Hyosung has thrown a curve ball by unveiling a new middleweight streetfighter, the GD450, at the 2015 EICMA in Milan. Based on a brand new platform, the GD450 not only looks spectacular, but also comes with astonishing specifications and power output which serve as the cherry on the cake.
The Hysoung GD450 is based on a brand new trellis frame with a dual sided aluminium swingarm. While the power output of the Duke 390 might seem too good to be true, Hyosung has managed to eclipse the KTM in this aspect, on paper. Powering the GD450 is a 450cc single-cylinder engine which churns out a phenomenal 49bhp and 47.7Nm of torque. Taking into consideration that the GD450 weighs just 145 kilograms (just six kilograms more than the Duke 390), we can safely expect it to return some mind-boggling acceleration figures.
Unlike the current Hyosung range, which have to make do with five-speed transmissions, the GD450’s engine is mated to a constant mesh six-speed gearbox. Upfront, the GD450 gets 41mm USD forks and 300mm single disc brake, while the rear gets a gas charged monoshock with preload adjustability and a 230mm single disc brake.
Hyosung made its foray into the Indian market over four years ago, though it is yet to taste success in our country. Despite having a wide range of motorcycles in its line-up with lucrative price tags, the Korean manufacturer hasn’t been able to strike a chord with the Indian audience. With the new GD450, Hyosung will attempt to lure the enthusiast audience away from the KTM Duke 390, using its sharper styling and impressive performance figures. However, the locally assembled Hyosung might find it difficult to outdo the locally manufactured KTM, when it comes to pricing.
