newb

[BULLDOG]

hey all jus thought i'd say hi. i rode for about a yr (10 yrs ago)til i had to gt a truck.i had a rebel,sold it and now i want a gz2509always been a zuki fan),the rebel was kinda cramped and i'm only 5'5,howz the zuki on room?im also maybe considering a virago...any advice on pros and cons of both? btw nice to meet eveyone. :tup:

[Edy]

Hi BULLDOG
Dupo has put up some links on the reviews of 4 entry level bikes in "GZ links you cant live without" under the "General" Forum. They might be able to help you out.
I'm only about 5'6 myself, and the hasn't been buch of an issue about tehe room on the bike, only on the longer rides and that's just because your not moving too much.
Good luck with the search

[BULLDOG]

ty for tip

[Ofnoan]

Hi Bulldog,

I'm about 5.7 with kinda short arms and legs and feel absolutely comfortable riding GZ250. Rode Honda CB250 during my initial training - it is also nice, but puts more weight on your arms. Feel that GZ250 also gives more room for legs, allows more natural posture. The only drawback is awkward rear brake pedal, wrong angle I think, need special effort to press it...
Other than that GZ250 is an ultimate light weight cruiser. I enjoy every minute riding it

[BULLDOG]

wat about the virago anyone have any time on one of those (for comparison).OH btw ty guys for replying i appreciate it
:2tup:

[Dupo]

When i was looking to upgrade to a bigger bike i had checked out a virago. Forget the year, had to be late 90s or so but i'll tell you what it felt like being on a sportster modeled after a rebel lol.

It felt very cramped towards the front of it. Especially the handlebars and the slimness of the tank. Also felt very top heavy to me and 'short' length wise (wheelbase). Could have been just the year but i sure didnt like it.

I also read about viragos having some issue with chrome or the gold chrome peeling off them.

I was to look at one to buy at a great price, but after reading that and sitting on that one dudes virago i passed.

Then again, to each his own. What i dont like, someone else does.

[BULLDOG]

thanx for the info,thats wat i that .it seems to me that the frame looks more v shaped so that the bars r closer to u.the 2007 virago pic sure looks nice on there website.suzuki shud do a better job of showing wat there bikes look like.

[Dupo]

Well if they showed them off too much, you wouldnt be inclined to go to the dealership to check it out in person ;)

[davidc83]

Hey bulldog,
I just bought a gz250 3 weeks ago and having a blast when i can. Wouldnt you know, we have one of the warmest winters on record, I buy the thing, and it turns winter the next day. But 3 times now I have put on my snow mobile suit, gloves and helmet and with it in the 30's degrees, went riding for about an hour each time. I am 5'11", 180lbs and it is not cramped at all. Seat feels nice also. The gz250 is a nice little bike, look under "my new baby" in the introduce yourself section and you can see mine. later.

[davidc83]

actually, my pictures are under the member pics section, not the introduce yourself section.

[Bill]

Bulldog, Welcome to the forum from sunny northeast Florida.

I learned on a GZ250 (Safety Course that I highly recommend for those who are new or are getting back into riding after a sabatical) and was very impressed. Unfortunately I'm 6'1" with size 12 feet that make it difficult for me to get comfortable on the GZ250 but my wife finds it very comfortable and easy to handle. It has plenty of power and does very well all day at 55-60 mph. I think it is the best in its class and it has a nice stance like a cruiser should. But that is just my opinion. What everyone should do when chosing a motorcycle is to at least straddle it and if possible take it for a ride. Only you know if it will be the best for you. To know that you have to "feel the fit" not be swayed by chrome or paint or what other people say.

Here is a place to do a little reading if you would like to know how well it functions for the long haul. http://www.alaskabikerun.com . I think anyone would find this interesting if you like a little adventure in your riding.

Cheers!

[Gadzooks Mike]

Well, I'm 5'8", average proportions, and the GZ fits like a glove. After adding a gelpad for the seat, I now ride 200 to 300 miles on an average Saturday with no problems.

[Bill]

Well, I'm 5'8", average proportions, and the GZ fits like a glove. After adding a gelpad for the seat, I now ride 200 to 300 miles on an average Saturday with no problems.

That's exactly what I mean. "Fits like a glove" is what should be first priority. :2tup: Otherwise it is not going to be as much fun or as comfortable over the longer distances. Yesterday I test rode a Victory Kingpin Tour - a very nice bike and over 1600cc. I enjoyed the ride but I still like the way my bike fits which is half the engine displacement and about 1/3 the cost. Oh, I have a couple more inexpensive things to modify to make it "fit like a glove" but for the moment the stock set up is the best I could find. I'm happy.

Cheers!

[BULLDOG]

Thanx Guyz, for all the help i think ill get the zuki its shud have more room than the rebel i had.....and i like the looks :tup:

[Badbob]

Height:5'11''
Weigh 230lbs
Inseam: 29''

I didn't think the GZ250 was cramped until I I had a custom seat made and raised it two inches. This made a huge difference. Its much more comfortable now. Sargent Cycles has a good read about seating positions and riding comfort you should look at: http://www.sargentcycle.com/csroadcom.htm

I'm an old retread from about 30 years ago. Welcome aboard.