Speed Record for the GZ250

[Chris]

Yeah, I thought that would get your attention. This won't last long, but...

Yesterday was a windy day and I opened her up on a straight highway. She registered 76.9mph - see the picture. Now anyone could beat this simply by getting in your car and going faster, then taking a picture of your GPS near the bike. Go ahead, but this one is for real.
This, of course, will be broken soon, maybe by me. Just thought you would like to see it. Taken at twilight after the 70 mile ride in 45 degrees.

Chris, retired guy in Atlanta
http://www.postimage.org/Pq1YvAbS.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=Pq1YvAbS)

[alanmcorcoran]

Wind behind you? I've had mine over 70 on a straight away, maybe (probably) not 76 (it's kind of hard to tell *what* the speed is between the major milestones) but I think the wind was at my back. I have no GPS. I can't get to that speed excpet under ideal circumstances.

You can also beat this speed going downhill.

[Chris]

Hi, Alan,
No Substainal tailwind. I've had it faster before and will soon run another test. It think she'll do 80, we'll see.
I hope no one takes this as a challange to go out and get hurt.

You don't have a GPS?? How do you find your way around? Once you get one you can't live without it. Mine mounts on my gas tank with velcro. You cannot read it while riding, but it sure is handy on back roads that you don't know.

Chris, retired in Atlanta

[Chris]

Hey, guys,
I want to update my profile and put a nice picture on me and the bike. But I cannot figure out how to do it????

By the way, who owns this board?? Suzuki???

Chris in Atlanta

[alanmcorcoran]

Chris, you can upload a picture under your profile, but you have to have the proper dimensions. Click on the User Control Panel up at the top of the browser screen. I trimmed mine with photoshop.

Dupo owns the board. Patrick and Badbob help run it.

Re GPS: I've always been fond of maps, and I regularly use Google Maps (used to use MapQuest) but for some reason, I've never been motivated to get a GPS. I am actually pretty good at self navigation, something I inherited from my father. Once you know north, south, east, west, the basic topography and some inkling of the regions major arteries, the GPS is in your head. I've screwed up a few times, but in most cases, I can do pretty good navigating by hunch. I've also been hosed by Google and Mapquest a few times - they don't seem to be able to tell the difference between a hiking trail and a pved thoroughfare.

[Easy Rider]

You don't have a GPS?? How do you find your way around? Once you get one you can't live without it. Mine mounts on my gas tank with velcro. You cannot read it while riding, but it sure is handy on back roads that you don't know.


I can understand that, coming from a guy who lives in Atlanta. :)

In my 62 years, I've only been "lost" in two places in my whole life; once in Washington, D.C. and MORE than once in Atlanta. No problem getting there or getting out but if you get off the beaten path, forget it. Last time I actually had to stop and buy a map to find my way back to Decatur. Next time the GPS goes with me ...... in my jacket pocket.

P.S. My GZ will do over 80. Found that out on a LONG down-the-mountain stretch of road on my last trip back from Atlanta. Surprisingly stable but I have a 16T front sprocket (for less revs) and a windshield; I would NEVER do that without a properly angled shield to help keep it on the road. :biggrin:

And before anybody asks, yes, the 16T DOES make climbing the mountains a tad bit more problematic but you just have to downshift to 4th a little sooner.

I only stayed at 80 for about 10 seconds as there was a curve at the bottom of the hill !!! :skull:

[Water Warrior 2]

I never get lost. People are always kind enough to tell me where to go. I tend to side with road maps and the odd google map if there is any doubt about the destination. Living on the prairies I was never lost in 60 years. Living in mountains and such with a larger city to ride into(Vancouver,BC) I can get lost quite easily. My brain is geared to operate in straight lines.

[alanmcorcoran]

Re the GPS - are the things smart about traffic and lights and such? ABPS (Alan's Brain Positioning SystemTM) will often pick a route that appears to be longer or slower, but, in fact, takes into account the stuff Alan likes to ride and avoids construction, lights, left turns, speed traps, etc. I generally don't get lost, but I do try to avoid thinking about directions too much when I am riding. It's one more distraction and, the fewer the better when you are on two wheels. Even when I use Google maps, I try to memorize as much of it as I can before I set out. I enjoy the ride more when I'm just thinking about the road, the bike, the surroundings and being vigilant of the traffic.

[Easy Rider]

Re the GPS - are the things smart about traffic and lights and such?

NO, but then neither is ABPS in an area that you know nothing about !! :roll:

I get a big kick out of the people who "use" their GPS to go back and forth to work every day.......and then they complain because it doesn't pick the best route. :crazy:

Just like I don't need a map for places that I know, I don't need the GPS either.
It can come in VERY handy, though, in places that I don't know, especially if they are not layed out on a N-S/E-W grid.

[Chris]

Hi, guys,
Still have not figured out how to add a picture to my profile. Not important.
Someone mentioned a record speed for a 250cc twin of 103mph. Of course the GZ is a single. I'm surprised the twin record is not higher. With proper gearing and a real streamliner shell I would expect far higher.
On GPS's: they really come in handy, especially on motorcycle rides. They will tell you how far you've been, how to get where you are going, and (biggest) where you are. And many other things. I cannot imagine crusing without one these days. I keep mine velcroed to my gas tank. I cannot read it while riding, of course, but it sure is nice to stop and look at it.
I have a pocket sized Magellan. I love the size (boat, car, bike, hiking, etc.) but don't like the Magellan. All kinds of problems. Will get another brand in January. Look at the no-name brands for far less cost. Mine is a color screen which is terrific.


Chris, Atlanta

[alanmcorcoran]

Chris,

User Control Panel
Profile
Edit Avatar
(browse) Upload Photo.

You photo needs to be small and square. Don't try and load up a 13 megapixel masterpiece. An ex photog should be able to figure that part out.

[goneoutflying]

A GPS is great for places you don't know however they are not always 100% accurate even when updated. Even my GPS got lost in Atlanta. O_o

As for the GZ doing 103 , it probably could but not without blowing the engine shortly after :crash:
I have gone up to 85 MPH and the engine sounds like it is going to rip itself to pieces.

[Easy Rider]

Even my GPS got lost in Atlanta. O_o




:haha2: :crackup

On second thought, NOT really funny......having been caught in that maze a few times! :twisted:

[deadman13]

ive hit 72 (speedo, nothing that fancy) once or twice, mostly on a slight grade. i regularly can hit upeer 60's. now what makes this "special", im 6ft 250lbs. bike does just fine. im considering the tike kit just for fun. i did the needle shim mod, drilled 3, 1/2" holes in the exhaust (actually before i heard it was "good" for it) and took the scoop off the filter. seems to run fine, but i do want to make some carb adjustments one day. i just cant seem to find a straight answer on here as to a good jet size...


but i dont see why people cant find the mid/upper 60s more often. i just realized i had so much more top end in the lower gears (would shift a bit early, out of caution).

i love this little bike. best $300 i ever spent

[alanmcorcoran]

I was out today on the freeway on a fairly windless day. I'm not sure exactly how fast I was going but I had it up over the hash mark after the "70" (Do those hash marks mean anything? Is 70 the lower one or the upper one or the number?) More importantly, I had no trouble getting and keeping the bike up to, and a little over, the speed limit (65) which has been a challenge in the past. I actually passed some traffic and had no trouble keeping up with the "slow" lane traffic.

Some speed related details:

My Weight: 172
Windshield: yes, medium to largish
Oil: Rotella conventional 15w40, somewhat overfilled
Mileage: Little north of 2400
Terrain: mostly flat, some slight grades

I experimented with having the "choke" on a little, a little more, and not at all. Didn't seem to make any noticeable difference. Since I got the new oil, I've become a little more aggressive on the shifting - I typically take 4th up to at least 50 now, if not a little higher. Used to shift into 5th at 40.

Not sure if my increased freeway speed is due to less wind, the windshield, "break-in", oil or riding experience. In any case, I feel a lot less pressure when I can go the speed limit.

[Easy Rider]

i just cant seem to find a straight answer on here as to a good jet size...


Get the shop manual and look at the European specs.

BTW, the answer IS on here in at least one thread which has a VERY detailed description of a complete carb. "upgrade".

Given those two sources, what exactly is it that you want ??

[deadman13]

i want the bike to run as well as possible, but thats about it. ive looked before, just never typed jet size in the search box. if you know what a good size would be, care to share easy? youre one of the few id actually listen to...

[Easy Rider]

i want the bike to run as well as possible, but thats about it. ive looked before, just never typed jet size in the search box. if you know what a good size would be, care to share easy? youre one of the few id actually listen to...

No, I don't remember. Sorry.
It may be quicker or easier to just scan the topics for one about rebuilding the carb.

[NoMates]

:cool: I got 75 outta mine on wednesday nite coming home from work, I had a good tail wind on a flat piece of highway and could probly have got 80 if I really wanted to..Yippeeeeeeeeeee. :ride:

[tampadeb]

i got mine to 86 2 days ago. did it twice on the courtney campbell causeway. must have been the right temp and everything...i have no gps (i always know where i am and when i am going) hubby said his 750 said i was going 90+ but mine only said 85 with the line on the top.

[Easy Rider]

i got mine to 86 2 days ago. did it twice on the courtney campbell causeway.

hubby said his 750 said i was going 90+ but mine only said 85 with the line on the top.

No fair getting a tow from a pelican !! :biggrin:

Of all the bikes I've owned (a dozen or so), the speedo on the GZ is the most accurate I've seen. Most read high so I'd be inclined to think you are closer than he is.

[Water Warrior 2]

The VStrom also reads higher than actual but the GZ seems to be very close when compared to roadside speed/radar signs. Need a GPS to actually see how bad the VStrom is. Also have tinkered with the idea of a bicycle speedo. The little computerized units are very accurate and cheap.

[Chris]

Hi, guys,
I'm the original guy that posted "Speed Record...".
I put a velcro trip on my gas tank and another on my GPS so it sticks right in front. Hard to read when I am riding, but it sure is handy to find out where I am on my long country rides.
My GPS tells me the speedometer on my GZ is very accurate.

Chris
Retired guy near Atlanta
GZ is my 12th bike

[Water Warrior 2]

In the search for a GPS I found one that was affordable on a half price sale just after New Years. Have a Nextar X3. Quite simple to use even for my technology challenged brain. Seems to do what I require and the voice commands are great. No other functions except for music but not while in Nav mode. Tried it in the truck and we were very entertained with it's abilities. Just found a site that is mailing a handlebar mount so just waiting for warmer weather to do a ride test.

[Chris]

(from Chris, the original subject author)

Water Warrior,
The handlebar mount will probably shake the GPS a lot and be bad for it. You cannot read the GPS (or listen to it) while riding so having it so convienent will not be important.
I think my velcro on the gas tank is a good solution. I can stop and quickly check the GPS which I do often.
What does "Water Warrior" mean??

Chris, retired near Atlanta

[alanmcorcoran]

When I went down to the rental place to check out the big cuiser, it had a GPS mounted on it, I think to the bars. It was a flexible post style mounting like the old in-car cellular telephone mountings that came up from the floorboards next to the center console. It's not an apples to apples comparison as this was a bigger bike, but, I could definitely see the display. (I remember it saying I was out of gas [it was wrong, but I didn't know they "knew" stuff like that.])

It might have been mounted to the tank. If anyone is curious, I can find out.

[Water Warrior 2]

(from Chris, the original subject author)

Water Warrior,
The handlebar mount will probably shake the GPS a lot and be bad for it. You cannot read the GPS (or listen to it) while riding so having it so convienent will not be important.
I think my velcro on the gas tank is a good solution. I can stop and quickly check the GPS which I do often.
What does "Water Warrior" mean??

Chris, retired near Atlanta


Not too worried about vibration on the VStrom but it is still a consideration. There are many VStrom riders with GPS units and rarely is vibs a problem. Having said that mine will shake itself to death in the first 5 minutes.

WW refers to the fact that I worked in 2 water treatment plants for 25 years. It seemed that we were always at war with Mother Nature and her water. Good clean drinking water is hard to come by without a lot of work and dedication to the product. When you start out with muddy looking water the fun begins. We supplied H2O to approx a million folks and all the industry that goes with them.

[Chris]

Hello to Water Warrior! It has been a couple of weeks since I checked this thread.
I thought the "Water Warrior" guy might be a boater. I am a boater and buy/sell boats a bit, usually about two a year. RIght now I am in a small SeaDoo jet boat - what a hoot!
So you work in the water industry? I've always been interested in water, especially ground water. Spring water is interesting to me and I have snorkelled in most of the springs on north Florida.
Keep up the good work.

Chris, retired near Atlanta

[Water Warrior 2]

Hello to Water Warrior! It has been a couple of weeks since I checked this thread.
I thought the "Water Warrior" guy might be a boater. I am a boater and buy/sell boats a bit, usually about two a year. RIght now I am in a small SeaDoo jet boat - what a hoot!
So you work in the water industry? I've always been interested in water, especially ground water. Spring water is interesting to me and I have snorkelled in most of the springs on north Florida.
Keep up the good work.

Chris, retired near Atlanta

Chris, you missed the key word, "WORKED". Past tense. Retired 4 years ago this coming April. The only thing a little sucky about retirement is the lower income but I have only myself to blame. Overall retirement is a good life.

[Chris]

Retirement is sure good to me. At 57 I was self employed so I did not have a retirement party, etc., I just quit working! Finally got enough to retire and I said "That's enough!". Now I do financial counseling at church and try to talk folks into early retirement.
Now I only do two things: I do a lot of church stuff and I do a lot of fun stuff. A good life.
Waiting on warmer weather. Even in Georgia it is in the low 40's so I am not riding.

Chris, retired near Atlanta

[Water Warrior 2]

Had the retirement lunch and was very emotional for me. I knew a lot of good people and would no longer have them in my life on a daily basis. Did get a gold watch though. Wore it for a few days and decided time was mine now. Put the watch away with the 2 others and don't miss them at all.

[mrlmd1]

Way to go! I too miss those people but I can see them with a plane ride or they come here to visit. Friendships last. But get rid of the watch and then realize you can go fishing, sailing, riding, traveling, whatever you want, with no timetable to adhere to. That's what it's all about. And it's a new chapter in your life. I love it. C'mon down here and we'll go fishing and have a brew instead of the office or wherever.

[Water Warrior 2]

Would love to visit Florida but that would be more than the budget will allow at this time. Ideally I would ride and take my time to see the sights. I keep thinking about a part time job in the winter to provide more summer ride $ but that is a serious commitment. Might have to wear a watch again. lol. :biggrin:

[Chris]

Hi Mrlmd1,
Looks like you have plenty of toys. I'm retired young north of Atlanta.

Where are you in Florida? I go to Indian Rocks with my family every May so we are looking forward to it right now. No motorcycle, but I will bring my small jet boat down to ride, fish in the bay.
How long have you been retired? What did you do?

Chris, living in the woods above Atlanta

[mrlmd1]

Chris - I am in Shell Point, 40 miles south of Tallahassee right on the Gulf Of Mexico (want to buy a really nice house in Tallahassee on a 2 1/2 acre park-like setting?) . Moved down here from NJ (just west of NYC) July 2002 when I retired at 59, never looked back. I was a cardiovascular/thoracic surgeon working 60-80 hrs./week, up nights, every other weekend, at the mercy of whomever was on the other end of the telephone. Despite all the hours and hard work and expertise and responsibility for someone's life and good health, the pay sucks because of Uncle Sam and 5-8% yearly cuts in Medicare payments for the past 15+ years despite insurance, office costs and salaries, etc, etc, going up every year. And forget about all the bullshit lawyers trying to make big bucks and hospital administrators and insurance companies you have to deal with to get the job done. Don't get me started. I like what I am doing right now much better - boating, sailing, fishing, kayaking, riding (short trips around here) and even doing absolutely nothing or only cutting the grass. A much better life, like I said, a new chapter to do what you want, not what every one else wants you to do. Hopefully it'll last for all of us many, many years to come.

I have to dig out a map an look up Indian Rocks - where is that?

And don't forget, that old saying that he who dies with the most toys wins, is bullshit. When you're dead, you're dead, and maybe someone else gets all the toys.
Wouldn't you love to be one of your own children?

[mr. softie]

Say mrlmd1, What are you asking for the house in Tallahassee? And are there any jobs there? I need a change big time.:-)

[Sarris]

I live in New Port Richey in Pasco County, Florida. It is the county which north of Pinellas County, where Indian Rocks (and Indian Rocks Beach) are located. I used to own a Gulf front condo there, as well as Indian Rocks Beach is where I got clanged in 06. Re: the 8 month wheelchair experience.

Google Map.......

:)

[Chris]

Hi guys,
Haven't been on this part of the board in a while. I'm about to post a note of valve adjustment.

Sarris, you said you got dinged up near Indian Rocks? On the GZ250?

mrlnd1 - Indian Rocks is a quiet beach community just south of Clearwater. For years I took my family to condos on the Panhandle. Then I stumbled on Indian Rocks area. Same condo, same beach, same water, same palm trees, same everything...but half the condo price!!! From Atlanta it is one hour further drive but to save $900 I'll do it.
Mrlnd1 - sounds like you have a great life. I would not miss the pressure of being a Doctor either. I dated a girl whose Dad and Mom were both Doctors and they lived near the hospital. What a miserable life they had! The phone rang constantly and they had to run up to the hospital. You made a good call.

Chris, Atlanta

[Chris]

I had previously claimed the all time speed record for a completely stock GZ250 at 76.9mph. But...

Just got in from an all day 230 miles ride in NW Georgia. Rode country highways mostly, but was in a hurry to get home so I took I75 from Adairsville to my home in Marietta. Ran 70mph most of the time.
On a lonely stretch I opened her up and just hung on. The speed climbed and then stopped. The speedo said 80, but the GPS says 79.2mph. I hereby claim the all time speed record for a GZ250. See picture.
So the question is...am I lying? Of course I could be, who would know? Well, I'm a retired Christian guy who dosen't lie and I have the GPS to prove it. This is real. If you don't believe it then come to Georgia and bring a lot of gambling money with you.

Chris, retired guy near Atlanta
http://www.postimage.org/aVY0jer.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aVY0jer)

[mr. softie]

Well of course Chris your bike is fast cause it is RED!!! Mine is red and I have indicated 87 once, but no GPS so I might have been dreaming or in an alternate Universe where GZ's go that fast. I might add I was on a long downhill section of I95 with a tailwind on a very hot day with my feet on the rear pegs and my chin on the bars and passing a high-balling semi. As I hit his bow wave I slowed down. Exciting but scary! I do get up to the low 80's on occasion when I am in a big rush, but again no gps.

[patrick_777]

Chris, stop creating new threads about this topic.

[Chris]

I'm not sure I understand who Patrick 777 is. Are you the Adminstrator for this board? Who owns this board? I have to have someone's permission to put up a post? This is not poronography or anything, this is a small motorcycle board. Why do I need anyones permission to put up a post?? Is this your job? Who do you work for?
Everyone is history that has owned a motorcycle has wondered how fast it would go. The advantage of a small bike is the top speeds are not really all that fast. A crotch rocket would go 150mph and I would never attempt that, but on a small bike I think this is safe. I'm the guy on the board that talks about safety all the time.
If you don't feel like discussing this in public then email to

miller1155@bellsouth.net

Chris, Atlanta

[Easy Rider]

I'm not sure I understand who Patrick 777 is. Are you the Adminstrator for this board?

YES! 'Nuf said. If you had been paying attention, you would know that. There is even a little TAG under his name at the top of every post !!

YOU need to cool your jets a bit, Sir.

Generally it is not good to have multiple threads about the same subject.

P.S. Some of us here tend to be a little more blunt than is necessary at times.....me included....Patrick ???? :poke2:

Even Admin's are not perfect. :shocked:

[adrianinflorida]

I think Patrick posted this after Chris started a whole new thread last night for his new speed record. Patrick mereley moved it to Chris' existing land speed record thread and asked Chris not to start a new thread for each 2/10s of a MPH improvement he achieves in the quest for the title of Worlds Fastest Atlantan. :)

[Easy Rider]

I think Patrick posted this after Chris started a whole new thread last night for his new speed record. Patrick mereley moved it to Chris' existing land speed record thread and asked Chris not to start a new thread for each 2/10s of a MPH improvement he achieves in the quest for the title of Worlds Fastest Atlantan. :)

Ah HA! I thought something was out of place.....but the short term memory isn't what it used to be. Think I will go back and edit my post ........back to what it was before I got squeemish and changed it !!! :roll:

[patrick_777]

Are you the Adminstrator for this board?
Yes.

Who owns this board?
For matters like this....Me.

I have to have someone's permission to put up a post?
Posting here is a privilege, not a right.

This is not poronography or anything, this is a small motorcycle board.
This is a moderated board.

Why do I need anyones permission to put up a post??
Posting here is a privilege, not a right.
This is a moderated board.

Is this your job?
Yes.

Who do you work for?
Work is subjective.

Everyone is history that has owned a motorcycle has wondered how fast it would go. The advantage of a small bike is the top speeds are not really all that fast.
And you've created 4 threads on the exact same subject, two of which are active.

If you don't feel like discussing this in public then email to
No thanks...and I already had your email address.

Patrick, NOT retired in Tulsa

[patrick_777]

I think Patrick posted this after Chris started a whole new thread last night for his new speed record. Patrick mereley moved it to Chris' existing land speed record thread and asked Chris not to start a new thread for each 2/10s of a MPH improvement he achieves in the quest for the title of Worlds Fastest Atlantan. :)

Yes, I merged the topics. Nice catch.

[Chris]

It strikes me as odd that it is a secret about who owns this board. And the employment of who monitors the board.

The users don't know and can't find out? Why is that? I'm not suggesting a problem, but usually when you ask a question you get an answer.
I've taken the forefront on safety, maintenance, safe riding, fun cruises, and getting high gas mileage. Some guys have used bad language, bad habits, and incorrect information. Some have even posted notes and pictures on bikes that are nothing like a GZ250.
So I ran my bike up to 79mph and I'm being censored?

Chris, retired experienced rider near Atlanta

[adrianinflorida]

Chris, you're making more out of this than is necessary. I think Dupo started the board, that would make him the 'owner', and the mods keep things in order. Too many new threads about a similar subject tend to slow things down on the back end of the fourm and get sloppy. You weren't being censored, merely corrected on posting ettiquite.

[mr. softie]

Walk softly and carry a big shtick... no worries Chris! Personally I didn't notice you had posted more than one thread with this subject, but it is easier for everyone to keep track of one thread than four, so Patrick was just doing his maintainance and mentioned he would rather everyone follow the protocol is all.

BTW Chris, have you seen "The Fastest Indian"? Great Movie!

[Easy Rider]

The users don't know and can't find out? Why is that? I'm not suggesting a problem, but usually when you ask a question you get an answer.


All the information you asked for IS and HAS BEEN available in the posts on here for a LONG time.

The fact that you seem to be too dense or too lazy to look for it would tend to indicate that you don't REALLY want to know the answers but are just asking to stir up crap.

The person who uses a handle of Dupo is the actual owner. He drops by from time to time......and posts things about his new bike......that is NOT a GZ.

Hate to say this, Chris, but everybody else seems to be OK with how things are run around here; if you aren't OK with it, you are welcome to leave at any time. If you feel you must cop an attitude, please do it elsewhere. :popcorn:

[music man]

It strikes me as odd that it is a secret about who owns this board. And the employment of who monitors the board.

The users don't know and can't find out? Why is that? I'm not suggesting a problem, but usually when you ask a question you get an answer.
I've taken the forefront on safety, maintenance, safe riding, fun cruises, and getting high gas mileage. Some guys have used bad language, bad habits, and incorrect information. Some have even posted notes and pictures on bikes that are nothing like a GZ250.
So I ran my bike up to 79mph and I'm being censored?

Chris, retired experienced rider near Atlanta


First of all you are the only person that seems not to know who "owns" this board, Dupo as far as I know started it, and then Had Badbob come in and start helping out with the site, then He got Patrick on board, And if you look right up under Patrick or Dupo's Name on their posts (and Badbob too) it says ADMIN!!!!

And Everyone else that has chimed in is correct, you OBVIOUSLY didn't read what Patrick posted when he moved yet another thread you started about the top speed of a/your GZ.

All he said was and I quote "Chris, stop creating new threads about this topic." Do you really call that being censored? And not only that how did he censor you, He didn't even erase your new post, He just merged it with one of YOUR OWN other threads about the exact same thing.

Chill out Dude


Tony, Chillin In Arkansas

P.S. I wrote this before I read Easy's post, he beat me to the submit button.

[Joho]

You guys ALL need to chill.....

because *I* broke that record today! 80 solid miles per hour, on a flat piece of slab with 0 wind. Booyah!

edit: well, i was drafting a bit. :tongue:

[Chris]

Hello Mr. Softie,
I did see The Fastest Indian and enjoyed it also. Amazing that the guy lived through all that Bonneville stuff.
Going back 30 years...have you seen "On Any Sunday"? It is about the half mile flat track guys doing 80mph sideways in the dirt. Great movie. In fact, since I am on Netflix, I think I will order it and watch it again.
What other motorcycle movies are there besides the Hells Angels type. This is a good place to list good motorcycle movies.
Changed my oil yesterday. I get the filters on ebay (about $15 for three as opposed to $12 each at the dealer) and they come, with free shipping, right to my mailbox. I use 5-20wt synthetic oil, by the way. I change every 3000 miles (just turned 6000 miles) and it sure came out dirty. If it is that dirty again I may go to a 2000 mile oil change. It is easy and fast to do. I guess the filter and the oil cost about $12 so that is not much to extend the life of my bike. However the GZ250 is well known to be a very long life engine.
After my new top speed record, now I will go for the gas mileage record. I am getting about 75mpg and think I could top 80mpg with easy driving. What mileage are you guys getting? I drive so easy that in my cars I EXCEED the EPA mileage number. My Corolla is rated at 35mpg and I get 40!

Chris, Atlanta

[patrick_777]

What other motorcycle movies are there besides the Hells Angels type. This is a good place to list good motorcycle movies.

That actually WOULD make a good thread topic.

:chop:

[music man]

,
I get the filters on ebay (about $15 for three as opposed to $12 each at the dealer)

Chris, Atlanta


Your dealer charges you 12 dollars for an oil filter, man you are getting :curse:, i pay like 5 bucks after tax at the suzuki shop for mine.

[patrick_777]

And they're like $2 from Bike Bandit plus maybe $2 for shipping, plus they have great service.

[Easy Rider]

I use 5-20wt synthetic oil, by the way. I change every 3000 miles (just turned 6000 miles) and it sure came out dirty.

I hope that is a typo. The top number should NOT be less than 40 for an air cooled engine in Georgia. It would be too thin to give good protection when HOT. This is reflected in the recommendations in the owner's manual. Also with the first number being 5, you need to check the label carefully to be sure it doesn't say "energy conserving". Exactly what brand and type of oil are you using ??

You don't need to worry because your oil comes out LOOKING dirty. That is mostly discoloration from heat and occurs with many oils in the first few hundred miles or so. The dark color is especially pronounced with some synthetics and does NOT mean that the oil is dirty or worn out.
Every 3K miles is PLENTY with the proper synthetic.

[adrianinflorida]

What other motorcycle movies are there besides the Hells Angels type. This is a good place to list good motorcycle movies.

That actually WOULD make a good thread topic.

:chop:I remember a movie with Barry Sheene in the early 80's, some of the racing scenes were cool, but there were a bunch of goofy dream sequnences and stuff. Now I gotta go look it up.

On edit....
Spaceriders
http://www.amazon.com/Space-Riders-Barr ... B00000F68V (http://www.amazon.com/Space-Riders-Barry-Sheene/dp/B00000F68V)

[phoenix]

i'm courious what gas and windshield you guys are useing. beacouse last week my friend and I went down I-70 norm traffic there is like 75 or so and I was passing stuff left and right when we got back to town my friend said i was pushing 90 mph.
i cant really say for sure sence my speedo is not right reads slow and i never hit 75 on it. i was running on sheel 91 gas with nitrigon additive and a ss-10 viper windshield. i am about 150 lbs. and sorry for the spelling

[Easy Rider]

..... friend said i was pushing 90 mph.
i cant really say for sure sence my speedo is not right reads slow and i never hit 75 on it. i was running on sheel 91 gas with nitrigon additive and a ss-10 viper windshield.

I just can't shake the feeling that this post has a distinctive "troll-ish" quality about it. :skull:

Now to see what that 2nd post is that this new user has left. :roll:

[Edit] OK, so maybe he is legit.
All I have to say at the moment is: Phoenix, new buddy, that little thumper was NOT made to run at speeds like that (not for long anyway). If you don't want it to BLOW UP, slow down a bit.

[alanmcorcoran]

About 50% of I-70 between CO and UT is VERY downhill. I could hit 60 on it on my bicycle. I'd like to know how fast he went UP the summit climbs.

[phoenix]

All I have to say at the moment is: Phoenix, new buddy, that little thumper was NOT made to run at speeds like that (not for long anyway). If you don't want it to BLOW UP, slow down a bit

yeah i know was just trying to find out why or how i was going so fast. weather the gas or the windshield. everytime befor that day i could only maybe go like 65 if i'm lucky, depending on how 5th wanted to act that day.
and on the exact speed i cant tell ya my speed do was saying around 73=75 or so. but i know i wa passing everything in site and my friend on his honda aero said i was pulling from him at 85.

that was a one time thing i know not to do it again. And i know it may sound like BS but its for real.

[Water Warrior 2]

A little knowledge and my opinion here. First, the GZ has a very accurate speedo in comparison to most other bikes I have read about. If it says 75 then you are closer to an actual 75 than the next guy. This is somewhat varified by my VStrom speedo which is very generous and then checking it against a GPS when I was able to get one. I doubt Suzuki had 90 MPH in mind when designing the GZ so don't do it again. Oh just remembered. Welcome to the forum.

[alanmcorcoran]

One factor that is easily missed is tailwinds. Basically, if you have 20 mph tailwind, you can almost add 20mph onto your top end. You won't notice it, because at 80, you are still generating 60 mphs of headwind, but, you will REALLY notice it when you turn around. This is a lesson I learned the hard way on bicycle rides where the effect is even more pronounced. A big mistake newb bicycle riders make is to go 50 miles with a strong tailwind, thinking they have suddenly become Superman overnight, and then when they turn around to go home, realize they have kryptonite under the seat.

Were you perhaps going EAST on I-70?

[phoenix]

Were you perhaps going EAST on I-70?
On that day i was heading west and if i rember right there was a little bit of side wind. if i got any wind reduction it would have been from drafting.

[Easy Rider]

but i know i wa passing everything in site and my friend on his honda aero said i was pulling from him at 85.


Downhill with a 30 mph tail wind might get you 75. I think your "friend" was pulling your chain. :roll:

[alanmcorcoran]

I hate these speed threads, but to be fair, I can get near 75 out of mine on the flats (with maybe a little tiny tailwind.) I weigh about 180 at the moment (and headed higher.) This is with a windshield. I used to get near 75 w/o a windshield when sticking my face on the speedo. I think under ideal circumstances, (downhill with tailwind), I would be able to hit 85. Although, given the light weightness of the thing, I'd probably not try to go that fast.

[mr. softie]

I love these speed threads because I can brag about how fast my GZ is compared to other more sluggish examples. While my top speed has dropped since I put the 16 tooth sprocket on, I can still cruise at 70-75 fairly easily. I was doing it today on Route 30 for miles and touching 80 now and then. Of course that is riding flat out. The trick for me is keeping the rpm's up. I weigh 230lbs with my gear on, and am using a spitfire windshield and saddlebags

[patrick_777]

I can still cruise at 70-75 fairly easily.

Ditto.

[Easy Rider]

While my top speed has dropped since I put the 16 tooth sprocket on, I can still cruise at 70-75 fairly easily.

I have a LARGE windshield and a 16T. I probably could do that too........given good conditions and a LONG time to get there but I have found some uncomfortable noises and/or vibrations above 65 so I don't go there often. I don't have a feeling that it is too light at those speeds but maybe part of that is the large angled shield keeping it firmly planted on the road.

[phoenix]

I was doing it today on Route 30 for miles and touching 80 now and then. Of course that is riding flat out. The trick for me is keeping the rpm's up. I weigh 230lbs with my gear on, and am using a spitfire windshield and saddlebags
i dont think my friend was messing with me. if a man than has 70 lbs on me can go 75 easy and hit 80 sometimes its verry possible that i may have hit 85-90.

[Easy Rider]

its verry possible that i may have hit 85-90.

I don't think anybody is saying it is impossible......but a LOT of us are saying it is highly unlikely, for a sustained distance, given all the evidence we have collectively accumulated........including but not limited to the fact that the speedometer seems to be very accurate (if it is not broken).

[burkbuilds]

Got my GZ up to 77 going downhill between Atlanta and Chattnooga, probably the same hill Easy Rider got his up to 80 on. I'm 6' 1'' and 210 and I just have the stock sprockets no modifications. I also did this before I changed the exhaust and adjusted the carb, but I don't think my top end has changed any from those things, I just seem to be able to maintain my speed on the hills a lot better than before, but no faster overall.
As to the GPS stuff, I've borrowed one a couple of times for the car, one got me off the highway and sent me through downtown St. Louis, about 15 stops and turns and a lot of wasted time later it brought me back up on the same highway one exit ahead of where it told me to exit. The other time I was in Kerrville, Texas and it told me to "turn right now" which would have put me into a cement wall, so I ignored it! The actual place to turn right was about 2 miles further up the road. I guess they were okay, but hey, reading a map is not that hard, and seems to be more accurate to me and they definitely cost less!

[Water Warrior 2]

Burkbuilds, you have to spend some time playing with a GPS. Best is to stay on roads you know and monitor how the GPS instructs you. They have many options that you are probably unaware of at this time. We have a cheapie that successfully gets us from point A to point B every time.

[Chris]

My GPS proves the GZ speedometer is quite accurate. Any speed notice should be on the flat with no wind. A rock can go fast downhill behind a truck with a tailwind
But 90mph??? I don't think so.
I just love my GPS because I often cruise way out in the county on the Georgia backroads. I am never lost, of course, but am often confused, as the famous explorer, Kit Carson, used to say. Of course, I don't read the GPS while riding, but to me not having one on rides would be silly. My first one ( a Magellen) recently died, so I just bought my second one, a Garmin.

Chris, Atlanta

[Chris]

Question:
What does the 16 tooth mod do? Does it lower the gears or raise them?
Why do it? My GZ is stock and the gearing just seems perfect to me.
I can't imagine the 200+ pound guys spending money to lower the rpms. They (OK, we) need more rpms, not less. You'll never overrev todays motorcycles in anything but 1st or 2nd.

Chris, retired, Atlanta
12th bike

[Sarris]

The 16 tooth raises the effective gear ratio. First gear in particular is longer and will get you comfortably through intersections without a second gear upshift. The bike cruises easier at 60 to 65 MPH. Theoretically it should have more top end with the 16 tooth, but the motor runs out of torque before you get there. I find the bike runs a bit more "relaxed" with the 16 tooth.

There must be a rideability fine line at the 15 to 16 tooth point, as I think Suzuki could have gone either way. Also remember that one front tooth = 4 +/- rear teeth, so you could split hairs if the correct sprockets were available.

It's cheap to do. Some like it, others don't.

:)

[JWR]

The 16t makes the bike real smooth in all the gears.

It raises the speeds in each gear.

5th gear was quite buzzy on mine above 65 mph , now it is smooth.

I can pull from 35 to WOT in 5th , no problem.

Today I got gas at one of the few real gas (not blended) stations that is on a freeway.

I ran 80+ on the way over and 85+ coming back. There was a little more left in the throttle.

Jerry

PS last fillup 3.277 gals @199 miles =60726274mpg
my average is 66-67 mpg.
This was he trip following the 1200cc Kaw. thru the mountains.

[Easy Rider]

I can't imagine the 200+ pound guys spending money to lower the rpms.

If you have read the recommendations for the 16T sprocket......which I'm sure I have posted AT LEAST 5 times in varioius threads and others have mentioned too.......you would know that, yes, it raises the gearing so you don't have to "race" it so much in the lower gears. The price you pay for that is a " wash out" of the top end in 5th gear.

NOT recommended for: Large loads, 2-up, Interstates or areas where there are a lot of tall hills.
So it would appear that your analysis is correct. :tup:

In general, it makes it feel a little "zippier" in 1-4 and anemic in 5th.

[music man]

In general, it makes it feel a little "zippier" in 1-4 and anemic in 5th.

If mine got anymore "anemic" in 5th, there might as well not be a 5th.

[burkbuilds]

Patrick may have seemed to come on a little strong to you, but he is just doing his job, yes it is his responsibility to monitor things here and he's the guy who gets to say how it should be done. Nobody is trying to jump down your throat, you've got a good thread going, Patrick's just letting you know how he wants you to keep a similar post together instead of several similar posts in different spots. It makes it easier on all of us when we want to see what somebody is saying about the subject, we don't have to go looking for multiple posts, we just follow the ONE we are reading to the end. You have put up a great topic, look how many people have responded and read it, nobody is mad at you!
Hope you are having a great week in "Hot Lanta"!