KR Motors
South Korean motorcycle manufacturer producing commuter, recreational, off-road and utility motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and related parts.
Last updated August 22, 2026
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Overview
KR Motors is a South Korean motorcycle manufacturer based in Changwon. Its roots go back to 1978, when a motorcycle manufacturing division was established within the Hyosung Group. Production began in 1979 with Japanese Suzuki motorcycle designs made under license for the South Korean market. This gave the business an initial foundation in licensed production while it developed the engineering and manufacturing capabilities needed to design motorcycles independently. The company expanded its technical base during the 1980s. In 1986 it established a research and development center in Hamamatsu, Japan, a major center of motorcycle engineering. In 1987 it moved into mass production of its own designs. The company also served as the official motorcycle supplier for the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, an important domestic visibility milestone and an indication of its manufacturing role in South Korea at the time. In 2003, Hyosung Motors & Machinery Inc. was separated from the wider Hyosung Group and became an independent corporate entity. In June 2007, the motorcycle division was acquired by the Korean S&T Group, also known as Science and Technology, and was subsequently renamed S&T Motors. In 2014, S&T Motors was acquired by Kolao Holdings, now known as LVMC Holdings, and the business adopted the KR Motors name. KR Motors has traditionally competed through practical, relatively simple motorcycles intended for everyday transportation. Its range has also included scooters, utility models and small-displacement motorcycles suitable for commuting and commercial use. Over time, the company expanded toward recreational riding and larger motorcycles, with engine capacities reaching as high as 678cc. Its product families have included sportbikes and standards under the Comet name, cruisers marketed in some markets as Mirage or Aquila, work motorcycles, scooters, off-road motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles. The company has sought customers beyond its domestic market, with distribution and market activity reported across Australia, Northern Europe, Canada, India, the Middle East, Thailand and the United States. Its international portfolio has included models adapted or marketed under different names by regional distributors, such as the GD250R being associated with the Naza N5R name and the GV cruiser line being sold under Mirage or Aquila designations. KR Motors therefore occupies a position between a domestic South Korean manufacturer and an export-oriented motorcycle brand, with an offering spanning entry-level commuting, recreational riding and utility applications.
History
KR Motors traces its origins to a motorcycle division created within the Hyosung Group in 1978. The division began manufacturing motorcycles in Changwon in 1979, initially producing Japanese Suzuki designs under license for the South Korean market. This early phase established the company's industrial base and connected it to Japanese motorcycle technology while serving a developing domestic transportation market. The business began developing a more independent engineering capability in the 1980s. In 1986 it opened a research and development center in Hamamatsu, Japan. The following year, it started mass production of motorcycles based on its own designs rather than relying solely on licensed products. Its role in South Korea's motorcycle industry was highlighted in 1988, when it became the official motorcycle supplier for the Summer Olympics held in Seoul. Hyosung Motors & Machinery Inc. was separated from the Hyosung Group in 2003 and operated thereafter as an independent company. In June 2007, the motorcycle division was purchased by S&T Group, a Korean company whose name was associated with Science and Technology. The company was renamed S&T Motors following the transaction. A further ownership change occurred in 2014, when S&T Motors was acquired by Kolao Holdings. Kolao Holdings was later known as LVMC Holdings, and the motorcycle business was renamed KR Motors. The company is identified as a subsidiary of Synergy Partners Co., Ltd. In product terms, the company developed beyond its historical emphasis on simple, efficient commuter motorcycles. Its range came to cover sportbikes, standard motorcycles, cruisers, scooters, work motorcycles, off-road models and ATVs. Larger-displacement products, including motorcycles reaching 678cc, supported an effort to address recreational riders as well as everyday commuters. The company also pursued export markets in regions including Australia, Northern Europe, Canada, India, the Middle East, Thailand and the United States. Some models have appeared under different regional names, reflecting local distribution and branding arrangements.
- 2014
Acquired by Kolao Holdings and renamed KR Motors
[1]Kolao Holdings acquired S&T Motors, after which the company adopted the KR Motors name. Kolao Holdings is now known as LVMC Holdings.
- 2007
Acquired by S&T Group and renamed
[1]In June, the motorcycle division was acquired by S&T Group and renamed S&T Motors.
- 2003
Spin-off from Hyosung
[1]Hyosung Motors & Machinery Inc. was separated from the Hyosung Group and became an independent corporate entity.
- 1988
Seoul Olympics motorcycle supplier
[1]The company served as the official motorcycle supplier for the Summer Olympics in Seoul.
- 1987
Own-design motorcycles enter mass production
[1]Mass production began for motorcycles developed from the company's own designs.
- 1986
Japanese research center established
[1]The company established a research and development center in Hamamatsu, Japan, strengthening its engineering capabilities.
- 1979
Licensed motorcycle production begins
[1]The company began producing Japanese Suzuki motorcycle designs under license in Changwon for the South Korean market.
- 1978
Motorcycle division established
[1]A motorcycle manufacturing division was established within the Hyosung Group, forming the organizational foundation of the later KR Motors business.
Products and positioning
A South Korean motorcycle manufacturer combining practical commuter and utility models with mid-displacement recreational motorcycles for domestic and export markets.
Sportbikes and standard motorcycles
Comet
The Comet family covers KR Motors' sportbike and standard motorcycle offerings. Listed variants include the GT650R and GT650S sportbikes, the GT650 standard model, and smaller GT250 and GT125 versions. The line represents the company's move beyond basic commuting products into performance-oriented and recreational motorcycles.
Sportbike and standard motorcycle
GD250
The GD250 range includes the GD250R sportbike and GD250N standard motorcycle. The GD250R has also been associated with the Naza N5R name in some markets. These models occupy the smaller-displacement recreational segment and broaden the company's offering beyond entry-level commuter motorcycles.
Cruiser motorcycles
Mirage/Aquila
The Mirage/Aquila family comprises cruiser motorcycles sold under different regional names. The range includes the GV650 and GV250, with the GV125C serving the smaller-displacement end of the cruiser portfolio. These models support KR Motors' participation in recreational and leisure-oriented motorcycle segments.
Work motorcycle
KR110
The KR110 is a small-displacement work motorcycle intended for practical transportation and utility use. It reflects KR Motors' traditional focus on simple, efficient motorcycles for commuting and commercial applications.
Scooters
Scooter range
KR Motors' scooter portfolio has included the Exceed, Megajet, Rapid, Prima, Rally, Rally50, Rally100, Sense, MS3 125/250, Grand Prix 125 4T and Supercap. The group covers lightweight urban scooters as well as practical models designed for everyday mobility.
Off-road motorcycles
Off-road range
The RT125, RX125 and Troy families extend KR Motors into off-road and dual-purpose riding. They complement the company's road motorcycles by addressing riders seeking recreational or utility use away from conventional paved-road applications.
All-terrain vehicles
ATV range
KR Motors has listed TE50, TE100, TE450 and LT160 all-terrain vehicles. These products broaden the business from two-wheeled motorcycles into small recreational and utility vehicles.
Brand decisions
2014
Acquisition by Kolao HoldingsM&ABackground
S&T Motors underwent another ownership change as the business pursued a continuing motorcycle manufacturing and export presence.
Action taken
Kolao Holdings acquired S&T Motors and renamed the company KR Motors.
Aftermath
The company continued under the KR Motors name; Kolao Holdings is now known as LVMC Holdings.
2007
Acquisition by S&T GroupM&ABackground
The motorcycle division changed ownership after operating independently from Hyosung.
Action taken
S&T Group acquired the division in June and renamed it S&T Motors.
Aftermath
The S&T Motors identity was used until the next ownership transition in 2014.
2003
Corporate separation from Hyosung GroupStrategyBackground
The motorcycle business was reorganized within the Hyosung corporate structure.
Action taken
Hyosung Motors & Machinery Inc. was spun off as an independent corporate entity.
Aftermath
The business continued outside the Hyosung Group before subsequent ownership changes.
1987
Move to own motorcycle designsProduct launchBackground
After establishing a research and development center in Japan, the company sought to reduce reliance on licensed designs.
Action taken
It began mass production of motorcycles based on its own designs.
Aftermath
The change marked a transition toward independent product development.
1979
Begin licensed Suzuki productionStrategyBackground
The newly established motorcycle operation needed production technology and products for the South Korean market.
Action taken
It began manufacturing Japanese Suzuki motorcycle designs under license in Changwon.
Aftermath
The licensed-production phase provided the foundation for later independent engineering and motorcycle manufacturing.
Sources2 sources
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