GPX Legend 250 Twin III Test Ride Review: An Aged Version of OEM Classic Debuts This Summer!

photo by AtsushiSekino

GPX is the third largest motorcycle manufacturer in Thailand

GPX Japan sponsored a test ride event for the 2022 model at Okegawa Sportsland on April 22, and we will report on the event. In Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries, motorcycles have been gaining momentum in recent years, not only as a "daily vehicle" but also as a hobby. GPX has grown to become the third-largest motorcycle manufacturer in Thailand, following Thai Honda and Thai Yamaha.

GPX Japan, the parent company of Tsukigi Racing, will start importing the bikes to Japan in 2019. The company has selected models with a good balance of "quality" and "price" and is introducing them to Japan in order to make it easier for more people to enjoy these bikes, which have become much more expensive than they were a decade ago. We have selected models with a good balance of "quality" and "price" and introduced them to the domestic market. The company's stance as a first model for beginners and a chance to return to the sport has been well received, and the number of sales locations has increased to 30 in Japan, including stores that handle their products.

The centerpiece model of the GPX lineup for 2022 is the LEGEND 250 TWIN III. It is an evolution of the existing Legend series, brushed up from the previous Legend 250 Twin "II" model, with more classical look with spoked wheels instead of cast wheels. In addition, the basic performance has been improved with weatherproof gauges and six clutch springs instead of four to strengthen the clutch and improve operability. Tsukigi Racing is also actively providing feedback to improve the quality of these products by utilizing their accumulated circuit know-how.

Legend 250 Twin III is available in white, black, and gunmetal

Retro styling with a touch of British style

Spoked wheels, teardrop tank, beautiful engine with air-cooled fins, twin shocks, and more. The styling is classic and royal. What is also impressive is the use of 17-inch front and rear wheels instead of 19-inch front wheels.

While the 250cc class models are built with modern road sport dimensions, there are no compromises in the classical atmosphere, especially the steel front and rear fenders. In particular, the steel front and rear fenders show an extraordinary level of attention to detail.

[Selling price] 533,500 yen (tax included) *Approx. 4133 USD /Scheduled to be released in July)[Overall length/width/height] 2,040mm/785mm/1,120mm [Motorcycle weight] 156kg[Wheel distance] 1,340mm [Minimum ground clearance] 180mm

Compact and easy-to-manage motorcycle

[Seat height] 790mmBy using 17-inch front and rear wheels instead of the classic 19-inch road size, the compact size is achieved. It is also easy to handle among the current 250 cc models. The seat is not very slim, but thanks to the low 790 mm seat, the 172 cm rider's heels just barely touch the ground. The photo shows the Legend 250 Brighton, which has the same shape as the Legend 250 Twin III.

A real classic, but also a good riding experience! | Review of actual driving

Massive mid to low speed torque and a chassis that can be enjoyed in cornering

When I started the engine, I was a bit surprised by the loudness of the exhaust sound. Recently, the number of twin engines as well as single-cylinder engines has been increasing in the 250cc class, but many of them tend to have a light exhaust sound or lack "sound quality. The Legend 250 Twin III, however, is no exception. The sound has a deep bass, or perhaps a thicker sound, and the exhaust note is quite pleasing.

When we started driving, we could feel the powerful torque that seems to be the direct result of the engine's wild sound. It is a tasty air-cooled engine with a low maximum power output at 8,000 rpm. It is not a sporty engine that is enjoyed by running it in the maximum output range, but rather an engine that provides powerful acceleration in the low 2000 to 5000 rpm range. The engine has a classical character that is enjoyable to run with a low flow, just like its classical appearance.

...However, this test ride was on a closed course. Moreover, it was a mini-circuit with a series of tight corners where you had to twist the bike left and right. It was no wonder that the bike's pace naturally picked up with each lap, and the rider's eyes would start to lift up and aim for the Lacord line. What surprised us, however, was that the Legend 250 Twin III, with its classic styling, was quite enjoyable to ride on this mini circuit.

It is true that if you increase your cornering speed a little, you will start to scrape the step, and I am well aware that the original character of the motorcycle is not suited for the track....The front and rear 17-inch wheels are suitable for the road section. The front and rear suspensions are set up to be more sporty than comfortable, which makes such a technical course more enjoyable to ride than one might expect. The inverted forks and rear shocks with reservoir tanks are not a bad thing.

I dropped my back firmly to gain bank and increased the speed of the motorcycle. Naturally, the frame is subjected to greater stress, but surprisingly, the chassis does not make a sound. The frame is a classic semi-double cradle type, and although it bends greatly under heavy centrifugal force, the frame is able to take the stress without being dented.

With such powerful low and mid-speed engine torque and a highly sporty chassis that does not falter in cornering, it is sure to be a lot of fun to drive through the winding roads, letting the engine torque do the work for you.

The Legend 250 Twin III is not a cheap entry-level model. The Legend 250 Twin III is not a cheap entry-level model, but rather a "hobby motorcycle" with a good style.

Detail

Round headlights with LED light source mixing classical design and advanced features. Although it is a multi-reflector, the reflective part is well cut lens-like to enhance the classical style.

The simple instrumentation combines basic equipment such as a speedometer and tachometer with a clock and fuel gauge. The weatherproofing of the instrument panel has been improved from "II" to "III".

A simple cockpit with a handlebar width of 785 mm. The position is set upright as it looks classical, and you will not get tired of the position even if you ride around for a whole day.

The tank has a large capacity for the 250cc class, 14.5l is secured. The teardrop shape is the royal road to classicism, and the emblems and rubber pads on the sides further enhance the retro atmosphere.

The engine is not a vertical (upright) engine, but a slightly forward leaning parallel two-cylinder engine. While the engine delivers strong torque from low speeds, it also has surprisingly good extension, making circuit driving at the mini-course level enjoyable.[Engine type/Displacement] Liquid-cooled 4-stroke SOHC in-line 2-cylinder/234cc[Maximum output] 16ps (12kW)/8,000 rpm[Maximum torque] 15Nm(1.53kg-m)/6,500 rpm

The six-speed engine was remodeled from "II" to "III" and the clutch area was strengthened. The clutch springs were increased from four to six to improve durability and operability.

The front tire is a 17-inch size, and it is equipped with an inverted fork and double discs. Although not racing specs, it is still fun to ride for sport riding.[Front tire size] 110/90-17

The double disc is equipped with double 2-pot calipers of the stamped type. The front brake can be held in place during corner deceleration, a benefit only possible with the rigidity of the inverted fork.[Front Brake] Single-press 2-pot/Double disk 276mm dia.

The front and rear integrated seats are classic style with piping. Grab bars are also standard equipment, and seem to be very convenient for carrying luggage as well as for two passengers.

The classic-style twin shocks use YSS brand shock absorbers with a separate tank and adjustable preload. The settings seem to be slightly more sport-oriented.

The front and rear fenders are made of steel and are very atmospheric. The use of plastic in the rear portion of the vehicle is particularly impressive.

The sound produced by the megaphone-type exhaust system is loud, but not too loud, and is pleasant to the ear. Moreover, the torque is just as impressive as the sound, making it the perfect choice.[Rear brake] Single-press 1-pot/Disk 220mm dia.Rear [tire size] 130/90-17

The "Brighton", limited to 150 units in Japan, is now on sale.

Legend 250 Brighton Deep Blue

The GPX Legend 250 Brighton was released one step ahead of the Legend 250 Twin III. While its performance is identical to that of the Legend 250 Twin III, it comes in a special two-tone color scheme with gold front fork outer tubes, and is limited to 150 units in Japan. The price is only 68 USD more than the Legend 250 Twin III, and with such high quality equipment, it is a very good deal. The GPX Japan website has a list of remaining stock for each coloring, British Green and Deep Blue (as of April 25, 2022).

Compared to the more muted Legend 250 Twin III color scheme of black, white, and gunmetal, the Legend 250 Brighton features bright British green and deep blue.[Selling price] 542,300 yen (tax included) *Approx. 4,202 USD

The tank will be two-tone, and "Brighton" will be painted in front of the fuel inlet. Brighton is the name of a seaside resort in southern England. The photo shows it in British Green.

See GPX Moto Index Page See Accessories for GPX Legend 250 Brighton See Accessories for GPX Legend 250Twin See Accessories for GPX Legend 250TwinII