IN PICS: 2013's Battle of superbikes

With DSK Hyosung launching a cruiser and sports bike recently, the Indian superbike market will be on fire in 2013 with Harley Davidson and Kawasaki adding oil to it. The Indian superbike enthusiasts, however, will be spoilt for choice.

DSK Hyosung, one of the youngest and yet one of the biggest players in the cruiser arena, launched its eagerly awaited pair of bikes on the January 16 in India. Comprising of a dashing sports bike, titled 2013 GT650R, and a classic cruiser, named 2013 Aquila GV650 PRO, this package bundles up the exhilarating thrill of sports bikes with the ecstatic pleasure of cruising.

With these two rides out in the market, the company is bound to make its presence felt in a more significant way in the industry than before, which will undoubtedly help them grab the attention of a larger section of potential buyers and offer a serious threat to competition.

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However, that is just one side of the coin.

While, on one hand, these launches are sure to have larger crowds of buyers heading towards the DSK Hyosung showrooms, on the other hand, it is certainly going to invite a fiercer competition as well. With more experienced and popular players like Harley Davidson and Kawasaki turning their gaze towards this relatively new participant, these new launches might need to gear up for a severe fight ahead.

On second thought, the battle has already begun, with the 2013 Aquila GV650 PRO cruiser, priced at Rs 4.99 lakh, positioned against Harley Davidson 883 Superlow, while the 2013 GT650R, tagged at Rs 4.79 lakh, prepares to lock horns with the Kawasaki Ninja 650R. 

2013 Hyosung Aquila GV650 PRO v/s Harley Davidson 883 Superlow

Beginning with the clash between the cruisers, we take a look at how strong a front is put up by the new GV650 against the Superlow.

Characterised by an unbelievably small ground clearance, measuring not more than 100mm, and an over-generous infusion of chrome, the 883 Superlow is everything that a typical Harley Davidson cruiser should be -- excellent in looks and exceptional in handling.

The 2013 Hyosung Aquila GV650 PRO, on the other hand, is anything but a purist's dream come true. Possessing a much leaner body than its predecessor, the ST7, which happens to be a classic cruiser, the design of this power cruising bike has an inherent sportiness about it.

Talking about the mechanicals, the Korean participant gets powered by an oil-cooled, 4-stroke, V twin-cylinder, 647cc engine capable of cranking out a maximum of 74bhp at 9000rpm for a peak torque of 62.1Nm generated at 7500rpm. As for the top speed, the bike can easily stretch its speed limit to 195kmph.

Meanwhile, the air-cooled, 4-stroke, Evolution Technology, 883cc mill that drives the American contender is known to pump out impressive torque figures of 69Nm at a rate as low as 3500rpm, easily leaving its rival far behind.

On the grounds of brand value too, Harley Davidson, which is the oldest and the most sought-after brand in the cruiser market, scores much higher than its relatively younger competitor, DSK-Hyosung.

However, when it comes to pricing, GV650 presents a much more affordable deal to the buyers, costing Rs 4.99 lakh, as against the Rs 5.5 lakh tag that comes attached to the Superlow.

In summary, what the Korean clan is offering is a pack of smart looks and decent mechanicals at a very competitive price, whereas, the American camp is making a slightly expensive deal in return for a much mightier power-house, equally alluring looks and a Harley Davidson badge.

What the buyers choose now, depends solely on their preferences.

2013 Hyosung GT650R v/s Kawasaki Ninja 650R

Moving on, let us check out how the 2013 Hyosung GT650R is holding up against the Kawasaki Ninja 650R.

Starting with looks, one glance at the two bikes is all it takes to acknowledge the supremacy of the Hyosung ride over its Kawasaki rival. Despite being blessed with sharply cut features and the characteristic mean green shade of the Ninjas, the Ninja 650R fails to leave a lasting impact on the beholder, whereas the Hyosung GT650R immediately establishes itself as a classy racing superstar, thanks to an outfit that is truly one of a kind.

Easily beating the Kawasaki Ninja 650R in the arena of appearance, the Hyosung GT650R stands right at par with its rival when it comes to their power-mills.

Housing a 647cc, liquid-cooled, 8-valve, DOHC, V-twin engine, the maximum power and torque outputs that GT650R can generate are 72.68bhp at 9000rpm and 60.9Nm at 7500rpm. Ninja 650R, meanwhile, carries a 649cc, 4-stroke, 8-valve, Parallel Twin engine, maxing out at 71bhp at 8500rpm for a peak toque of 66Nm at 7000rpm.

As far as price is concerned, Kawasaki outshines Hyosung here.

Tagging its Ninja 650R at a sum of Rs 4.57 lakh, the company gains a lead, even if by marginal standards, over its intimidating rival, which charges an acquisition cost of Rs 4.79 lakh.

In terms of brand repute too, Kawasaki has a better resale value and service facilities to offer its buyers in comparison to Hyosung. In conclusion, Hyosung has prepared a distinct package of power and personality for its buyers, while the major plus points of the Kawasaki deal happen to be its better brand value and lower pricing.