New to the GZ and forum

[tatty06gz]

Hi all. I've been browsing the forum for a while getting some helpful tips for my GZ. I just got the GZ the beginning of Sept and I love it. It's a 2006 with 4600 miles. It's getting chilly around my area so I haven't ridden as much as I would like. As soon as I get some decent pics of it I will post them. So far I like this forum a lot and seems like everyone is very easy to get along with.

Thanks!! :2tup:

[blaine]

Welcome to the family. :) :2tup:

[Rookie Rider]

Welcome to the forum.

[Water Warrior 2]

Welcome Tatty. This is indeed a friendly forum compared to some. You will enjoy the company here and make friends. There is a wealth of knowledge available here. Having problems with the bike ? Ask and you will receive. But also listen to the members who have found out by trial and error concerning some problems and fixes.
Question for you Tatty. Have you taken a riding course ? If not you should. Cheapest life insurance you can buy, honest. Also pick up a copy of Proficient Motorcycling by David Hough. Tremendous knowledge and experience in a large paper back.

[Gz Rider]

...

[5th_bike]

everyone is very easy to get along with.

They are now..... :whistle:
Now don't You turn into GeaZy Rider... :roll:

Welcome Tats ! Keep the shiny side up ! :rawk:

[mole2]

Welcome to the forum from South Carolina. As WW said if you haven't already I'd recommend you take the MSF BRC (Motorcycle Safety Foundation Bais Rider Course). It's the best investment in your safety you can make. Ride safe.


:)

[Gz Rider]

...

[Rookie Rider]

Gz, you still remind me of him. Sorry.

[tatty06gz]

Thanks for all the warm welcomes.

As for a Riding Class. Haven't taken one as of yet. Will most likely wait til spring when it warms up a bit more. Getting kind of cold around my area.

Cleaned, lubed and adjusted my chain the other day after work. Hadn't looked like the chain had ever been cleaned. Sounds and looks a lot better now. Next on the list is a new rear tire and a 16t front sprocket.

[Gz Rider]

...

[rkgz250]

Welcome to the site.

The Rider class is a very good one. You would like it. Definitely worth it.

[tatty06gz]

I know it's been a while, but here are the pics of my GZ. Not the greatest pics though...

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/396636_2579487284801_1182981051_32262800_802862662 _n.jpg
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/402329_2579488324827_1182981051_32262802_137055426 4_n.jpg

Could anyone tell me if this is a different muffler than stock? I honestly haven't seen any pics of GZ's with this style of exhaust
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/407234_2579489404854_1182981051_32262804_139391012 2_n.jpg
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/407788_2579488884841_1182981051_32262803_193975707 _n.jpg

[greatmaul]

I know it's been a while, but here are the pics of my GZ. Not the greatest pics though...
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/382834_2467328440900_1182981051_32216966_943375979 _n.jpg

haha.. I love the dog! Such an interesting look on his/her face, like you just walked in and it was about to do something to the bike with that spray can.

Never seen an exhaust like that one, but I've only seen my bike and some of the pics on this site. Your mirrors look different, too. Mine are chromy except I covered part of them with 3M diamond reflective tape.

[blaine]

Yes,that is a aftermarket muffler.Very similar to this one.
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Motorcycle-Muffl ... 23123ac3a8 (http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Motorcycle-Muffler-Dunstall-Chrome-Wide-Outlet-Exhaust-/150629696424?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item23123ac3a8)
:cool: :)

[tatty06gz]

I think I just found it... http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Dunstall-Reverse ... 23123ac3cf (http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Dunstall-Reverse-Cone-Motorcycle-Muffler-Chrome-Triumph-/150629696463?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item23123ac3cf).

Haha, I made her look at me for the pic, made it seem like she was in trouble...

[Way]

Welcome tatty! Nice looking bike, that looks like a pretty cool exhaust too. Also looks like all the original pinstripes / decals have been removed too.

[tatty06gz]

Not sure about the pinstripes and decals, they weren't there when I got it.

[tatty06gz]

I love this bike but, I don't plan on keeping it for very long. I have a bad back which makes it hard for me to go any long distance on this thing, kind of painful. I will be keeping in the Suzuki family though. Looking at SV650SF come spring time.

[Water Warrior 2]

I don't think your 06 GZ had pin stripes to begin with. That was a nice feature of earlier models and made then look very nice.
If you are getting a sore back from riding you may need a more upright riding position. The typical UJM will be better for your posture. A SV may not do it for you. Test sit a Vstrom and other adventure bikes. You can also stand up very easily to relieve potential sore spots and cramps.

[JWR]

I don't think your 06 GZ had pin stripes to begin with. That was a nice feature of earlier models and made then look very nice.
If you are getting a sore back from riding you may need a more upright riding position. The typical UJM will be better for your posture. A SV may not do it for you. Test sit a Vstrom and other adventure bikes. You can also stand up very easily to relieve potential sore spots and cramps.


The SV650N that I have will also allow you to stand up, not so on the S model.

I don't know about the F.

I am sure neither has as much room as the Wee.

[tatty06gz]

If you are getting a sore back from riding you may need a more upright riding position. T

This is where it gets weird, it's when I'm in an upright position for a longer period of time that my back starts to hurt, I need to be hunched over to be comfortable..

[tatty06gz]

The SV650N that I have will also allow you to stand up, not so on the S model.

I don't know about the F.

I am sure neither has as much room as the Wee.


As far as I know the F is the same as the S, it just has full front lower fairings..

I've ridden an SV650SF and loved it. the feel, the position, the power. It's just right for what I like and what I need.

[JWR]

The SV650N that I have will also allow you to stand up, not so on the S model.

I don't know about the F.

I am sure neither has as much room as the Wee.


As far as I know the F is the same as the S, it just has full front lower fairings..

I've ridden an SV650SF and loved it. the feel, the position, the power. It's just right for what I like and what I need.


:tup:

[tatty06gz]

Things on the to do list:

1) Team Oregon Class and Endorsement (Next Month) :rawk:

2) Oil and Filter change :)

3) Dunlop D-404 oversized tires :2tup:

4) Front and Rear
http://www.amazon.com/Motorcycle-Indica ... B005DV9HVY (http://www.amazon.com/Motorcycle-Indicator-Davidson-Kawasaki-Scooter/dp/B005DV9HVY) :cool:
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41qxxEh4%2BhL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

5) http://www.amazon.com/FLYSCREEN-WINDSHI ... B005HAWW7C (http://www.amazon.com/FLYSCREEN-WINDSHIELD-99-07-SUZUKI-MARAUDER/dp/B005HAWW7C) :cool:
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41LVmgfDOdL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

[tatty06gz]

PS - Cleaner pics added in prev post.

[tatty06gz]

If some are curious as to shine up the wheels and chrome pieces, I use Never Dull Metal Polish... Works wonders on any rust that might be on there and any built grim. Takes it right of leaves a protection like wax would. Love this stuff.

http://technovirus.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/nevrdull.jpg

[mole2]

If you are getting a sore back from riding you may need a more upright riding position. T

This is where it gets weird, it's when I'm in an upright position for a longer period of time that my back starts to hurt, I need to be hunched over to be comfortable..

What you need is a riders back rest. Unfortunately I don't know of anyone who makes one for the GZ. Some have made their own. I added one to my V-Star 650 Classic and I won't leave home without it. It's the difference between night and day. You can see it on the pic below.

http://www.yamahamotorcycleforum.com/gallery/files/1/5/0/3/4/2009_v-star_650_classic_right_sidesmall.jpg


:)

[tatty06gz]

If you are getting a sore back from riding you may need a more upright riding position. T

This is where it gets weird, it's when I'm in an upright position for a longer period of time that my back starts to hurt, I need to be hunched over to be comfortable..

What you need is a riders back rest. Unfortunately I don't know of anyone who makes one for the GZ. Some have made their own. I added one to my V-Star 650 Classic and I won't leave home without it. It's the difference between night and day. You can see it on the pic below. :)

I was looking at the one that was made on here. I just don't have the equipment to make one though. I'm sure that would help me out a lot in the long run -- pun intended!!

[Water Warrior 2]

Things on the to do list:

1) Team Oregon Class and Endorsement (Next Month) :rawk:

2) Oil and Filter change :)

3) Dunlop D-404 oversized tires :2tup:

4) Front and Rear
http://www.amazon.com/Motorcycle-Indica ... B005DV9HVY (http://www.amazon.com/Motorcycle-Indicator-Davidson-Kawasaki-Scooter/dp/B005DV9HVY) :cool:
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41qxxEh4%2BhL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

5) http://www.amazon.com/FLYSCREEN-WINDSHI ... B005HAWW7C (http://www.amazon.com/FLYSCREEN-WINDSHIELD-99-07-SUZUKI-MARAUDER/dp/B005HAWW7C) :cool:
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41LVmgfDOdL._SL500_AA300_.jpg
Keep in mind that the LED signals will require an electronic flasher or the flash rate will be very short and quick. You can bypass the OEM flasher portion of the bike's flasher/sidestand relay to install the new flasher. Easiest and most cost effective. Get an electronic flasher at an auto parts store.

[tatty06gz]

I'll keep that in mind. Thanks!

[greatmaul]

I was looking at the one that was made on here. I just don't have the equipment to make one though. I'm sure that would help me out a lot in the long run -- pun intended!!

Hi, I unbolted the back seat and then used that area to mount a cheap givi clone trunk off of ebay with a backrest attached to it. It works, but I have to say that I don't have it adjusted right or something because it isn't all that comfortable for me. I'll work on that in the spring. Just an idea.

[Water Warrior 2]

I was looking at the one that was made on here. I just don't have the equipment to make one though. I'm sure that would help me out a lot in the long run -- pun intended!!

Hi, I unbolted the back seat and then used that area to mount a cheap givi clone trunk off of ebay with a backrest attached to it. It works, but I have to say that I don't have it adjusted right or something because it isn't all that comfortable for me. I'll work on that in the spring. Just an idea.
Probably a fore /aft adjustment. When I mounted a trunk on Lynda's GZ with a back pad it was a bit too far back. I then put a spacer behind the back pad to move it a touch forward.
On my Vstrom the back rest is a bit too much to the rear but works well to keep me from slouching too much which I am prone to do.

[tatty06gz]

It's been a while since I've been on here.

Little update. Took the "Team Oregon" class, passed!! Then got my endorsement. I am happy to say that I am a legal motorcycle rider!

Have also been working on building the driver's backrest. Almost done with it, a little clean-up and some paint (not a lot of funds so I can't get it plated).

Been making some money on the side, so hopefully I'll be able to get my new tires next month.

Other than that, just been trying to ride as much as possible, weather permitting!

[Water Warrior 2]

Andy, we will be looking forward to pics of the finished product.

You might want to check out Jake Wilson in Washington for tires. Don't know if he carries a GZ size but the larger tires are a fine price and I believe the shipping is free.


And a big congrats for being a legal rider. Ride Safe. :2tup:

[tatty06gz]

I'll take a look there. Thanks!

[tatty06gz]

Just ordered my tires.. Went with the KENDA K657 CHALLENGER's, oversized. Should hopefully be here next week sometime. Now I'll have to drill new holes for the front fender, to move it up, to clear the bigger front tire..

[Water Warrior 2]

Just ordered my tires.. Went with the KENDA K657 CHALLENGER's, oversized. Should hopefully be here next week sometime. Now I'll have to drill new holes for the front fender, to move it up, to clear the bigger front tire..
How much bigger are you going?

[tatty06gz]

130/90-16 front
140/90-15 rear

Just like DAN did. viewtopic.php?f=8&t=4308 (http://www.gz250bike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=4308)

[Water Warrior 2]

130/90-16 front
140/90-15 rear

Just like DAN did. viewtopic.php?f=8&t=4308 (http://www.gz250bike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=4308)
Your new front tire will be 0.8 inches taller overall. You will have 0.4 more inches of tire under the fender. How much actual clearance is there with the original tire size?

[tatty06gz]

.5-.75 clearance. I'm already in the process of drill the fender mounting holes so the bigger tire will fit.

[tatty06gz]

Got my tires delivered today... Quite fast, ordered Monday night and got delivered today! I'm pretty happy!!!

[Water Warrior 2]

Seller, manufacturer and price please. Inquiring minds and all that stuff.

[tatty06gz]

Got them from motosport.com

Kenda K657 Challenger tire combo - $144.99
Sizes- 130/90-16 front
140/90-15 rear

130/90-16 tube - $25.99
140/90-15 tube I $23.99

Total of $194.97

[Water Warrior 2]

Got them from motosport.com

Kenda K657 Challenger tire combo - $144.99
Sizes- 130/90-16 front
140/90-15 rear

130/90-16 tube - $25.99
140/90-15 tube I $23.99

Total of $194.97
:2tup: :2tup: :2tup:

[bpdchief]

I put those same LED lights on the back of my GZ and wired them to the Brake Light. Sheriff Deputy pulled up beside me this morning on way to work said it really got his attention when it came on.

[tatty06gz]

Just replaced the factory 120 m/j to a 125. What a difference it made. From what has been said prior in my thread, my bike does have an aftermarket muffler on it and it wasn't jetted afterwards. I was told, by the guy who changed my tires, that I should look into jetting because my pipes right out of the head were/are blued from running lean.

Anyways, changed the jet this weekend, took it for a test ride today. Seems to have a little more power in the lower end, did not get up to highway speeds. And also seems to be running a lot smoother.

[tatty06gz]

Well guys and gals...

I no longer have the GZ. Decided that it was time to upgrade..

So i got this: 2012 Yamaha FZ6R

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/376946_3391974596476_116318345_n.jpg
http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/523452_3392093399446_520058219_n.jpg

[Water Warrior 2]

Good for you. Have fun with the new bike and be careful not to get too aggressive with the right wrist for a while.

[PimpS]

Great bike! It's a stone vs bullet (GZ vs FZR); like WW said: easy on the right wrist movement :)

[tatty06gz]

Riding is nothing new to me.. The GZ was great for wiping the rust off, but I just wasn't enjoying riding as much as I did when I first got it. I needed more..

[PimpS]

I understand completely, i still get some shivers when something unpredicted happens, but i feel with, i'll be going up soon too... frankly, i'm happy that i don't have more money, causeif i would bought stronger, there would ome a day, when i would be too cocky on the right wrist and go down... I admit, I'm a GEEZOHOLIC, still ;)

[vikz250]

nice..