View Full Version : Top speed for GZ250
GZ250
11-07-2008, 12:54 PM
I noticed that some members have mentioned the top speed around 80 or 85mph. Is this for GZ250 and is this with mods or without any modification.
I hardly can reach 65mph and at this speed my throttle is wide open, no more space to move that or anything that I can do to go fatser. I have no modification, no windshield.
I also fear that I will blow the engine if I go faster. I have seen some previous threads about increasing speed, any comment other than that. Thanks.
Moedad
11-07-2008, 02:02 PM
SEARCH is your friend.
http://www.gz250bike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=70&hilit=+top+speed+
alanmcorcoran
11-07-2008, 02:33 PM
GZ250,
I have no mods on mine and I wasn't religious about folllowing the break-in rules, but ruling out going downhill (which is cheating), I can crack 70 without doing anything supernatural.
Do you assume "the position?" I don't think you can go more than 65 in the sitting upright position. Put your chin down on the speedo and you will probably go 10 miles an hour faster. I think Easy or Sarris said putting your heels on the back pegs helps more. Haven't tried that yet - 75 is fast enough for me.
Mine has about 1900 miles on it.
IRingTwyce
11-07-2008, 05:09 PM
Do you assume "the position?" .... Put your chin down on the speedo and you will probably go 10 miles an hour faster. I think Easy or Sarris said putting your heels on the back pegs helps more.
Yeesh. Screw that! If I wanted a crotch rocket, I'd buy one. I get weirded out enough just shifting my butt at speed. Much less trying to lay down on the bike! http://www.contour.org/ceg-vb/images/smilies/ubb/crazy.gif
Easy Rider
11-07-2008, 05:15 PM
I get weirded out enough just shifting my butt at speed. Much less trying to lay down on the bike!
Looks like we need to do some "windshield preaching" again. :)
Eagerly awaiting the report of your successful second attempt, Alan. :whistle:
And that will be quite enough talk of "assuming the position". :skull: :biggrin:
IRingTwyce
11-07-2008, 05:54 PM
Looks like we need to do some "windshield preaching" again. :)
I do have one for this bike. However, it was my intent to learn and get comfortable on the bike first without the windshield. Once I've got the skills learned for riding and countering the wind, then I'll put the windscreen on and relax a bit. I just didn't want to short-change myself on any necessary riding skills.
And that will be quite enough talk of "assuming the position". :skull: :biggrin:
Is that anything like "presenting?" Someone's not in heat are they? :shocked: O_o :lol:
Sarris
11-07-2008, 06:26 PM
I'm 6'1 and 2 80 lbs........ I don't assume any position....... except feet on front pegs.
:biggrin:
Easy Rider
11-07-2008, 08:02 PM
I just didn't want to short-change myself on any necessary riding skills.
Is that anything like "presenting?" Someone's not in heat are they?
If/when you mount the shield, don't go zipping off at top speed immediately. It will have a slightly different feel.
I think Alan is always in heat.............EEEEWWWW...sorry.....BAD image! :cry:
alanmcorcoran
11-07-2008, 09:03 PM
Well, call it what you like, but on the GZ the difference between 55 and 70 is nearly all wind resistance and rider profile. I can't be the first person to notice the "missionary" is the most aerodynamic position.
rusty rider
11-08-2008, 12:12 AM
I had my GZ up to 80 miles per hour, but a slight grade or turning into wind can drop your speed 10 mph. I found that once I installed a windshield my speed increased and my mpg improved. In Alan's defense I did on occasion tuck behind my windshield when going uphill to keep from losing momentum and it does help. I also tried using the rear pegs but even at 5'6" my legs starting cramping immediately, of course age doesn't have anything to do with it.
alanmcorcoran
11-08-2008, 03:26 AM
Supposed to get windshield number two on Nov. 12. I've gotten pretty used to riding without one, but if it makes it go faster, I'm all for it.
rusty rider
11-08-2008, 09:43 AM
Can't guarantee you'll go faster, just the result I had. Basically I was creating too much drag on it. If your a real skinny fella might not make that much difference. I also found it more more comfortable to ride longer distances.
mr. softie
11-08-2008, 02:33 PM
My GZ is faster with the windshield, and I can ride at 70-75 easily on the slab, as long as the grade is not too steep. I use the 15 tooth sprocket. To get to 70 I have to use 4th gear up to about 60, as roll on power is minuscule at high speed. Moving my feet to the rear pegs will increase my speed about 3-5 mph, and looks funny. Streamlining and gearing is key to higher speeds on a low power vehicle.
http://www.postimage.org/aVnwJh0.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aVnwJh0)
Based on a Kawasaki KZ250, This bike designed by Craig Vetter cruised easily at 80mph, had a top speed over 100mph, and got over 100 mpg back in the early 80's. It also had luggage space! He found even a 125cc motor had enough power for highway cruising if the bike was streamlined. Here is another view. These photos were lifted from his website: http://www.craigvetter.com/pages/Motorcycle_Designs/Streamliner.html
http://www.postimage.org/aVnEcI0.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aVnEcI0)
alanmcorcoran
11-08-2008, 06:09 PM
I had a chance to hit the freeway today and draft a little off my friend's T-bird. (I still don't have my windshield.) This was my first time on the "55", a paved freeway (as opposed to poured concrete.) No problem going 65 in full upright position. Had it at 70+ when traffic allowed and still had some throttle left. Probably could have hit 75 if I stuck my face down on the bars.
I used to be a "skinny" guy (5'11'', 145) but I've filled out with age (172 today). Still, I think I have a relatively low profile compared to some of Jabba the Hut's cousins I see passing me on the Harley's.
I do try to tuck in my knees and elbows (force of habit from high speed downhilling on road bicycle.)
Not much wind today - that helps.
rusty rider
11-09-2008, 10:43 PM
Your still 3 lbs lighter than I, and 5" taller. :cry:
alanmcorcoran
11-09-2008, 11:37 PM
Well, I am sure that extra weight is all muscle... :whistle:
rusty rider
11-10-2008, 10:49 AM
Yeah I build a lot of extra muscle sitting in front of my CAD system every day. :skeptical:
Sarris
11-10-2008, 10:51 AM
Me too. At least I used to get some exercise when I drew by hand.
LOL (not)
:cry:
Easy Rider
11-10-2008, 10:54 AM
Well, I am sure that extra weight is all muscle... :whistle:
Yea, right. And at 5'5" and 180, I'm sure mine is too. :roll:
Gotta get a new washing machine though. The damn thing keeps shrinking my shirts !! :biggrin:
rusty rider
11-10-2008, 11:06 AM
Well I do have my printer behind me, so I have to turn around on my chair.
alanmcorcoran
11-10-2008, 02:51 PM
I ride a desk and lappie all week as well. I go to the gym sporadically to keep decrepitude at Bay. Lately I've been playing sports with one of my colleagues. Racquetball once a week for most of this year and just this Sunday, soccer. Hasn't really helped with the weight. All that activity makes me hungry!
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