Hello from Wisconsin

[Cruiser]

Getting my first bike soon. I went with the GZ250. Can't wait to get it, just in time to beat the fuel prices.

[blaine]

Getting my first bike soon. I went with the GZ250. Can't wait to get it, just in time to beat the fuel prices.
Welcome to the forum.Make sure you buy some good safety gear and take a riding course before you set out.Also make sure the controls (brake & shifter) are adjusted to fit you.
:) :cool:

[Cruiser]

thanks.
I will be picking the bike up from a shop in a week or two, is that a service most places will provide? If so, do think I should ask them to do that at that time?

[Cruiser]

I already bought all the gear, and have a riding class scheduled, no worries there.

Any particular issues I need to watch for with the GZ250? I plan to own it for a while, and want to take care of it. It is a 2009 that was a demo model.

[blaine]

I already bought all the gear, and have a riding class scheduled, no worries there.

Any particular issues I need to watch for with the GZ250? I plan to own it for a while, and want to take care of it. It is a 2009 that was a demo model.
If it has over 600 miles on it,check to be sure that it was serviced.It needs a valve adjustment,oil change,and a once over at this time.
:cool: :)

[Cruiser]

It has 450 miles, but they said it has been serviced with all the fluids changed, thanks, I will ask about the valves so I know (and plan for a once over at 600?).

[blaine]

It has 450 miles, but they said it has been serviced with all the fluids changed, thanks, I will ask about the valves so I know (and plan for a once over at 600?).
Some dealers will try to charge up to $250.00 for the 600 mile service.The main thing thing,the valve adjustment,takes about a hour,two at most.
:)

[alantf]

thanks.
I will be picking the bike up from a shop in a week or two, is that a service most places will provide?

If you're talking about adjusting the brake & gear shifter pedals, I reckon you'll have to ask. It's something that SHOULD be done, but it seems that most (ALL?) dealers conveniently forget this in the rush to get you off their property. :whistle:

For some reason the brake pedal NEVER comes from the factory set up correctly. The pedal should be just under your toe when you're sat comfortably on the bike, but it always comes set up ABOVE your foot. so that you have to take your foot off the peg, & move it to a different position to use the brake. The gear shift is a matter of finding a comfortable position with regard to where your foot is on the peg, & the type of footwear you wear for riding.

[Water Warrior 2]

Your owners manual will provide the procedure for the rear brake pedal adjustment. Just remember to follow the steps and you will do fine. Also be sure to re-adjust the brake light switch down by the foot peg. It is threaded and a simple turning will make the adjustment. Ask the dealer to point it out for you.

[Cruiser]

thanks.

[geezer]

another thing about this bike, it wont get out of its own way :yawn:

[alanmcorcoran]

The good news is that you bought one of the easiest bikes there is to learn how to ride. Here are a few tips that will make your first few weeks go with less frustration.

1) Learn the positions of reserve and fuel on the petcock. Don't leave it in reserve or you will run out of gas. When you fill up, set your trip odometer to "0" - that's your gas gauge. You'll get 150-180 miles per tank depending.
2) Take some time to practice squeezing it into first. Tends to be easier if the bike is rolling and the clutch is engaged. If you stop and it won't drop into first. let the clutch out a little and roll the bike - it'll drop in.
3) Try to get in the habit of using both the front and back brake - it's a single disc in front and, while adequate for this weight bike, it's not exactly huge stopping power (I can stop faster on my 850 pound Yamaha.)
4) Ride the bike regularly or you will have to deal with balky carburetor issues. Once a week is sufficient.
5) Think about a windshield. For around town it's not a must, but it does make riding less windy.
6) Don't plan on a cross country tour with a GZ unless you like pain. It's also inappropriate for high speed highway riding.

That's it. If you're a complete newb as I was, I recommend you a) Have fun and b) take your time getting up to speed. For all of the advice you'll get in here, the reality is , you'll get a lot better in the first year just by riding the thing around. Don't try and keep up with experienced riders in the twisties. it takes some time to get a feel for proper cornering - don't worry, you'll get it - don't rush it. Be careful on sand, wet roads, leaves, painted surfaces. They are effing slippery and you will go down if you are leaned over. Don't use the front brakes hard if you are not going straight.

Take your time and get a helmet and jacket that fit well. Wear ear plugs if you ride a lot. Don't let kids near the pipes and don't burn yourself (or your wife) on them. It's a small bike but it gets big bike hot.

Good luck, and welcome!

[Water Warrior 2]

The best life insurance a rider can buy is a book called "Proficient Motorcycling" by David Hough. It is by far the best read in the world of 2 wheels. Consider it the Bible of Motorcycling.

[Cruiser]

Been to a few forums, this is a good one.

[mole2]

Welcome to the forum from South Carolina. Ride safe.


:)

[mark520]

hello.. i am Mark from USA ,Ak,Anchorage,nice to meet you,im just new here..i'll hope that i can have new friend here..
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[mole2]

hello.. i am Mark from USA ,Ak,Anchorage,nice to meet you,im just new here..i'll hope that i can have new friend here..

Hi Mark. You really should start you own thread so everyone can say hi. Welcome to the forum from South Carolina and ride safe.


:)