Lightweight yet more powerful bike?

[Pete7874]

I can see myself upgrading from the GZ250 to something more powerful (500-600cc) within a year so that it's more highway-capable, but similar riding position to GZ250.

However, I would like something that's not much heavier than the GZ250 (320lbs). I'm still not comfortable on heavy bikes. I was thinking of something like Kawasaki Vulcan 500, but it weighs close to 500 lbs, AFAIK.

So, does a bike like this exist? Any suggestions?

FYI, I am 5'7" and weigh 150 lbs.

Thanks!

[Easy Rider]

So, does a bike like this exist? Any suggestions?

In the US.....right now......I don't think so.

Don't write off the 400-750 bikes that are a little heavier though.
The Vulcan 500 you mentioned is a good choice
Maybe a Ninja 500 or 650 but lots of plastic and more forward position
Suzuki s-40 (650) maybe
Honda Shadow 600....if you can find one or maybe an ER6N
Lots of choices but damn few that fit your weight target.

I didn't think I would ever ride anything heavier than the GZ again but now am quite comfortable on my Shadow.

Maybe you need one more riding season of "practice".......and maybe the weight difference won't be as important as you think.....if you haven't ridden anything that size yet.

P.S. If you go for an OLD 350 or 400, it likely won't have much more useable power than your present 250.

[dhgeyer]

Well, the Kawasaki Ninja comes to mind, but it's not a cruiser, and doesn't have the same riding position as the GZ250. It'll do 90 or better, and, other than getting blown around being so light, will do highway speeds with no problem. Weight is not significantly higher than the GZ.

Hyosung makes the GV250 Aquila, which is a light 250cc cruiser. It's got significantly more power than the GZ250, but not as fast as the Ninja. Don't let the fact that it's Korean throw you - it's a quality machine. It makes 25 hp compared to the GZ's 16. It has a dry weight of 368 pounds, so it's not quite as light as the GZ, but not as heavy as a 500 or 600. I've known several people who have had them, and they are reliable and fairly nicely fitted. Only real drawback there is finding a dealer, or a used one nearby. They're still relatively new to this country.

If you want to stay in the 300 pound range, I can't think of anything currently made that's bigger than 250cc's. But there are faster 250's than the GZ. There used to be a lot of bikes in the 300, 350, and 400 cc range, but that was years ago. Now it's 250 and then 500, and not many 500's.

I would also second what Easy Rider said: in another year or so you might be quite comfortable on a Vulcan 500 LTD, which is a wonderful machine.

[Sarris]

Maybe a Yamaha V-Star 650? Nice smaller cruiser but the lightest one is still 520 lbs or so.

There ain't much in the lower midsize range anymore. Now midsize is 1000 cc.

It's a shame. :poorbaby:

[blaine]

So, does a bike like this exist? Any suggestions?


The Vulcan 500 you mentioned is a good choice

The Vulcan 500 weights in at 438 Lbs,probably the lightest you will find next to the G.Z.
:2tup: :)

[Viirin]

It makes 25 hp compared to the GZ's 16.

A bit off topic but has the GZ only got 16hp? thought it was ~20hp.

If i was in your position, i'd probably go for a ninja if the riding position isn't a major concern, although i imagine the maintenance is a bit more difficult but on the plus side you got a small engine so you can keep the good fuel economy and the cheap enough insurance bracket.

I haven't even seen a vulcan 500 here in Ireland but if it's half the bike the guys on here make it out to be i'd say it's a solid bet as an upgrade.

Vii

[Sarris]

I was told my local Suzuki stealer that it's a huge 18 hp.

BFD either way, eh?? O_o

[BusyWeb]

Hi, Pete.
If you don't do much highway touring, you may look at the dual sports bikes.
Those types are little bit lighter than street oriented bikes, but with bigger engine size, more power.
Many do start 250cc to 650 cc sizes, and saw some 400-450 size super-moto style which tires are street oriented types.
Riding position is mostly up-right, and wide handle bars.

You are looking for the crousier type or strictly street type, I don't think (not sure) that you can have less than 400 lb weight.
Just my opinion!!

[burkbuilds]

Pete, I switched from the GZ to a Vulcan 500 about 14 months and 19,000 miles ago and I highly recommend the bike to you. My manual says it weighs 473 lbs dry, but I would never have guessed it weighed that much based on how it feels and handles. The acceleration is much greater than the GZ and the top speed is over 100 mph (personal experience). I ride a lot of highway miles and it really handles the turbulence of the 18 wheelers without a problem. My mileage is about 60 mpg which is less than I was getting on the GZ by about 10 mpg but not bad considering it's two cylinders and twice the cc's of the GZ. The bike is well balanced and I walk it into the garage and back out every day while sitting on the seat without any problem. Now, having said that, I'm 6'1" and weigh about 215 lbs, so if you are 5'6" and weigh 150 lbs, that would be much more of a challenge. If you get an opportunity, try to test drive one and see what you think, I would have guessed the weight at about 375 -400 if someone had asked me.

[blaine]

Pete, I switched from the GZ to a Vulcan 500 about 14 months and 19,000 miles ago and I highly recommend the bike to you. My manual says it weighs 473 lbs dry, but I would never have guessed it weighed that much based on how it feels and handles.

I wonder what changed between 09 & previous years to change the weight by 35 lbs.09 models weigh 473 lbs all previous models weigh 438 lbs.Even the 1990 454 ltd weighs in at 438 lbs.
:??: O_o

[Water Warrior 2]

All bikes suddenly got heavier due to advertised wet weight rather than dry weight. My Vstrom picked up an extra 45 pounds overnight.
As for looking for another more powerful but light bike you may want to determine what kind of riding you are looking for. This will give us some info to work with but I have to agree with a wait and see attitude. You may change your riding needs in a year and be looking for something entirely different. Just ride the GZ for what it is and appreciate it's capabilities and not it's liabilities. The longer you ride it the more it will teach you and increase your skill level for the next bike.

[alantf]

I haven't even seen a vulcan 500 here in Ireland but if it's half the bike the guys on here make it out to be i'd say it's a solid bet as an upgrade.

Vii

Kawasaki stopped making the European version in 2008, so the only ones you'll see are second hand. :cry:

[dhgeyer]

It makes 25 hp compared to the GZ's 16.

A bit off topic but has the GZ only got 16hp? thought it was ~20hp.
Vii

My bad. Motorcycle Consumer News measures HP at the rear wheel, and it was 17, not 16 as I had remembered. The 25 HP figure was from Hyosung's website, so that would be measured at the engine. Measured at the rear wheel, it would be somewhat lower, maybe 22 or so. So the difference in HP isn't that much. However, there must be something different about them (gearing?), because the Hyosung is highway competent, whereas the GZ is not.

The Vulcan 500 is still a better bike for the highway, and I don't think anyone should have trouble riding it if they've had a year or so on a GZ.

[mrlmd1]

The experience with the Vulcan may or may not be an exception, but light weight and highway riding may not always be compatible. Some light bikes tend to get blown all over the road from wind, passing cars and trucks, presence or absence of a windshield, etc. Before you buy one, get it out on the road for an extended ride.

[Pete7874]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. Seems like the Vulcan may be what I want after all.

Before you buy one, get it out on the road for an extended ride.
The problem is that nobody around here will actually let you test drive a bike like that... dealers won't let you ride it at all, and private sellers will typically only let you do a small round around their house/neighborhood. At least that was my experience, and I did have a motorcycle license.

[Easy Rider]

dealers won't let you ride it at all,

There are ways......even in Chicago.

Given the price of the bike to hold as a "deposit".....in cash.....almost any dealer will change their mind about a test ride on a used bike.....providing that you can handle it in the parking lot before going out.

Riding IN on a bike helps too. Having proof of insurance in hand does too.
There are, of course, exceptions. If you are a 16 year old kid or a 90 lb. gir, l a test ride on a "big" bike probably won't happen anywhere........and it probably shouldn't either.

[Pete7874]

What about Suzuki S50? Seems to have similar weight and seat height as the Vulcan...

[Easy Rider]

What about Suzuki S50? Seems to have similar weight and seat height as the Vulcan...

Another good choice; more of a standard than a cruiser.
It LOOKS like the seat height is higher, like the S-40, but I've never been on either.

[Pete7874]

It LOOKS like the seat height is higher, like the S-40, but I've never been on either.

Yeah, it's just the looks I guess. According to specs, the S50 and the Vulcan 500 have very similar seat height:

S50: 27.6
Vulcan 500: 28.1
GZ250: 26.8

One bad thing about the S50 is a kind of smallish fuel tank: 3.17 gal.

Also, I see the S50 has a shaft drive as opposed to chain in the Vulcan 500. Is one better than the other? Less maintenance with a shaft drive, but is it reliable?

[Easy Rider]

Yeah, it's just the looks I guess. According to specs, the S50 and the Vulcan 500 have very similar seat height:
Bare numbers can sometimes be deceiving; seat width and shape and even peg placement can sometimes affect your ability to flat-foot. You really have to do a "test sit".

Less maintenance with a shaft drive, but is it reliable?
Yes and yes. I much prefer a shaft......but everything else would have to be an absolute dead even tie before the shaft would sway me to one bike over another.

[mrlmd1]

If you've read what I wrote on here in another thread, I'm still getting at least 50+ mpg on my S50 depending on how I ride (it's very quick and that's fun so that may be why sometimes it's only 50). Suzuki website says the current specs are 3.2 gal for the tank, 478 lbs (a little heavier than the Vulcan), with a water cooled 805cc V-twin . The shaft drive on the S50 has had no problems, not like on the M50, and is almost maintenance free. There is no vibration or noise from it, and is very smooth. My transition to the S50 from the GZ was absolutely effortless and a great surprise in the difference in performance without sacrificing anything in handling. It's just another bike to seriously consider.

[Water Warrior 2]

The shaft drive on the S50 has had no problems, not like on the M50, and is almost maintenance free.
But the one problem is easily fixed before it causes major damage and big $. Yes I am defending the M with it's factory glitch because it isn't a big deal in my mind. The S-50 with carbs and different pipes is a neat looking bike with the least weight of the 50 series so it should be the most fun to tear around on. The M is also apparently the best handling of the 50's due to it's different forks. Lynda drags hard parts in the twisties now and again as it seems to corner like it is on rails. Any of the 50's are a good bang for the buck while being virtually bullet proof. My choice of the 50's would be the Canadian Special Edition C-50. It is just a bit nicer than the rest of the family.

[greenhorn]

One bad thing about the S50 is a kind of smallish fuel tank: 3.17 gal.


Just a few points:

Even though I get close to 60 mpg on the Vulcan, I sometimes wish the 4 gallon tank was larger.

If you are interested in aftermarket parts.... it is TOUGH to find much. Not impossible, but not easy.

I'm not positive, but I have heard that they may phase the 500 out of production...which , if you are set on getting one might work in your favor price- wise. They'll want to get the 2009 s out the door.

The engine is awesome.... parallel twin... same as the ninja. Sucker has some POWER but does not overwhelm. I am a 54 year old "newbie" who moved from the GZ ( still have it... will never sell...) . LOVE the Vulcan!!

My .02 cents.

[Water Warrior 2]

One bad thing about the S50 is a kind of smallish fuel tank: 3.17 gal.


Just a few points:

Even though I get close to 60 mpg on the Vulcan, I sometimes wish the 4 gallon tank was larger.

If you are interested in aftermarket parts.... it is TOUGH to find much. Not impossible, but not easy.

I'm not positive, but I have heard that they may phase the 500 out of production...which , if you are set on getting one might work in your favor price- wise. They'll want to get the 2009 s out the door.

The engine is awesome.... parallel twin... same as the ninja. Sucker has some POWER but does not overwhelm. I am a 54 year old "newbie" who moved from the GZ ( still have it... will never sell...) . LOVE the Vulcan!!

My .02 cents.
You will never go wrong with proven technology and design. These little verticle twins are great engines. Years ago I was looking at a Ninja 500 and the sales guys said I would need at least a 600 4 cylinder ninja to pull out and pass traffic. What ? 50 ponies isn't enough ?? Yup, just what I need, a more complex power plant with more moving parts. Factor in parts and service plus more insurance costs and riding gets expensive in a hurry. 2 cylinders are great for most of us.

[ruxpin76]

A Suzuki Savage 650 (now the S40?) rides much like the GZ, at least from my memory. I rode the Savage 2 yrs. before buying my GZ and they feel comparable to me. Except the greater power of the 650 and the belt drive...

[ncff07]

to throw my 2 cents in here the gz does good for me. yea a little limited in high gear speed but im 5'10" and 150 pounds and ive taken it around some nice curvy roads (2nd and 3rd gear curves) and just love the way it handles! :2tup:

[emory70]

i'm 5'11" and about 250. the geezer is a slug and i don't run it over 60 unless i'm going downhill. i love the bike, and can see myself keeping it or getting another even when i "upgrade."

[Water Warrior 2]

A 600 cc Shadow rolled by StarBucks this afternoon. A nice looking quite recent model with a very nice set of factory pipes that sounded just right.

[Easy Rider]

A 600 cc Shadow rolled by StarBucks this afternoon. A nice looking quite recent model with a very nice set of factory pipes that sounded just right.

I think so. And the red ones are purdy too !!
Still gets 60 mpg on the highway too. :tup:
2007 was the last year.

[attachment=0:27o5i4pc]VLX1.jpg[/attachment:27o5i4pc]

[Pete7874]

That Shadow looks pretty nice actually. 2.9-gal tank? How many miles do you get before you hit reserve?

[Easy Rider]

That Shadow looks pretty nice actually. 2.9-gal tank? How many miles do you get before you hit reserve?

In town, I figure 100; highway, 120.
Either way, my bony butt can't stay in the sadddle more than 2 hours at a stretch anyway. :cry:

[Water Warrior 2]

Yup, I can relate to Broken Butt Syndrome. After 90 minutes I need a stretch, a smoke, coffee and a walk around or different seat in a coffee shop. Older riders can't dredge up reserves like we used to. Another bonus is we get to talk to fascinating folks along the way.

[dhgeyer]

Yup, I can relate to Broken Butt Syndrome. After 90 minutes I need a stretch, a smoke, coffee and a walk around or different seat in a coffee shop. Older riders can't dredge up reserves like we used to. Another bonus is we get to talk to fascinating folks along the way.

:plus1: :2tup:

[frempath]

Personally my preferred bike would be 4 cylinder, shaft driven, fuel injected, with an old universal japanese motorcycle seating set up, probably in the 650-750 range.
Why?
4 cylinder - I have an old wrist injury that is very vibration sensitive, so more cylinder keeps the hand from going numb as quickly.
Shaft - having owned both chain and shaft, I like the feel of a shaft, lower maintenance, less noise.
Fuel injected - less fussy with outdoor conditions.
UJM set up - What can I say, its what I prefer.
650-750 - I want a nice utility bike. One that will easily run errands around town, commute, and go for an all day ride in the county.

So why do I have a GZ? Hey a free bike that runs errands about town for a couple bucks a week is hard to beat, especially when the alternative is the bus.

Now if Honda starts importing the CB1100 or the Hornet to north america.....

frempath

[alanmcorcoran]

Re bony butt syndrome... Had numb ass on the Honda Aero after 60 odd miles. However, same ass can go 500 miles on the Strat no prob. Conversely, no neck upper or lower back issues on the Honda but a problem after about an hour or two of highway on the Strat. Might not be your ass but the bike (or seat) that is the problem.

[dhgeyer]

Personally my preferred bike would be 4 cylinder, shaft driven, fuel injected, with an old universal japanese motorcycle seating set up, probably in the 650-750 range.
Why?
4 cylinder - I have an old wrist injury that is very vibration sensitive, so more cylinder keeps the hand from going numb as quickly.
Shaft - having owned both chain and shaft, I like the feel of a shaft, lower maintenance, less noise.
Fuel injected - less fussy with outdoor conditions.
UJM set up - What can I say, its what I prefer.
650-750 - I want a nice utility bike. One that will easily run errands around town, commute, and go for an all day ride in the county.

So why do I have a GZ? Hey a free bike that runs errands about town for a couple bucks a week is hard to beat, especially when the alternative is the bus.

Now if Honda starts importing the CB1100 or the Hornet to north america.....

frempath

Except for the fuel injection you just described the Honda Nighthawk 650 as produced from 1983 to 1985. Those years only. Four cylinder shaft drive UJM, 6 speed with lots of features that would still be considered advanced today, like an LCD display including the gear you're in. No FI, though. If you ever see one of those with low miles in good condition, you might want to take a look.

[alanmcorcoran]

I think Moedad has something like that...

[Easy Rider]

Except for the fuel injection you just described the Honda Nighthawk 650 as produced from 1983 to 1985.

And the Kaw Eliminator 600, around that same time.
Ninja racing powered; really quick.
And a low seat too.

[Water Warrior 2]

Frempath, you might want to consider something with a 90 degree V-twin. They are easily one of the best balanced smooth power plants available. Vstroms, SVs and the Gladius all have a nice smooth delivery with the Gladius being the most UJM of the 3. The only drawback is the chain drive. A belt on the Galdius would be super.

[Pete7874]

I'm not positive, but I have heard that they may phase the 500 out of production...which , if you are set on getting one might work in your favor price- wise. They'll want to get the 2009 s out the door.

That's what I've heard too - no Vulcan 500 for 2010. Supposedly it would need fuel injection in order to pass the latest emissions requirements. This means more expensive bike, and Kawasaki doesn't think they'd sell enough of them at this higher price point.

In any case, I am looking for used ones... 2008 maybe.

[dannylightning]

I was told my local Suzuki stealer that it's a huge 18 hp.

BFD either way, eh?? O_o

yep it is 18hp


dont let weight throw you off too much, a properly balanced bike with a low center of gravity will feel really light, if you dump it and halve to pick it up you might have a hard time getting it up but i have a semi heavy but but it dose not feel all that heavy. do a lot of setting test on different bikes and see what feels the best.

[Water Warrior 2]

A good set of crash bars will allow you to virtually roll the bike up on it's wheels after a drop. Many cruisers have a wider crash bar for this reason. The OEM bars on most Zuks are for decoration only and the aftermarket is the place to go. MC Enterprises bars on Lynda's bike are good looking and functional. Light mounting, peg mounting and roll over protection all in one.

[Viirin]

Yeah i was thinking of getting crash bars but i don't think weaving through traffic would be much of an option then on crappy Irish roads - that and i don't want to make the bike any heavier

[Water Warrior 2]

Crash bars are fairly light weight being hollow tubing and are usually just a tad less the handle bar width. Most suppliers can give you the dimensions on line.

[Pete7874]

Thanks everyone for the comments and suggestions. I ended up going with an '08 Vulcan 500 LTD.

So far I like it a lot. I love how smooth and stable it is on the hwy, while still not too difficult to maneuver in parking lots. And I've gotten used to the extra weight. The 3-4 months I initially spent on the GZ250 definitely helped build up my confidence and helped become more comfortable before moving on to slightly larger machines.

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d102/escape2music/500/P1050741.jpg

[Viirin]

Slick looking machine you got there

[blaine]

Sharp looking bike.You got one of a dying breed.
:2tup: :cry:

[Water Warrior 2]

Nice looking ride. A proven bike with a reputation for being a good runner.

[SuziQ07]

Congratulations, great choice with your new 2008 Vulcan! The black is really sharp. I bought a brand new 2009 a few weeks ago. Almost 500 miles later I can definitely say it was a great purchase. The Vulcan runs really smooth and is surprisingly powerful. Looks like Kawasaki didn't make the 500 again for 2011. Enjoy your new ride! I'm still trying to get a few more miles on mine before the snow flies!! :roll:

[Pete7874]

Thanks, all!

The black is really sharp.
Yeah, that's why I went for 2008. Otherwise I would have bought new as well.

I'm still trying to get a few more miles on mine before the snow flies!! :roll:
Same here. This weekend was great weather. I still need to get a small windshield for it.

[alantf]

I'm still trying to get a few more miles on mine before the snow flies!!

I think you can get something in a spray can that gets rid of 'em. :crackup

[SuziQ07]

Thanks, all!

The black is really sharp.
Yeah, that's why I went for 2008. Otherwise I would have bought new as well.

I'm still trying to get a few more miles on mine before the snow flies!! :roll:
Same here. This weekend was great weather. I still need to get a small windshield for it.

The only thing I've done to the bike at this point is add some bungee nuts for my Cortech tail bag to attach to. I would have liked an engine guard but the Kawasaki one is much too small and would offer very little protection if I dropped the bike. Still considering something after market...

[SuziQ07]

I'm still trying to get a few more miles on mine before the snow flies!!

I think you can get something in a spray can that gets rid of 'em. :crackup

Very funny!! :roll: I just started riding in April 2010 and I can see myself being very depressed when I have to garage the GZ and my new Vulcan for the winter. Spring 2011 can not come quick enough for me! I'll have to spend the long Central New York winter reading up on riding (Proficient Motorcycling) and watching youtube videos of other people riding their motorcycles! :cry:

[Pete7874]

I'll have to spend the long Central New York winter reading up on riding (Proficient Motorcycling)
Heh... I'm reading it right now.

[Water Warrior 2]

I'll have to spend the long Central New York winter reading up on riding (Proficient Motorcycling)
Heh... I'm reading it right now.
Yup, that is the cheapest life insurance you will ever buy and read.