Hoping to buy a 2005 GZ this weekend

[marye]

Hi,
I am new to this forum and live in NW AR. I hope to be able to buy my bike over the weekend. I will be going to see it tomorrow. I am presently riding a Helix clone scooter, but after some research think that this bike would work better for me. The guy is asking $1750 for a 2005 model with 8000 miles. He says it has never been dropped. Does anyone have anything they would like to share with me about checking over this bike before purchasng? I have back problems and need a backrest. I like the plans that a member posted, but probably don't have the skill needed to make it. I have located a backrest/luggage sold by Biker's Friend and wonder if anyone has tried this one on the GZ250. All input is welcome.

[dhgeyer]

You should probably stick to the intro here, and ask your question in the "General" forum. You'll be more likely to get more responses.

Having said that, I'll stick my $.02 here. I wouldn't say that I have back problems, but my back isn't exactly strong. I've found that the cruiser style of motorcycle isn't the best for a weak back. Feet forward, arms forward, all your weight is on your butt, you tend to slouch, and the bumps go up your bent back. That is my experience. I love the GZ250, but I need to rest frequently while riding it. A standard style, or even a not too extreme sport bike would, in my experience, be a better bet than a cruiser for someone with a bad back. Getting your feet under you allows you to get some weight off your back. Leaning forward a little (not way forward like a crotch rocket) puts a little weight on your arms, which gets a little more strain off your back. Your bent legs act kind of like another set of shock absorbers.

The GZ250 is a great little bike, and if you're not going to do long rides, or if you take breaks, you'll probably be fine. When I had a Vulcan 1500 (big cruiser) and had a lot of trouble with my back, I got a backrest. I found that it didn't help much for long rides. My back still hurt a lot. When I got my first standard style bike, an '83 Nighthawk 650, it was a revelation. I was much more comfortable.

[marye]

Thanks for your reply and sharing your experience with your back and different types of bikes. I doubt if I will be taking long rides. We have a dog rescue and that pretty much precludes being away from home for very long. I will repost my questions in the General forum as you suggested.