GZ Top Speed

[SimbasDaddy]

I'm pretty new to this forum & I was just wondering what the top speed of the GZ should be. When I'm out riding the engine feels like it's "whined out" at around 50-55mph. I realize that it's a 250 & that it doesn't have a 6th gear like most bikes but should it sound like this?

[Dupo]

Yes, it should sound like that. The GZ should really have a 6th gear. I found myself many times trying to shift into a non existant gear on the highway. The bike is 'comfortable' at 50-55, past that you will hear it whine for another gear. My Shadow's final gear is a highway gear, i dont hit that till about 55mph and even then thats a little early. The GZ should implement the same gearing, it would make it a good highway machine as well as a great commuter.

Top speed is arguable. Alot will tell you 70 is about it. Others will say 75. I've had mine up to 85 on a flat road. And im 5'9" 240lbs. This is also with the needle shim, aftermarket exhaust and mixture reset (actually ive done 85 without the aftermarket exhaust too).

[Badbob]

You might want to check you speedometer. Some of them are off.

My bike is all stock. With my 235lbs plus gear my experience is similar to Dupo's.

70-80 mph under ideal conditions. Not sustainable in any case.

65 is a sustainable speed so long as your not fighting a headwind or major hills. You may have to run in fourth gear to maintain this speed depending on conditions.

55-60 not a problem. The GZ250 can do this all day long. Its pretty comfortable at this speed.

I to sometimes feel the need for a sixth gear although I don't think this would do much for the top speed. 5th gear is .818:1 I spend most of my time n fourth gear.

[SimbasDaddy]

Thanks. I just didn't want to overrev the engine and every place else I looked didn't really give too much info on what a good operating top speed is.

[Jordan310]

Nope, not true.
Tuned right, you can hit 85 Im sure.

I have proof. I was on a flat, got a speeding ticket doing 79-80Mhp with some side wind.
It whines like a bitch, and it will go that fast. Top speed? Im going to say that the 85Mph top speed is something I would bet my balls on.

85 is extreemly hard to hit as well. You have to have the RPMS so high, and the wind at your back. You just might blow a piston at full throttle. The bike simpl was not meant to handle this.

However, .. I can reach 70 easy. 75Mph with some serrious effort, and 80 in ideal and I mean IDEAL contitions. I only have the mod in my other post, removing the airbox, putting the stock filter direct, and rejetting the carba bit more. Im still running lean, I need an aftermarket pipe, a K&N, and a front sprocket.

I am confident that the rest of ther mods, even when boring out the carb to the max will allow me to hit 85 a lot easier.
Heres my next thing.

Why?

This bike is not a race bike, and going 85 will for sure get you in a bit of trouble on this bike.

I from now on dont go past 70. Its a great commuter bike, and thats what its meant for.
If I want more power, Ill go for an 800cc M50. This will be my next bike.

[Bill]

The M50 would be a very nice choice.

As far as top speed is concerned most bikes (and cars for that matter) can reach a top speed that is in excess of what the other components of the vehicle are capable of properly handling. Speed is only one factor that should be considered for any vehicle. I would place just as much importance in balance, handling, weight, and gearing. The GZ 250 will go faster than what is safe to ride on that frame design and weight. But it will scoot just fine. Others may disagree but in my opinion the ride starts to deteriorate once you go past 65mph. Badbob also made a good point in speedometer accuracy. I know there is a 5mph difference in my wifes GZ250 and my C50.

Cheers!

[Jordan310]

My spedometer is tack on because when I got the ticket for going 79Mph, the needle had just hit 80.
Your right. The ride deteriorates at about 70 for me, and I get a strange (I dont think this bike should be going this fast feeling) at 75.

Some might say that if Im pushing the little GZ this fast and hard, that I shouldnt go for an M50, but I think it could do the opposite for me. I think the complete difference in ride, power, and repect the bike would command will humble me.

Im a new rider, but Im learning quickly to respect the bike, and the ride.
I actually hated cruiser bikes, and wanted a Buell Blast to start with, but I am appreciating the ride more and more every day. I think I just might be happy ending up with a cruiser over a speed bike.

Who needs to go 0-60 in lightning time? Cool, but riding is dangerous enough. Why tempt fate?
Yea, the M50 looks pretty good. I sat on one the other day, and its heavy. I mean like wow, heavy.

[Bill]

Some might say that if Im pushing the little GZ this fast and hard, that I shouldnt go for an M50, but I think it could do the opposite for me. I think the complete difference in ride, power, and repect the bike would command will humble me.

I tend to agree with you. Maxing out any vehicle is not a safe proposition. It stresses the limits of all the systems. Better to have more weight, handling, braking, and power in reserve for safety. I learned a long time ago that just because the speedometer says 160 doesn't mean I should try to peg it. :roll:

[Badbob]

I've put hundreds of miles on mine GZ250 at wide open throttle. It's not a pleasant ride nor is it my preferred method of travel. However, it doesn't seem to have hurt it at all.

[trykemike]

I can regularly hit an indicated 120 kph ( 75 mph ). On hills if I hit them at 100 kph ( 62 mph) I top the hill at 105 kph ( 65 mph ) . These values are with no wind. I have listened to the engine it is running smoothly at WOT.

[Gadzooks Mike]

Jordan310, you have the fastest GZ250 that I know about. Without the 16T sprocket, I couldn't do better than about 68mph on a flat with no wind. Since I've got the 16T on, it should go a bit faster, but I doubt I'll hit 80mph on it.

[Jordan310]

I guess I got lucky with my 2007.
I have the sprocket with rubber grommet, am going to be installing a big bore kit later, and still have yet to put the K&N + aftermarket muffler on /w rejet.
Im in the process of shopping for the best pipe and K&N right now. I wish someone could be more helpful with this.

In any case, when the sprocket goes on .. Ill expect to be hitting 80 regularly. =)

Funny. I did the exact opposite as what your supposed to do durring break in.
I rode the bike stock HARD, on the freeways, pushing it, and at HIGH RPMS.
After about 3000 miles on it now, it is still strong, and broken in, but has kept its super pep.

Any thoughts on this?

I cant wait to see what the big bore kit does. Just hope I dont blow up my bike. Lol.

[cleensmoke666]

greetings all i just got an 07 250 on june 16 .i really like the bike as i am a new rider ..i wanted to know of good reference for a tach so i can know what idle rpm and redlines are

[davidc83]

I have a stock 2006 gz250 and I constantly hit 75mph (on the flats, and I did it this morning commuting to work) when I commute to work. I plan on installing the 16T in the near future though. I babied and followed the owners manual during the break in period when I bought mine. I did notice that after I did my Helen Ga ride (1100 miles) that my top end increased from around 72mph to about 80mph. I am happy with the bike, even though I can get near 80mph, I much prefer doing <60mph.

[Easy Rider]

IIm in the process of shopping for the best pipe and K&N right now. I wish someone could be more helpful with this.

In any case, when the sprocket goes on .. Ill expect to be hitting 80 regularly. =)



Nobody makes pipes specifically for the GZ.....or seats either.
Changing either will involve some "non-standard" mods, like welding the pipes.
Most who have done it find that some additional holes in the back-plate gives a satisfactory result. It's quick, easy, cheap and doesn't risk ending up with an ugly mess.

Without the air filter, pipe and carb mods you aren't likely to make it to 80 regularly.......if ever.

[Jordan310]

IIm in the process of shopping for the best pipe and K&N right now. I wish someone could be more helpful with this.

In any case, when the sprocket goes on .. Ill expect to be hitting 80 regularly. =)



Nobody makes pipes specifically for the GZ.....or seats either.
Changing either will involve some "non-standard" mods, like welding the pipes.
Most who have done it find that some additional holes in the back-plate gives a satisfactory result. It's quick, easy, cheap and doesn't risk ending up with an ugly mess.

Without the air filter, pipe and carb mods you aren't likely to make it to 80 regularly.......if ever.

No, not true.
Ive hit 80 Mph on the Los Angeles freeways with the airbox removed, the dtock filter pressed up againt the carb, and a re-jetting.
with the sprocket, a K&N, a new tune/re-jet, a more throaty pipe, and some tuning, Im sure 85 is easily obtainable. With the big bore kit, Im thinking 85-90Mph.

There is one company that makes an aftermarket pipe for the GZ250. See the pther posts.
I opted not to get the pipe because of its price, and went for an 18" shorty instead. Im having it installed when I get a free min.

[Easy Rider]

No, not true.
Ive hit 80 Mph on the Los Angeles freeways with the airbox removed, the dtock filter pressed up againt the carb, and a re-jetting.


Damn, Jordan, Isn't that pretty much what I said ????? :cuss:

Without the air filter, pipe and carb mods you aren't likely to make it to 80 regularly.......if ever.

And I was talking about WITH the 16T sprocket, which with an otherwise stock bike actually REDUCES your top end a bit.

Or let me re-phrase: If you are stock except for the 16T sprocket, you won't exceed 70 mph by much (except down-hill with a tail wind or drafting a big rig!).

I'm sorry if I can't quite keep up with your list of "any day now" mods and which ones are really done. :cry:

[Jordan310]

Any day now mods?

Here is what I have done.

Rejet on the carb, drilled out muffler, airbox removed /w stock filter open against carb.
Can hit 80Mph.

Have parts for big bore kit, 18" shorty muffler, and 16 tooth sprocket.

When these 3 mods are complete, your telling me that I will lose top end power / speed?
What are you talking about.

If I put the sprocket on today, with a pretty stock, but basic modded bike Im pretty sure it wont slow the bike down. Am I getting you correctly?

[Easy Rider]

When these 3 mods are complete, your telling me that I will lose top end power / speed?
What are you talking about.

If I put the sprocket on today, with a pretty stock, but basic modded bike Im pretty sure it wont slow the bike down. Am I getting you correctly?

You are kinda dense, aren't you?

Your bike is NOT stock now and will be even LESS stock after the next round of mods.
Thus, what I said about 70 being top end AND losing a little at the top..........
DOES NOT APPLY TO YOU!!! Clear?

I am sorry if my original post sounded like I thought it applied to you. Really I am.

I thought what I said last time was pretty clear:

And I was talking about WITH the 16T sprocket, which with an otherwise stock bike actually REDUCES your top end a bit.

Or let me re-phrase: If you are stock except for the 16T sprocket, you won't exceed 70 mph by much (except down-hill with a tail wind or drafting a big rig!).


Do I need to explain further........rephrase it yet again........translate it into Spanish maybe? What ?

[Jordan310]

Yer being kind of an ass man.
I got ya.

[Gadzooks Mike]

Well, with a 16T sprocket and the needle shim mods, I hit top end around 70 mph. I'm 5'8" and about 180lbs.

This bike cruises nicely at 55 and 60 mph, and does it well. If I want to cruise at 90, I'll buy a different bike. As for me, I like my little Thumper.

I met several guys on the road who asked me about the bike and how fast it went. I told them all that they could outrun me in a heartbeat, but that I could keep up with them just fine following normal speed limits and safe speeds. Not one of them sneared, and all of them were impressed that a little 250 could make a 2000 mile trip.

80mph on a GZ250 on the straight with no tail wind? Maybe with a tow rope and a crash dummy.

[Jordan310]

I have a speeding ticket to prove it.
It was actually 79Mph in 5th on a very flat slab of freeway. No tailwind, actually a few side gusts, and the cop clocked me 3 times to insure that it was correct.
Nah, my bike is happiest at about 65Mph. Sounds pretty angry at 70-75, and is yelling for dear life at 80. Hard to get it there, but its doable.

Interestingly, since I've shipped my bike to Florida where the humidity is extremely high, and the rain and wind are a bit harder, I've lost that super power to jam around at 80.
My new top speed ends up to be about 77Mph.

In any case, I find it interesting how some peoples riding patterns, gear shifting, and actual bikes vary so much in speed, limitations, and rideablity.

[johnboyhick1]

ive looked several places , with no luck , does anyone know a larger front sprocket can be purchased, even 1 tooth would satisfy my thinking that the rpms should be a little lower at 55 / 60 mph. thanks johnny

[patrick_777]

ive looked several (?) places , with no luck , does anyone know a larger front sprocket can be purchased, even 1 tooth would satisfy my thinking that the rpms should be a little lower at 55 / 60 mph. thanks johnny


http://www.gz250bike.com/viewtopic.php?t=317

[Easy Rider]

ive looked several places , with no luck , does anyone know a larger front sprocket can be purchased, even 1 tooth would satisfy my thinking that the rpms should be a little lower at 55 / 60 mph. thanks johnny

Looks like Patrick did a little of the work for you.
In addition to that, do a search here for "sprocket" or "16" or "tooth".
+1 tooth on the front is highly recommended.....in most circumstances....but ONLY one.
The little thing just doesn't have the horsepower to cope with more than that.

[Jordan310]

Its got the power, it just was not designed for it.
In any case, after modding my bike and doing everything possible to it - then crashing it and buying a Ducatti - Ive learned a few things.

1. Modding this bike is fun as hell, and the bike (stock or modded but modded even more so) gets attention.
Its a great looking little starter bike that looks a little like a Harley, and is a bit different.

2. It can with very little modification and 0 to the engine itself reach a top speed of 85Mph, a likely kept top at 80Mph, and a realistic held top at 75.

3. When you reach the point of feeling that the bike just is not strong enough, fast enough, or too weak when it comes to wind, rain, power etc ... its time to get a bigger / stronger bike. This little guy is a fun bike for sure, and if you use it for daily commutes in the city, and to save gas around town - its awesome. Its just not quality, durable, or powerful enough in the reliability and power dept. for long trips. The bike was not designed for that.

4. The 16 tooth sprocket is not needed. I eventually took it off, and it made little difference with the way I rode, and keeping that top end. Argue with me all you want, but I know better. I have modded this bike so much, that it barely rode like a Suzuki.

5. In the end, and overall it was fun. But I completely changed my mind on a few things. If I were to do it all over again, I would not have modded the bike to such extent. My suggestion to you is to learn as much as you can on it, ride it stock, then move up to a 650 or 750cc. Get that down, and move to a 800-1200cc. When you can say that you know how to handle the power of the GZ, get out of tricky situations by reflex, know the way they handle inside and out, then start looking for a bike with an aftermarket part crowd, and a reliable engine. Upgrade.

6. This was an awesome forum for me while I had the bike.

Good luck, and ride safe.

- Jordan

:2tup:

[Sarris]

I want to be a disagreeable old bastard regarding some of Jordan's comments.

Specifically, I think that the GZ is a very high quality motorcycle built to a price point. The GZ's durability is second to none if properly maintained and this fact is supported by it's choice by alot of (most in Florida) MSF rider courses. This is also proven by the fact that in the third world it's popularity is virtually unmatched. In fact it's damn near bulletproof. With a 425 lb. passenger load it is an ideal choice for some overseas families as their primary transportation, sometimes with the entire family on board. It's ability to carry this heavy load and run on almost any fuel (with the overseas low octane head) make the bike an outstanding value for a very low purchase price. It's agility and light weight make it an great choice for any rider, newbie or not. It is a 65 mph bike all day long. How fast do we need to go? The only reason you feel so underpowered on the interstates is that Americans have a propensity to overdo damn near everthing. Most ignore the posted speed laws, refuse to stop at stop signs, will not use their turn signals, talk on cell phones, and they basically drive like shit. Compound that with a monsterously oversized vehicle that most have no business driving in these days of high fuel prices, and it's no wonder you feel miniscule on the interstates. In most men it is testosterone (or a small johnson) that rules the need for power and speed, not necessesity. It is also aesthetics that drives alot of decisions to move up to a bigger, faster, and in the view of some, a more stylish motorcycle.

The 16 tooth sprocket does improve driveablity for about $20, but you can tell by Jordan's post that speed is his only concern. As an older guy who has ridden for about 35 years, I have the experience of many motorcycles over many years. I currently own a HD Streetglide to tour on. It's more comfortable over long distances, so I don't tour on the GZ, but I could, and the bike is capable of doing so (ask Easy Rider). But I would not suggest a Streetglide to anyone as a primary bike. It's expensive, heavy, and a real handful in everyday city driving. That's why I own a GZ. I suggest to every GZ owner, that if you want a larger bike, that's great, but keep your GZ because it's an agile daily rider with super gas mileage. I'm not against moving up to a bigger motorcycle, but the need for speed and power alone should not be the only factor for making a change.

We as Americans need to stop the excesses. We don't need bigger bikes, cars, houses or super sized french fries. I'm guilty too, as I said I own a HD, but if it ever came to the point where I had to choose which bike to keep (regulations, taxation, fuel prices, etc.), it would probably be the GZ.

Jordan, I wish you the best, and I hope that you have really mastered the art of motorcycling to the extent that you think you have. But, I think your comments about crashing, need for speed, and your general disatisfaction with your GZ speaks volumes.

As I've said before, It's not what you ride, it is the ride.

Be Safe Brother. My rant is complete.

:sad:

[davidc83]

I also disagree with Jordan. The gz250 is a durable bike. I put 11,000 miles on my gz250 last year from April to October. That is 6 months. These miles included a 1100 mile bike trip and a 2500 mile bike trip. The 2500 mile bike trip was from Indiana to Florida, riding around Florida for 3 days, and riding back; most of the miles back were Interstate traveling at 75mph. I had installed the 16T front sprocket was one of the few who did not like it. I lost 12mph top end speed and commuting to work on the interstate I could not afford to loose that much top end speed. I needed at least 70mph and could not reach it with the 16T front sprocket.

I just sold it to a guy a work; in october I bought a Suzuki C50 and have 13000 miles on it already. I fell in love the the red/black C50 when I first saw it and found one at a price I couldnt turn down ($5800). I still miss the gz250 and kick myself every time I see it in the parking lot. I wish I had kept it. It is fun to ride, easy to manuever and very durable (just change oil and other maintenance when needed).

[Easy Rider]

Its just not quality, durable, or powerful enough in the reliability and power dept. for long trips. The bike was not designed for that.

4. The 16 tooth sprocket is not needed.


Hey, Jordan, welcome back.......I think.

I see "things" haven't changed much. :roll:

You still have some excellent information to offer but you also seem to still be stuck in the mode where you believe that YOUR experience and opinion is the ONLY one that counts. As a result of that, along with your good information, is some REALLY BAD stuff. :cry:

I see Saris beat me to the punch but I haven't read his reply yet; let's see how close we are in agreement. :)

The GZ 250 is no more or less capable of long trips than any other bike......if you don't try to push it beyond it's limits.

Nobody ever really said that the 16T sprocket was "necessary" but the simple fact is that the VAST majority of those who have tried it love it. A rough count of just those I personally know about is about 15 for and only 2 against (went back).

Your conclusion on heavy modding is valuable input......as are many of your other comments.
I just think it's too bad that you can't seem to differentiate between facts and your opinions..........or maybe it's just the way you present the opinions.

I don't know what it is for sure but I, for one, certainly have a hard time reading your posts without getting upset. :oops:

[Jordan310]

Then .. I am doing some thing right. Let me respond to some of the things that I as well as many mechanics have come to decide upon and conclude from testing this bike, modding it, doing everything under the sun on it, and putting over 6000 miles on it in the next post.

I do agree with you, I am very opinionated, but it just comes from knowing the ins and outs of this bike from extensive testing, different configs, and stock.
I'm not the end all be all of posing about this bike, so please don't think I'm saying other peoples say don't matter, I'm just going on some of my own experience, joys, and disappointments with the bike.

Let me address some of them quickly.

[5th_bike]

Hooray, I got it up to 74 mph today, my previous record speed was 72 !
:rawk:

And I know there is more in it, I just ran out of road before the climb...

It's totally stock and has 2600 miles now.

By the way, does any of the experts here know the effect of valve settings on speed ? I'm looking for advice Ã* la "Set the inlet valves narrow, and the outlet valves in the middle, that will give you the best power at high revs"... And, is there any way to adjust ignition timing ?

[patrick_777]

Hooray, I got it up to 74 mph today, my previous record speed was 72 !

I bet even if you modded the GZ out, you wouldn't get more than 85.

You should probably buy a Ducati.

:lol:

[Easy Rider]

By the way, does any of the experts here know the effect of valve settings on speed ?

Right to the point: Forget it. Damage is likely and improvement is absolutely, totally not likely.

If you are reading a hot-rod car magazine and see things like that, they are most likely talking about making minute changes to the cam angle and duration.....NOT the basic valve lash setting.

If you have a 600 HP engine and can tweek another 1%, that gets you an additional 6 HP.
If you start with a 15 HP engine, that extra 1% gets you..........ready....... .15 HP.
That's 15 HUNDRETHS of one horse power. :cry:

The timing answer is the same. Don't mess with it. It is set and controlled electronically.

Bottom line: Be happy with what you have and if/when it just really doesn't have enoug power for you........sell it and get a different bike.

[5th_bike]

OK I got it, if it works don't mess with it. And it works great !
It has enough power too, and as long as this bikes gives me smiles, I'll happily ride it. But my speed goal is to reach 75 mph one day, that's 120 kmh.

A Ducati well I'd like to have one, just can't afford it, buying nor maintaining. If ever I get rid of the GZ250, or get a second bike, it would probably be a Moto Guzzi.

[Easy Rider]

But my speed goal is to reach 75 mph one day, that's 120 kmh.


If you have a stock bike, I think that's well within it's capability. Lots of others have reported that; some even 80 occasionally. I'm thinking you need a windshield or need to lay down on the tank and bring your feet up on the passenger pegs to accomplish it though.

I would NOT recommend pushing it that hard until it is well broken in, however. Maybe after 1,000 miles ???

[john1096]

I haven't topped out yet. I hit 70+ (indicated) on slight incline and had to back off because of traffic. Still had a little left, for sure. I'm stupid enough to go that fast, but not stupid enough to try to pass with almost nothing left.

We need tachs! That may be the first mod. I've read that there definitely is and that there definitely is not a rev limiter on these bikes. I really don't know.

BTW, I'm running completely stock.

[Planet D]

Hi. I recently acquired my GZ 250. Had 11,000 KM o the odometer when I bought is in May. It now has about 13,000KM. The top speed I've achieved wad 138KM or 85 mph. that was with a bit of a hill. The bike is stock. I did just replace the spark plug. This is really a great bike for commuting, I just wish that it had a bit more grunt at the top end.

[aesoprock00]

i got my GZ up to 70 today on flat highway (which we don't have too much of around here). It definitely had a little bit of throttle left and could have gone higher if i tried. It was my first time on the highway or I might have tried pushing a little more. i'm sure I will in time. ducking behind the windshield made it a nice quiet ride. very smooth.

[Sarris]

I've had mine to 72 mph w/ a 16 tooth sprocket, no wind, a level road, a new spark plug, and my fat ass aboard. I've found that my bike is actually faster with the throttle backed off a hair from full twist. Mine likes 55 to 60 mph best.

:)

[jonathan180iq]

After I dropped my bike in my mom's driveway trying to avoid her bewitched dog, I picked up 5 mph on the top end and the bike runs smoother through all gears. I don't know what got banged around in there. I had no visibile outside damage but I swear to you the bike runs much better now.

So, if you want to pick up some on the top end, drop your bike in gravel.

It's scientifically proven.

[Magnar Infectus]

I'm jealous of all you 60+ mph'ers. I can only go about 50mph in mine. That's the best I can do in 5th gear @ half throttle. Stoopid break-in period. I'll be glad when that's over with. I did get it up to almost 55 on Sat. but only cause I was going downhill.

[Water Warrior 2]

After I dropped my bike in my mom's driveway trying to avoid her bewitched dog, I picked up 5 mph on the top end and the bike runs smoother through all gears. I don't know what got banged around in there. I had no visibile outside damage but I swear to you the bike runs much better now.

So, if you want to pick up some on the top end, drop your bike in gravel.

It's scientifically proven.

The drop must have re-aligned the Dilithium tubes to a higher % of efficiency.

[alanmcorcoran]

Mine's running a little faster after I.... left my taillight on.

[Sarris]

Yeah, a partially discharged battery weighs less..................

:haha: :haha: :haha:

[Water Warrior 2]

The GZ top speed is probably just where Suzuki intended it to be. We must keep in mind they are primarily considered beginner bikes in North America. In many third world countries the GZ is a family limo with more than adequate speed and power. Increasing the power by 2 or 3 HP and increasing the top end could reduce the reliability and economy of the bike. The GZ may not be hi-tech but shows it's true colors by being almost as reliable as an anvil.

[mr. softie]

My everyday to work commute includes about 4 miles on a divided highway where the traffic usually is moving at 70-75 mph. I don't have any trouble keeping up on my 1999 GZ. I have noticed that until it warms up for a couple miles my top speed is only about 65. After that it will run at 75 all day. 80+ is reachable but not always sustainable. I too get the best speed by rolling the throttle on slowly. Holding full throttle seems to bog it down on acceleration. I have had no trouble at all riding mine on long trips on the freeways. I do use a windshield and will put my feet on the rear pegs sometimes to gain a bit of speed. My best mpg occurred on a 200 mile ride where my speed rarely was below 65. I got :) 85mpg! That amounted to about $8 worth of gas, or 4 cents a mile :banana:

[alantf]

The road test that I picked up on the Suzuki site on the internet suggests using the vibration that the bike sustains at high speed be used as a rev limiter. When it gets too uncomfortable, back off the throttle!

[alantf]

The road test on the Suzuki internet site suggests that the vibrations that this bike suffers from at high speed be used as a rev limiter. When the vibrations get too uncomfortable, back off the throttle! That gives you your top speed.

[Water Warrior 2]

The road test on the Suzuki internet site suggests that the vibrations that this bike suffers from at high speed be used as a rev limiter. When the vibrations get too uncomfortable, back off the throttle! That gives you your top speed.


If you are replacing a lot of light bulbs just ride a little slower. Bulbs do not like vibration.

[Easy Rider]

If you are replacing a lot of light bulbs just ride a little slower. Bulbs do not like vibration.

:cry: :haha2: :crackup

[alantf]

The GZ250 road test, on the Suzuki site, suggests that due to the vibration that is common to this bike at high speed, the vibration be used as a built in rev limiter. When the vibration gets too uncomfortable to endure, simply close the throttle until it becomes comfortable again, and - hey presto - that is the top speed of your bike, without overstraining the engine.

[alantf]

The road test, on the Suzuki site, suggests using the vibration which is common to this bike at high speeds, as a rev limiter. When the vibrations get really uncomfortable, close the throttle until it becomes comfortable again. This will give you your top speed without overstraining the engine.

[Easy Rider]

The road test, on the Suzuki site, suggests using the vibration which is common to this bike at high speeds, as a rev limiter.

I think this is ......looking for the right word......pretty lame. :roll:

The current engine design has a counter-balancer, for no other purpose than to reduce the vibrations. The GZ engine vibrates LESS than a lot of twins.

After a year and about 4 thousand miles, I have yet to feel a vibration that is really "uncomfortable".

Then again, the engine does have a rev. limiter so using the vibration "method" won't really hurt anything either.

I think the premise is invalid. Some people would never ride the bike 'cause the vibrations are "uncomfortable" at idle !! :cry:

PS Alan, why are your posts appearing twice ??

[Chris]

Jordan,
You said you would bet your balls on an honest 85mph as top speed. Better go ahead and have all the children you want to. I'm not interested in your deal, but I'd take the bet.
Mine runs up to about 75, maybe 80 under ideal conditions.

I just posted under the Geneal post that I have a friend that is a national maintenance supervisor. I told him my engine started screaming at 60mph and was really screaming at 70+mph. He said that all these engines have rev limiters built in and there was no way to over rev, especially in the top gears.
I use synthetic oil as per his recommendations. But, oddly enough, he says that the Amisoil oil is simply too slippery as (unlike a car) the same oil lubs the engine, transmission, and clutch. He worked on a slipping clutch that had nothing wrong. They put in normal oil and it stopping slipping.
Chris, Retired in Atlanta

[alanmcorcoran]

Are you betting it won't go 85 or that it will, or that it will go more than 85?

[Water Warrior 2]

That's a first. A clutch slipping due to amsoil sounds very strange. I wonder if the mechanic had the full story. Quite possibly the owner of the bike added a friction molifier that caused the slipping and failed to mention it. Never read about a slipping clutch before even on far more powerful bikes using Amsoil.

[Easy Rider]

That's a first. Never read about a slipping clutch before even on far more powerful bikes using Amsoil.

I don't find it too hard to believe. With everybody else jumping on the bandwagon, I'd bet that Amsoil is making an "energy conserving" oil or 3 these days too.

Not everybody has the benefit of the EXCELLENT coaching that is available here!! :roll: :biggrin:

[alantf]

They're appearing twice. They're appearing twice. because the damned vibrations. because the damned vibrations are making the computer do strange things as I type this as I ride merrily along!

[Water Warrior 2]

[quote="Water Warrior":1yb4zpcw]That's a first. Never read about a slipping clutch before even on far more powerful bikes using Amsoil.

I don't find it too hard to believe. With everybody else jumping on the bandwagon, I'd bet that Amsoil is making an "energy conserving" oil or 3 these days too.

Not everybody has the benefit of the EXCELLENT coaching that is available here!! :roll: :biggrin:[/quote:1yb4zpcw]

Good point. An energy conserving Amsoil product may have been used in the bike.

[tampadeb]

I get mine to 80 easily. I am 145 pounds. With a windshield that i think makes a difference.

[Easy Rider]

I get mine to 80.......
........ easily.

I can easily believe the first part but not the part about it being easy! :cool:
Are you sure you are reading the little marks on the speedometer correctly ? :biggrin:

[tampadeb]

What little marks? lol We have a straight stretch about 2 miles. Depending on traffic I get to 75-80 in less than half of that. It seems easy. But 80 is all it will do. Even with the wind on my back. The only reason I know this is because 80 shouldn't feel so good. ;o)

[alanmcorcoran]

I'm assuming tampadeb is a lady and probably weighs less than us and has a smaller wind profile, so even though 80 is probably not in the cards for me, it's not a stretch that it might be well within reach for her.

[Chris]

All the top speed claims seem odd to me. One guy says his top speed is 68 and another guy says he can hit 90??? Mine hit 76.9mph and I just don't believe that any stock GZ250 will do much more than that.

On the tachometer thing: I've checked and it is just not worth it. Some $300 and it dosen't change anything on the bike. My maintenance expert at Yamaha (national expert) says there is no way you can over rev these bikes, especially in higher gears. He told me to go as fast as I wanted to and the engine was going to be just fine.
Don't worry about a tach, just ride reasonably and you'll be find. Or you could send me the $300.

Chris, Atlanta

[alanmcorcoran]

Chris,

Some of the disparity can be explained by:

1) Preponderance of newbs on the site. As Easy and others have said, it helps to shift the bike at far higher revs than recommended in the manual to maximize your speed.
2) Riding position. If you don't have a windshield, kissing the speedo gets you 10 miles an hour more.
3) Windshield.
4) Rider weight.
5) Rider size.
6) Break-in. Mine is definitely a little faster now than it was out of the box. (See "pre-ponderance of newbs.")
7) Mods.
8) Inexact nature of the marks on the Speedo.
9) Probably inaccuracy of the speedo in general.
10) Tailwind. Most people don't know when they have a tailwind because they experience the headwind the're generating. Nonetheless, it has a significant top speed inpact.
11) Incline. Again, I'd be willing to bet what "looks" flat, often isn't.

The 90 does seem farfetched. But I've hit 73-74ish so I think 68-80 is a reasonable range.

[Easy Rider]

We have a straight stretch about 2 miles. Depending on traffic I get to 75-80 in less than half of that.

Let's see if I can do the math: half of 2 miles is.......a LONG way by most motorcycle standards.
Just making a little fun of your "easy" characterization. :biggrin:

Mine climbs tall mountains easily too.......if it is in 3rd gear !! :crackup

[Easy Rider]

Some $300 and it dosen't change anything on the bike.

All very true, except for this.
A working add-on tach can be had for a LOT less than that; somewhere around $100 if you just search a bit.
Useful and really worth it even at that price? Probably not but there are worse ways to blow $100 on bike "bling".
I think I'm going to take my "tach money" and get a clock and thermometer:
http://www.clocks4bikes.com

[Easy Rider]

7) Mods.


Good analysis but you left out 2 things:

1) Outright B.S.

2) Reports from non-North America riders.....whose bikes come from the factory with all the carb mods done already !! :biggrin:

[alanmcorcoran]

What? Bullshitters on the GZ250bike.com? Say it ain't so!

[patrick_777]

I've seen 90 on mine, but it was pristine conditions setup just for it.

...and I don't bullshit anybody. EVER.

[Water Warrior 2]

I've seen 105 mph in 4th with 2 more to go..................oops wrong forum.

[patrick_777]

...and I don't bullshit anybody. EVER.

Sorry...I forgot to add this onto that statement: :whistle:

[Moedad]

I've seen 105 mph in 4th with 2 more to go..................oops wrong forum.

I want a Wee.

[Easy Rider]

I've seen 105 mph in 4th with 2 more to go..................oops wrong forum.

Sigh. Sometimes I DO miss my Eliminator. :cry:
Not often but sometimes.

[Easy Rider]

[quote="patrick_777":20bhvwp5]...and I don't bullshit anybody. EVER.

Sorry...I forgot to add this onto that statement: :whistle:[/quote:20bhvwp5]

We knew that. :roll:

[5th_bike]

(re: tach:)
My mini tach was almost $77 including shipping, see at "how to's", "add a tachometer". It's nice for setting the idle revs. And comforting knowing that you're waaaay not at the redline even though the engine sounds like it's going to blow up if pushed further...

(add to alanmcorcoran's list (great list Alan!):)
12) climate/weather - bike runs better when it's warm
13) elevation - bike probably runs better near sea level

[Water Warrior 2]

I've seen 105 mph in 4th with 2 more to go..................oops wrong forum.

I want a Wee.


Another Suzuki I had was a 1978 GT 750 three cylinder water cooled 2 stroke. An indicated 115 mph in 3rd with 4th and 5th to go. Scared myself silly and decided it was a bad idea to continue. Would love to have it back now.

[alanmcorcoran]

Had mine up to at least 75, if not more, tonight on a routine 4 mile run between two freeway exits. I've noticed I can maintain higher speed (sort of) drafting trucks (yes, I know this is not recommended and can be dangerous.) I say sort of because, when I rode bicycles our wheels were no more than six inches apart in the drafting pack and I'm back a good 75 feet. I do wind her up to near 60 before I pop it into 5th.

[patrick_777]

Just for S&Gs I'm going to helmet cam my GZ at near 90 when it warms up here (ie. March). I'll have to swap out the sprockets again, as I'm on a 16t right now, but that's nothing.

We'll see how it goes.

[Easy Rider]

I've noticed I can maintain higher speed (sort of) drafting trucks (yes, I know this is not recommended and can be dangerous.)

Well, there's drafting and then there's "almost" drafting.

To get a really good draft, you need to be about 1 car length behind the vehicle ahead; even a van or suv works for that but VERY dangerous.

Then there is the "almost" draft, which goes back about 3 car lengths behind a semi above 50 mph. It depends partly on prevailing wind speed and direction and you got to pay REAL close attention to maintain it but it is slightly less dangerous than being right on the bumper.

[mrlmd1]

[quote="5th_bike"](re: tach:)


(add to alanmcorcoran's list (great list Alan!):)
12) climate/weather - bike runs better when it's warm

The engine will run better when IT is warm (up to operating temperature), but don't internal combustion engines work better when the ambient temperature is colder - the incoming air is more dense, more O2 for combustion, like the reason for having an intercooler on a turbocharger, to cool the incoming air.

[Easy Rider]

The engine will run better when IT is warm (up to operating temperature), but don't internal combustion engines work better when the ambient temperature is colder -

Yes, no, maybe. :biggrin:

A fuel injected motor with the proper compensation will like cold dense air. So will one that is otherwise running a little rich. Something running on the lean side, however, may not benefit at all because it, in effect, already has more air than it really needs. I think the GZ probably falls into the lean category.