The place where people come to get rid of their GZ250?

[Badbob]

It's sure starting to look that way but thats OK. With me. I'm just wondering if there is any one here thats planning to keep theirs.

[Dupo]

Well gotta remember these are made for learning on, commuting on or small framed riders. 1 in 3 chance that you wont be keeping it very long.

[Badbob]

Some people might like 250cc bikes.

As far as I know there is not a rule anywhere that says you can't ride a 250cc bike for the rest of your life. I'm old enough to remember when a big Japanese bike was a 350cc and 250s were mid sized. There must be millions of Honda Rebels.

I don't recall anything in the Suzuki owners manual or web site that says any thing like this bike is only for beginners and commuters. If I missed it please be so kind as to point it out.

[Dupo]

Hey bob, i wasnt knockin ya there :cry: You can call off the defensive team :tongue:

I was just sayin that most people buy these to return to riding after being off a long time, or to learn on because of not having so much power or weight. Every dealer i went to while looking at a GZ said the same thing... "These are great to learn on but you will out grow it within a year to a year and a half", "great starters to gain confidence on until you are ready for something bigger".

I got nothin against keeping one for good. They sure are good enough to do that. I was merely pointing out that 'most' people get them with the intent on learning then passing on to another new rider. I bought it for that exact reason myself, and the fact that i kept hearing they hold their value VERY well because of the flood of new riders looking for a 250cc to learn on. Theres always someone new willing to pay good money for bikes like these GZs. How many ebay ads do you see that start out "i bought this to learn on and did just that, now its time to let her go...."

Then theres those that love them to death and will never get rid of them. Hey, more power to you! Theres no rule in place that says you MUST get a bigger bike after riding a 250cc. These appeal to alot of people for alot of reasons. People keep em, others pass the torch. Its all about what makes you happy. I know you love your GZ. I did mine too, but that bike was just getting smaller and smaller to me as my confidence grew. I "HAD" to get off that bike and into something larger and more powerful. I sure couldnt take that on the trips i plan to take this year, no way. Great bike, but not for what i need one to accomplish. I enjoyed learning on it. Never thought i would out grow it so fast though, that sure was a surprise to me. If i could have, i would have kept it after buying the shadow, for ripping around town doing light errands. And possibly teaching the wife to ride if she wanted. But, i couldnt, i had to buy another car and the GZ was the way to do that.

If it didnt have much effect on me and i didnt think people would keep them or atleast hang on to them for a while, would i have gone through all the trouble of making this forum? :)

[Badbob]

I would not exactly say that I love my GZ250 but I do like the whole 250cc idea. My wife loves hers. Getting there on a bare minimum bike is an adventure in itself and has much to be said for it.

You don't "need" a big bike with lots of horse power to go on trips. You "want" a big bike with lots of horse power. There is a major difference between want and need.

When we tell a new GZ250 rider that they can't do something when they don't have the knowledge or experience to know that it can be done. I think we are driving them away not encouraging them or help ping them.

You can ride them on long trips. Pat Henry rode his to Alaska (http://home.comcast.net/~pat1776/Alaska05/). I have ridden mine 470 miles in one day and other trips of several hundred miles. The point is that you can do just about everything on a GZ250 that you can do on larger cruiser except go faster than 65 mph, win a race and impress the boys at Hooters on bike night. "Can't never could do anything." I think we should be helping people to learn to do things with their GZ250 not helping them to find another bike and get rid of it.

My question still stands. Is there anyone here who is planning to keep their GZ250?

[Gadzooks Mike]

Mine's a keeper, and I'll even give a good shot at explaining why.

I have always enjoyed two-lane travelling. With all of the time spent in the USAF around the world, I would search out small towns and small roads, although then normally with car. If you want to BE there, two lanes are about perfect. And I never ride two-up - part of the reason I have a bike to to get gone and unwind.

There is one drawback to a GZ for me, however, in that proper planning is a MUST, not a choice. There are places where you can end up being forced onto a freeway or backtracking many miles if you're not careful. A bigger bike would mean I could jump on the freeway for a few miles and not worry about it, but a GZ and a freeway just aren't a good mix.

A couple of things that make up for that is a good map and a friendly smile. The normal fold-up maps you get at a gas station have most of the two-lane roads in each state, but generall not the small, county roads. If you can't find a road on the map, just stop and ask someone where that road goes. More than likely, they'll smile and be glad to tell you. I've met some great folks that way

A bigger bike wouldn't fit into my woodshop with it's normal sized 36" doorway.

A bigger bike wouldn't get me around town and to and from work as easily.

I've run on enough, I think, but those are reasons why my GZ is a keeper for me. Unless, of course, someone just parks a C50T in my driveway, tosses me the keys, and walks away...

Gadzooks

[Dupo]

Well sure i 'wanted' a bigger bike. That was the goal from the start. I needed a starter bike, typed that in google and two bikes were in the top searches. Rebel and GZ. Theres no denying these are starter/learner bikes and are pushed as such when selling or buying one.

If someone comes here and says they want to upgrade and need some advise i am going to give it to them. Why wouldn't I? I am not sitting here pushing them off the GZ forcefully. If someone came here saying they want a GZ and advise, I'll give them that too and help guide them to whats going to suit them most, be it a GZ, Rebel or a bigger cc bike. Last i recall, Suzuki aint paying me commission. I think the GZ is the best in the 250cc class and i had a great experience on it, hence this forum.

As for the wanting and needing.. Our definitions differ obviously.

I needed to go faster than 40 mph in 4th gear going up hills and mountains around here and where i plan to go this summer. I needed more room in the back for the wife, the gz was cramped for her. I needed to be able to crack the throttle and pass someone quickly on passable single lane roads. I needed more comfort for my body frame than the gz could give me (stretching legs, drag bars, comfy seat .. all helped my numbness, aching and ass burn). I needed to put bigger bags on and the gz only supports up to 14"W bags, not to mention more room for travel bags without being cramped behind you. I needed to be able to run freeways alot, many of my plans involve running the freeways at 65+.

I wanted more chrome for show. I wanted something with dual pipes/loud exhaust. I wanted something to tinker with and spend alot of money on to make it 'my own' with accessories, lowering kits, custom fenders, solo seat, raked forks etc. I wanted something flashy. I wanted something to impress and make some heads turn.

The GZ is very versatile and can do almost anything a bigger bike can do. I wont argue that. But when your needs exceed the bikes capabilities then its time to move up. For me, the gz slowly started to not meet what i needed it to do. Once i realized this i started looking into something that could. Its a great bike but does have its limitations, freeways being a big one for me.

Anyone who says they want to start riding i absolutely point them to the GZ. I wish Suzuki did pay me, I've sold a few for them already. The bike can be whatever you want it to be. A learner, starter, keeper, commuter, 2nd bike, trip taker...whatever. As long as it does what you want it to theres no reason it cant be any of those. But for many, its a cheap introduction to motorcycling and allows many people to gain confidence and ability to buy the bike of their dreams.

For our members, i hope every one of them keep their GZ and stay on as active members. For those that dont, i would hope we all did a good enough job to keep them as members anyway. I have been without GZ since September 06 and have no intention of walking away from a good bunch of people here.

:chop:

[Bill]

Keeping the GZ would be my wifes decision since I recently took my allowance I've been saving and paid off her loan for her birthday. It is now officially all hers. If in a year or so she wants a C50 or something else then she may need to sell it for the downpayment. If the cost of gas go back up again (Oh, of coarse it will) it may be wise to keep it. It's hard to beat 70 mpg. Heck the old vintage Vespa didn't do that good.

By the way the Alaska trip goes a long way convincing me of the abilities of the GZ250. That is if you keep the speed to the speed limit and take the back roads. But then that would be the only way I would want to enjoy my trip. Otherwise I might as well take the car.

Cheers!

[El_Shorto]

I just got mine about a week ago. I certainly plan on keeping it for as long as she'll stay running (which should be a looooong time). I've rode several other bikes of larger size and didnt find them to be as much fun as the GZ. Certainly the big road monsters can pull 75-80 without a problem, but I find that the lower speed capability gives way to more scenic (and fun) rides than sitting on the interstate whiffing semi exhaust all day. The GZ also seems to be about 5x as nimble as some of its larger counterparts, making it a much more accommodating ride for country roads and even in traffic. As bill said, if you're not riding it for the fun of having a damn good ride, take the car.

[Dupo]

The GZ also seems to be about 5x as nimble as some of its larger counterparts, making it a much more accommodating ride for country roads and even in traffic.

Yes, very true. Being only 300lbs compared to say mine at 500+ lbs ... the GZ was surely easier to whip around on back roads. Very easy to lean side to side on twisties. That bike is like riding a mini bike back when i was a kid. With my shadow i have to be much more smooth and sweeping with turns than i was with the GZ. Took some getting used to.

That and if you ever drop your GZ, they are easier to pick up lol.

Frankly I think the out grow it buisness is dealer hype because there is more money in big bikes. I've been the big bike route more than once and frankly I out grew them a lot faster than I ever did a 250. When I finally scrape the money together for a pair we will be getting GZ 250s and plan to use them to tour the country when we are retired.

Rocky

[Badbob]

Frankly I think the out grow it buisness is dealer hype because there is more money in big bikes.
Rocky

My feelings exactly. The only reasons I can see for me to get a different bike is because the one I have doesn't do something I want to do or I wore it out. Actually, just because I want it is a good reason as well.

My skills have improved to the point where I sometimes push the limits of the GZ250, but I would not sy I had out grown it. I can continue to ride and improve my skills on this bike until I wear it out.

To tell the truth most of the miles on my bike were at speeds berlow 50 mph. For 90% of the riding I do a GZ250 is more than adequate.

[Jordan310]

The GZ250 is what it is. I get good looks, smiles, laughs, frowns, and comments like "What IS that? 200, 250ccs?" "how much is one of those?
Cool! Hahah.

Forthe most part .. all good responses. Even from the Harley guys. I think the GZ250 is a perfect underdo bike, and a great commuter. 60+ Mpg? Come on. Good looks, and a fun to ride? Most of all fun to learn on.

In any case, I am still undecided. I know what Duo means by wanting and needing a bigger bike. Yes, the little GZ can hit 80, and ride the freeways, but honestly (and Ive proved it) it was just not meant for them. It strains the motor, and the bike is really meant for around town, and city driving. Maybe short freeway trips, but nothing very far. I have a new 2007, and already almost put 2000 miles on it. Ive done the mods, and am still in the process of doing the rest. When Im done doing all that I can with this little bike, I feel Ill be ready to move up to stronger class. I think this bike gave me the confidence, skills, and riding experience to handle a bigger bike that was meant for bigger things.

For now? Im going to have a ton of fun with this pretty little scooter eater, but honestly it dont feel too nice when a 600cc scooter zips past you on the freeway.
My next bike is the M50. I think an 800cc bike is all one really needs.

[Badbob]

I've had two people who wanted to buy mine at gas stops. And one guy who wanted to trade his car for it.

I really don't think its meant for any thing other than to make money for Suzuki.

[Dupo]

lol, yep, i had one guy wanting to buy mine at a gas station once too. Whats scary is, they are dead serious.

The spirit, i had the gas company come in to fix my water heater. One of the guys looks out the window and see's the Spirit. Goes outside with me to check it out, remembering how much he's wanted a bike again and offers me 3 grand on the spot. Thought he was joking, he actually pulled out his check book and said 'im serious, 3 grand right now i'll buy it off you'. Think i only had it a month and just paid 3800 for it. If he had offered 4 i probably would have taken it LOL. Then bought an 1100cc version of the same bike ;)

[Jordan310]

If only it wasnt yellow, and had more of a hopper look to it. :neener:

[trykemike]

As I said in my intro I was around when a 350 was a mid size. The honda I had could easily out drag a H-D Electra-Glide 1200 at a stop light. Over the years I have lost a little height was 5 foot 6 now 5 foot 5 . Age ( 57 ). The GZ is a perfect fit for me. With my bad back I don't have any problems wheeling it around the property in and out of the shed. I went out for 80 km last Sunday before the traffic .Riding the boonies is where the bike is in it's element ( 70 -80 kph ) Easy laid-back cruising . No traffic . FREEDOM. I will keep the bike.

[Water Warrior 2]

This thread is a very interesting read. All positives, no real negatives. For those wanting to get rid of their GZ's, that is a positive too. Finally having gained the skills and experience to move on is the purpose of the GZ in their case. Suzuki is just hoping you move up to a larger Suzuki. When I rode Happy Hobo's 06 home for her last Oct for 140 kms. I never had a moments thought that the bike was incapable of the ride. Some freeway, some long pulls uphill and some twisties cause it was the only way home. Sure, my 650 V-twin could have been faster and more comfy on the freeway but I doubt that I thought about that for 10 seconds all the way home. These darling little bikes live in a world of their own and invite all comers to join in for a sweet ride without getting in over your head. Given their designed in limitations for a smaller bike they are capable of meeting all the competition in their class and stomping most of them.
Happy has been out for solo rides a bunch lately and comes home happy as a kid at Xmas. Typically her conversation starts out with " Guess what I learned today ? ". Did you know such and such or I figured out this or that. The bike is a great learning tool for a newbie to gain skills and experience. After making shifter and brake pedal adjustments for position and ease of operation the bike fits her very well. A GZ 250 and rider training are a wonderful safe way to enter the two wheeled world. I do feel sorry for those out there who will never experience a beginner bike and realize bigger is not always better.

[Jordan310]

Here fucking here.
This GZ20 is the BEST learning bike in the world.

I am movibg up, but will keep this bike, and have already odered big bore, cosmetic, and other parts for it.
Its a TRUE bike enthusiasts toy, and I look forward to many fun rides, and sae learning experiences on it.

This one is a classic, and should be marked as such.

Props to the owner of this board, as well as the riders who paronize this piece of internet. ;) :2tup:

[jonathan180iq]

There are plenty of us out there that love 250cc bikes. I'm one of 'em. As I've mentioned before on this forum, I've had 3. I don't need any more bike. The capability of most 250cc bikes outperforms almost any factory car, save Ferraris and Lambo's and stuff. But, in the real world, who needs that?

I mean, how many people spend $25,000 for their 1100cc Harley so that they can cruise down the road at the same speed as everyone else? We spend 14% of that price and can do pretty much everything that they can. It just doesn't make any sense to me.

Sure, there are times when I wish that I could open the throttle and use the force of my exhaust to explode all the puppies, babies and grandmothers, then I just get over it and enjoy what I have.

Take care,
Jonathan

[Jordan310]

Even with that said,

Id still like to see A 300-350cc bike replace the 250cc standard.
For my riding style at least.

Thats why the big bore kit, and all the tweaking will be done. I think after that, Ill have a keeper bike.
250cc's is good enough for most everything. 500cc's is enough for it all.

Inbetween could be a good balance. =)

[Sarris]

You know, I've been reading alot of negative comments on the GZ being too small physically, has too small of a motor, isn't fast enough, etc. We need to accept the GZ for the purpose for which it was built. It's an agile, perky, 18 hp, around town, cheap to own & operate commuter bike. This is third world transportation at it's finest. If you can afford it, it would be nice to have different bikes for different purposes. IE, you wouldn't haul a load of lumber in a subcompact if you have a pickup. Hence, you won't tour on a GZ, if you have a touring bike. The GZ is a winner, it takes a little patience & finesse to ride, and it functions superbly within the confines of it's design. It's never going to be a Huyabusa. Get a larger bike if you wan't one, but keep your GZ & use it for what it was designed to do best. My problem is I'd own 10 different bikes for 10 different purposes if I could afford it.

If you want a really cool slightly larger bike, try an older 350 four cylinder Honda. Very cool & easy to ride.
:chop: