Should Hyosung return with Bobber?

Hyosung could be planning a comeback with its GV 300 S Bobber which they will sell in Europe and could usher the brand back into other markets such as Australia.

The Korean manufacturer began in 1966 and stormed into our market about 10 years ago with good quality learner-approved models and attractive pricing.

Australian importers PS Importers no longer brings them in and group marketing manager Dale McBride says they have no current plans for Hyosung.

However, he says they will monitor how the Bobber 300 goes in Europe.

The Korean motorcycle company has been virtually dormant for several years and is now only available in Australia for online parts.

Hyosung promised great things when they introduced their brand to the Australian market.

It was a bargain-priced product with a heart of gold and honest performance.

Hyosung return?

But the brand did not perform well here, which is strange since Korean car manufacturers Hyundai and Kia have taken Australian and the world by storm with their attractive, well-priced models.

Unfortunately, Hyosung has had virtually had no new models and few updates or improvements.

Until the Bobber GV300, that is.

The Hyosung range features 250cc and 650cc models with the 300cc V-twin-powered GV 300 S Bobber slotting in between.

It will have a low 710mm seat, weigh only 170kg and have only about 30hp output.

More importantly than engine size, it actually looks quite attractive ( a bit like Yamaha’s Bolt cruiser), unlike the ugly and weirdly named Aquilla cruisers.

However, price in Europe is €4990 (about $A8300) which is about $2500 overpriced for our market.

If it goes well in Europe and they trim some pricing, could this be the bike that returns the Korean brand to Australia?