Get
out your leathers, dark glasses, bandana and six-pack. Lets
ride.
Cruising
down the long and winding SH 60 en route to the VRDE test
track at Ahmednagar, I have oodles of time to reflect on
the machine I’m astride, the Kinetic Hyosung Aquila.
The Aquila is the product of a generation completely hyped
on the American dream. Considering that the Hyosung company
is based in pro-American South Korea inundated with American
handouts, it is no surprise America even influences the
way motorcycles are made. So, ensconced in the low slung
saddle, gripping the extra wide handlebar, feet splayed
apart and ankles rather than foot soles resting on the pegs,
the Aquila feels unmistakably like a motorcycle born in
the US of A.
But the reality is that the Aquila is, in every bit, a motorcycle
designed by some canny Asians specifically for an Asian
market. The clever use of plastics on myriad aspects of
the bike is just one of the highlights. The Aquila is the
longest, widest and heaviest motorcycle in the Indian market,
being a breed of motorcycle not given to revel in lightness
of weight nor lithe dimensions. Nevertheless the almost
horizontal stance and above-described riding position endow
the Aquila with an evident grace.
In markets abroad the Aquila is positioned as entry level
cruiser and its dimensions are tailor-made for riders of
average height (5ft 8in or so). The six-foot plus rider
may have some adjusting to do ere he feels comfortable.
For my 5ft 9in frame the Aquila proved near perfect on the
haul to and from Ahmednagar.
If the Aquila’s sterling dimensions are riveting,
the detailing is equally demanding of attention. Such as
the valanced mudguard shielding the standard six-spoke cast
alloy wheels and the huge disc brake mounted between the
fat, kicked-out chopper forks with the chromed ‘plastic’
dust covers on which rests the single piece headlamp unit,
with indicators atop separate stalks below. Handlebars fit
on top of the T-plate and could do with a few adjustments;
they can be pushed a little further behind to allow more
elbow room so that one can negotiate tight turns freely.
Chromed mirrors on tall stalks complete the picture.
 The
instrument cluster presents a twin dial facia housing a
speedo with both kmph and mph readings, tacho redlined to
12,000rpm, fuel gauge, odo and tripmeter, This unit is the
first of its kind for a cruiser in the country, the others
generally lacking most instrumentation save for a speedo.
Even the ignition key fob is on the console rather than
in some obscure position below the tank. There are all the
standard switches for the electronic ignition, engine kill,
lights and indicators on the handlebars, within easy access.
One rues the lack of a pass switch though. The tank is teardrop
shaped as epitomised by cruisers. In keeping with the large
dimensions, the tank is wide and long though shallow with
a flat top housing the flush fitting fuel lid.
In spite of being shrouded by the tank, chromed plastic
air filter covers and oil cooler, the big vee twin lump
nestling under is a thing of beauty. The pronounced ribbing
and buffed metal parts lend credence to the cruiser image.
Even the twin exhaust pipes, one for each cylinder, snaking
towards the rear to culminate in the reverse cone styled
tail pipes add to the aura. Dummy covers in plastic and
the cam and timing chain cover are all awash in chrome.
Vacant spaces around the engine have been filled in so gaps
are non-existent. At the rear a huge tail lamp nestles on
the valanced rear guard which too shields a fat, six-spoke
cast alloy wheel.
The two-piece stepped seat is adequately cushioned though
the narrow and short pillion seat feels short on comfort
with the steel backrest digging into the lower back. The
high set footrests for the pillion make for an unusual and
quite uncomfortable posture.
The build quality is fabulous though the gaps between a
couple of panels, the finish of the handlebars which one
must grip hard to avoid slipping, or fuses which kept blowing
up disabling the indicators and fuel gauge, need attention.
The details are perfectly executed and convey the essence
of a show stopper. For the image conscious the Aquila is
a bike to lust after, with poise, style and character that
is unmatched in the Indian biking scenario. |
