Motorcycle specifications HyosungCOMET 650 2006 A Korean SV

remove the decals, replace the inverted fork with a standard model, and it will be virtually impossible to distinguish a first-generation SV from this new Comet 650. For its first medium-displacement roadster, Hyosung has taken a safe bet on the market without taking the risk of originality. The same type of tubular frame (steel, aluminum on the SV), the same type of V-twin engine, and the same aesthetics: it's pure copy-paste. Engine power is rated at 80 hp, 10 more than the SV when it came out in '99. As a result, the swingarm seems a little flimsy to contain the watts. The front axle is more serious, even oversized. A combination of inverted forks and large-diameter brake discs. The differences are more pronounced once you're in the saddle. To its credit, the saddle is lower than that of the SV (-20 mm). The torso is further forward, resulting in a plunging stature instilled by the handlebars. Before setting off, the dashboard takes us back in time. As much as the dashboard of the latest-generation SV resembles an ultra-complete GSM-ordi-chrono, that of the Comet looks like two drops of water from the Suzuki Bandits of the last century. A single daily trip, no digital, simple meters and perfect legibility. If you take a closer look at the Comet, you'll see that Hyosung offers a quality product. No penny-pinching on the paintwork, components or tires: very efficient Pirelli Diablo. Despite these, the Comet reveals its first weakness compared to the SV: a certain heaviness in the steering when driving at low speed. The gearbox doesn't lock up as well as the Japanese model.

The young two-cylinder engine is just as supple as its counterpart, perhaps a little less vigorous up to mid revs, but full and powerful beyond that. Will the Comet be just as pleasing in the corners? The answer is unequivocal. It holds the floor without a hitch, even allowing itself to be more stable than an SV when cornering at speed. Certainly comfortable, but nothing more; good braking quality, both powerful and progressive; this Hyosung is definitely endearing. The only real shortcoming of this roadster is its brand image, which has yet to be forged. If the machine proves reliable, the Korean brand's future in the motorcycle market looks bright. Where it's going to hurt is with this shock argument: this new devilish roadster will cost €700 less than its inspirer.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos