Hyosung Aquila 250 review, test ride

A usual day for most, started off with fervour for me, as I woke up anxious to ride a refreshed version of the cruiser that Kinetic once imported into India as a limited edition offering, back in 2003. There have been options for bike fanatics in India when it comes to buying motorcycles, but few when buying a cruiser. Clearly those times have passed, as I stand outside Hyosung’s 6,000 square feet showroom, soon to open its doors to clients at Wakdewadi, Pune. You need a set of anti-glare shades to cope with the gleaming chrome on the Aquila, to gaze upon all the effort Hyosung has put into offering this cruiser bike experience.

Draped in acres of bling, Hyosung’s Aquila was launched at the 2014 Auto Expo in Delhi, and DSK Motowheels has received a whopping number of over 250 bookings across India since then.

Dressed in white exclusively for India, the Aquila is also available in black and red, a hefty, macho motorcycle that turns heads. The front houses a chrome finished halogen headlight that provides good visibility at night, with a pair of gills sitting on either side under the headlight casing, posing as air ducts. The instruments are chrome finished, with an analogue speedometer, tachometer and digital display including an odometer, twin trip meters, fuel-meter and clock, backed up by other warning indicators. The switchgear, grips and mirrors on the wide handlebar are all adequate feeling. The chunky fuel tank provided looks larger than it actually is, taking in 14 litres of fuel, and showing-off EFI logos. Split seats with a red border impart a rich look to the bike, and are comfortable too, with a strap for pillions to cling onto. A retro style tail lamp is provided as well, with clear lens turn indicators on the front and rear. Overall, Hyosung has ensured the Aquila 250 enjoys adequate enough build quality.