A retirement gift to yourself: the Hyosung Aquila GV 125 story
August 7, 2026, 8:55 pm by: dorothy
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There is a saying that a motorcycle is not just a machine - for some people it is a promise you make to yourself. This is the story of a friend of mine who, the day he retired, finally bought the bike he had dreamed about for years: a Hyosung Aquila GV 125.
Years of working, raising kids and paying the bills had kept the dream on the shelf. Then one morning he signed the papers and took the keys, and I swear you could see twenty years fall off his face.
A few things about this Aquila that matter:
- A proper little V-twin - a 124.5 cc, air-cooled, 8-valve DOHC V-twin, which is rare in this class and gives it that authentic cruiser feel.
- It looks a lot bigger than it is - full-size cruiser proportions, chrome and a relaxed riding position, but light and easy to handle (about 176 kg dry).
- Budget-friendly and forgiving - great for someone getting back into riding after years behind a desk.
- Comfortable for relaxed Sunday miles - he is already planning his first long trip along the Adriatic coast this summer.
He says retirement is not the end of working life, it is the beginning of the riding life. Honestly? After seeing his face the day he started it for the first time, I am starting to believe him.
Years of working, raising kids and paying the bills had kept the dream on the shelf. Then one morning he signed the papers and took the keys, and I swear you could see twenty years fall off his face.
A few things about this Aquila that matter:
- A proper little V-twin - a 124.5 cc, air-cooled, 8-valve DOHC V-twin, which is rare in this class and gives it that authentic cruiser feel.
- It looks a lot bigger than it is - full-size cruiser proportions, chrome and a relaxed riding position, but light and easy to handle (about 176 kg dry).
- Budget-friendly and forgiving - great for someone getting back into riding after years behind a desk.
- Comfortable for relaxed Sunday miles - he is already planning his first long trip along the Adriatic coast this summer.
He says retirement is not the end of working life, it is the beginning of the riding life. Honestly? After seeing his face the day he started it for the first time, I am starting to believe him.
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