Think my time with my GZ is sadly over . . . what now? [Archive]

oneyunguy

03-25-2010, 12:00 AM

Well, after a few years with my lil' thumper, I think it's time to move on. I've grown quite close to my red 250 , even taking the whole engine apart after one of the screws holding the magneto came loose and jammed in between the engine and the magneto. Thankfully I was stopped at a light. That rebuild came with new oversized piston, honed cylinder head, new rings, all new gaskets.

I love the comments when I park outside the "blue collar" bar beside the Har*@#*'s and no-one can believe it's a 250 just by looking at it. I think when they hear the bike, it's a different story though.

This bike is truly a great beginner bike, one cannot lose. I was so disheartened the day I sold my 92 Yammy Virago 920 with roughly 5,000Km's. Then I moved to the city and well didn't ride or own anything for a long time. Then I got the idea to get a small city bike and there was nothing but the Suzuki GZ in my mind. I purchased mine from an MSF provider. They showed and gave me all the receipts and work records done for the bikes life.

But now I must move on. I do not want to sink any more money into it and am now desiring the feel, speed and happiness of a bigger bike. I am thinking the Suzuki S50.

Mike.

blaine

03-25-2010, 12:18 AM

Did G.Z have more power with larger piston?

oneyunguy

03-25-2010, 12:30 AM

Well, to be honest, it wasn't much of a size difference, maybe 0.10mm's i think? No matter what size, this cylinder can't take much in the way of oversizing.

Anyhow, I do not believe this helped. nor hindered performance. If it did, it wasn't really noticeable.

Water Warrior 2

03-25-2010, 12:56 AM

You will like the S-50. It is a bit of a hot rod on 2 wheels. Have you had a ride on one yet ??

oneyunguy

03-25-2010, 01:10 AM

No I haven't. I would love too though! I drool for two wheels!

Now to find one below 4,000 bucks with low km's in Vancouver...

burkbuilds

03-25-2010, 01:45 AM

Even when you move on to the S-50, remember that you are always welcome on this Forum! Good luck finding the right bike for yourself.

Maggie

03-25-2010, 04:18 AM

I sure understand the desire to get bigger...I just couldn't get rid of my l'il GZ, though. As you can see, I have three bikes now, all varying sizes. I am not wealthy by any stretch, the GZ was the only bike I bought new. But I scrimp in other areas so I can keep my 3 sanity restorers. Good luck, but don't leave the forum, I would miss that nutty little avatar of yours!

alantf

03-25-2010, 06:11 AM

I would miss that nutty little avatar of yours!

Hey Maggie, Why don't you get one for yourself? The easiest way is to find a picture you like (on your computer) then go to www.scaleyourimage.com (http://www.scaleyourimage.com) & resize it, then add it in "control panel". I didn't know how to do it until someone on the site told me. :2tup:

Water Warrior 2

03-25-2010, 08:35 AM

No I haven't. I would love too though! I drool for two wheels!

Now to find one below 4,000 bucks with low km's in Vancouver...
This may or may not help but here goes. I have "heard" that Modern Cycle in the Vancouver area has excellant prices. Ask them if they can find a new in the crate 06/07 and what is the cost out the door. Would be more than your price range I'm guessing but it would be brand new and all yours. Also heard never take a bike there for servicing.

mrlmd1

03-25-2010, 10:54 AM

I moved up to an S50 and love it. It's a great bike, very comfortable, to me handles like the GZ, and is very quick, 805cc only 473 lbs, gets good mileage, is very reliable, and has a great appearance. Oh, and did I say I love it?
http://s1.postimage.org/vvq_r.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=gxvvq_r)

http://s2.postimage.org/thqCA.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=TsthqCA)

Easy Rider

03-25-2010, 12:39 PM

But now I must move on. I do not want to sink any more money into it and am now desiring the feel, speed and happiness of a bigger bike. I am thinking the Suzuki S50

Good choice.....but there are several others too....and quite a few of them are represented right here with former GZ owners.

The S50 is about 800 CC's. The S40 is about 650 and is a single like the GZ.
I like my Honda Shadow 600 and there is, I think, a Vulcan 500 or two represented here......which might have really been my practical choice.....if I hadn't "fallen in love" !!

Fish Baseball

03-25-2010, 10:13 PM

If its any help with your quest I gave the SV650 Gladius a ride last night, and its insane. Pulls like a MF, corners like a razor....only problem is it looks like a scooter thats had a bigger engine stuffed into it. Nice ride for a streetfighter, thou. I'll be sticking with the GZ, however, cause hip problems make getting on and off a real pain.

patrick_777

03-25-2010, 10:28 PM

....only problem is it looks like a scooter thats had a bigger engine stuffed into it.

I'm officially offended. :skeptical:

Water Warrior 2

03-26-2010, 02:01 AM

[quote="Fish Baseball":1tu9hjze]....only problem is it looks like a scooter thats had a bigger engine stuffed into it.

I'm officially offended. :skeptical:[/quote:1tu9hjze]
Don't be offended. The Gladius is a different bike, not an actual SV that you have.

Maggie

03-26-2010, 03:28 AM

I would miss that nutty little avatar of yours!

Hey Maggie, Why don't you get one for yourself?

Thanks, Alan! I think I will give it a try. May take me a while to find a suitable pic...perhaps a Cuckoo? LOL

Fish Baseball

03-26-2010, 05:57 AM

[quote="Fish Baseball":1jf6m178]....only problem is it looks like a scooter thats had a bigger engine stuffed into it.

I'm officially offended. :skeptical:[/quote:1jf6m178]

don't be, the gladius is the "upgraded new hip and funky" version of the SV650....not to mention its a LAMS bike here in Australia, so massively power restricted. But appols if any offence was taken, purely unintentional. O_o

alantf

03-26-2010, 06:33 AM

there is, I think, a Vulcan 500 or two represented here

Don't forget.......... They stopped making the European version in 2008, & this year sees the last of the American version.

patrick_777

03-26-2010, 07:43 AM

There are indeed a precious few bikes left between the 250cc and 600cc range.

Water Warrior 2

03-26-2010, 10:37 AM

Fish, define LAMS please for this old guy. Also what is the restriction on power ? Is it similar to the British power level ?

Easy Rider

03-26-2010, 11:46 AM

there is, I think, a Vulcan 500 or two represented here

Don't forget.......... They stopped making the European version in 2008, & this year sees the last of the American version.

Alas, the last year for the Shadow 600 was '07......but that should make for a "sweet spot" in the used market about now.

GeeZee250

03-26-2010, 08:38 PM

I just purchased a S40. I really like it... kinda like the GZ but with a little more power, enough to get me over the local mountains with a minimum of downshifting. I have to sell my GZ and I admit I do not really want to. It has only 3500 miles and, in several ways, I like its styling a little more than the S40. However, the S40 is now the bike for me... we are getting along just fine... did not take long to bond at all. I just do not ride enough to keep both bikes on the road and no other member of my household is a rider. I hope someone nice will purchase my GZ and enjoy it as much as I have.

oneyunguy

03-27-2010, 03:33 PM

Water Warrior:

I havnen't "heard" that myself, but I do buy parts from them from time to time as they are local and are a little cheaper than Suzuki dealers are.

I will contact them though and inquire, if you don't ask...

As for servicing, I am the type of guy to do it all myself. I just can't stomach the costs of servicing or repair other people charge.
Not only that, I get to know my own bike better. Bikes are fairly simple to work on. One of the reasons I like the smaller bikes is for just that, the less the better to have to repair/maintain. All in all a cheaper but FUN venture!

oneyunguy

03-27-2010, 03:34 PM

Thanks for all the support folks! I don't plan on leaving the forum. This is one of the best, most supportive forums I have seen yet! :rawk:

Fish Baseball

03-28-2010, 09:12 AM

Water Warrior.....

LAMS = learner approved motorcycle scheme, replaces the old 250 only on your learners down here in Australia. Its a power to weight ratio thing, 56 horses as opposed to 66-70 on the full blown go-fast-now version. Pretty much another example of Australia becoming a nanny state.

http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/Lic ... riders.htm (http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/Licences/OtherLicences/MotorcycleLicences/Approvedmotorcyclesfornoviceriders.htm)

:curse: <== just like most things here in Australia....

Water Warrior 2

03-28-2010, 12:29 PM

Fish Baseball

03-28-2010, 08:39 PM

Fish, that is different than the British scheme. But no matter, I think these lower powered bikes are a good thing for new riders. Too many young, primarily male riders get caught up in the bigger is better syndrome. Peer pressure and the sense of whimping out if you don't have mega horses is a killer. It is great to have freedom of choice but it must be tempered with common sense.

And I do agree strongly there....but there is also my argument. Young Riders who have no idea about being on the road, yes i do totally agree, but in my situation I've been driving for 17 years and think i have a fair idea of what to expect out on the road (everyone else is trying to kill you), so making 1 rule to fit all, and making that rule for the stupidest affect all kinda bothers me is all.

That being said I personally have no intention of going bigger, having way too much (safe) fun on my GZ. :yes:

Water Warrior 2

03-28-2010, 10:00 PM

A fair bit of maturity and road sense will make a big difference. You are obviously not in the targeted group that the LAMS is meant to save from themselves.

Fish Baseball

03-28-2010, 10:24 PM

On that note, how does the British scheme work? Purely for my own edification of course.

And thanks for the massive compliment!

Water Warrior 2

03-28-2010, 10:42 PM

Fish Baseball

03-28-2010, 10:48 PM

The British sytem works with horsepower, age and experience. It is kinda complex but seems to work. A total newbie(16 years old) is only allowed a 250 or 125, can't remember which. It goes up in power with experience and age. IIRC a newbie 21 or older could start on my Vstrom but it would be programmed to produce a max of 33 horsepower. After a period of time the bike would/could be reprogrammed for max power output. After enough time, age and experience there are no restrictions. The system works for them and probably saves a lot of injuries and funerals.

You see, a little thought put into it makes sense! Over here it's 15 months on "L" plates, (min 6 months) and then another two years on your "P's"....unless your a fully licensed car driver where it reduces down to a year on P's. Until your off your plates completely your under the LAMS scheme.

Weirdly enough you can drive a 6 litre V8, unrestricted, once you've got your provisional car license.

blaine

03-28-2010, 11:47 PM

Here on the Island there is no restrictsions on what you can ride.Your 30 day beginers permit only restricts you to day time riding.once you pass driving test you can ride when & what you want.Law makers need to wake up!!

alantf

03-29-2010, 06:46 AM

I've just been checking the English regs (I still drive on an English licence as per EEC regs) :-

A learner motorcyclist under 21 can take 2 types of test.
Category A1 light motorcycle - allowed to ride motorcycles up to 125cc (11kw/14.6bhp)
Category A - allowed to ride any motorcycle with a power output of up to 25kw(33bhp) & a power to weight ratio of no more than 0.16kw for every kg. Allowed to ride larger powered motorcycles after 2 years of passing the test.

Riders over 21 can choose to take either of the tests set out above, or, take a test to ride bikes over 25kw.
So that learners over 21 can practice for the test for large motorcycles, they can ride any motorcycle on the road when accompanied (on another motorcycle) by an approved motorcycle instructor.
The practical test can only be taken by riders aged 21 or over and completed on a motorcycle of at least 35kw(46.6bhp)

Phewwwwwwww! When I took my test (in 1965) in England, the only regs were that before taking the test you could only ride bikes of 250cc or less, then as soon as you passed the test there were no restrictions whatsoever.

burkbuilds

03-29-2010, 10:18 AM

In the State of Georgia, US, you can get a motorcycle learners permit by just passing a written test that pertains to motorcycle operations and general traffic laws. This allows you to ride with a few restrictions for up to six months at which point you will need to have passed a road test or renew your learners. The restrictions are (1) Daylight riding only (2) no passengers and (3) No interstate highway operation. When you take the "road test" it's actually in a parking lot. The inspector makes sure you can drive off from a dead stop without wobbling, stay between two curved lines that are about a yard (meter) apart going both directions while traveling about 20 mph. You have to get the bike up to around 20 mph then the inspector signals you with one of three lights, either a stop light, where you have to stop without skidding before you reach a certain distance, or a left or right signal where you are required to turn the opposite direction and go outside of a marker on the pavement to show you can control the bike to avoid hitting something. You also have to show some handling around the parking lot, perform a u-turn without putting a foot down and stuff like that. It's only a basic test but it does show that you have obtained some minimal skill levels in handling your bike. If the inspector grades you well then you get your full unrestricted license otherwise you have to repeat the road test. The road test takes about 10 minutes.

There are no restrictions on how powerful of a bike you are allowed to ride though.

music man

03-29-2010, 11:56 AM

In Hot Springs Arkansas, you go take a 10 question written test that someone that didn't even have there car license yet could pass, and then they give you your motorcycle endorsement on your regular drivers license and that is it, you could ride anything from a scooter all the way up to AlanC's Stratotank legally, or even the fastest street legal sport bike on the planet, You can ride night, day, interstate or back highway.

It is really crazy for them to be that relaxed on their rules, but for someone like me that already new how to ride enough to get out on the road, it was heaven. I thought I would have to wait weeks to legally ride, but instead it took minutes. :rawk:

Water Warrior 2

03-29-2010, 12:13 PM

Alantf, thanks for helping out my old memory.

oneyunguy

08-20-2010, 12:25 AM

Well, Instead of a Suzuki, I am going to a 2006 Yamaha 650 V-Star Custom. Very nice looking bike with only 2,200 km's on it. No rust, no dings or dents.
http://s3.postimage.org/pCsl0.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=PqpCsl0)

Water Warrior 2

08-20-2010, 12:30 AM

A nice looking upgrade. Private sale or dealer ?

blaine

08-20-2010, 12:36 AM

Sharp looking bike.Should give you many miles of satisfaction.

:) :2tup:

mole2

08-20-2010, 01:51 AM

That's basically what I'm targetting for my next bike. I want a V-Star 650 Classic or Silverado. I've sat them only and they fit like a glove for me.

:)

Water Warrior 2

08-20-2010, 02:40 PM

Don't forget the Honda 750 cc bikes. They are a nice line of models with good reliability too.

Palaka

08-20-2010, 09:41 PM

nice looking bike really like the color of it.

oneyunguy

08-21-2010, 01:44 PM

I must say, that it does look good! a 2006 with only 2,200 kms! Thanks for all the positives! I got it from a local dealer at a steeeeeeeeeeeeeal! $4,500(canadian) all in. One minor scratch behind the rear seat, and some small scuffs on the tank from the cables rubbing(fixed right away with zap-straps) and some small scuffs on the front fender. Just rode her home last night, and woke up this morning at 7am to give her a good clean for riding today.

Water Warrior 2

08-21-2010, 06:42 PM

Good grief, 2200 kms on an 06. Not even broke in yet. Nice find and the $ aren't bad for almost new. Happy riding and congrats to you and your new bud.

oneyunguy

09-07-2010, 11:22 PM

Moderns motorcycling's going bankrupt (so I heard).

as well...http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/rds/m ... 13424.html (http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/rds/mcy/1938513424.html) the same dealer I got mine from dropped the pricde 1,000 bucks to get rid of it.

Water Warrior 2

09-08-2010, 01:15 AM

Not so, Modern is not going bankrupt. Modern Murray is just closing the doors and getting out of the business. He has a few other interests to keep him busy and out of trouble.

cayuse

09-08-2010, 02:58 AM

blaine

09-08-2010, 08:45 AM

Thanks A LOT oneyunguy! I was trying to hold out 'til next spring to get a 650 and you come along and dangle that Craigslist ad in my face! :drool:
BTW, it's listed as having 2600 'miles'. Is he selling American imports?

Probably get a better deal in the next month or so than waiting till the spring.Plus,no kicking yourself in the butt all winter.
:poke2: :tongue:

cayuse

09-08-2010, 11:54 AM

Yeah, looking at Craiglist, I'm seeing the end-of-season rush starting to build. :cool:

oneyunguy

12-21-2010, 11:26 PM

Sorry for the long overdue reply.

He was selling two of the same bikes. He does go to the states to get the deals. He usually deals with dirt bikes but thought he'd try these road bikes. My ride was a foreclosure. All told, 4,500.00. The other bike sat and sat, and the last ad i saw was for listed at 3,000.00.

oneyunguy

12-21-2010, 11:27 PM

The ad was also wrong, he put the wrong mileage, it was actually 1,200 miles. Barely riden.

Water Warrior 2

12-22-2010, 01:21 AM

Now all we need are pics of the new ride.

oneyunguy

01-11-2011, 02:07 AM

Here is some photos.

patrick_777

01-11-2011, 01:32 PM

I like that a lot.

cayuse

01-11-2011, 02:40 PM

I like! :2tup:

Water Warrior 2

01-11-2011, 04:01 PM

I will be expecting to see a shiny VStar show up in Squamish for a coffee when the weather permits.

blaine

01-11-2011, 04:15 PM

Beautiful bike.Ride with pride! :drool: :2tup: :cool:

mole2

01-12-2011, 04:46 AM

Your Custom is beautiful!! I have a 2009 V-Star 650 Classic/Silverado in Pearl White and these bikes are really great. Good luck with her and ride safe.

:)

oneyunguy

01-13-2011, 12:33 AM

Thanks alot folks!

Warrior, since I got her late last year I didn't get the good chances to go far, this year will be different. Can't wait for the ride up the new highway. Only real ride I took her on was the toy run, now she's in storgae.

She sure is pretty! A bugger to keep clean though. Love the power increase from my GZ.

Soon to have new Vance & Hines Cruzer exhaust, lose the "bagel" (air intake) and go with pods (GAK),
and new rubber.

Can't freaking wait for riding season.

Water Warrior 2

01-13-2011, 02:03 AM

Coffee will be on me when you get here.

bonehead

01-13-2011, 09:06 AM

I have ridden one in the past, a very capable bike. It will cruise all day at 80 mph.

oneyunguy

06-23-2011, 02:06 AM

oneyunguy

06-23-2011, 02:07 AM

oh, I almost the Drag Specialties tach.

Strelok

06-23-2011, 04:57 AM

oneyunguy~

Nice Bike.

You should get a Silver Helmet to match it
instead of your old Green one you're wearing.

:tongue:

oneyunguy

06-25-2011, 01:48 AM

he he. Actually I just bought a new Scorpion EXO-1000 Sublime.

Water Warrior 2

06-25-2011, 04:46 AM

Here's her AFTER the transformation.

Soon to get a seat mod, why do manufacturers insist on making horrible seats?
The manufacturers provide an aftermarket and employment demand to suck up the rest of your $$$.

mole2

06-25-2011, 02:45 PM

Here's her AFTER the transformation.

New pipes (Vance & Hines Cruzers).
Bagel (air filter) gone and replaced with what's called the GAK (Gonzo Air Kit) which is pods attached to the tops of the carbs. Re-jetted (from 90 mains to 127.5's).

Soon to get a seat mod, why do manufacturers insist on making horrible seats?

You should try a rider seat backrest. It made a world of difference for my 2009 V-Star 650 Classic. I got a Grasshopper Limited Backrest (http://www.grasshopperlimited.com/Yamaha.html). It takes about five minutes to install the bracket and the backrest is easily removable (though I'd never leave home without it). It's the best $85 I've spent on the bike. You can see it below.

http://www.yamahamotorcycleforum.com/gallery/files/1/5/0/3/4/2009_v-star_650_classic_right_frontsmall.jpg

:)

geezer

06-25-2011, 07:48 PM

wow now thats a clean bike. i owned an 02 custom 650. man they really dont get much better than that. all day comfy highway, plenty of power, and i got 62mpg once. i had some nice pipes on mine and everone thought is was a harley

alanmcorcoran

06-26-2011, 04:21 PM

mole2

06-28-2011, 01:13 AM

We almost need a V-star sub-forum under the GZ250 umbrella. Many Harley riders I've encountered in parking lots have mistaken my V-star for a Harley too - I call it a Japanese Harley copy. Still can be awkward though. ;)

I've actually had many Harley riders tell me what a nice bike I have. Makes me feel good.

:)