Garware to bring Hyosung in India

South Korean two-wheeler manufacturer Hyosung is set to spice up the Indian motorcycle market with the launch of its GT650R sports bike and ST7 cruiser.

The bikes will be brought into India in CKD form and will be assembled, marketed and sold by the newly formed Garware Motors, part of the $400 million Garware Group. Assembly will take place at Garware Motor’s upcoming assembly unit in Wai, Maharashtra with bike sales scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2011. It may be recalled that Hyosung used to sell its Comet and Aquila models in India through erstwhile partner Kinetic Motors’ sales network till a few years ago.

The GT650R is a typical fully-faired sports bike. Powering the bike is a four-stroke, 647cc, 90-degree V-twin engine. Liquid-cooled and fuel-injected, this motor features DOHC for its 8 valves. Peak power is a healthy 73bhp at 9000rpm while peak torque is 6.2kgm at 7250rpm. The gearbox is a 6-speed, one-down, five-up unit. The bike features adjustable upside-down forks up front and a monoshock rear suspension. Braking is via dual 300mm, 4-piston front discs and a single 230mm rear disc brake.

Garware Motors is working to launch the GT650R at a sub-Rs 5lakh price range. There are also plans to launch a naked version of the bike called the GT650.

The ST7 is an American-style cruiser with large dimensions and a liberal use of chrome. The bike is powered by a four-stroke, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, 678.2cc 90-degree V-twin. Max power is 62bhp at 8000rpm and max torque is 5.8kgm at 7000rpm. The ST7 comes with a 5-speed gearbox. Pricing is expected to be under Rs 6.5lakh.

Garware Motors is in the process of appointing dealers across Indian metros. The new entrant in the motorcycle arena has also announced that it would offer some service support to existing owners of Comet and Aquila bikes.