View Full Version : Suzuki just dropped the price of a new GZ250 by $1000
mrlmd1
10-15-2010, 07:54 PM
Thought you might be interested in this - it'll work wonders for used bike prices too.
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/597/8183/ ... -Less.aspx (http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/597/8183/Motorcycle-Article/Suzuki-Offers-GZ250-for--1000-Less.aspx)
Viirin
10-15-2010, 09:18 PM
man, a lot of hate for the poor old GZ in the comments below the article...
Water Warrior 2
10-15-2010, 10:43 PM
I am sure there are a lot more riders in love with the GZ than riders who hate it. It boils down to expectations of the buyer. Gee, my GZ won't keep up with a Honda 750 sport bike therefore it is junk. My Ranger must be junk too as it won't corner as well as a Corvette at high speeds.
Lowering the price of a GZ is a good move by Suzuki. New riders will buy them and hopefully outgrow them. Suzuki will be right there to sell them a bigger bike. As a bonus a good used GZ will even be cheaper.
Sorry Alan but your GZ just took a hit in value.
Sarris
10-15-2010, 10:52 PM
All of our GZ's took a hit......
Looks like they're trying to get the old stock gone. If my Suzuki dealer is correct, the GZ is a goner for 2011.
:poorbaby:
Water Warrior 2
10-15-2010, 11:08 PM
If the GZ is a goner then I would imagine the GZ will hold it's value for quite some time. Where else would you look for a user friendly 250 that is as easy to own ?
Canuck
10-16-2010, 02:59 AM
I wonder if canada Suzuki will do the same with the dollar at parity...probly not.(bastards)
NavyDad6
10-16-2010, 03:12 AM
Why would the GZ be discontinued? Is the expectation that the TU is the new 250 standard/cruiser for Suzuki?
alanmcorcoran
10-16-2010, 03:42 AM
I think, given the reality of today's showrooms, that this is just the beginning. There's a ton of product and no buyers and the manufacturers are going to have to prune their product lines to survive. Things may be better for them in China and other "emerging markets" but it seems like the US market is still in decline and will likely remain that way until all of the repo's are reabsorbed and the unemployment situation stabilizes or improves. Mission Motorsports, which only two years ago was a bustling concern, is a ghost town - they are now closing on Sundays, down from twenty-two sales people to four. I don't see how a business with the location and overhead they have can be viable in their current state. Hahm, the big mega dealer in Anaheim, is already gone. It's going to be tough for us "non-mechanic" types if there are no economical sources for service in the future. Maybe I better start learning how to field clean a carb after all.
blaine
10-16-2010, 09:21 AM
Why would the GZ be discontinued? Is the expectation that the TU is the new 250 standard/cruiser for Suzuki?
I would think tyey are discontinued it because of the lack of fuel injection. The same reason Kawasaki discontinued the Vulcan 500 for 2010.With demand high for both models they may return in 2011.
:) :roll:
dentheman
10-16-2010, 01:38 PM
Look at the bright side. Perhaps next year they will introduce the GZ350 (or 400) with two cylinders and fuel injection, at only a slightly higher cost. I can hope, can't I?
blaine
10-16-2010, 02:09 PM
Look at the bright side. Perhaps next year they will introduce the GZ350 (or 400) with two cylinders and fuel injection, at only a slightly higher cost. I can hope, can't I?
I would buy one in a heart beat.
:drool: :drool:
Water Warrior 2
10-16-2010, 07:29 PM
Look at the bright side. Perhaps next year they will introduce the GZ350 (or 400) with two cylinders and fuel injection, at only a slightly higher cost. I can hope, can't I?
I think Suzuki would sell a boatload and then some. Lynda really wanted something like that. A modern smaller highway capable crusier would be just sweet. Suzuki did make a 400 twin many years ago but the bigger is better crowd ruled the market and it disappeared in time. In our more modern times there are a lot of folks who would really enjoy a 400cc bike that was fuel efficient and less intimidating than a bigger bike.
dentheman
10-16-2010, 09:50 PM
With all of the used BIG bikes I have seen cluttering the dealerships over the summer and the economy being what it is, I wonder if the 'bigger is better' mindset might be reversing itself. It would make sense. But I know that there are some people who would rather walk than be seen on something other than a big bike by their friends.
I think the design and ergonomics of the the GZ are winners, add a larger engine and yes I think it would sell, too.
Easy Rider
10-17-2010, 12:40 PM
In our more modern times there are a lot of folks who would really enjoy a 400cc bike that was fuel efficient and less intimidating than a bigger bike.
The American buying public is just STUPID, no getting around it.
Even in these hard economic times, the hunkering SUV is still selling good......and the slightly smaller "crossovers" which are useless in my book; to big to be a good car and too small to be a good truck.
There are a couple of mid-range bikes left.....but they seem to be disappearing fast.
AFAIK, the last mid-size cruiser was the Honda Shadow VLX 600, last made in 2007.
Looks like the Vulcan 500 is gone too.
About the only thing left between 250 and 750 seems to be the Ninja 500 and 650.
It is really sad.
Water Warrior 2
10-17-2010, 05:33 PM
The Ninja 500 and Suzuki 500 twins are still great bikes and a solid buy but they are a little tall in the saddle for some folks which is a really bummer. They are however a good mount without being overly sporty and the seating posture is fairly upright for reasonable comfort. Both have been around for some time and are fairly old tech so a lot of maintenance can be done at home. The latest Ninja(new for 2011) is the 400 twin. Looks a lot like a 600/650 but with a smaller engine. Kawasaki finally figured it out. Some folks want a sporty bike in that physical size but do not need over 100 HP to play with.
voxclone
10-18-2010, 02:20 AM
I've been toying with the idea of getting a bike for years now. Took the MSF class about 18 months ago, and have periodically wandered into dealers to gawk since then (anyone else really like the look of the Honda Shadow RS?).
Anyway, I just recently decided that I'm going to take the plunge when I have the cash, so I decided to go kick some tires over the weekend.
Sat on a bunch of different 250s, and I liked the GZ the best of the bunch. When I discovered that the price had dropped, that just about sold me. Now I just have to hope that I can still find one locally at the end of the month!
Anyone know what the "out the door" price would be on a GZ250 now?
dhgeyer
10-18-2010, 08:59 AM
Anyone know what the "out the door" price would be on a GZ250 now?
Whatever you can talk the dealer down to. They probably have bikes that have been sitting there for a year or more, it's Fall, very few people have cash in hand these days, so it's a buyers' market. Don't be afraid to dicker. About the third time the salesperson has to go ask their boss about what you're offering, and they come back sweating profusely, you probably have the best deal you're gonna' get.
That's how I do it anyway.
dhgeyer
10-18-2010, 08:59 AM
Anyone know what the "out the door" price would be on a GZ250 now?
Whatever you can talk the dealer down to. They probably have bikes that have been sitting there for a year or more, it's Fall, very few people have cash in hand these days, so it's a buyers' market. Don't be afraid to dicker. About the third time the salesperson has to go ask their boss about what you're offering, and they come back sweating profusely, you probably have the best deal you're gonna' get.
That's how I do it anyway.
Easy Rider
10-18-2010, 11:17 AM
(anyone else really like the look of the Honda Shadow RS?).
Stop it please. :shocked:
I will NOT get a new bike, I WILL not......never, no way....... :roll:
It's probably a good thing that my local dealer only had ONE......and it sold 36 hours after it hit the showroom floor.
Yes, I REALLY liked it, even better in person than the pictures.
alanmcorcoran
10-18-2010, 11:31 AM
On the cheaper bikes you probably won't be able to get much off the list but you should be able to knock about half off the "shipping" and reduce or eliminate the "assembly." It all depends on the bike and the availability. If there's only one, be prepared to pay more. If you are in that situation, it would be best to find a 09 used and use that price to negotiate with the dealer. Do the best you can but don't make it a contest for your manhood. $100 one way or the other isn't going to have much long term effect. Check Kelly blue book for invoice prices, but be aware that "invoice" usually is not the same as "cost." (Cost is often lower.) If you can find or befriend a confederate at another dealer, they may be able to tell you true cost. Suzuki is probably providing a rebate on the dropped price models and, of course, they are going to be attracting a lot of attention, so you may find them holding pretty firm on the rest of the fees.
If you really want to work it, you have to get a couple of dealers interested in your business and be kind of a dick about it. If you go about it this way, be aware you'll kind of not be very popular at the one you don't buy from, so try to buy from the one that is closer to you geographically (so you don't have to slink into their service and parts) and the one that is likely to be in business this time next year. Some dealers truly don't care where you bought from and will be happy to service you, but others take it personally.
Have fun shopping and enjoy your first ride!
dhgeyer
10-18-2010, 12:13 PM
(anyone else really like the look of the Honda Shadow RS?).
Stop it please. :shocked:
I will NOT get a new bike, I WILL not......never, no way....... :roll:
It's probably a good thing that my local dealer only had ONE......and it sold 36 hours after it hit the showroom floor.
Yes, I REALLY liked it, even better in person than the pictures.
MCN did a head to head between that and the new entry level Sportster (forget the model name, but it's new, and in the same price range as the new Honda). Anyway, the Sportster came out ahead in almost every respect. The Honda, if I remember right, is kind of underpowered. Having read that review, I wouldn't, personally, be all that in love with the Shadow RS.
Easy Rider
10-18-2010, 03:13 PM
Having read that review, I wouldn't, personally, be all that in love with the Shadow RS.
Fair enough but I wouldn't put THAT much stock in a review.
Given that I now have a 600 twin which I think has MORE than enough power......a power comparison doesn't sway me much.
Different strokes......... :tup:
Seems to me like I remember that the GZ came out 3rd or 4th in the review of 250s. :cool:
dhgeyer
10-18-2010, 05:08 PM
I don't recall MCN reviewing the GZ250 in comparison to two other 250's. With my memory that doesn't mean it didn't happen. Or maybe it was a different magazine. Depending on which 250s they compared the GZ250 to, I can see where it might not have done too well. For example the Ninja is just way out of the GZ's class, as are either of the Hyosung 250s. That doesn't mean that the GZ isn't a great bike for what it's intended for.
I put a lot of stock in the MCN reviews because they don't accept advertising, are brutally honest, and have an excellent technical and test staff. Other magazines I take with a big grain of salt, since they are not going to seriously offend their advertising base, and their reviews usually read a lot like sales pitches.
I just reread the MCN "Head to head" comparison between the new Honda and new Harley. It wasn't as decisive in favor of the Harley as I remembered, but the Sportster did come out on top. Better clutch, engine, less shake at highway speed (no, I didn't read that wrong), a better seat, better wheels (stickier tubeless tires, as opposed to less sticky tubed tires on the Honda's spoked wheels), better brakes, and better appearance (detail fit and finish). The only thing they really liked better on the Honda was lean angle, which they felt was quite limited on the Harley 883 Superlow.
Really, though, if you're on a VLX (I've owned a couple of those), I'm not sure why you would want to make such a limited jump up to either of these bikes. Why would they offer enough more than what you have to be worth the money?
Easy Rider
10-18-2010, 08:53 PM
Why would they offer enough more than what you have to be worth the money?
Sometimes you have more money than sense !!.......and sometimes you have neither. :roll:
What I really want is an NT700 but it's a little too tall for me.
I'm afraid to look at the European forums to see if it can be lowered without a lot of trouble; I might find out that it CAN and then I would have a $9K dilema. :cry:
Other things will be occupying my time the next year or so.......with the wife retiring too.....and my riding time might be somewhat limited. OTOH, if things fall into place, it might be enhanced by getting out of these midwest winters.
Water Warrior 2
10-18-2010, 09:05 PM
Easy, buy the bike and lower it. The wife will home more often and tell you to go riding b/c she is tired of seeing you around the house.
blaine
10-18-2010, 09:16 PM
Easy, buy the bike and lower it. The wife will home more often and tell you to go riding b/c she is tired of seeing you around the house.
:plus1: Find that warmer climate. :tongue: :biggrin:
dhgeyer
10-18-2010, 10:11 PM
For what it's worth, the NT700 got a very good review. A mid sized sport/touring bike - a very common sense option that we haven't had here up till now. :twisted:
Easy Rider
10-18-2010, 10:19 PM
Easy, buy the bike and lower it.
The wife will home more often and tell you to go riding b/c she is tired of seeing you around the house.
The second part is likely to come true.
If it does, then we can revisit the first part !! :cool:
dentheman
10-18-2010, 10:30 PM
Easy, buy the bike and lower it. The wife will home more often and tell you to go riding b/c she is tired of seeing you around the house.
When I retired, the wife was glad I was home more, but after a while it got a little 'uncomfortable' sitting around looking at each other day after day. And I wasn't crazy about watching the same old movies, ghost shows, and cooking shows that she watched, so we ended up spending much of our time in different rooms.
Easy Rider
10-18-2010, 10:40 PM
so we ended up spending much of our time in different rooms.
Past that point already.
Kind of sad really.
Water Warrior 2
10-19-2010, 01:29 AM
so we ended up spending much of our time in different rooms.
Past that point already.
Kind of sad really.
Funny how that works. You still stay together but apart.
mrlmd1
10-19-2010, 10:43 AM
Thanks for computers. They let you waste time and socialize with other than the people you live with, Like having another life away from home, like on here for instance. (j/K) :)
And that NT700 is a nice looking bike - there's one on Ebay now, 2010 brand new from a dealer (no ABS) for $8250, a bargain. Now if he would take my S50 and Ninja 250 in on trade.........
Easy Rider
10-19-2010, 10:46 AM
. Now if he would take my S50 and Ninja 250 in on trade.........
They probably would "take" them.
But you probably want to complicate matters and get something FOR them in return !! :biggrin:
Water Warrior 2
10-19-2010, 08:02 PM
. Now if he would take my S50 and Ninja 250 in on trade.........
They probably would "take" them.
But you probably want to complicate matters and get something FOR them in return !! :biggrin:
That is funny Easy. Well said.
mrlmd1
10-21-2010, 07:56 AM
I've been reading, investigating, and even looked at one. Nice, a little tall in the saddle, but owners love them.
Why would the GZ be discontinued? Is the expectation that the TU is the new 250 standard/cruiser for Suzuki?
I would think tyey are discontinued it because of the lack of fuel injection. The same reason Kawasaki discontinued the Vulcan 500 for 2010.With demand high for both models they may return in 2011.
:) :roll:
Why discontinue, replace the current engine with the TU250x engine it has FI. I think that would make a nice improvement. CMS :rawk:
Water Warrior 2
10-22-2010, 03:58 PM
The GZ may disappear from the North American market but I doubt it will be killed off entirely. It is a staple of the motorcycle market in 3rd world countries. It is a real money maker as the research and design has been paid back many years ago. As for the FI engine in the GZ, Suzuki would probably have to spend a fair buck getting the bike certified in the U.S. to be able to sell it.
At present with the world economy being in the crapper a lot of small sales bikes are just not being produced at present to use up existing left over stock. I think we can be assured the GZ will be around for a long time yet.
Maryland Mark
10-22-2010, 10:11 PM
Look at the bright side. Perhaps next year they will introduce the GZ350 (or 400) with two cylinders and fuel injection, at only a slightly higher cost. I can hope, can't I?
I second that! Would be perfect for me!
Mark
frempath
10-23-2010, 04:10 PM
Well I'm a bit late to the show, but here are my takes:
The GZ is nice about town. With a 1000 off the price it will be hard to beat as a starter bike. This could be a loss leader to bring folks to the dealership.
The motorcycle industry needs to market motorcycles as transportation, not just a weekend toy.
The GZ I have now was bought by my elder son as a cheap, new form of transportation at college. Surely he is not the only person who feels that a new motorcycle can be better than a used car?
The new Honda Shadow RS? Cycle World compared the Shadow RS, Triumph Bonneville, and Harley Sportster 883 Low. They felt the Triumph was the best of the 3 and the Honda was the worst. Further, the Harley is $800 cheaper than the Honda.
http://www.cycleworld.com/motorcycle_ro ... rison_test (http://www.cycleworld.com/motorcycle_roadtest/comparison_tests_articles/10q3/harley-davidson_iron_883_vs._honda_shadow_rs_vs._triumph_ bonneville_-_comparison_test)
The old bikes. Back in the days of the UJM, all 3 made 400-450cc twin cylinder bikes. Smaller bikes are still made. They just are not imported to the U.S. so much anymore. Now people claim 800cc bikes are "starters" and some companies sell motorcycles with bigger engines than my car has in it.
The Suzuki GS500 is available here, but I do not like the sport bike chicken head on the front.
I think the Honda CB 400 would be a great little all a round bike.
For something like a GZ, Honda makes the VT400.
Frempath
alantf
10-23-2010, 05:17 PM
some companies sell motorcycles with bigger engines than my car has in it.
Alanmc's bike is a 1900cc. My car (a Citroen C3, as advertised on English tv by the Fonz) is 1400cc. and I can still get 90mph comfortably out of it on the autopista. :cry: :)
cayuse
10-24-2010, 01:29 AM
I like the look of that VT400. Are they only available in Oz?
Water Warrior 2
10-24-2010, 07:27 AM
I know it is straight economics or lack of it but the VT 400 looks like a sweet ride and of course not available here. A very modern mini cruiser with all or most of the good stuff. If Suzuki was selling something similar in the North American market I am sure Lynda would have opted for it over the M-50 800 V-twin.
alantf
10-24-2010, 08:38 AM
I like the look of that VT400.
So do I ............ then I read the road report........... "struggles to maintain 110km/hr (70mph) on the highway" "moderate incline requires at least one downchange" "if climbing anything resembling a hill, prepare to knock it down two cogs" Seems like this 398cc machine fares no better than the 250cc geezer! All that for 9,990 AU$ when the geezer has just been reduced to less that 3,000$. And did you know that if you want the windscreen / saddlebag option, it'll set you back another 2,745 $? (yes, you haven't misread it!) I didn't write this - it was an impartial tester. If his test results are accurate (and I see no reason to believe otherwise) I think I'll pass on it. :tdown:
cayuse
10-24-2010, 02:52 PM
O_o oh dear! yes, it looks like it was 'tuned' for the Ozzy LAMS program. Too bad.
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