We recently had the pleasure to road test another 250 ATK model. This is the bare model GT250. It’s not a cruiser, nor the sport bike model. It’s sorta the low-buck Buell replacement. Since 2009 when Erik and his brand left Harley-Davidson, dealerships were stuck with nothing even close to an entry-level model, nothing to excite the youngsters.
Sure, we’re a died-in-the-wool American made entity, and I stuck to my guns while Frank White rolled one of these puppies into the Bikernet Headquarters. We attempted a warm greeting and the ATKs collected dust, until in walked a handful of kids. With each youngster came the same questions: What’s this? How much? Wow, can I ride it?
Harleys are considered Rolex watches to the younger audience, so these ATKs worked like magic when kids discovered the four grand price tags, and sometimes less.
We’ve ridden three of the models so far, the 250 cruiser, then this one, and next the 650 cruiser. Frank, who made the only American-made off road bike line-up cut a deal with S&T, the Korean manufacture of Hyosung motorcycles. I believe Hyosung built motors for Yamaha for years. They are based in Korea and vastly experienced in motorcycle manufacturing. Frank told me on numerous occasions that these bikes are assembled in the states, so they were half acceptable.
This 375-pound, fuel injected, V-twin GT 250 runs $4295, out the door. An 883 Sportster runs $7999 and weighs 565-pounds. The first young man impression we received came from Kyle, our 27-year-old test rider. “I can see over traffic on this model,” he said.
Kyle is an electrician and he was impressed with the brakes, whereas Motorcyclists staff stated the GT was, “severely lacking in stopping power.” Our test rider is not a trained professional, but a kid from the Wilmington ghetto. He felt this fuel-injected model was quicker, and had more top end than the carbureted model. “I pushed it over 95 mph on the freeway,” Kyle reported and ducked a ticket.
He was impressed with the handling at speed. “It was stable at top speed, as long as I remained in a crouched position. If I sat up, the wind rattled me.”
The bike is so light Kyle could ride it into a parking spot, kick the kickstand down, and pivot the bike into a rapid get-away position. A much better escape position for robbing liquor stores.
“Next year,” Frank told us, “we will be able to remap the fuel injection and add custom graphics, enhanced brakes, and suspension to new models, assembled in Utah.”
Motorcyclists‘ report mirrored Kyle’s impressions in several categories: It’s an agreeable bike. The riding position is relaxed and upright, the engine responds well, and the chassis is balanced and stable, perfect for the low-speed maneuvering required to pass a motorcycle license test.
Regarding training, it’s a confirmation of the bike’s reliability that units are being used for motorcycle training. “One attachment is a trainer (hybrid that we lowered the seat and added bumpers),” said Frank. “We are selling these models to training schools as instructional bikes. Several states back east who buy the training bikes direct are going to buy container loads this spring.”
According to our certified electrician, shifting was effortless and only one vibration was bothersome. “The small plastic speedo cowling rattled at speeds,” Kyle said. “I added a couple of pieces of small sticky foam, and it was good to go.”
We encountered the opportunity to have a much more experienced rider test the GT250, Dr. Hamster, a chiropractor who I have ridden to Sturgis with several times. Here’s his impression:
DR. HAMSTER RIDES ATK NAKED–
Today, I had an awesome riding experience.
I went over to the Bikernet Headquarters and since my bagger is getting new guts installed, I took my car over to his place.
Just as I pulled in, I immediately saw a very cool looking red sport bike standing in his driveway!
I used to do some sport bike racing about 30 years ago, and so I am still partial to the look and feel of speed. I sat on the bike and it felt great!
I am 6 feet and it was a great fit. Perfect seating position. I looked the bike over and couldn’t get over that it said it was a 250cc bike on the side covers!
Off we went with another couple of guys on their hopped-up choppers to the Bennett Performance Open House party.
The ATK kept right up with everybody, even when we were hitting 90mph on the freeway!
It felt stable and was super comfortable and solid in the turns. Brakes performed phenomenal.
The handling of this bike was exceptional, particularly when I was told the price:
Right around $4000! Unbelievable value for the price.
Worth every penny!
All in all a superb experience.
–Dr. Christian Reichardt
Frank attempted to lure Harley Dealers into embracing his line with moderate success, as you can imagine. The factory is tough on outsiders. But if you would like to touch and feel these puppies, a local So Cal Dealer, LA Harley-Davidson has some in stock: 562.408.6088. I’m sure you can roll over to the ATK web site and find a dealer near you.
With the added visibility in city traffic, the GT was nothing but reliable, fun, capable of moderately high speeds, easy on fuel, and a blast to ride. Next time, we will bring you a report on the GV650 cruiser, the lightweight V-rod competitor in orange and black at a fraction of the cost. Hang on.
Company History
ATK Motorcycles was founded in 1982 by an Austrian-born engineer named Horst Leitner. Leitner invented a device to eliminate the torquing action the drive chain produces on a
motorcycle. This new device greatly improved motorcycle- handling characteristics and put ATK ‘on the map.’ In 1991, Frank and Dale White joined forces with ATK in Southern California. In 1992, the Whites purchased the assets of ATK and moved the factory to Centerville, Utah.
In 2003, ATK acquired the inventory and intellectual property of Cannondale Motorsports. This left ATK as the sole manufacturer of off-road motorcycles in the U.S. placing ATK and Harley-Davidson as the two sole members of USMMA
(United States Motorcycle Manufacturers Association), a chapter of IMMA (International Motorcycle Manufacturer
Association). In 2009 ATK entered into a $100M strategic agreement with S&T Motors to produce small to mid-sized displacement street motorcycles to be sold under the ATK American brand name in Harley-Davidson dealerships.
These entry-level motorcycles offer the perfect stepping stone for first-time buyers to enter into the motorcycle lifestyle. For over a generation, ATK has been manufacturing and supplying high-quality motorcycles and ATV’s to riders of all ages and abilities and this tradition will continue for years to come.
MSRP$ 4,295 (EFI)
Limited One Year Warranty with Unlimited mileage
Colors Available
White (EFI)
Black (EFI)
Red (EFI)
Engine
Engine type: Air/Oil cooled 4-Stroke, DOHC 4V 75 V-Twin
Displacement: 249cc
Bore & Stroke: 57 by 48.8mm
Horsepower/RPM: 27 HP at 10,500 rpm
Max Torque: 16.8 pounds at 8000 rpm
Compression: 10.3:1
Carburetion: EFI Fuel Injection
Ignition: 12Volt Battery, electronic
Transmission
Gears: 5-speed, 1-down, 4-up
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate
Chassis
Wheelbase: 56.5 inches
Fuel capacity: 4.5 Gallons
Seat height: 32.5 inches
Ground clearance: 7 inches
Front suspension: 41mm USD Telescopic
Rear suspension: Adjustable linkage Mono-shock
Dry weight: 360 pounds
Wheels
Front brake: 2-piston, 300mm, 2 floating discs
Rear brake: 2-piston, 230mm, single disc
Front tire: 110/70-ZR-17 54H
Rear tire: 150/70-ZR-17 69H
