2008 Hyosung MS3 Review

In 2008, S&T; Motors Co. Ltd., the motorcycle manufacturing division of South Korean industrial conglomerate Hyosung Corp., introduced to the market a scooter named the MS3. Available as a lone model, the 2008 Hyosung MS3 came with a manufacturer""s suggested retail price of $4,299.

The 2008 Hyosung MS3 is powered by a four-stroke liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine. The unit has a 249-cubic centimeter displacement, thus the name of the bike. (The displacement is rounded up to 250.) Using a double overhead camshaft configuration, the 2008 MS3 has four intake valves on the engine""s lone cylinder. The bore and stroke and compression ratio of the engine is measured at 2.88 by 2.35 inches (73 by 59.6 millimeters) and 11.8 to 1, respectively.

Hyosung uses fuel injection for the 2008 MS3""s engine, which can be ignited with the scooter""s electric starter. Paired with the unit is a Continuously Variable Transmission. Also called the CVT, this automatic gearbox can shift through several gear ratios to enable the engine to run more efficiently, thus generating a better fuel economy. Each 2008 MS3 has a fuel tank with a peak capacity of 2.4 gallons (9 liters).

For superior braking ability over scooters with all-wheel drum brakes or front disc brakes and rear drum brakes, each 2008 Hyosung MS3 gets disc brakes on each wheel. The front wheel has a 9.4-inch (240-mm) dual disc. The rear wheel has a smaller, single disc that measures at 8.6 inches (220 mm). The wheels are made of aluminum: with a 13-inch wheel at the front; and a larger, 14-inch wheel at the back. The suspension on the scooter consists of a 1.4-inch (35-mm) telescopic fork at the front and a twin-sided steel swing arm with two shock absorbers at the back. The suspension is built to absorb bumps and consequently ensure a smoother ride, especially on rougher terrain.

The 2008 Hyosung MS3 is made out of aluminum. Its aluminum frame makes the scooter lighter than if it was using steel, while retaining the sturdiness it needs. Complete with fenders, fairing, and fork guards, the scooter is available in blue, black, and silver. A center stand is provided for parking, and a one-piece vinyl seat – set at a height of 29.9 inches (760 mm) – is large enough to accommodate the driver and up to one passenger.

The standard digital instrumentation on the 2008 Hyosung MS3 consists of a clock, tachometer, trip odometer, speedometer, temperature warning light, and fuel level warning gauge. For storage, Hyosung provides an area for hanging the helmet, as well as glove box, under-seat, and lockable compartments. Also included are a tinted windshield for protecting the driver and/or passenger from wind and flying debris, and halogen headlight and a pair of side mirrors for blind spots and night driving.

Each 2008 Hyosung MS3 has a length of 83.8 inches (2,127.5 mm), width of 30.2 inches (766 mm) and height of 54.1 inches (1,375 mm), with a wheelbase of 57.1 inches (1,451 mm). Ground clearance is measured at 4.9 inches (125 mm). The scooter has a dry weight of 363.8 lbs. (165 kilograms).

The greatest strength of the 2008 Hyosung MS3 is its generous list of standard features. More handsomely equipped than most scooters of the period, the 2008 MS3 competes favorably with entries from other manufacturers like Yamaha and Piaggio.