ATK And Hyosung Enter 4 Year 33,000 Unit Deal
On May 25 Frank White of ATK USA and Taekwon Kim of S&T Motors signed a four year deal for ATK to rebrand and sell S&T vTwin motorcycles in the United States.
This is not the first agreement between S&T Motors and another powersports company to rebrand the Hyosung product line. United Motors had a four year deal to rebadged the Hyosung sport bikes, scooters and cruisers and eventually build their own bikes based on the Hyosung engine. In early 2009 United Motors closed it’s doors leaving a hole in S&T’s production output. Fischer Motors also produces the high spec Fischer MRX650 using a Hyosung 650cc engine licensed through S&T Motors.
The previous relationship between S&T and United Motors did cause some territorial disputes between UM and Hyosung USA, S&T Motor’s US distributor. No mention is made on any limits to territories ATK can sell the re-branded machines.
It is interesting that Harley Davidson does not acknowledge ATK’s plans to provide Harley dealerships with small to medium displacement vTwin cruisers. It is common to see scooters on the sales floor of Harley dealerships and with the Buell Blast no longer available for HD’s training programs the 250cc ATK cruisers should make a nice learner bike. This air cooled vTwin has a low seat height and is capable of 90 mph speeds.
Hyosung At The 2010 Cycle World International Motorcycle Show
Despite a poor economy and the absence of many big motorcycle brands Hyosung Motors America had strong presents at the 2010 Cycle World International Motorcycle show in Chicago. I chatted with Hyosung Motors America President Tony Kim and Regional Sales Manager Hyon Ko about the 2010 models and bikes in the works. Tony Kim confirmed that later this year or early next year we will see an all electric scooter from Hyosung available here in the states. The Gem 4.0 and 2.0 were first unveiled at EICMA late last year.
Hyosung unveiled the ST7 cruiser earlier this year at EICMA but the 700cc liquid cooled twin made it’s first US appearance at the Chicago show. The South Korea based company also displayed the newly redesigned GT250 and GT250R with redesigned tail section, black triple tree and fuel injection.
I captured some poor quality video on my iphone of the ST7 and Hyosung GT250R. Have a look and be sure to check the bikes out this weekend if your at the Chicago IMS show.
Check out the videos and images after the break…
United Motors Closes Its Doors
United Motors quietly closed their doors February 1, 2010. They had what seemed to be a solid business importing Jincheng motorcycles from China after input on specs and quality and rebadging them as UM. A few years ago they began a deal with Hyosung (S&T Motors) to rebadged the 650c and 250cc models as UM. The multi-phase deal would eventually lead to Hyosung engined bikes designed by UM. The deal did not sit well with Hyosung US and rightfully so. The UM bikes began to sell better than the Hyosung brand in the states and dealer locations were not spaced far enough apart to protect Hyosung USA dealer territory.
All the details are not available about how UM met its fate. GE Money, the firm that loans money to dealers to stock the showroom, took possession of all United Motors inventory. A United Motors Group member in China called UM Global is still in business. Although this is strange it might offer hope for UM powersports owners who have warranty claims. If you have more information about UM’s fate and its possible future in UM Global please leave a comment or email admin [at] othermakes.net.
Source: Powersports Industry Daily Via: Korider
2010 Hyosung ST7 Sport Cruiser In Dealers Soon
Looks like the Hyosung GV700i is official, only it will be called the ST7. The Hyosung ST7 should be on boats to dealers now and will be available in two models. Hyosung Motors parent company S&T Motors Korea explains it this way:
At the last EICMA 2009, the most popular model ST7 was the traditional cruiser motorcycle which is more perfect for long distance cruising than the sports cruiser Aquila 650.
The name ST7 is derived from the initials of ‘SUPER & TOP’, ‘SAFETY TRAVEL’, ‘SATISFACTORY TOUR’, ‘700cc engine solely developed by S&T Motors R&D departments’ and ‘symbol of lucky’. So the ST7 represents safe travel, and that is what brings lucky driving to you. And the ST7 is stresses the best performance and top quality in its class.
ST7 has the unique appeal of a mixed classical and sports style. Installed is a DHOC 8valve 90° V-TWIN engine with expanded displacement from 650cc to 700cc. This gives impressive low and mid-range performance fit into the theme of tour/cruising.
The frame of a traditional cruiser will give a comfortable riding position, neutral handling with a powerful engine.
Twin muffler, multiple LCD meter on fuel tank (17L), clear lens multi reflector headlamps, LED etc gives ST7 a combined style of modern functionality with a classical image.
ST7 will be released and will begin exporting at the end of January. There are two type of models; Standard and Deluxe (Deluxe comes installed with full accessories), and both come in black, red and white color.
Hyosung ST7 Specifications:
Seat height: 690 mm (27.2 in)
Length: 2479 mm (97.2 in)
Wheelbase: 1675 mm (66 in)
Tires (front): 120/80 16 60H
Tires (rear): 170/80 15 77H
Dry weight: 244kg (537 lbs)
Fuel capacity: 17 l (4.5 gal)
Engine: 678.2cc
Source: S&T Motors via: Korider
Hyosung GV700i Cruiser At 2009 EICMA
Hyosung GV700i Aquila
We have not received confirmation that S&T Motors will have the new GV700i Hyosung in the 2010 line up but judging by the pics our friends at Asphalt And Rubber sent me bike is looking very production ready. The classic styled liquid cooled vTwin is based on the flexible 650 that sits in Hyosung’s GV650 cruiser and GT650 sport bike line. The engine block is painted black and the valve covers and engine cases receive a chrome finish. A red GV700i with leather side bags with red stitching, windshield and case guards showed off Hyosung’s potential to accessorize the line. Dual exhaust pipes, chrome wheels, full coverage fenders and a tank mounted speedometer further differentiate the classic Aquila from it’s sporty cousin, the gv650 Avitar.
More pics after the break…
Harley Davidson Dealers To Sell ATK Branded Hyosungs
Dale Franks is reporting that US based ATK and South Korea based S&T Motors have entered into an agreement where ATK badged Hyosungs (owned by S&T) will be built in the USA by ATK and sold by select Harley dealerships. The company Harley Davidson is not involved in the deal, the dealerships are taking it upon themselves to work with Frank White, one of ATK’s owners.
The press release on Dale’s site is vague about what models will come out of the agreement but it mentions ATK will leverage Hyosungs street bikes and S&T will leverage ATK’s dirtbike knowledge. Frank White explains:
By joining forces, we believe, we believe we can strengthen our distribution network, reduce our production co sts, spread development costs and substantially accelerate our entry into the street bike business. We also look forward to sharing some of our off-road technology with S&T.
Dale goes on to mention that his sources say a plan is being considered for ATK to restyle and rebrand the GT and GV series of sport bikes and cruisers including the classic styled GV700 introduced this week at EICMA. This would not be a big strech for S&T.
Hyosung is known to be more than willing to allow other companies to rebrand their bikes. The flexibility and quality of the Hyosung products and engines makes it a great option for a marque to leverage for breaking into new markets without the cost of tooling up and staffing production.
United Motors sells most of the Hyosung product line in the US with it’s own graphics and has long term agreement to build it’s own bike around the 650 and 250 cc Hyosung vTwins. Italjet was working on a new version of the Griffon which was a restyled Hyosung GT650 and Fischer Motors uses the GT650 engine in it’s MRX650.
This partnership is a win for all groups involved. ATK may be able to diversify from being a low production niche dirtbike manufacturer and add sport bikes and cruisers to it’s lineup. Hyosung will increase sales using a brand agnostic production driven formula they are very comfortable with. S&T Motors displayed 450cc prototypes of supermoto and dirt machines which were well received by enthusiasts. I’m sure ATK would do a great job helping them make the bikes a reality.
This will be an interesting development to watch unfold. Follow the source link below to Dale’s site to see the press release.
Source: Dale Franks
Hyosung Aquila GV700i Cruiser First Look [Rumor]
Rumor has it Hyosung will be unvieling the GV700i at Milan in November. The new Aquila has the classic GV cruiser look with the liquid cooled 650 90 degree vTwin bored out to 700cc.
Guys racing the GT650 have successfully bored the engine to almost 700cc with good results and reliablility. There has been quite a few requests on the Hyosung forums for a GV650 cruiser with classic cruiser styling. Looks like Hyosung is listening.
Source: PIWYR via Alternative Cruisers
EP Racing Takes 2nd Aboard the Hyosung GT 650R
Firebird Raceway, Phoenix, Oct. 4th, 2009 – It was a windy weekend at the tight and technical West Track in Phoenix, yet Matt Kellerman (#63) was able to stay on the bike for three more podium finishes. Entering Round 7 of the CCS Southwest Series, EP Racing was looking to move up to third in the standings for Thunderbike as well as claiming Third Overall in the Lightweight Division. Happily both goals were accomplished with EP Racing taking a weekend best of 2nd in the Thunderbike race.
The bike was running great after last months fixes, so the only modification made for the race was a new paint job to make the Hyosung GT650R stand out on the track and help highlight our sponsors. The team received many compliments on the bike throughout the weekend, and as the pictures show, the bike looks great at speed!
Race 1: Matt was a little late getting out for the warm-up lap, which led to a bad start at the drop of the green flag. He was able to hold on to the back of the two bikes in front for half the race, but on lap 5 he could no longer shift through his gears. Matt had to retire from the race and found the culprit to be a missing footpeg bracket bolt. Not the best way to start the day but with the addition of a new bolt the team was ready for the next race.
Race 2: LW Superbike saw the winds really start to pickup and some dust starting settle on the track. Another rough start saw Matt slotted into 4th into Turn 1. The bike in front ridden by Kerry Alter (#21) was a heavily worked SV650 that rocketed out of the corners. Matt would bring his GT right behind number 21 into the corners only to see his work lost as Kerry used his power advantage to pull away on the short straights. #63 was finally able to pass Alter on Lap 5 and immediately started to pull a big gap. But it was too little too late as the front runners had already pulled away. Matt brought it home in 3rd.
Race 3: Thunder bike started nearly the same as LW Superbike yet this time the Hyosung was 3rd into turn 1. This time Matt was able to get past Kerry on Lap 2 and set off after Dustin who was in the lead. The wind was kicking up some serious dust at this point and halfway through the lap a sand storm blew across the track, knocking the visibility down to near zero. Matt said “I couldn’t see 2 feet in front of me at one point, so I just held the throttle open and hoped I didn’t run out of asphalt!” The GT650R weathered the storm and brought it home in 2nd.
At the end of the weekend EP Racing and the GT650R have moved into a tie for 3rd in Thunderbike, and have moved into 3rd overall for all the Lightweight Classes. EP Racing would like to thank all of its sponsors, PowersportsOutlet.com, Hyosung Motors USA, Hyosung.Biz, Dunlop, EBC, BMC, LSL, and Puig for another successful weekend.
Next month will see the team and their GT650R return to the Main track for the 8th and Final race of the season. The event is scheduled for the weekend of November 14 – 15, 2009. For more information log on to Roadrace Southwest.
EP Racing is based out of Prescott, AZ and have been racing the Hyosung GT650R since 2006. They have achieved multiple victory’s, countless podium finishes, a LW GT title, and other honors, in both the CCS, and SMRI race series. For more information you can contact the team at 928-778-7910 or email: shop@epfguzzi.com
Italjet Machines
Italjet has been slowly adding machines to it’s line up over the last 12 months.
- In an agreement with Hyosung Motors they will rebadge the GT650 as the Italjet Griffon.
- The Marco Polo 400 is thier new Maxi-scooter. This one is a rebadge of an Guangzhou Huanan Motors Group machine.
- The Dragster is also relatively new addition to the lineup.
Italjet has a new marketing director here in the states. It will be interesting to see what direction he takes the company. Diamo USA will import Italjet machines to the states but they will be sold under the Italjet name. There are a few enthusist forums out there if you want to get involved. Italjet Forum is a newer, broad based community dealing with all models. ItaljetDragster.com is a more established forum that concentrates on the Dragster model.
Please post a comment with any information you have about the company. I would be interested to hear what you know.
Italjet Grifon 650 Pre-Production Ride Video
Italjet is about to enter the big bike market with the Grifon 650. The Italian mark is catching a second wind after it’s banruptcy in 2003. The Grifon’s blacked out Italian styling is accented with spoked rims, Giannelli exhaust and Brembo brakes. The Pre-production Grifon looks to be a combination of the Grifon and Bazooka prototypes introduced in late 2005. MCN posted the following video of a test ride…
Italjet is the latest company to outsource the chassis and 650 vTwin engine to South Korean Motorcycle manufacturer Hyosung. This most likely will allow them to hit a lower price point than previous prototypes with outsourced engines. Diamo USA is set to import the Grifon to the United States under the name Italjet USA. Let’s hope we see it spice up the bike meet parking lots some time in the near future.
