavier than ideal effort and without as positive a nature as expected. Clutch feel could likewise have been better. Power shifts to the rear wheel via an exposed drive chain.

The Aquila 250 is held together by a steel cradle frame, with telescopic front forks and hydraulic rear shock absorbers supported on a box-section swingarm. The hefty 250cc cruiser provides good enough ergonomics, allowing riders to cover long distances in comfort, with the wide handlebars positioned for an upright, relaxed riding posture and footrests positioned ahead in typical cruiser fashion.