My size and gz250

[Bumbadawg]

Hi all,

My name is Joe and I am from Greensboro, NC. I am 6'1 (6'2ish) and 239lbs..though by the time I get a bike (6 months or so) I will hopefully be back down to my average weight of 200lbs. I have read that though the gz250 is small engine wise, it is not totally uncomfortable for someone my size. I was wondering if this was true in actual practice. Anyone about that height and own one? The area I live in and my commute would be on some very nice long and windy roads with some minor Blvds (Speed limit 50mph) etc. I know that I should probably go and sit on one but the closest one to me is about 45 minutes away and I am looking for some preliminary help. I appreciate any and all information regarding this. Also...once I am at about 200lbs..my wife is usually around 170ish and is 5'9..is it even possible to two up with 370lbs on this bike? Thanks all.

Joe aka Bumbadawg

[JWR]

The GZ can do what you want...but there will be more negatives than pluses for using this bike.

1. Power will be down.
2. Not a lot of room on bike for two.

[Water Warrior 2]

I would think the GZ would be ideal for you on your commute with the posted limits. As for 2 up not so good. Maybe think of the GZ as a trainer with the idea of moving up to a larger bike after refining your skills and gaining experience. My SO had her GZ for 3 seasons before moving up and wouldn't have had it any other way. It is also not a good idea for a newer rider to ride 2 up till they have some experience and skills. Get a GZ and hang around here. We can help and suggest some movin on up bikes for the future.

[Bumbadawg]

Thanks for such fast responses. Yea I have a good ways to go before I even get one and I did tell my wife that it would prolly be 6 months if that before I even felt comfortable enough to take a passenger. Thanks all.

Joe

[Water Warrior 2]

Thanks for such fast responses. Yea I have a good ways to go before I even get one and I did tell my wife that it would prolly be 6 months if that before I even felt comfortable enough to take a passenger. Thanks all.

Joe
Sounds good. You have to learn to walk before you can run.

[ncff07]

Probably isnt much help but I'm 5'10" and weigh 135 now and the GZ does fine by me but when I first got it last year I weighed around 180 to 185 and it still did fine.

[mole2]

Thanks for such fast responses. Yea I have a good ways to go before I even get one and I did tell my wife that it would prolly be 6 months if that before I even felt comfortable enough to take a passenger. Thanks all.

Joe

You didn't mention it so I'll give you a bit of advice. If you haven't already I'd recommend you take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course. Most of the classes have some GZs so you'll not only get proper training to develop good habits but you'll get some seat time on a GZ. Good luck and ride safe.


:)

[mrlmd1]

For just about the same price, look at a Suzuki S40, one step up in size and power, single cylinder 650cc, may fit you better, same reliability and maintenance.

[Gz Rider]

...

[Water Warrior 2]

For just about the same price, look at a Suzuki S40, one step up in size and power, single cylinder 650cc, may fit you better, same reliability and maintenance.

I had considered the s40 as a step up if I couldn't get a GZ. I was put off by what looks like a systemic problem with the cam chain. People seem to be reporting failures around 15000 miles. That was too much of a problem for me to dealwith considering the mileage I'd put on.

Do you think this report is incorrect?
The can chain seems to be the only factory wart on an otherwise good bike. When it goes south just replace it with a better design from the aftermarket. Check out S-40 forums for the full story.

[Gz Rider]

...

[longumd]

Here in MD, they use rebel and night nighthawk in safety course. They are both smaller than GZ 250 and easier to ride as what I feel as a newbie. Of course GZ is few hundred buck cheaper than Rebel. I'm a student, so within my budget GZ is the best choice.

I'm 5'10" and weigh 200, I happy with the experience of riding and fixing my 03 GZ. I feel a little bit uncomfortable while riding with a passenger. Sometimes I felt the seat is a little bit low for me.

[Gz Rider]

...

[Water Warrior 2]

The Rebel is vertical twin which is a bit more costly, both to build initially and maintain later. It is also a bit smaller physically than a GZ and doesn't fit some folks.

[ncff07]

The Rebel is vertical twin which is a bit more costly, both to build initially and maintain later. It is also a bit smaller physically than a GZ and doesn't fit some folks.

I 2nd that. When I bought my GZ I looked at a rebel at the same time and the GZ "fit" better. The rebel seemed like I was cramped up on it when I sat on it with my feet on the pegs. The rebel was a better buy, had only 24 miles on it and came with saddlebags and crash bars and was newer and both were the same price but I still got the GZ cause it fit me.

[Water Warrior 2]

The Rebel is vertical twin which is a bit more costly, both to build initially and maintain later. It is also a bit smaller physically than a GZ and doesn't fit some folks.

I 2nd that. When I bought my GZ I looked at a rebel at the same time and the GZ "fit" better. The rebel seemed like I was cramped up on it when I sat on it with my feet on the pegs. The rebel was a better buy, had only 24 miles on it and came with saddlebags and crash bars and was newer and both were the same price but I still got the GZ cause it fit me.
Sounds like the Rebel had 24 miles of Cramped on it.
Lynda had a Rebel during training and found it a bit tighter than her GZ. I had a Virago 250 which was okay in a straight line. Turning the bars during a tight turn lead to knee contact with the bars and over I went. No damage to me or the bike. Even in the parking lot I was ATGATT. You just never know.

[smiliecoyote]

I'm 5'10", 200 lbs and the bike fits me well, it seems adequate for city and commute speeds under 60, Mine will do about 65 mph on the level but slows considerably on an extended grade requiring a visit to 4th. It only has 3700 careful miles on it. I wouldn't think two up is anything I'd want to do on my commute. I'm considering going 16T and using 4th more on the grades. I'll let you know how this works for me latter in the season.

[01gz250]

I'm 6 foot and weigh 275 and I got a gz 250 and I ride it all the time great bike for me just have a hard time in 5 th gear keeping it at 55 but if I'm going 65 it stays there but I'm at full throttle engine just won't push me any faster has mor revs to go but with my size just not going to happen