Does Size Matter?

[sparks]

Hey, new to the forum. Trying to find out if an 03 GZ 250, would be a good bike for my teenage son and I to start out on?
We take the MSF course middle of May.
The bike above is being offered to me for $1800(negotiable). It has 1500 miles on it.
My main question is, I am 6', 270 lbs., and would use it to get into motorcycling, along with my son, who is 6'1'', 210lbs. Is this to small? Sharp turns with the handlebars are a little tight(hits our knees)
Thanks for any feedback.

Sparks

[jonathan180iq]

For your size and weight, I would say that the GZ is too small in the power department and the fit department. I'd suggest an Ex250 (Kawasaki Ninja 250) Or a Honda Nighthawk 250.

Check out the member pics for an idea of fit. I'll post the pics below. I'm 5'11 and I fill the bike up. Any smaller and I would not have purchased this bike.

Also, at 270 pounds, you're going to find it difficult to get this bike to zoom you along. I fill it up at 5'11 but I'm a light middle-weight.

The Ninja 250 has the power that you need and the taller seat height will make up for the lack of leg room that you will have on the GZ. It is also very forgiving to learn on. I know. It was my first bike.

[jonathan180iq]

http://www.gz250bike.com/viewtopic.php?t=176

[Dupo]

Yea if its hitting your knees, its probably not a good bike for you unfortunately. I went against buying a Rebel for that exact reason when i started out. It hit my knees and i said no way. I did not need that happening while riding and making turns. Jonathan is right, for your weight and size the gz would just be too small and you would out grow it very quickly.

Id say, for both of you being 6' that you are better off shopping around for a bigger bike. You really do not want to be cramped on a bike. Maybe a 500 or 600 cc would be the way to go to start out on. And hey, maybe after your MSF course you'll feel confident enough to start on a 750. You both are bigger guys and i am sure you would have no problems handling anything 500-750cc. Dont let the intimidation of a larger bike scare you. That feeling is only temporary! You out grow that very very quickly (TRUST ME). Especially since you are taking the MSF course, you would have no problem adapting what you learn to a bigger bike. I think you'll find taking the MSF course on the gz250/rebel/ninjas they provide that they will infact be too small for you two.

May i make a suggestion though? You might want to look at some older Kawasaki Vulcans 500-600cc (you can get them at good prices and they run very well). Theres also the 450cc limited OR if you want to get newer take a look at the honda VLX 600cc. All these bikes are mid weight cruisers and would better fit you both in size and power. Weight of the bikes should average around 400-500 lbs ... not all that heavy. My spirit is 525lb and i barely notice it.

Good luck on what ever you decide!

[sparks]

Thanks for the quick reply. That is what the dealer was saying that I visited. I might reach 55mph, going off a cliff, and my legs are to long. I was just checking to see if he was trying to make a bigger commission(sp).

Sparks

[Bill]

Yea if its hitting your knees, its probably not a good bike for you unfortunately. I went against buying a Rebel for that exact reason when i started out. It hit my knees and i said no way. I did not need that happening while riding and making turns. Jonathan is right, for your weight and size the gz would just be too small and you would out grow it very quickly.

Id say, for both of you being 6' that you are better off shopping around for a bigger bike. You really do not want to be cramped on a bike. Maybe a 500 or 600 cc would be the way to go to start out on. And hey, maybe after your MSF course you'll feel confident enough to start on a 750. You both are bigger guys and i am sure you would have no problems handling anything 500-750cc. Dont let the intimidation of a larger bike scare you. That feeling is only temporary! You out grow that very very quickly (TRUST ME). Especially since you are taking the MSF course, you would have no problem adapting what you learn to a bigger bike. I think you'll find taking the MSF course on the gz250/rebel/ninjas they provide that they will infact be too small for you two.

May i make a suggestion though? You might want to look at some older Kawasaki Vulcans 500-600cc (you can get them at good prices and they run very well). Theres also the 450cc limited OR if you want to get newer take a look at the honda VLX 600cc. All these bikes are mid weight cruisers and would better fit you both in size and power. Weight of the bikes should average around 400-500 lbs ... not all that heavy. My spirit is 525lb and i barely notice it.

Good luck on what ever you decide!

Excellent advice from Dupo. I'm 6'1" and 205 pounds. I learned on the GZ250 at the safety course along with my wife. She has the GZ250 because it is a perfect size for her 5'4" body. I wanted a GZ250 for the low cost and the great milage but I have the same problem with knees hitting the handlebars. I sat on all the Suzuki cruiser style bikes and was looking for the smallest displacement engine with the largest frame. That turned out to be the C50 and I couldn't be more pleased with the fit. Yes, it is 805cc's but like Dupo said it doesn't take long to get comfortable and lose the intimidation.

Since you are looking at used bikes the Kawasaki Dupo suggested is a good choice too if the C50 doesn't float your boat. Good Luck!

Cheers!

[eweb]

When I bought my 2002 gz250 i was over 300lbs and 6'2" and the bike fits me great. I have had mine up to 75 on the highway. I don't have any problem with it hitting my knees but I did have that issue with the rebels I tried.


E.Web

[Sarris]

The GZ is truly third world transportation. With a GVWR of 775 lbs less maybe 325 lbs of bike including fluids, means that your GZ can carry 450 lbs of driver & passenger. Include the Asian sub-continent low compression head that will run 60 octane gas, saki, dog shit, etc. and this bike will take the entire family to market. Papa-san, mama-san, junior-san, & baby-san. All on one GZ. So will it carry you?? Well, it carries my 6'-1" 300 lb ass on a 50 + mile round trip commute daily at 55 to 65 mph at 65 to 70 mpg. And with a 30" inseam, I'm not cramped. The GZ is easily the most reliable bike I own. No problems, just maintain on schedule. No muss, no fuss.

[Dupo]

Include the Asian sub-continent low compression head that will run 60 octane gas, saki, dog shit, etc. and this bike will take the entire family to market. Papa-san, mama-san, junior-san, & baby-san. All on one GZ. So will it carry you?? Well, it carries my 6'-1" 300 lb ass

:lol: :tup: