the GT250R’s performance. The new comet’s engine is a 75-degree V-twin unit that is both air and liquid cooled. With a displacement of 249cc, the engine belts out a respectable peak power of 27.6 bhp at 10,000 rpm, a bit more than the Honda CBR 250R and a bit less than the Kawasaki Ninja 250R.
Compared to the other two, the Comet’s engine delivers peak power late in the rev band at about 10,000rpm. Like I have said before, I am sure that the weight of the bike is also a factor. But, essentially, the Comet feels a bit unhurried in the initial acceleration cycle, until the revs cross the 6,000-6,500 rpm level. Power delivery is linear and available like a series of Big ‘Mahraja Macs’ at every 1,000 rpm stop.
The bike clocks a speed of 100 kmph within 10 seconds or so. But the mapping and the fuel injection system could both have been tweaked to improve the machine’s pickup.
The funny bit is that the V-twin engine’s peak torque of 22.07 Nm at 8,000 rpm is pretty much an exact match with the other two competing bikes. So, the amount of pulling power being sent to the rear wheel is effectively the same, at least by the book. Rated top speed is 140 kmph. Racing up to touch speeds of over 120 kms is quite easy though with the GT250R’s quick shifting five-speed gearbox. Only you have to keep the engine at the sweet spot where the power is delivered in quick succession.
‘Stares come standard’ could be the apt advertisement tagline for Hyosung GT250R, the latest offering for the country from the Korean motorcycle maker. It is not meant to be as capable as a serious sports bike and I am guessing that the need to keep its fuel efficiency attractive too might have affected its performance. But, that bit of a compromise does tilt the scales in favour of the competition that has the street cred and brand appeal going for them.
The new Hyosung Comet has been priced at Rs 2.75 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). That makes it a bit expensive too. But things could get interesting if the new owners decide to manufacture the bike in India and leverage the cost savings to come up with a killer price tag.
