First post and First mod attempt

[iMoon1221]

Im a very new rider and this is my first bike (kinda).
Iv done alot of reading on this site and it's awesome.
So, I really like the Bobber look and I really like trying to do things myself. I don't have the money or tools to do it right so I worked with what I had. I know it's not to pretty yet but it's a work in progress.
I have alot of goals but I'm just starting and learning. Any feedback tips or advice would be appreciated!
(again, first post and using my phone so I'm not sure everything uoaded properly. Should be around 5 pictures)
http://s17.postimg.org/8vq0x7maj/20130804_173012.jpg (http://postimg.org/image/8vq0x7maj/)

http://s10.postimg.org/trx62h57p/20130806_100135.jpg (http://postimg.org/image/trx62h57p/)

http://s17.postimg.org/dvnh55rx7/20130806_103955.jpg (http://postimg.org/image/dvnh55rx7/)

http://s17.postimg.org/ojr8401wb/20130806_171901.jpg (http://postimg.org/image/ojr8401wb/)

http://s17.postimg.org/jokftkm9n/20130806_171828.jpg (http://postimg.org/image/jokftkm9n/)

http://s16.postimg.org/fpnd9irfl/20130806_173012.jpg (http://postimg.org/image/fpnd9irfl/)
http://s17.postimg.org/i39we7xsr/20130813_182447.jpg (http://postimg.org/image/i39we7xsr/)

http://s22.postimg.org/y8325ocxp/20130813_182454.jpg (http://postimg.org/image/y8325ocxp/)

[5th_bike]

Welcome to the forum !!! :2tup:

Yes everything came through clear.

When you change the exhaust, you also have to work on the carb, plenty of posts here about that.

[iMoon1221]

Thanks!
that's how the exhaust was when I got it. Does it look like an aftermarket exhaust? What would be the easiest, cheapest fix?

[Rookie Rider]

You would most likely have to up the main jet with exhaust mod. Welcome to the forum by the way.

[iMoon1221]

I'll look into that. Thanks. I think something might be off with my exhaust. It doesnt look flush to the engine and looks burnt where it connects. I'll post pics when I get home from work

[PimpS]

Cool idea, change the handle bars with more straight and you got yourself a real badass bike! ;)

[iMoon1221]

Thank you! I actually have some already. I also want to make the rear fender smaller. I dont want to cut the stock one so I was Thinking of sheet metal. Any better ideas?

[alantf]

I dont want to cut the stock one

Why? :??:

[iMoon1221]

I'm still very new so I don't want to do anything perminant yet. I like the idea of being able to go back to how it was when I bought it if I don't like what I do.

[alantf]

So......see if anyone's got a spare one to sell. :)

[northsidegz]

Lookin' nice! You're on your way! Welcome to the site!

[mole2]

Welcome to the forum from South Carolina. Since you're new to riding I'd recommend you take the MSF BRC (Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course). It's the best investment in your safety you can make. Ride safe.


:)

[iMoon1221]

I tried looking in Craigslist and eBay. I'm just trying to save money right now. I want to do it right and invest the money eventually I just can't right now.

And thanks for the replies and encouragement guys!

[Goose51683]

Imoon I felt the same way about being able to go back to original but eventually I said forget it and took the fender of, chopped the bars an went crazy with it. I'd never go back at this point.

I'm also a bobber fan.

First thing I would do with the exhaust is loosen the bolts to the engine and make sure that the exhaust was inserted square. The previous owner may have tightened one bolt before the other which would have cocked things.

Otherwise it's pretty easy to remove the entire exhaust to see why the issue is. You can check out the manual on te site here and it'll give you step
By step
Instructions for removing it.

Also, welcome to the group, good to have another bobber around.

[alantf]

So......see if anyone's got a spare one to sell. :)

check this out. goneoutflying may have one at a good price. viewtopic.php?f=11&t=6767 (http://www.gz250bike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=6767) :2tup:

[iMoon1221]

goose: good to know there was no regrets. im getting more and more confident!
alantf: thanks! looks like alot of good parts that could be very useful

[mole2]

Seems there's a few of them on Ebay.

GZ250 Rear Fenders (http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p4840.m570.l1313&_nkw=gz250+rear+fender&_sacat=0&_from=R40)


:)

[Goose51683]

Imoon, if you can't find one let me know. I still have mine around home somewhere:

[iMoon1221]

i saw some on ebay for around 40 to 50 but im currently between jobs (interview thurs!) so im thinking about just cutting the one i have since i dont want to spend alot

[iMoon1221]

goose : how much would you want for it?

[Goose51683]

Not much if anything. If I ever put a fender on mine it'll be something I make anyways. You ever travel through Indiana?

[iMoon1221]

i dont :/ i think iv been through Indiana once or twice but i dont really travek much anymore

[Goose51683]

are you just wanting the fender, or the fender lights, frame etc? I don't know when I will be passing through TN next. I guess it might just be easier to ship.

Also, this is the first time I've been able to view the pictures on here. Love the seat mod, I've been looking to do my seat as well but its been on the bottom of the list. Is that part of a skateboard. If so that is awesome. I may have to find a garage sale skateboard and try this myself. I was going to make a seat pan out of some metal but the wood might be a lot easier to wrap in leather.

[iMoon1221]

im just looking for a bare fender.
and thanks! i just cut the end off a skateboard. it was all i had at the time. it works really well. i put a cushion on it and wrapped it with a shirt for now. ill try to add an updated picture

[Goose51683]

is it comfortable, does it fit the backside pretty well?

[iMoon1221]

i rode for around 45 min and it was nice. at the end it was a bit uncomfortable but with a little extra padding and a proper cover I think it'll be just fine. It still needs some tweaking but over all I love it. if feels good to be lower and on springs

[Goose51683]

yeah I am sure it would, I intend on moving my seat back a little as well to give me a little more leg room.

Now to find a cheap skateboard.

[Goose51683]

Also, did the addition hardware comes as a kit of did it come form the local hardware store like most of my mods.

[iMoon1221]

i was lucky and already had a broken skateboard laying around.
and it was all just random pieces from hard ware stores. i got the springs bolts and nuts from ace
. and i got the hinge and the straight piece of metal from home depot

[Water Warrior 2]

Just a helpful hint. Even if you don't need anything from Home Depot go for a stroll up and down all the isles now and again. You would be surprised how often you will remember that special piece that will fix the problem.

[Goose51683]

that is my usual process when I'm working on my bike. I know what i want to do so I just wander the hardware store until I see something I can make work.

[iMoon1221]

thats exactly what i did and it worked out pretty well