Hyosung GT 250 Naked Comet [2003-2007]: A Beginner’s Stealth Rocket Revisited

Introduction

The Hyosung GT 250 Naked Comet, produced between 2003 and 2007, is a motorcycle that defies expectations. Often overshadowed by Japanese rivals, this South Korean underdog carved a niche as an accessible, practical, and surprisingly spirited entry-level machine. With its V-twin engine, aggressive styling, and no-nonsense approach to motorcycling, the GT 250 Comet remains a compelling option for new riders and urban commuters. After spending a week with a well-preserved 2006 model, it’s clear this bike has more to offer than its modest specs suggest.

Design & Ergonomics: Unpretentious Functionality

The GT 250 Comet’s naked design prioritizes simplicity over flair. The tubular steel frame, exposed engine, and minimalist bodywork give it a raw, utilitarian charm. The 795 mm (31.3-inch) seat height accommodates shorter riders, though the narrow saddle and upright bars make it approachable even for those closer to 170 cm (5’7”).

Color options like mango yellow, deep blue, and gloss black add a touch of vibrancy to its otherwise sober aesthetic. Fit-and-finish is decent for its price bracket, with switchgear borrowed from Suzuki parts bins—a nod to Hyosung’s engineering partnerships. The analog-digital instrument cluster is legible, featuring a fuel gauge and gear indicator, though its plasticky finish feels dated by modern standards.

Engine & Performance: The Charismatic V-Twin

At the heart of the GT 250 lies a 249 cc, 75° V-twin engine—a rarity in the 250cc class dominated by single-cylinder or parallel-twin configurations. With 28.2 HP (20.6 kW) at 10,250 RPM and 21 Nm (15.5 ft.lbs) of torque at 7,500 RPM, it’s no firecracker, but the engine’s character is its true selling point.

Throttle response from the twin Mikuni carburetors is linear, avoiding the jerky low-RPM behavior of some fuel-injected rivals. The DOHC valvetrain and roller-bearing camshafts allow it to rev freely to its 11,000 RPM redline, emitting a throaty growl that’s closer to a Ducati Monster 600 than a typical small-displacement thrum.

Key Performance Notes:

• 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph): ~8.5 seconds (requires aggressive shifting)
• Top Speed: 140 km/h (87 mph)
• Fuel Efficiency: 3.4–3.8 L/100 km (69–83 mpg)

The 5-speed gearbox is forgiving but not razor-sharp. Neutral can be elusive at stops, and shifts lack the precision of higher-tier Japanese models. Still, the cable-actuated clutch is featherlight—ideal for stop-and-go traffic.

Handling & Braking: Confidence Over Pace

Hyosung’s perimeter double-cradle frame, shared with the larger GT 650, provides a rigid foundation. Paired with 41 mm inverted forks and a preload-adjustable rear shock, the Comet feels planted through corners. The 1445 mm (56.9-inch) wheelbase strikes a balance between stability and agility, while the 150/70-17 rear tire offers enough grip for spirited canyon runs.

Braking is adequate but unremarkable. The single 300 mm front disc and twin-piston caliper lack bite during aggressive riding, requiring a firm squeeze. Upgrading to sintered pads (available at MOTOPARTS.store) is a worthwhile modification for those seeking sharper stopping power.

Competition: How It Stacks Up

1. Kawasaki Ninja 250R (2008–2012)

• Pros: Higher top speed (160 km/h), sharper styling, legendary reliability.
• Cons: Parallel-twin lacks the Comet’s aural drama, firmer seat, pricier used market.

2. Honda CB250 Nighthawk

• Pros: Bulletproof reliability, lower maintenance costs, air-cooled simplicity.
• Cons: Dated design, anemic 19 HP single-cylinder engine, no ABS.

3. Suzuki GW250 Inazuma

• Pros: Fuel injection, smoother power delivery, modern ergonomics.
• Cons: Heavier (183 kg), bland exhaust note, higher seat height.

Verdict: The GT 250 Comet’s V-twin engine and inverted forks give it a unique edge in character and handling. While it trails Japanese rivals in refinement, its lower acquisition cost and tunability make it a favorite among budget-conscious enthusiasts.

Maintenance: Keeping the Comet Soaring

The GT 250’s mechanical simplicity is a DIYer’s dream. Key maintenance considerations:

1. Valve Adjustments

• Intake: 0.10–0.20 mm (0.004–0.008 in)
• Exhaust: 0.20–0.30 mm (0.008–0.012 in)
• Frequency: Every 6,000 km (3,728 miles)

2. Chain Care

• Type: 520-size, 112 links
• Tension: 25–35 mm (1–1.4 in) free play
• Lubrication: Use MOTOPARTS.store’s high-adhesion chain lube biweekly.

3. Critical Fluids

• Engine Oil: 1.5L of 10W-40 semi-synthetic (change every 5,000 km)
• Coolant: Air/oil-cooled—no radiator worries!
• Brake Fluid: DOT 4, flush biennially.

Common Upgrades:

• Exhaust: Swap the restrictive stock muffler for a free-flowing slip-on.
• Air Filter: High-flow options unlock mid-range torque.
• Suspension: Progressive-rate springs improve damping for heavier riders.

Final Thoughts: The Joy of Underdogs

The Hyosung GT 250 Comet isn’t the fastest, lightest, or most prestigious 250cc bike. But its quirks—the burbly V-twin, the flickable chassis, the unapologetic simplicity—make it endlessly endearing. For new riders, it’s a forgiving teacher; for veterans, a reminder of motorcycling’s purest joys. And with MOTOPARTS.store’s catalog of upgrades, transforming this plucky underdog into a personalized gem has never been easier.

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Specifications sheet

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