autoevolution
 

Hyosung ST7 Cruiser Concept, the Ducati Diavel Rival?

Interesting news comes from Asia, namely from the Korean manufacturer Hyosung and its Indian partner DSK. Rumored for several months, it looks like the ST7 Concept Cruiser is back in the spotlight, this time with industry winds whispering that an actual bike could be revealed at the EICMA 2014 in Milan, this November.
Hyosung ST7 Cruiser Concept 5 photos
Photo: Hyosung DSK
Hyosung ST7 Cruiser ConceptHyosung ST7 Cruiser ConceptHyosung ST7 Cruiser ConceptHyosung ST7 Cruiser Concept
A manufacturer of small and medium-displacement motorcycles, Hyosung is treading on new ground this time. With the biggest bikes the Koreans are offering being in the current ST7 classically-styled cruiser, which packs 678cc, coming up with a “Ducati Diavel killer” as some of the media dubbed the rumored Hyosung ST7 Cruiser Concept will definitely be a tough objective. The liquid-cooled L-twin currently powering the ST7 is only good for under 58 horsepower @ 8,000 rpm and 57 Nm (42 lb-ft) of torque at the same rpm, being hardly a match for the second, say third gear of the Diavel.

Now, the sketches and digital renderings show a really cool power cruiser, with obvious Diavel cues, and a massive departure from the rather conservative lines Hyosung has gotten us used to. The concept shows very aggressive lines, with a low solo seat, generous rake, about which some might say it’s a tad too much for fast turning, even though stability would be favored in this setup.

If the proportions in the sketches are at least half-right, then we should see the Hyosung ST7 Cruiser Concept packing a bigger engine, and it’s more than the cylinder size telling this story. The whole bike looks pretty massive and the huge radiator is definitely overkill for a 700cc-class bike. Even more, as mentioned above, 58 horsepower could make riders in emerging markets happy, but those in Europe and North America would definitely put a smile on their face and walk away.

The only major selling point for this underpowered machine (in case the engine remains the same) would be a price which is impossible to refuse. But in case Hyosung plans to deliver a bike with killer looks, insufficient power for a high price, just like Honda recently did with the 2015 NM4 Vultus, we can safely presume the Hyosung ST7 Cruiser will never drop the “concept” tag.

If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories