New GZ250 owner

[HJH]

Just traded a 2002 VZ 800 Marauder for a 2003 GZ 250 as I couldn't handle the 480 pound weight of the 800 any more, nor the weight and clutch pull of the Harley 1200 I got rid of before that. The 160 pound weight loss has made a great difference in my ability to ride confidently. Having turned 65, with this my 18th motorcycle, mostly motocross and enduro bikes, arthritis in my left hand, and a new titanium and teflon right shoulder from too many years of throwing balls, I no longer could be certain of holding the 800 up if it started to tip, and pushing it out of the garage became a chore. While I miss the power and the belt drive conversion I put on the 800 in place of the chain, I can live with it, as I can ride this one with more confidence and don't have to quit riding.
I never owned a motocrosser I didn't modify, but a windshield, bigger mirrors, sissy bar, and bag on the sissy bar will probably suffice on this one. At 6,000 feet elevation, I never owned a bike or outboard motor that didn't need a two sizes smaller main jet and needle clip raised, or a different taper on the needle, so a leaner mixture doesn't seem a detriment here. The persistent Wyoming wind is a much bigger problem. Adding 20 mpg didn't hurt, either, and the clutch works much better on the GZ than on the VZ. Now, if I can just get used to the key being up on the front of the tank instead of under it on the right side, and quit reaching under the bike to shut it off....

[alantf]

Originally Posted by HJH

I never owned a motocrosser I didn't modify, but a windshield, bigger mirrors, sissy bar, and bag on the sissy bar will probably suffice on this one.

Hi there, & welcome to the site. Think engine protector (crash bars) as a first choice. If the GZ goes over, there's going to be a LOT of cosmetic damage ($$$$$$$$$$$$$) & even though it's a relatively light bike, you still wouldn't want your leg trapped/burned under the bike. If you go down without one, there's no way you're going to pick it up on your own with your leg trapped underneath. :2tup:

[5th_bike]

Welcome to the forum HJH ! :2tup:

Enjoy the GZ250, I have had mine for 2½ years now and I still love it.

[burkbuilds]

Welcome to the forum. Sounds like you have a ton of experience and have made a very logical choice for your bike, keep on riding!

[mole2]

Welcome aboard and ride safe!

[blaine]

Welcome.Good luck with your G.Z.

[Water Warrior 2]

Welcome HJH. Glad you found a GZ and down sized rather than not riding anymore. I am sure your years of experience will be most welcome here.

[ArizonaKev]

Welcome HGH! It's great to have another Midwesterner here. I see you're from Wyoming - I'll try not to hold that against you! Lol (I'm from South Dakota originally).

I've had my GZ for a couple of months now, and I absolutely love it. Although I am a bit younger, I'm not a very big guy (5'6", 150 lbs) and I sometimes wonder how hard it would be for me to handle a bigger, heavier bike. I like the fact that I don't feel like the GZ is too much for me, and for what I use it for - commuting back and forth to work every day, with the occasional scoot around towwn - it works perfectly. The fact that I have been getting 70 mpg makes me love it even more!

Welcome, and congrats on your latest bike. Ride safe and enjoy it :2tup:

AZ Kev

[GZBrian]

Welcome HJH. I am sure you will enjoy your GZ. We love ours.... Enjoy.
GZ Brian