The Hyosung GV 125 could be a mini-me of a classic Harley, but it is a real, independent motorcycle from Korea. However, it has a small engine that is unique in its class.

• Cool retro design
• Not easy to handle
• Very inexpensive: 4000 euros

The Korean manufacturer Hyosung offers a special version of the light motorcycle : the GV 125 S Aquila in the original bobber style with fat tires and a unique V2 engine. When you first make contact with the bike, after a self-check, you are invited to set off with a “Get ready!” in the small LCD instrument. You happily accept this invitation and press the starter.

Looks like a bobber

The 800cc engine starts immediately and tries to produce a mature sound that does justice to the promising visual impression. This motorcycle comes with a genuine V2 engine that spreads its two cylinders at a 60-degree angle, the only one in the entire 125cc world. All around, the Koreans have created a harmonious look that is clearly reminiscent of the great models from Milwaukee: at the front and rear, fat rubber rolls on filigree cast rims, the telescopic fork is protected by classic bellows, and at the rear, the steel swing arm is supported by two spring struts on the loop frame.

There is also a slightly puffed-up teardrop tank and a continuous but heavily stepped seat. The authentic retro look culminates in the striking air filter housing, which also looks like a Harley-Davidson .

In a comfortable sitting position, there is a pleasantly integrative feeling – rather than “laid back”, here it’s more like “let’s go”. The seat height of 71 centimeters guarantees good contact with the ground for every body type. With an upright upper body and acceptable knee angles, your hands grip the handlebar, which is slightly wider than shoulder width, and you have the bike under control in no time.

Motorcycle information from ADAC

An active driving style in inner cities and curves is no problem on the Bobber, thanks to good lean angle freedom and sufficiently precise steering precision, which the thick rubber rollers do not dilute too much. In return, these require a little more effort when steering. However, the Aquila is by no means unwieldy, and in terms of driving comfort, it easily keeps up with the American irons: the fork is actually quite sensitive, while the two spring struts in the rear jolt a little roughly over uneven surfaces.

The V2 does take the throttle at low revs without annoying guzzling, but it’s no use: if you want to keep up with the traffic, the engine needs revs above the 6000 mark. A look at the technical data explains the unusual rev craving : despite its long-stroke design, the 125cc engine only develops its maximum power at 10,250 revs, and the Korean Harley reaches its torque peak at 9250 rpm. This suggests a quick shift foot for the precisely engaging five-speed gearbox, but the gear lever, which is bent sharply upwards, makes changing gears more difficult.

Price of the Aquila: 4000 euros

Unfortunately, the cockpit is blinding in sunlight and the warning lights are difficult to see. Instead of ABS, the Bobber relies on an integral braking system in which the three-piston caliper in the front wheel also operates the two-piston fixed caliper at the rear. The deceleration effect is certainly sufficient, but the driver has to modulate the braking force himself to protect against wheel locks.

The Hyosung comes with a stepped two-seater bench as standard, but a short bench seat is available as an optional extra in the accessories range. This creates a solo seat attitude that goes even better with the horizontal exhaust muffler.

Conclusion: Fabulous 125cc bobber

Even without any additional features, the Hyosung light motorcycle is already a unique bobber, simply because of the faithful 60-degree V-engine and the convincing interpretation of the American model. The fact that the Aquila is available in a very decent state of workmanship for 4000 euros should also contribute to its popularity.