Thinking about buying a GZ??

[Todubs]

I am new to this board and rather new to riding.

I have recently completed my local MSF course.

I would like to purcahse a 250cc and have looked at all the various choices. I have settled on the GZ250 for its feel, size, low insurance and reported MPG.

SO, to the point of this post.....

I am 6' 1", around 250lb. I am looking for a cruiser to use around town and for my job (social worker). I am not interested in freeeway or cross country. Will the GZ250 get me moving enough? Or do I need to look at bigger engine size?

Thank you!

[jonathan180iq]

Hi Tod,
Welcome to pretty much the only place to discuss the GZ.

This topic was covered in some earlier posts. http://www.gz250bike.com/viewtopic.php?t=306

Basically, the concensus was that, for your height, the frame of the GZ might feel a little cramped. It's light years ahead of the Rebel, but it's still a little cramped. Now, a couple of guys have added longer rear shocks to increase the seat height. I'm 5'11" and I've thought about it, but it's not too bad.

I would still suggest the Ninja 250 or the Nighthawk for your size, with the Ninja getting the nod for your weight. Keep in mind that I also consider a 500cc a supersport bike. 250cc is just about perfect for everything.

good luck,
Jonathan

PS: Just go to the Kawasaki dealer and have a seat on the Ninja 250. It's a standard motorcycle with a fairing, nothing too sporty. There is also a huge following here ( www.ninja250.net (http://www.ninja250.net) )

[markboy]

For what it's worth...

I'm 6' 2" and about 210 lbs and I feel quite comfortable on the GZ. I also used the GZ in the MSF. On the other hand, I have not ridden other bikes and I'm guessing that I would find other comfy rides. Within the 250 class I sat on many bikes while looking for my first purchase and the GZ felt just right for me. I felt way to bunched up on a sport bike, didn't like the Rebel handle bars, etc. Go sit on a few and you should be able to determine if the fit is at least acceptable for you.

As far as speed I haven't done any freeway riding yet but I've had no problem getting up to speed and hanging with traffic on the 2 lane highways (60ish).

[jonathan180iq]

Interstates are the only real weakness of the GZ. With a 75-80mph top speed, it can certainly keep up with traffic.
However, on long hills the motor really bogs down. Also, since 75 is about tops for the machine, passing power is basically nill.

You shouldn't let that deter you though. Not many of us spend too much time on the interstate anyhow.

Take care,
Jonathan

[Todubs]

I have tried the other 250's out there during my MSF course, including the Hyosung/United Motor versions. I felt the Rebel was TOO small, Virago bars hit my knees when turning and the Hyosungs were just a bit "cheap" feeling to me. I did like the Kawa' Ninja 250. It felt nice, but was a bit hunched over.

To me, it has come down to either the Ninja 250 or the GZ250. I much prefer the cruiser ride position of the GZ250.

My only concern is will the bike have the power to get me moving at faster speeds when needed?? As in getting out of the way of trouble or merging onto a faster road. I have no problem avoiding freeways and really need a commuter/fun bike.

Thank you for the replies!!!

[Easy Rider]

I did like the Kawa' Ninja 250. It felt nice, but was a bit hunched over.


Oh no, can't be, since it's a "standard" after all. :)

"Just go to the Kawasaki dealer and have a seat on the Ninja 250. It's a standard motorcycle with a fairing, nothing too sporty."

Sorry, just couldn't resist. :neener:

[jonathan180iq]

Staying with traffic is not really a problem and, as I must say I'm glad you are sticking with a 250cc, the bike will move you along quickly enough.

You will probably notice some slugging on long hills. This can be counteracted with proper gear selection and experience. As far as avoiding danger, controlled reactions and a sharp defensive/aggressive mind set will keep you safer than horsepower and torque. I'd suggest that displacement shouldn't make a difference. A smart and cautious rider knows what situations to stay out of before they happen. In a situation where it is impossible to avoid an accident, it wouldn't matter what size bike you were on.

The MSF course taught you how to control a motorcycle. Now it's time to learn how to interact with traffic. It's a little different than driving a car. I've survived by pretending that every driver is a moron (not far from the truth) and that I am invisible.

It may seem dorky, but flashy colors on the helmet and a reflective vest are a good option for both confidence and visibility.

Take care,
Jonathan

[jonathan180iq]

Oh no, can't be, since it's a "standard" after all.

well, a sporty standard... :blush:

[prof_stack]

[quote="jonathan180iq"]It may seem dorky, but flashy colors on the helmet and a reflective vest are a good option for both confidence and visibility.
Take care, Jonathan[/ quote]

+1

No, it is NOT dorky. It is smart. :tup:

[Badbob]

My specs:
Height: 511
Inseam: 29 inches
Weight: 235 lbs
Miles riding a GZ250: About 18,000

I think your inseam is more of an issue than than you height. I had a custom seat built that raised the seat height 2 inches. I did this not because it felt cramped but because it change my seating position slightly and took some of the pressure off my spine/butt. It worked great.

I don't see weight as a factor. A GZ250 can carry about 375 lbs and I'm pretty sure I have exceed that from time to time. Never an issue for me.

I commute in city traffic everyday that the weather permits and never once have I had any issues keeping up with traffic at speed limits under 50 mph. In fact it seems to me that a GZ250 will out accelerate most cars up to 30 or 40 mph.

If you think you might need sustained speeds in excess of 60 mph I would strongly recommend you look at the Ninja 250. It is well supported and has a top speed of around 100 mph.

[Todubs]

Thanks again for all the replies!!!

The fastest road I might need to access is a very nice two-lane, riverside country road that is regulated at 50mph. Most roads I would need to ride on would be in the 25-45mph range.

If I do get a GZ, I planned on getting a wind screen and some of the other mods I have read about on this forum (16T sprocket, needle shim, more open filter, etc-etc). This should help with a small amount of more power??? I am mechanically inclined and have no issue working on my own vehicles.

I guess I am trying to avoid spending the extra money on a larger bike and higher insurance by wanting to stick with the GZ250.
Also, I want something my GF can ride if desired. She did just get her endorsement after taking the local class herself. :2tup:

[Easy Rider]

The fastest road I might need to access is a very nice two-lane, riverside country road that is regulated at 50mph. Most roads I would need to ride on would be in the 25-45mph range.

I had been looking over the various posts regarding the larger front sprocket and that seems to aid in the GZ's power dept.


You are the perfect candidate for the 16T front sprocket.
It makes the power delivery smoother, especially noticeable in 1st gear.
It allows you to "cruise" at 40 in 4th gear (if you want).

The European configuration comes that way, I'm told.
Alas, the USA model is choked down for emissions reasons and doesn't have the top end UMPH that it could. For that reason, the 16T is not for everybody as it tends to limit the top speed to about 70 mph.......unless you do some carb/air/pipe mods too, to make it more like it's European cousin.

Even with no other mods, most riders will find it a VAST improvement. I certainly did.

[Sarris]

The GZ is truly third world transportation. With a GVWR of 775 lbs less maybe 325 lbs of bike including fluids, means that your GZ can carry 450 lbs of driver & passenger. Include the Asian sub-continent low compression head that will run 60 octane gas, saki, dog shit, etc. and this bike will take the entire family to market. Papa-san, mama-san, junior-san, & baby-san. All on one GZ. So will it carry you?? Well, it carries my 6'-1" 300 lb ass on a 50 + mile round trip commute daily at 55 to 65 mph at 65 to 70 mpg. And with a 30" inseam, I'm not cramped. The GZ is easily the most reliable bike I own. No problems, just maintain on schedule. No muss, no fuss.

[Todubs]

I had an older mid-70's Toyota Corolla 1.6l that felt the same about fuel!! I used to run 86 octane, without issue!!

I always "tinker" with everything I own. With the additon of a windscreen, 16T sprocket, opening up the exhaust and tweaking the air filter design, I should be able to squeeze enough power to suit my needs around town.

Thanks!!!