Hello from Toronto Canada!!!

[abarbs]

Hello Everyone,

Just signed up today to your site. I have to say that what I've seen so far is really impressive. This site is truly a wealth of knowledge from people that have gone threw or who are going threw process/changes with there bikes. I recently have upgraded from a Daymak Scooter 150CC to a 2010 Suzuki GZ250CC. I just bought this bike from a dealer with a extended 2 year warranty ending in 2013. This bike has been certified and e-tested (Canadian gov't cash grab). The unfortunate thing about this all is that I can't ride it since we are now entering my winter months. I'm having it stored at the dealer until the spring. Don't know if it's me or not but I've been checking out this website on things I can add and minor modifications that can be made. My neighbor also bought a bike as well and is in the same situation. Unlike him of 30years plus riding, I just recently got my motorcycle license. Not looking for speed at this point so the 250CC should be just fine (I hope). I really look forward to picking your minds with questions. Thanks in advance for all your help. I'm sure I be bugging some of you soon. Cheers.

:rawk:

[blaine]

Welcome to the forum from another Canadian.Your G.Z will serve you well. :cool: :)

[Water Warrior 2]

Welcome abarbs. You are now the proud owner of the best first bike available. The Gz will serve you well and is very easy to ride with it's forgiving attitude and size. Not too big, not too small.

[alantf]

I've mentioned it before, & I'll mention it again - If you've got the Canadian/European version of the GZ (with the big, 3D, plastic, Marauder logo on the tank, as opposed to the American flat "S" sticker) then the carb is set up differently to the American bikes (this is to accomodate their nanny emmission laws). Ignore anything about carb mods on this site. :2tup:

[greatmaul]

Hi and welcome from another beginner! I've been struggling myself with "winter" weather here in California, but it's probably nothing compared to what you've got. I complained to a friend in Canada about the temperature here once, and when he converted it to Celsius he said, "Oh! that would be t-shirt and shorts weather up here."

Stay safe! Do they have motorcycle safety classes up there? Just curious.

[Water Warrior 2]

Abarbs, was just wondering about the E-test you mentioned. First time I've heard of it. Is it a Fed or Provincial thing ?

[Water Warrior 2]

Do they have motorcycle safety classes up there? Just curious.
You betcha we do. Some darn good ones too. Experienced riders course and track days also.
Riding courses have been around for at least 3 decades to the best of my knowledge. My 2nd wife took a riding course in the early 80's. The course was slightly flawed with a safety issue and she was flunked because of it. At the time the Alberta Safety Council decided that it was best to have the tranny in neutral at a stop which has proven to be the wrong way to stay alive. Must have been a government official with no riding experience who dreamt that up. Undoubtedly that was eventually changed for the proper way to be stopped with the tranny in gear at a stop.
Most training courses now are based on the experience and writings of David Hough, the author of Proficient Motorcycling. Every rider should have a copy.

[mole2]

Welcome to the forum from South Carolina. You've got a great beginner bike there. Don't be too quick to spend money on mods as you may be looking to move up in a season or two and the money would be well spent at that time. Ride safe.


:)

[abarbs]

WOW, great response from everyone, Thank-You

[abarbs]

Welcome to the forum from South Carolina. You've got a great beginner bike there. Don't be too quick to spend money on mods as you may be looking to move up in a season or two and the money would be well spent at that time. Ride safe.


:)



I agree with you however the only things at this time would be engine guards and some luggages for storage. Don't need this baby to do anything more then just that. I don't see the logic in moving up anytime soon although tempting. Haven't even had a chance to ride the bike went right into storage. (very limited to what i can say at this time). Got a quote from insurance company, as it stands I'm looking at about $700 right now with a M2 FULL. (need arox 18months before I can go to my FULL M) at which then my insurance would be $300. I will wait until and with the savings, then I'll upgrade. Just looking right now for the basic as I said, engine guard and luggages. From what I've seen engine guards are looking a little problamatic. I appreciate your advice and YES your right.

Cheers

[lenkf]

For winter riding you could convert to 3 wheels with studded tires :)

http://www.casscountytrikes.com/gpage10.html

First thing I did was add saddlebags so I didn't have to wear a backpack. I just ordered the OEM mounts from the Suzuki store and they were perfect size for the bags I found at a local bike shop. Next will add a fairing so I don't have to lean into the wind at speed.

[greatmaul]

... the only things at this time would be engine guards and some luggages for storage


Hi, I got a cheap (Givi clone) trunk on ebay (one that would supposedly fit 2 helmets) then found the cheapest, most ripped up rear seat also on ebay. I ripped off the covering from the rear seat pan and use it to mount the trunk securely on the back. Also, I used the padding and vinyl from the seat that I ripped off to make a back rest that I mounted on the trunk also. It's kind of like using every part of the buffalo.

but... thats just me. I tend to do things on the cheap.

[abarbs]

Welcome to the forum from another Canadian.Your G.Z will serve you well. :cool: :)

Thanks Blaine

[abarbs]

For winter riding you could convert to 3 wheels with studded tires :)

http://www.casscountytrikes.com/gpage10.html

First thing I did was add saddlebags so I didn't have to wear a backpack. I just ordered the OEM mounts from the Suzuki store and they were perfect size for the bags I found at a local bike shop. Next will add a fairing so I don't have to lean into the wind at speed.

The 3 weeler looks sharp. Don't know how it would support the additional weight being a 250cc if hats what we are talking about. How much did you purchase the luggage racks for and they come with the brackets. Was this on the canadain side or US. Was thinking I could ride over in the summer months and pick them up across the boarder. What are your thoughts. Worth my while?

Thanks

[abarbs]

Abarbs, was just wondering about the E-test you mentioned. First time I've heard of it. Is it a Fed or Provincial thing ?

Hello buddy, he's right. We do have some really great introductory courses for motorcycles. Just for your information in Ontario, Toronto area Seneca College and Humber College are the biggest I've seen. I took the seneca course aprox $500 tax in. Great instructors I may add. With this course you reduce your wait time from 24months to 18mths, plus our insurance provides us a discount as well. Not much but something. Check out the sites

[abarbs]

Do they have motorcycle safety classes up there? Just curious.
You betcha we do. Some darn good ones too. Experienced riders course and track days also.
Riding courses have been around for at least 3 decades to the best of my knowledge. My 2nd wife took a riding course in the early 80's. The course was slightly flawed with a safety issue and she was flunked because of it. At the time the Alberta Safety Council decided that it was best to have the tranny in neutral at a stop which has proven to be the wrong way to stay alive. Must have been a government official with no riding experience who dreamt that up. Undoubtedly that was eventually changed for the proper way to be stopped with the tranny in gear at a stop.
Most training courses now are based on the experience and writings of David Hough, the author of Proficient Motorcycling. Every rider should have a copy.

Forgot to ask, I was looking at that book from David hough however it's not on iTunes anymore. Was wondering if you new where a could get a digital copy. You struck my curiosity now. Thanks for the suggestion

[abarbs]

I've mentioned it before, & I'll mention it again - If you've got the Canadian/European version of the GZ (with the big, 3D, plastic, Marauder logo on the tank, as opposed to the American flat "S" sticker) then the carb is set up differently to the American bikes (this is to accomodate their nanny emmission laws). Ignore anything about carb mods on this site. :2tup:

Thanks for the info As I don't have the physical bike at home as it's in storage (sucks by the way) it does only say S on the tank. I don't think I'll be modifying mug to the bike at this time. One more thing I like about this website. Attenion to detail.

Cheers!!!

[NonallaNostrum]

i located a black and white, somewhat grainy copy of the book in pdf format online somewhere.. then found a friend who had a pristine copy, 2nd edition, with included cd or dvd
(cant remember which). I believe the book was available on amazon also, 20ish usd.

oh, and welcome from one newbie to the next :)

[ecr959]

Hello abarbs,

I bought that book at Amazon.com, just a few months ago. I think the price was $9.95 + shipping. Goto Amazon.com and browse / type the name of the book, you'll find it. They are so convenient, ship it to you really fast. Thats a sweet price.

Welcome to the forum. We all have the same bike, so we all can help each other.

[Water Warrior 2]

I found it easiest to just ride to Chapters book store and order a copy. Had to suffer through another ride to pick it up. :lol: :lol:

[Water Warrior 2]

I've mentioned it before, & I'll mention it again - If you've got the Canadian/European version of the GZ (with the big, 3D, plastic, Marauder logo on the tank, as opposed to the American flat "S" sticker) then the carb is set up differently to the American bikes (this is to accomodate their nanny emmission laws). Ignore anything about carb mods on this site. :2tup:

Thanks for the info As I don't have the physical bike at home as it's in storage (sucks by the way) it does only say S on the tank. I don't think I'll be modifying mug to the bike at this time. One more thing I like about this website. Attenion to detail.

Cheers!!!
Interesting that there is just an "S" on the tank. The speedo should read in Metric if it is a real Canadian model.

[abarbs]

I've mentioned it before, & I'll mention it again - If you've got the Canadian/European version of the GZ (with the big, 3D, plastic, Marauder logo on the tank, as opposed to the American flat "S" sticker) then the carb is set up differently to the American bikes (this is to accomodate their nanny emmission laws). Ignore anything about carb mods on this site. :2tup:

Thanks for the info As I don't have the physical bike at home as it's in storage (sucks by the way) it does only say S on the tank. I don't think I'll be modifying mug to the bike at this time. One more thing I like about this website. Attenion to detail.

Cheers!!!
Interesting that there is just an "S" on the tank. The speedo should read in Metric if it is a real Canadian model.

http://s17.postimage.org/cijcow3mj/January_2_12_214.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/cijcow3mj/)

[blaine]

The newer models done away with the "Marauder" logo and just use the "S"
:) :cool:

[Way]

Welcome aboard!

Man if my bike was stored in a bike shop all winter I would stand there every day with my nose mashed into the glass... http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WAFeBz131wc/SnK8Ebg918I/AAAAAAAAEmo/wustsDtr4dg/s400/DSC06043.JPG

[abarbs]

Welcome aboard!

Man if my bike was stored in a bike shop all winter I would stand there every day with my nose mashed into the glass... http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WAFeBz131wc/SnK8Ebg918I/AAAAAAAAEmo/wustsDtr4dg/s400/DSC06043.JPG

It has been a challenge to say the least.

[tsmall]

Hey abarbs, first of all, welcome! Stock or modified, these GZ's are good, dependable, and easy to work on. And as long as you're not looking for a road rocket, it'll hold it's own in most traffic.