These days, you could say that South Korea kills it in cars and electronics—Hyundai, Kia, Samsung, LG… you name it. But motorcycles? Well, that’s a bit of a different story. Unlike Japan, which dominates the global bike scene, South Korea never really cracked the two-wheeled market. One brand that’s been trying for years, though, is Hyosung.
If you’ve been into bikes for a while, you’ve probably heard the name. Hyosung’s been at it since the late ‘70s, making affordable, small-to-mid displacement bikes. They’ve never really gone mainstream, but they’ve got a niche following, especially in Europe and Asia.
And now, for 2025, they’re back with something fresh. Say hello to the GV125X, a 125cc cruiser with a V-twin engine. Yeah, a V-twin in a 125. Let’s talk about it.
Hyosung started off building bikes under a Suzuki license, which explains why some of their earlier models looked and felt…familiar. By the 2000s, they had their own lineup, including the GT650 Comet (a budget-friendly SV650 rival) and the GV650 Aquila, a mid-sized cruiser with an actual V-twin—something not many budget brands offered.
The problem was while Hyosung’s bikes were cheap and unique, they weren’t exactly bulletproof. Some riders swore by them, but others had nightmare stories about reliability and problematic dealer support. That’s why Hyosung never really broke into the mainstream, even though they found small pockets of success in places like France, Spain, and even here in the Philippines.
Nevertheless, Hyosung’s still alive and kicking, and now they’re switching things up again with the GV125X.
The GV125X is a compact cruiser with a modern, aggressive look—a departure from the old-school bobber vibe of the GV125S. It’s got bar-end mirrors, a floating license plate holder near the rear wheel, and sharp bodywork that gives it a sporty, sort of urban custom aesthetic.
But the real kicker? It’s powered by a 125cc V-twin.
Yep, you read that right. While most manufacturers would just throw in a simple 125cc single-cylinder engine (because, let’s be real, it’s cheaper and easier to maintain), Hyosung decided to stick with a V-twin—something they’ve been known for.
On paper, this little 124.7cc, 60-degree V-twin makes 14 horsepower at 10,000 rpm and a diminutive seven pound-feet of torque at 9,250 rpm. It revs high, which isn’t exactly what you expect from a cruiser, but hey—it’s different.
The downside? A V-twin setup is more complex, which means higher production costs and potentially more maintenance. Plus, this thing weighs 172 kg (378 pounds), which is pretty hefty for a 125cc bike supposedly meant for beginners. But what you do get is a smoother powerband, a cooler exhaust note, and a bit more character than your typical thumper.
If you’re a new rider looking for a stylish, beginner-friendly cruiser, the GV125X could be a solid choice—especially if you live in Europe, where A1 license restrictions keep you in the 125cc category.
That being said, its fairly complex architecture means that it’s not the cheapest 125cc two-wheeler out there. At €4,899, or around $5,048 USD, you’re paying a little extra for that extra cylinder, as well as all the perks that come along with it. It’s surely something worth checking out if you’re the adventurous type when it comes to trying out new motorcycles.
So, could this bike change the beginner segment game?
Honestly? Probably not in a big way. The 125cc market is dominated by practical, bulletproof single-cylinder bikes, and the GV125X is a bit of an oddball in that space. But that’s also what makes it interesting. If Hyosung can deliver good build quality and reliability, this could carve out a niche among riders who want something a little different. And perhaps even give birth to some offerings in the 450cc to 500cc segment down the road.
Source: Moto-Station
