Few question from a noob

[GWAR]

I am 6'1 and sat on the yamaha, honda, and suzuki 250's and only the gz250 felt ok.
I don't have my motorcycle lisence and I don't have a ton of cash to spend on a bike..
Also looking at the gz250 because of the insane gas mileagle and highway capability since speeds are 55hwy where I live.
Do you think it's a good idea? Will I be comfortable? Thanks!

[blaine]

Welcome to the family.Most people your size have no complaints about the size of the G.Z.Also 55 to 60 is the bikes sweet spot.
:) :2tup:

[Skunkhome]

I tried the Virago 250 and almost bought it before I realized that it had a crack in the intake " manifold". That said I am glad I got a chance to try the GZ250 because it feels a lot more roomy to me. The Rebel on the other hand feels so cramped even though I am a short legged fellow. I am thinking only the most diminutive of people would feel comfortable on it. My 2006 GZ has a 14 liter tank and with 75 mpg economy it travels 206 miles in town before calling for reserve.
As for cruising the bike is fully capable of handling highways that are posted 55 and even short treks on interstates.

[GWAR]

Thanks for the quick replies! I felt more room on the GZ than the v-star and rebel as well!
I think that this is the bike for me, so I am going to save up for a used one!
Hopefully I'll be riding soon haha.

PS: since I live in washington it rains a TON... Do you think that the bike is too light to ride in the rain or if I take it slow will it be OK? Because I am going to use it for a commuter as much as I can

[alantf]

Hi there,

Never had any problems in the rainy season, and I'm talking monsoon rain here. :2tup: Only thing, the cobbled streets get a bit hairy, but that's the same with any bike.

[Water Warrior 2]

I don't think the bike weight has too much to do with riding in the rain as much as the rider's ability and understanding of the situation. Rain riding is doable if you go in knowing the streets will be slippery the first 15 minutes of a rain shower. Wait until the streets are washed clean of oil and other stuff that can bring you down. Cornering speed is also lower and braking distances longer for safety. Visibility is also limited so other drivers/riders may not see you. Get a bright rain suit with reflective hi-lites to help make a spectacle of yourself. It all helps keep you upright and smiling.
If your commute is quite long you don't want to get wet while riding. You can loose a lot of body heat and that is dangerous.

[Road_Clam]

I don't have my motorcycle lisence !

6'1" is not too terribly large for a GZ250, you will feel a tad cramped obviously compared to 800cc+ type crusier bikes, but with your limited budget a GZ will work good. Last tip coming from a 30 year veteran rider..... TAKE THE MSF COURSE !

http://online2.msf-usa.org/msf/Default.aspx

[Water Warrior 2]

I don't have my motorcycle lisence !

6'1" is not too terribly large for a GZ250, you will feel a tad cramped obviously compared to 800cc+ type crusier bikes, but with your limited budget a GZ will work good. Last tip coming from a 30 year veteran rider..... TAKE THE MSF COURSE !

http://online2.msf-usa.org/msf/Default.aspx
Yup, rider training is the single most effective way to preserve your life. Part of the training in my opinion is learning to dress properly to ride. Yeah, I'm all about looking like a Power Ranger on 2 wheels but it is the only way I can ride. Even a "0" speed fall can hurt with no armor.

[jack-_-hammer]

I'm 6' and i'm fairly comfortable riding this bike doesnt seem to small when I was looking into buying it I actually thought the bike was going to be to small when I saw the bike in person the bike was WAY bigger than I expected. I seriously thought I would look like those clowns riding a mini bike. As far as riding in the rain I fell pretty bad in the rain the white lines painted on the streets are super slippery so if your going to ride in the rain Make sure your extra careful on those lines like for crosswalks and STOP signs. And Yes take the MSF Course Its totally worth it.

[alantf]

the white lines painted on the streets are super slippery so if your going to ride in the rain Make sure your extra careful on those lines

Just this morning it started to rain as I was leaving town. Stopped at the lights with my back wheel on the painted arrow. As I set off the back end fishtailed on the white paint. Luckily I was able to catch it, so no spills, but just shows how easy it is for even an experienced rider to have the occasional "whoops, shit" moment in the rain. :)

[riningr]

I'm 5'11" and I'm pretty comfortable on my GZ250... I have considered what it would take to add a set of cruising pegs up farther forward though as I have bad knees that do tend to get cramped up riding long distance on my GZ and because I'm used to my XS1100 having the cruising pegs further forward to be able to stretch out =) but all in all I'm still happy with my purchase although I've only put about 300 miles on my bike so far...

[Skunkhome]

I think cruising pegs would be great but also would like running boards so I can shift my legs around as the ride progresses. I pulled a ham string many years ago and when I sit for long I now have problems with that leg cramping. Yesterday I finally took a break at about 80 miles not because my butt was sore but because my left leg was cramping on the inner thigh. It would help to spread by knees as wide as I could and stretch out the muscle but the last 22 miles were tough. If I could slide that leg back on a running board and change positions I think it would help that leg a lot.

[Water Warrior 2]

I think cruising pegs would be great but also would like running boards so I can shift my legs around as the ride progresses. I pulled a ham string many years ago and when I sit for long I now have problems with that leg cramping. Yesterday I finally took a break at about 80 miles not because my butt was sore but because my left leg was cramping on the inner thigh. It would help to spread by knees as wide as I could and stretch out the muscle but the last 22 miles were tough. If I could slide that leg back on a running board and change positions I think it would help that leg a lot.
Stop and take a break before you feel a cramp coming on. Walk and stand for 5 minutes. Drink some water. I learned this the hard way. Stop and take some pics once an hour. It helps blood circulation.

[GWAR]

Awesome, thanks for all the feedback, I am going to be saving up for one :p

[Scheezo]

I'm 6' 1" and live in Florida where we get storms every day in the summer. I love my bike and feel it handles me and the rain perfectly. I ride a lot on the highway and have topped out at 70mph. This is a fantastic little bike.