What to buy...

[mamahemp]

So I went to the local cycle dealer and sat on a few bikes. Wanted some opinions...

I have not ridden for 20 years, and used to have a shadow. Too big of bike for me, I wrecked it going too fast, oops.

I liked the gz250 and the rebel. The rebel was a little shorter, but I like the lines of the GZ. My thing is, what is it like on highway speeds?

I am a social worker and have to go travel to hospice locations and well, need something that can cruise, but also do well on gravel roads.

Do not want anything too big as I do not want a repeat of what happened 20 years ago.

Any input would be great. Really... thank you in advance!

[alanmcorcoran]

I think between the two you will be much happier with the GZ. How fast do you need to go on the highway? The GZ can reliably hit about 65 once it is broken in. Higher speeds are possible, but I wouldn't count on it. If you weigh less than 170, you can add some speed and if you ride in a sport bike position, you can go faster as well.

To be honest, I'd probably be a little scared about riding it on gravel roads. But I'm not an experience off road rider. I suppose if you keep it straight, it'd be okay, but I'd be concerned about dropping it in the corners and all of the stones flying around.

[mamahemp]

Can not avoid the gravel, live in the country on one, lol.

I thought with the wider tire the gz would be better. Saw a 2003 on craigslist and thought it was a pretty good deal, but wanted some opinions on riding highway and gravel, since I will have to do both.

thanks!

[alanmcorcoran]

I've seen pictures of others riding theirs on dirt, and some of the more experienced guys on here have probably had theirs on gravel. I've had my big bike down twice now, once because of loose gravel and another loose stones/parking lot debris So I am wary of anything but a solid surface. TheGZ does have wide tire and it is one of the most stable riding and best handling bikes in its class.

[caroledee1]

To be honest, I'd probably be a little scared about riding it on gravel roads. But I'm not an experience off road rider.

Since she drives on gravel roads every day, I think she will be able to take it easy, go SLOW, and be cautious. I would suggest practicing in an empty paved parking lot at first. Mine handles fine on gravel roads. You just have to use a lighter touch on the throttle. Whatever you decide to buy, I hope you get as much enjoyment out of it as I do. :)

[alantf]

Don't know about gravel, but we have lots of old fashioned cobbled streets over here. They're treacherous when it's been raining. My other bikes have been a bit "skitterish" on them, but (with care) the GZ handles them just fine. It may be the wider tyres - I dunno- but it's certainly the best of the bunch in less than favourable conditions. I also reckon that it's one of the most generally stable bikes I've had. Could be something to do with the low centre of gravity (again, just guessing)
I've also noticed that my Spanish spec bike seems to be slightly faster than the american spec, so if you get a Gz, you might need to check one of the threads regarding tweaking up the performance by re-jetting the carb, although the American guys will be able to help you out on that, a lot more than I can.
Final point - I've discovered that there is no way you can hope to maintain a decent freeway speed with a passenger. Apart from those few points, it is a generally solid reliable bike, that's a lot of fun to ride. one thing's for certain - if you do get a GZ there'll always be someone here to help you out with any problems you might have.

[mamahemp]

Thank you. That about cinches it. I am taking the F150 to go pick up this bike I have my eyes on.

Some guy has a rebel 450 1986 for $1500 locally, but I found a GZ250 for $1800 that is a 2003. I think I will go with the 2003, less miles and I can actually find parts for it!

I will post photos on here, once I bring the bike home.

[music man]

Thank you. That about cinches it. I am taking the F150 to go pick up this bike I have my eyes on.

Some guy has a rebel 450 1986 for $1500 locally, but I found a GZ250 for $1800 that is a 2003. I think I will go with the 2003, less miles and I can actually find parts for it!

I will post photos on here, once I bring the bike home.


The guy I got my GZ from lived on a gravel road, so I guess it can be done, but i wouldn't want to do it on a regular basis myself. The Rebel 450 would be nice, but considering the 450 model was not a widely produced bike you would be right about staying away from it, I would like to have one, but then again I like to tinker.

[Easy Rider]

I liked the gz250 and the rebel. The rebel was a little shorter, but I like the lines of the GZ. My thing is, what is it like on highway speeds?

.......but also do well on gravel roads.


I hate to be a broken record (well, not really) but have you searched through the old threads here? What is an appropriate use for the GZ (or any 250 except the Ninja) has been discussed at some length.

Summary: The GZ may not be the bike for you if you really NEED to ride on roads where the prevailing speed is over 65. It also may not be appropriate if there are a lot of tall hills in your area......and you need to maintain a relatively high speed to keep from getting run over.

NO motorcycle really does good on gravel.

If you really need to use the Interstates and they usually have heavy traffic, then a 250 is probably not for you. Something in the 500 to 800 cc. range (which style depends on personal preference) is plenty to keep up with the traffic.

[Easy Rider]

I thought with the wider tire the gz would be better.
Saw a 2003 on craigslist and thought it was a pretty good deal,

Ah, new information. Different story now.

I'd say go for it.....but be careful...that you check it out thoroughly.
Avoid any used bike where the owner says: "It ONLY needs........" because that usually means it is not running right and he really doesn't know why.

This will get you back on a bike that is not likely to kill you. The light weight and wide tires ARE likely to be better on gravel.......but you need to get a whole new perspective on SLOW when on gravel.

If you find that the GZ is not comfortable on the Interstates you need to use, then you have a bike you can sell at little or no loss.......or trade in at a dealer on something else. They are MUCH more likely to allow you test rides if you ride IN on a bike, in my experience.

[mamahemp]

I am going to the local dealership again today, to "sit" on the GZ there.

I would like a larger bike, but frankly since I have been off a bike for 20 years, I am SCARED to go on something too big.

The bike runs fine, looks good, and I will see it tomorrow at 9.30 am in Columbus. He has had it for a few years and wants a bigger bike. Same old story from what I can tell.

I agree, the 250 would not be SUPER on highway, so I am going to retreat to the back roads. With the price of gas, and getting reimbursed for mileage with my new job, a bike is a good way to go. PLUS, I just want to ride again. CAll it my midlife crisis at 40.

[Easy Rider]

I agree, the 250 would not be SUPER on highway, so I am going to retreat to the back roads.

Good for you. A true "riders" mentality.

If you don't really HAVE to use the Interstates, there is no reason the GZ can't be your permanent bike. I take mine on road trips all the time; so do lots of others.

Two lane US and State routes these days usually don't have a lot of traffic, are usually well maintained and the GZ has no problem keeping up at 55 MPH. Those that generally parallel a major Interstate are usually the best.

Good luck! Keep us posted.

[mamahemp]

okay, one more thing. Should I change out the oil and gas after I get in, since we are in Ohio and they tend to sit during the cold months?

[JWR]

Oil and filter.....Yes

Gas................How long has it been sitting?

If it cranks good and runs good just fill he tank and go.

[Easy Rider]

okay, one more thing. Should I change out the oil and gas after I get in, since we are in Ohio and they tend to sit during the cold months?

Ask the owner how fresh the gas and oil IS. He has no real reason to lie about that and there is no good reason to throw away fresh oil or gas.

Also ask him what kind of oil he has been using. On a bike that old, it is usually best to stick with what it is used to.

Although not a deal breaker, be sure to ask for the tool kit and owner's manual. Sometimes they get lost just because the present owner forgets they are not with the bike.

[mamahemp]

Just brought the bike home. Got it up to 30, but I think I need to fix the front spring/strut. It appears to be leaking some fluid. I do not want to attempt this myself. What does something like that costs? Any ideas?

Also, have a few other questions, but I will take that to the Tech section...

Thanks! Wow, it is just like riding a bike, everything came back to me. What a wicked little bike. Oh, got my helmet, boots, jacket and gloves, thank you very much!

[alanmcorcoran]

Congratulations. Not familiar with the front shocks so can't help you there. But I'm sure help will be along in a moment.

[Easy Rider]

What does something like that costs? Any ideas?


It depends on whether it is just a bad seal or a damaged fork tube.
First, wipe it off and be sure it comes back.

If you do one side seals, you should do both.
My guess for seals only: One hour labor ($65-$100 depending on the shop) and maybe $20 in parts.
If the fork tube is damaged......??????

[mamahemp]

thank you. I will wipe it off now and see if it comes back. Neighbor said it looked like a bad seal. he has an older suzuki.