Howdy y'all
 

Long time lurker, first time poster.

I bought my 2004 GZ250 in 2006 with 1,100 miles on it. Stock bike with a set of puny saddle bags.

I have put 6,000 miles on the bike while "commuting" to work in nice weather (it's only 1.5 miles to the office) and on occasional weekend rides of 2 - 3 hours.

Mods: I quickly ditched the saddle bags, but kept the supports on for future use. I have been using a Cor-tech Sport tail bag for my cargo needs. After lots of research I finally did the Pilot Screw adjustment (yesterday). Initial test ride indicates good results - enough power to ride on the freeway and keep up with traffic.

To Do List:
Windshield - I'm leaning toward the Slipstreamer Sport Fairing SS-28
Sissy Bar / Cargo Rack - I'll probably fabricate my own based on what I've seen in the forums
16T Front Sprocket - I'm curious to see how this will affect the bike's performance

Future Plans: I'm planning to do a long cross-country trip at the end of July - Atlanta to Denver. I'll be spending this spring & summer gearing up and prepping.

Re: Howdy y'all
 

Got a link to the shield you are looking at ??
The word "fairing" in the name might not be good. You CAN get one that is TOO big.....especially on a little bike.

I'm planning a somewhat shorter trip at the end of May; from Illinois to Atlanta....and beyond.
Maybe I'll see you then. My GZ went to Atlanta last year.

Oh, and welcome; several Georgia (and vicinity) dudes here already. :tup:

Re: Howdy y'all
 

Hey BillInGa,

I will be down your way this week-end.
Road Atlanta.
Welcome aboard.

Re: Howdy y'all
 

Hey Bill, glad to have you posting now instead of just lurking on the forum! I ride through Kennesaw on I-75 a couple of times a week on my way to Marietta, and my oldest daughter will be graduating from the Kennesaw State University next month.

Re: Howdy y'all
 

Welcome aboard! Ride safe

Re: Howdy y'all
 

Early congratulations to your daughter (and you). I'm a KSU alumni myself (MBA - Finance, 1998)

Re: Howdy y'all
 

Thanks to all for the warm welcome. Nothing less than what I've come to expect from this group.

:2tup:

Re: Howdy y'all
 

Here's the link: http://www.slipstreamer.com/Product/Sport/sport.html

The SS-28 is second from the bottom. It's hard to tell from the Memphis Shades site, but I think it looks a lot like your Santa Cruz - maybe a bit shorter, though. I like the idea of having the hand grips covered.

Re: Howdy y'all
 

I have the 'SPITFIRE',first one at top of page.

Re: Howdy y'all
 

Welcome to the forum! Sounds like you've learned a lot already.

From a long time tourer, a word or two of caution. Atlanta to Denver is fairly ambitious on any bike, much more so on a relatively small one like the GZ250. May I suggest putting in a few long day rides first, to get a feel for how far you can expect to go safely and comfortably in a day? Then I would suggest a couple of shorter tours - three or four days. What to take and how to pack it isn't something we're born knowing.

I only suggest all this because you say you've only done 2 to 3 hour rides so far. All day, day after day is a much different animal.

Some might say that the GZ250 isn't up to a trip like that. I can only say that I wouldn't do it, but I'm 63. Longer trips have been done on that bike, so I would say it's definitely doable if you are up to it. It will be physically and mentally demanding.

Oh, and I second the Spitfire for the GZ250. It's big enough but not too big.