I need your help, am I the right size, & should I buy a 250?

[Nightsbane]

I will give the briefest introduction possible to explain my situation, and thank you in advance for your advice. A motorcycle was always something I wanted to have someday, but in the back of my mind seemed like one of those things that might always be just a dream. Then a year ago my car bit the dust, and I had next to no money to buy a replacement, as so I took the 500 I had and bought a 50cc scooter from a dealer. It ended up being a rip-off and cheap piece of chunk that broke down in two weeks. The dealer had closed up shop and I was screwed. I scrounged up what I could to buy a Kymco Super 8 50cc. The ride was much better, as in my opinion the Super 8 is simply the best scooter model on the planet. The only issue was that while the dealer told me I would go 35, but it would barely hit 28 at little to no wind. I didn't feel safe with all the traffic up my butt, so the dealer let me trade it back in towards a 150cc super 8. This one has some serious power and rides fairly well. It can go up to around 65-70, but honestly it doesn't feel too safe at that weight past 45-50.

So now I am at 150cc and it requires a license. I signed up for the MSF course, and had to wait six weeks to get in, but last weekend was my three day class. I only took this so I could drive my scooter, and then perhaps later get a motorcycle, but something unexpected happened. I caught the bug. All I was riding was a 125cc Kawasaki little cruiser but I was totally hooked. I knew that weekend I had to be on a bike as soon as possible. To be honest, my scooter can blow any mid size cruiser off the line with its low end power, but it's not about that. I just feel like I am not really a part of the "club" of cyclists on a scooter regardless of what my state registered title and tags say. I also get tired of being made fun of incessantly for the scooter as well.

Having said all that I am now on the hunt for my first motorcycle. I plan on selling my scooter, and have some other deals in the works to end up with up to around 4000.00 once everything is sold. I am trying to figure out what to buy. The range rides seemed alright, they had gz250's but I never got the chance to sit on one. I went to a local store planning on picking up the honda rebel, but I was cramped and felt like a clown on it. I am right at six foot and 200 pounds. I sat on a Honda Shadow Spirit 750 and was in love with the feel and the look, but I am unsure about jumping right up to 750, as I don't know how difficult that will be to do. I went into my MSF course with zero motorcycle experience or knowledge and had trouble with the gears at first but other than that be the end of the weekend the bike felt second nature.

So should I buy a Honda Shadow 750, or buy a Suzuki gz250 to get rolling? I sat on one a couple minutes at a local dealer and it seemed a lot better than the rebel. The particular bike just went on clearance (if it's still there) and is $3000.00 brand new with the three year warranty. The main thing I am concerned about is not wanting to look like a dork. I don't want "scooter syndrome" and feel like I have a pair of training wheels on when I pass other bikers around here, of which there are many. I do not want to look like I am sitting on a toy, but I also want to be safe and feel confident. I also was almost completely set on the shadow so I could buy something that could go on the highway right way, but I am mostly an in town cruiser. I may need to use a bike to go to class this fall 25 minutes away on a light traffic 60mph blacktop. If I buy the shadow it feels like I will have the bike I need for a long time, as it can do most everything, but I do not want to buy a 4000.00 bike that I cannot control and bust up. I don't have the money to just buy bikes whenever I feel like it, so this decision is important. As I said though, I am a cruiser, I don't care too much about drag racing, I enjoy the smooth rumble of an engine while enjoying a sunset. Lastly my daughters want to be able to take rides with me and I want them to have space for short rides in town.

So there it is longwinded, but I would appreciate ANY and ALL advice you could give me. Even in my office my motorcylce addiction causes my ears to perk up and hear every single bike that rolls by my house all day, and has been all week. I've got to be on one soon! :rawk:

[blaine]

Welcome to the forum.I would go with G.Z for the first season at least.A lot of people make the mistake of going to big to quick and finding out to late their mistake.The G.Z. looks bigger than it is,and can cruise at 60 to 65 no problem.You may be better off,buying a used G.Z to ride for a while,and than upgrading to your new Shadow.You will stand to loose much less money this way,and if you drop a used G.Z and scratch it up,no biggie.Good luck on your decision and ride safe.
:) :2tup:

[geezer]

blaine is probably right for most riders. its kinda crazy to go up to 750 right off the bat. but you know what, i started on a vstar 650 and i did fine. never had any problems riding that bike. in my opinion anyone with a fair amount of rider skill doesnt have to limit them selves to the so called "beginner bike". so what if the bike weighs a few more pounds, your tall and i assume strong enough to get on that 750 and ride. and if you keep it slow till you learn how to ride you should be safe. i agree on the rebel, its super tiny, i also sat on one. plus they seem even cheesier than the gz. me and you are right at the same height and weight so i know the bigger bike isnt going to mess you up. but i own a gz now and its perfectly fine for slow riding. choice is yours bra

[Strelok]

Nightsbane~

Based upon your continual upgrading of Scooters, you describing the way you felt on the Rebel 250
and your concern for appearances & fitting in...I would say you know the answer to this already.
Get the bigger Bike. While it doesn't have to be specifically the Shadow 750, there are many
used Bikes available at around the same displacement at a wide range of prices. Just don't
be in a hurry. Use Cycle Trader & Craig's List to find the right one. Do a lot of testing,
riding and find the one that will leave no doubt in your mind. That's just my opinion.

Good Luck.

:)

[Water Warrior 2]

I have to agree with Blaine on this decision. Get a used GZ for at least a season. Develope your skills, refine your riding and muscle response before going bigger. From what you say there is no need for a larger bike just yet with your riding parameters. Learn to walk before you run, the world won't leave you behind. The GZ is one of the best first bikes and will love living with you.

[alantf]

I've been riding for many years, and have had the gz for over 4 years, now. I must admit that I moved from one small island (England) to another (Tenerife) so I've never had the wide open spaces that you have in America. All my bikes have been small (no more than 250cc) and the only time I've really wanted a bigger one is for motorway/autopista riding (70 to 75 mph limit) where I've been struggling to keep up with the traffic.

What I'm trying to say, is that it's up to you what size bike you get. Don't feel pressured into getting something that you don't want. Just remember that the gz is one of the cheapest bikes on the market. It gets a better mpg than the bigger bikes, and maintenance is cheaper. You say that money is tight (as it is for me - I'm on pension) so financially you can't go wrong with the gz. If you don't want to travel faster than 60 to 65 mph for long periods, then the gz is the bike for you. If you buy used, then decide to upgrade in a couple of years, I don't reckon you'd lose that much, so the choice is really up to you. :2tup:

[grego]

nightbane
i'm a new rider. i'm 68 and never ridden a bike before. i went thru the riding school and learned the basics. i picked the gz because i could put both feet flat on the ground which you don't have a problem with. it's not that heavy and i liked the style. the gz is a very forgiving bike when i do something i shouldn't it lets me get away with it and i know not to do that again.... if you drove a scooter you are way ahead of me. its a fun bike to ride and will be easy to sell when its time to upgrade. and an easy bike to learn how to work on. with the manual in one hand and the forum in the other i have managed to fix and adjust a few things. my vote is for the gz. and who cares what people think as long as your having fun and enjoying the ride that's all that matters.

safe biking

grego

ps for the other newbies out there. i have figured out that if you find a highway/freeway that has an on ramp that becomes the off ramp for the next exit you can slowly get the speed up to 65 and not be in traffic and get the feel of riding on the highway/freeway

[Rionna]

Hello, I am a new rider as well. Got my endorsement last year and my GZ250 a few weeks ago. I live in a busy city with driver's with a lot of road rage. All my friends ride great big HD's, FJR's and Kawasaki's and tried to encourage me to to join their ranks. I made the decision to get a smaller bike to develop my skills and confidence. So far, I have made so many mistakes on the GZ, but fortunately the bike was understanding, and I've been safe. I'm riding in traffic now, at night, and on busy streets. The GZ allows me to improve my control and maneuvering of the bike which has improved my confidence level tremendously. I cringe when I consider what would have happened so far if I had a bigger bike and made some of the errors I've made so far. Yes, I do want the speed, yes I look like an ant next to my friends, yes I will upgrade to a bigger bike in the future. But for now, I want to be safe. So ultimately go with the bike that you feel that you can confidently handle. Most importantly wear the proper gear no matter what bike you choose. Have fun!

[Nightsbane]

Thanks for the replies thus far. I am curious though, as to what mistakes some of you have been making that were safer on the GZ than other bikes? Thanks.

[Water Warrior 2]

I think Rionna has the best answer. A larger bike can overwhelm a new rider and spoil their ability to be comfy and build confidence. The weight factor alone is enough to do you in if your foot slips on something wet or slippery while coming to a stop. Lynda rode her GZ for 3 years before getting her M-50 800 V-twin. She has said more than once that the GZ was a great first bike that prepared her for a mid sized cruiser with a lot more heft, power, size and giggles.

[grego]

nightsbane

my experiences on the bike make me glad i have the gz. the response is quick when you need it. i discovered that the foot pegs come up when they hit the ground. i have a co worker who has a big bike but took his driving tested on a rented gz because of its maneuverabilty. he said his bike couldn't make turns that tight. if you read posts you will find that a lot of people had bigger bikes and love there gz.

safe biking

grego

[Water Warrior 2]

Friend of mine forced his wife to try riding a 650 V-star when all she wanted was a GZ for a first bike. The V-star is a nice bike but rotting away under a tarp in a garage. She will not ride it and he won't because his H-D is big and bigger is better. Start small and learn to walk before you run.
Starting small and paying less is a great way to prepare for the fun and excitment of upgrading later on in your riding career.

[Rionna]

Today was a great example of the handling of the GZ. I was riding on a winding road 50 mph speed limit but a drop when you hit the curves. A couple of curves I hit too fast. I rolled off the throttle & leaned & looked where I wanted to go. Thank goodness for that MSF course! But I wasn't panicky about the weight of my bike. I still felt in control. Got to the stop sign. Went to take off hit some gravel bike flew over the curb almost went down but I was able to control it. Again all I had to do was concentrate on my skills & I didn't have to fight with the bike. I got back on the road & drove for another 45 minutes. Point is this bike doesn't overwhelm me. It actually makes me look & perform better than I really am.

[blaine]

Today was a great example of the handling of the GZ. I was riding on a winding road 50 mph speed limit but a drop when you hit the curves. A couple of curves I hit too fast. I rolled off the throttle & leaned & looked where I wanted to go. Thank goodness for that MSF course! But I wasn't panicky about the weight of my bike. I still felt in control. Got to the stop sign. Went to take off hit some gravel bike flew over the curb almost went down but I was able to control it. Again all I had to do was concentrate on my skills & I didn't have to fight with the bike. I got back on the road & drove for another 45 minutes. Point is this bike doesn't overwhelm me. It actually makes me look & perform better than I really am.
Nightsbane:That should remove all doubts of getting the G.Z. instead of the Shadow to start with.
:lol: :)

[DJK]

I am a new rider and I went with the GZ because that is what I used in the class and I liked it and felt comfortable and knew I needed a lot of practice. I just came back from an hour long ride and really had a good time. I'm feeling more comfortable each time out and I'm spending more time on 2 lane highways going 55-60 mph. I am about 6 feet tall and weigh 220 and I can ride at that speed easily. I never do plan on riding the freeway, another reason I got the GZ. My first tank of gas I got 79.4 mpg and that was fun, too. My goal is to get comfortable enough for a 150 mile trip to visit my mother this summer and I'm feeling close.
Good luck in your choice, I'm happy with mine.

[Water Warrior 2]

Everyone in favor of the GZ raise your hand. :rawk: :rawk: :rawk: :rawk: :rawk: :rawk: :rawk:

[blaine]

Everyone in favor of the GZ raise your hand. :rawk: :rawk: :rawk: :rawk: :rawk: :rawk: :rawk:

:plus1: :plus1: :rawk: :rawk: :rawk: :rawk: :rawk:

[Nightsbane]

Thanks guys, this is exactly the kind of help I was looking for, so I could be confident in making the right decision. *Fingers Crossed* that the GZ I was looking at is still there tomorrow and I will go give 'er a test drive and then make an offer tomorrow as long as all goes well. To be honest, as I said earlier I am not really interested in speed, but confidence and a good ride. The Shadow looks totally *****'in, but I need to get to it once I can hop on it and roll, not hop on it and pray.

The only other quesiton I have would be if the GZ is reliable for possibly riding to college this fall. It's a small town about 25 minutes away on 55 mph highway with mostly light traffic. Sometimes the wind can be hell here, but there isn't any freeway inbetween. Just good 'ol Kansas roads. What do you think?

[blaine]

The only other quesiton I have would be if the GZ is reliable for possibly riding to college this fall. It's a small town about 25 minutes away on 55 mph highway with mostly light traffic. Sometimes the wind can be hell here, but there isn't any freeway inbetween. Just good 'ol Kansas roads. What do you think?
You treat it good it will treat you good.I rode mine for 3 1/2 years,with no problems.When it was sold it had 45000 kms on it,and still worked like a charm.There were many times that it was rode at 65 to 70 mph for 2 to 3 hours at a time.I gotta say it was one of the toughest bikes I ever owned.But at the same time it was maintained very well.
:) :2tup:


http://s2.postimage.org/3k1i7tw/26804_103530456345541_100000657600068_101187_71665 80_n.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/3k1i7tw/)

[Water Warrior 2]

With your intended use the bike would be ideal and a cheap runner for getting about. That's what the GZ is all about.

[Nightsbane]

Thanks, and to clarify I also meant to ask if the bike handled alright at 60 so I could take those highways. Don't really heave the need or desire to go any higher than that, but it could help me get to class instead of taking the 18 miles to gallon jeep >.<

[alantf]

60 to 65 mph is where the geezer shines :2tup: And mid 60s mpg against 18 mpg also shines. :) Don't forget to buy the cheapest (lowest grade) petrol you can find. The geezer's designed to run on cat's piss, if needed, in 3rd world countries. :roll:

[Nightsbane]

Update: No deal yet today, dealer said the sale price is 3500, not 3000. So that sucks, also because in all my searching I haven't been able to find other gz250s within a hunded miles.

[Nightsbane]

Been surfing craigslist and found one for a good deal. How hard is it to repaint these things? It's silver and I want black.

[alantf]

Other folk have done it with a coupla rattle cans. 2 mudguards (fenders?) 2 side panels & a tank. :yes:

[Nightsbane]

Going to look at a 2008 here pretty soon. Anything in particular I should I for? (been reading the sticky topic) I usually buy new to try and avoid any issues, but this time I may have to go used. Any advice while checking it out would be appreciated. I got the address and it is in a nice part of town, likely garage parked.

[Nightsbane]

Well that one was bust, damn. Owner claimed it had been covered since he got it but the rust all over parts of the machine suggested otherwise. The chain was completely rusted, it had been dropped, and something was up with the clutch. On to the next...

On another note, if it comes down to it, is 3500.00 too high for a brand new gz250? It is an 09.

[Water Warrior 2]

In U.S. $ that would be high in my opinion. I believe Suzuki recently lowered the New GZ price to approx $3000. What you need is an Out the Door price with any taxes, duties and fees included. Then some of the more savvy U.S. members can offer an opinion. Location will also influence the price.

[Strelok]

Nightsbane~

Even though they are listed as $2999 on the Suzuki website
good luck actually finding one at that price. It is the old supply and
demand excuse with few dealers keeping these in stock. Also when new
means about $500-700 in additional fees: tax, title, license, preparation
and other various amounts. Expect $300-$500 for Used from a Dealer.
Used usually means no warranty or a very short one. Buying used
from an individual means no additional fees you pay them.

Happy Hunting.

:)

[geezer]

warning, bike will not hold 60mph up hills or with any kind of headwind.if you hit alot of hills expect to have to down shift and make the engine scream to hold any kinda speed. not dogging on the bike guys but facts are facts

[Nightsbane]

Thanks for the heads up. I"m in Kansas, so wind is an issue often, but not hills. Never hills.

[Nightsbane]

Strelok, it is the NEW one that is marked 500 over msrp for a "sale", and as far as fees are concerned, tax is the only thing paid to the dealer in this state. You pay all other tag fees etc. to the title office/DMV. Something is fishy if suzuki says the models for now and on back are 2999, and there's are 3500 for a "deal".

[Water Warrior 2]

Strelok, it is the NEW one that is marked 500 over msrp for a "sale", and as far as fees are concerned, tax is the only thing paid to the dealer in this state. You pay all other tag fees etc. to the title office/DMV. Something is fishy if suzuki says the models for now and on back are 2999, and there's are 3500 for a "deal".
Just a thought. Maybe the dealer bought the bike in 09 before the economy went into the crapper and is trying to sell without too much of a loss. One theory anyway.

[Strelok]

Nightsbane~

It's the same thing in my area. Websites suggest $2999 but Dealers are asking
for about $3500-$3999 for new. I would be really surprised if a Dealer did not
charge Fees for Preparation/Assembly/Destination or other various names used.
They rarely tell you all of this until they provide the paperwork for you to sign.
I recently got my 2006 GZ250 because I didn't want to pay more than $2000
for a Motorcycle and I wanted something fairly modern than my older stuff.

:)

[Strelok]

Nightsbane~

Keep in mind if you come to a GZ250 Forum...most people here are going to suggest the same.

I like a wide variety of Bikes even if I don't fit on a lot of them or care for the stance like a
Sportsbike that is uncomfortable to me. I like Cruisers, Standards and even some Scooters.

You weren't kidding when you mentioned not a lot of choices in Kansas. Since you did
not specify where in Kansas my suggestions may be near or too far to be reasonable.

This is the only used GZ250 I saw in Kansas. It's kind of high in miles for what they
are asking. Should be about $500 less but I'm not sure of the market where you're at:
http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2005 ... 0-96708229 (http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2005-Suzuki-GZ250-96708229)

If I had the $2999 you mention for the GZ250...I would get this TU250 which is more
or less the same thing except more Standard than Cruiser style and has Fuel Injection.
It is used and has 1,828 miles but sure beats paying another $1000 for a new one:
http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2009 ... X-98689616 (http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2009-Suzuki-TU250X-98689616)

Lastly this caught my eye. It's a very rare Honda Scooter only made 2 years. It is 250cc,
liquid cooled and has a rear seat that folds as a backrest for the driver. It has dual headlights
and is similar to the still available Honda Ruckus 50cc Scooter. It may be too ugly for you:
http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2005 ... 0-98717833 (http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2005-Honda-Big-Ruckus-PS250-98717833)

Good Luck with whatever makes you happy.

:)

[Nightsbane]

Yeah haha, there isn't a lot here. I am smack dab in the center, so though a couple of those listings look interesting I would need to drive at least 2 hours to get to them just to see them, and have no trailer or truck to get them back.

[Downgrade]

I'm a new rider as well, Ive had my GZ for just over 2 months, and I thought I was making a mistake buying a smaller bike knowing I would grow out of it. I am also 5'10 250lbs..(I still go 60-65 with 30-40 lbs of gear for work) I make the bike work :p. I want a bigger bike now. Do I regret not getting one to start with? Hell no. I've very glad I started small. After I took the MSF course I sat on a buddy of mines vstar 1100, sure it was really comfortable, but the sheer size/weight of the bike scared the piss out of me.

They say there are 2 kinds of riders, ones who have dropped their bike, and ones who are about to. Personally Id rather drop a 300lb bike (that cost me 1k) than a bike more than twice that weight and 5 times more expensive. And let me tell you, Ive dropped my bike once, and almost got into a serious accident once (and a few OH SHIT Im going too fast for this curve moments). Sure my bike has a couple scuff marks, but it adds character :D. The GZ is so forgiving for new riders, it's hard NOT to recommend it.

I'd get the GZ, and while learning to ride it, start saving your money for a bigger bike. My friend's dad has an 1800cc bike, his first bike was a 125cc. When he showed HIS dad his bike, his dad said nice scooter, and as he walked away he said the day you think youve mastered it, it will kill you. You have to respect whatever it is you decide on getting.


At the end of the day, it's your life your living, not anybody elses, do what you think is right for you.



My $.02

[Nightsbane]

Thanks a ton Dowrngrade for your input. I am definitely going with the GZ as long as I can find one around here to buy...

[Downgrade]

I don't think it necessary has to be a GZ, any 250cc will do fine I'm sure

[Nightsbane]

Not to many options really, the rebel is too small, don't want a sport bike or dualsport, and can't get eliminator any more (which I really liked)

[Nightsbane]

Some good news. Found a bike and have made a deal with the seller for a 2005 GZ. We will be completing the transaction a week from Sunday and then I will finally be able to join the biker world :rawk:

[Strelok]

Nightsbane~

Good News & Good Luck!

:2tup: