Hai Guys!

[PhyPhoestilic]

Hi guys,

I'm 22 years old and the new owner of a 2005 GZ250, it's my 3rd motorcycle but technically my first working one :tongue: . Over the summer I was living with 2 roommmates who both rode on a daily basis (sportsbikes) and it made me finally decide to get a motorcycle myself. I've always wanted one since I was in high school but never had the money and I was never able to convince my parents that I'd b okay. But I figure now is a better time than never.

Now a little history of my motorcycle escapades. (Skip if you don't feel like reading)
After I saved up some money over the summer I went and bought a cheap ($400) 79 Yamaha IT175 dirt bike, which I took home and rode for all of about 2 minutes before it decide to crap out on me. I was originally planning on learning on the junker and then upgrading to a cruiser. But I ended up spending the whole summer fixing it up, practically changing everything on it and but it still barely ran. I only got about 5 minutes of it riding around my front yard in 1st gear (I had no motorcycle experience or anything at the time and never drove a manual, so the clutch concept was a whole new thing for me). But all in all it still has a lot of problems that makes it unsafe for riding. So I was all about ready to give up on ever riding a motorcycle, but then on a trip home to my parents my dad told me I could have the old junker he had sitting on the front porch. It was a 78 Yamaha XS1100 that had about 78k miles on it and was in really bad shape. The front wheel was locked up and the carburetors leaked gas, but the engine still ran. So I had a new spark of hope for my chance at riding, that was until I realized how much I would probably have to spend on parts to maybe have a chance of getting the XS11 to ride. I was looking at about $1-2k in parts alone, and that still wasn't a guarantee that it would work correctly. I decided that I'd rather spend that money on getting a used motorcycle.

Then I spotted the GZ250 on craigslist and I couldn't resist picking her up. I found it for $1.5k but after negotiations I got it down to $1k (I had to pay about $250 for back fees and a new battery). While talking to the guy about the motorcycle I went ahead and got my motorcycle permit at the short lines at the DMV. It only took me 5 hours :roll: , but then again thats cause I didn't have a appointment. Then I got one of my roommates to go with me to pick up the bike for me, we got it back to the house and I started learning how to ride. First in the driveway going up and down slowly learning how to shift, come to a stop, taking off, making slow u-turns, etc, pretty much all the basic stuff. I've must've spend 2-3 hours riding the bike that first day. On 2nd and 3rd days I pushed myself to cruise around the neighborhood, and found some empty stretches of rode to shift all the way up to 5th gear and all the way back down. I think I put about 50 miles on the bike just riding in a 2-3 mile radius :tongue: . Finally I figured I was ready enough for the road. On that monday I went ahead and rode the motorcycle to school, it's a 12 mile commute each way. At first I was really scared and intimidated by the cars and traffic in general, but after 2 or 3 days I got used to it (not to mention stalling a few times at a sloped red light :sad: ). But I've been riding the motorcycle to school everyday since and it's be really fun. Plus going from about $5 a day in gas to $5 a week has really made me happy.

All that was about 3 weeks ago. I picked up the motorcycle at 5,110 miles and now it's sitting at about 5,900. When I picked up the motorcycle I changed the oil, front brakes, and lubed up the chain. Last weekend I did a 75 mile cruise around to a local lake to check out the scenery plus test myself with a longer ride. This weekend I topped that. I just finished a 325 mile ride from Riverside to Tehachapi and back , it was 8 hours long and was really cold at night. If I was able to ride on the freeway it would've been 3 hours each way, but the 250 really can't handle it. I'll post more info about that in the ride trip part.

Anyways sorry for the long write up but here are some pictures.

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/8033/stp83988.jpg
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/4710/stp83992.jpg
http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/7856/stp83993.jpg

[blaine]

Welcome to the forum.It would be a good idea to take a safety course to make sure you don't develope any bad riding habits.Youwill need to do some maintance in the near future,oil change,check air filter,and a valve adjustment.Ride safe and good luck.
:2tup: :)

[alanmcorcoran]

Looks good. Tires look pretty good in the picture, but something to keep an eye on. I'm not too far from you. Might be able to hook up for a Riverside Co. Group ride. (I'm right at the edge of OC in AH near Corona.) Get out your way a lot.

[mole2]

Welcome aboard and congrats on the new (to you) bike. She looks good. Mine was a black one also.

As mentioned, you should look into the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Riders Course (MSF BRC). It will prevent bad habits and teach you the safe way to ride. While I'm not a year round All The Gear All The Time (ATGATT) person, I do recommend 6" or higher boots (work boots will do) Helmet and gloves. I never leave home without them. I do wear ATGATT when the weather cools here (like now) but when it's 90+ degrees and 90+ humidity (like this past May to September) I do change to shorts and a T Shirt (not recommended). Again, good luck and ride safe.


:)

[PhyPhoestilic]

I did look into the MSF course originally but I just didn't have money to cover the cost of it. I had enough money to pick up the GZ250, pay for the registration (a few months in back fees) and my insurance for the year. I couldn't justify the extra $250 (over 21) for the MSF course. I have done a lot of research and practice on my own in terms of emergency maneuvers and basic things to look out for when riding about. Maybe I'll take the course in the future to get some additional tips, but right now I plan on taking the DMV riding skills test to get my license. I've practiced a little over the weekends and the test itself isn't too hard, especially with a small easy to maneuver motorcycle like the GZ250.

As for as gear goes I have a full-face helmet that I wear everywhere. Then some basic riding gloves that my brother gave me that have extra protection for the palms and knuckles. But other than that I generally ride around in jeans and a jacket of some sort. Hopefully in the future I can pick up some leather gloves/jacket and boots too, but that'll all have to wait till I have more money.

[blaine]

Hi, I am Tracy . I am a new member of forum. Would a newcomer be warmly welcome here? Good day you guys!!!


__________________
watch tangled online free (http://moviesonlinefree.biz)

You most certainly welcome.Come on in! :) :2tup: No Spammers! :mad:

[alantf]

You most certainly welcome.Come on in!

.........NOT............. She's a spammer!!!!!!!!!!! :cuss:

[cayuse]

Ya, I wonder if rachely476 and tracyk859 are really the same 'person'
check the signature (for free online movies) :tdown:

[Water Warrior 2]

I did look into the MSF course originally but I just didn't have money to cover the cost of it. I had enough money to pick up the GZ250, pay for the registration (a few months in back fees) and my insurance for the year. I couldn't justify the extra $250 (over 21) for the MSF course. I have done a lot of research and practice on my own in terms of emergency maneuvers and basic things to look out for when riding about. Maybe I'll take the course in the future to get some additional tips, but right now I plan on taking the DMV riding skills test to get my license. I've practiced a little over the weekends and the test itself isn't too hard, especially with a small easy to maneuver motorcycle like the GZ250.

As for as gear goes I have a full-face helmet that I wear everywhere. Then some basic riding gloves that my brother gave me that have extra protection for the palms and knuckles. But other than that I generally ride around in jeans and a jacket of some sort. Hopefully in the future I can pick up some leather gloves/jacket and boots too, but that'll all have to wait till I have more money.
Beg borrow or steal a copy of Proficient Motorcycling by David Hough. It is the bible of riding and well worth the time to read it cover to cover.

[PhyPhoestilic]

Beg borrow or steal a copy of Proficient Motorcycling by David Hough. It is the bible of riding and well worth the time to read it cover to cover.


Yup, I'll look into getting a copy of it sometime.

On a side note I finally got my M1 license, I did the little riding test at the DMV. It was pretty hard but not impossible. Been wanting to go on another ride (was looking at the 74 and 243 that was mentioned earlier) but it's been pretty chilly and I don't really have any winter gear.:tongue:

[Water Warrior 2]

Cold weather riding gear would not be enough today.

[cayuse]

Looks very familiar, WW.
It's sprocket-changing weather!

[alantf]

Yeah, my missus is going to England next friday, to do her Christmas shopping. It's around 65ºf here, but on the news it says that England's had the earliest snow for 17 years, & the country's nearly come to a standstill. Glad it's her & not me. I had enough of the snow when I went over to my daughter's last Christmas. :cry:

[Water Warrior 2]

Alantf, it is just after 2:00 in the morning here and the snow plows, highways and parking lots are all involved in snow removal.
Just a few days ago we had the coldest temps in 25 years with windchill factors of -40 C(40 below F). Of course that was my day to run errands. BRRRR. Haven't been in those kind of conditions since I moved from the Canadian Prairies. And to think that used to be quite normal and acceptable for me. I guess I am a lot softer than I used to be.

[alantf]

[attachment=0:q0hjwv12]Untitled-1.jpg[/attachment:q0hjwv12]

Not as bad as Canada, but bad enough for me to be glad that I'm at where I'm at. :tup:

[alantf]

Never should've said that I'm glad I'm at where I'm at. We've just been put on red alert, across the Canaries (7 islands). The authorities reckon there's going to be winds around 100mph & torrential rain, from 10 o'clock tonight. They're taking it so seriously that they've shut down all the schools, academies, universities etc. for tomorrow. it's around 7.15 pm now, and an unnaturally hot, strong, wind is starting up. we've just spent the last hour clearing the patio of anything moveable. Now it's just a case of "battening down the hatches" & sitting it out. :curse:

[PhyPhoestilic]

So I was looking for a upgrade already since I couldn't get this thing to move me going up hills. Then I started searching and reading more threads and came across the gear commander site that someone posted in one of the threads. I realized I've been shifting at around 4k (4.5 max) rpm and that was probably why I was never really going anywhere. Because its my first bike and i haven't developed a ear for the engine yet. I went on a hour long test run today taking on different hills I encounter on a regular basis, and I gotta say, shifting at 4.5k compared to 7k makes a HUGE difference. I was a little scared at first cause when the engine starts shaking a little I feel like it's gonna explode, but when i checked the speed to RPM ratio I found out I was only at like 6k RPM. I started building my confidence up slowly and now I shift around 6k-7k RPM for a good amount of power while still knowing that I have a good cushion for the engine. Taking 4th gear up to 55MPH still scares the crap outta me cause the engine is so loud, but it's getting better.

Now it feels like I have a whole new motorcycle. I can probably wait a few months before upgrading (lets face it, this geezer still wont go 70 without hesitation).

[Water Warrior 2]

Alantf, hang in there and keep some candles handy for when the lights go out.

[Water Warrior 2]

So I was looking for a upgrade already since I couldn't get this thing to move me going up hills. Then I started searching and reading more threads and came across the gear commander site that someone posted in one of the threads. I realized I've been shifting at around 4k (4.5 max) rpm and that was probably why I was never really going anywhere. Because its my first bike and i haven't developed a ear for the engine yet. I went on a hour long test run today taking on different hills I encounter on a regular basis, and I gotta say, shifting at 4.5k compared to 7k makes a HUGE difference. I was a little scared at first cause when the engine starts shaking a little I feel like it's gonna explode, but when i checked the speed to RPM ratio I found out I was only at like 6k RPM. I started building my confidence up slowly and now I shift around 6k-7k RPM for a good amount of power while still knowing that I have a good cushion for the engine. Taking 4th gear up to 55MPH still scares the crap outta me cause the engine is so loud, but it's getting better.

Now it feels like I have a whole new motorcycle. I can probably wait a few months before upgrading (lets face it, this geezer still wont go 70 without hesitation).
Give yourself more time to bond with the bike. Keep riding and learn it's sweet spot and it's abilities to haul you around. When ridden within it's capabilities the GZ is a winner every time. Don't be in a hurry to outgrow the bike. Develop your skills on the GZ before moving up. A bigger bike won't make you a better rider just a faster rider.

[alantf]

Alantf, hang in there and keep some candles handy for when the lights go out.

So...... at midnight, I was watching the news about the devastation on the other islands, and even the far north of our island, & wondering when we were going to get it. At quarter past midnight I went to bed - and the winds started - Hardly slept all night, with the wind, & things being hurled around. The power went off around 7 am, so we went out onto the patio to survey the damage - total devastation - and difficulty standing upright. All the plantpots over, with soil everywhere - my tomatoes ruined - the wind up umbrella with a concrete block on the base was on its side. Then, suddenly, a 4 foot by 4 foot cover from one of the water tanks on the roof came flying past & just missed us. The power came back on at 10.30 - after I'd had my shower by portable gas lamp (our shower room doesn't have windows) The rains started, but now it's raining then stopping, just like the wind - that's howling, then dying down, then howling again, so we won't be going out today. They say we're in for it until tomorrow (tuesday)

Here's a photo of the branches ripped off the trees, in the gardens opposite us. (and the wind blowing the trees from left to right)[attachment=0:2lw8u91d]Picture 002.jpg[/attachment:2lw8u91d]

As I'm writing this, the torrential rain's started up again, but the wind's died down for the moment. Ah well, I suppose it'll start up again in a few minutes. :sad:

EDIT:- I've just re-read this, & it doesn't even start to convey what conditions are like. It's just come over the news, not to venture out unless your journey is urgent - & a list of roads that are blocked due to fallen trees, masonry etc.

[Water Warrior 2]

Pretty scary weather Alantf. Is this the first time for extreme weather for you on the island ? Stay away from the windows, you never know what the wind will turn into a missile.

[alantf]

Is this the first time for extreme weather for you on the island ?

Last February we had a typhoon, but that just brought the rains that swept the mud & debris down off the mountains, along the barrancos (dried river beds carved out of the mountains by the lava from the erupting mount Teide) & buried the roads under tons of mud - washing the cars along with it.
We get high winds, frequently, in the part of the mountains where we live, but nothing with the ferocity of this storm. The other islands are now on orange alert, but Tenerife is still on red. The power has been on & off all day, but it's just come back on, so I hope it stays on (it's 7 pm & dark out). I heard that the big shopping mall near us closed today, & people are saying that it's the first time in their memory that it's happened. Just hope it blows itself out by tomorrow, like they're forecasting, before it does any more damage.
Just seen, on the news, the cause of the power cuts. Pylons supporting the overhead lines brought crashing down, & someone took a home video of a giant tower crane on a building site come crashing down. Luckily no one was hurt. People reckon it's the fiercest storm in living memory.

[Water Warrior 2]

Wow, worst in living memory. That does sound severe. Let's hope nobody gets hurt or killed and the bloody blows itself out. Tke care of yourself.

[alantf]

Well......... You wouldn't believe the weather today! It's like a summer's day. I walked down to the village earlier, to get our lottery tickets. I'd
put a thick shirt on, & by the time I got home I was sweating. Something seriously weird is happening to the weather. :??:

[Water Warrior 2]

Alantf, was just thinking of you as I was logging on. Glad to hear things are a lot less violent out there. I would imagine there will be a clean up in full swing for a while. NOW I want some of your weather. :2tup:

[alantf]

And now my mate in Western Australia has e-mailed me some photos of the bush fires in Secret Harbour, near Perth. Talk about "from the sublime to the ridiculous" He says they're just across the road from him.[attachment=2:21tkewez]097725-golden-bay-fire.jpg[/attachment:21tkewez][attachment=1:21tkewez]560015-golden-bay-fire.jpg[/attachment:21tkewez][attachment=0:21tkewez]559517-golden-bay-fire.jpg[/attachment:21tkewez]

[Water Warrior 2]

Fire is Nature's way of renewing herself but it sure is scary for those involved. Hope your mate doesn't have to run for his life.

[cayuse]

Great shot of the Air Tractor in the first photo! Conair flies those (many times right over my neighbourhood) out of my local airport to fight the fires we get in western Canada. WW, do you ever see the Martin Mars flying by up your way?

[Water Warrior 2]

I have seen a few tankers but mostly helicopters. They are pretty handy in the more mountainess areas just north of here. A couple years ago I watches helicopters trying to put out the flaming mountain in Lillooet. They were dipping their buckets in the res. just beside the mountain and never getting out of sight.