Trike a GZ-250 lately?

SWASHBUCKLER · 01-10-2014, 09:46 PM

Just wondering if anyone out there has triked a GZ? We're thinking about trying it because my wife loves to ride but can't handle the height and weight of the GZ-250. We tried everything and this is our last resort.

Cathy · 01-10-2014, 11:48 PM

Qasual:

How tall and how much does she weigh. I can't see how the weight and height of the GZ would even be a problem. My girlfriend Cathy is 5'2" 96lbs and can't fight out of a wet paper bag but is fine. I would recommend some sort of riding school where she is trained by a professional and taught how to handle the bike while upright and balance. The bike does all the work once moving and can be easily steered with with one finger.

Water Warrior 2 · 01-11-2014, 12:40 AM

Find a good riding school. A really good riding school with experienced instructors. Also pick up a copy of Proficient Motorcycling by David Hough. Both of you read it cover to cover. I thought I was a fairly decent rider until I did both of these suggestions. A newbie has an easy time of it with proper instruction compared to an old guy with bad unsafe habits that need to be broken first. Training is the best life insurance you will ever buy and it is a one time expense.
Lynda had never ridden a bike when she bought her GZ. We went to classes together. She became an exceptional rider and 2 seasons later bought a M-50(800cc) V-twin. Rode it for 3 seasons. She is about 5' 3" so the GZ fit like a glove.
As for triking a GZ I would have serious thoughts about the small engine and the added weight involved.
My personal experience tells me never to learn from a friend or spouse and never teach a friend or spouse. You are too emotionally involved.

SWASHBUCKLER · 01-11-2014, 08:48 AM

Well you know she isn't 5' or 3", she's 4'8" and we are in our late 50s. Everyone seems to think that height difference between 5' and a few inches and several inches under 5' isn't a big deal but it is a huge difference! Her inseam is probably under 27" and with the width of the seat and tank it makes it very difficult for her to manage reaching the ground. We altered the bike a couple of years ago to a point where she can barely reach the ground with high soled bike shoes. We lowered the front forks a bit and put shorter shocks on it. For safety sake, we are checking out the triking option. Riding schools are of no use when a motorcycle is TOO big for someone to handle. So, all that being said...you guys know anyone under 5' riding one of them?

JohnC · 01-13-2014, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SWASHBUCKLER

she's 4'8" and we are in our late 50s. ...Her inseam is probably under 27" ...

I don't want to sound like an a$$, but my inseam is 30", I'm (well) over 60 and I ride a Thunderbird Sport which has a 31.1" seat height, is very top heavy and weighs in at 494 lbs dry. When I sit on the GZ I feel like I'm practically dragging my butt on the ground.

To say she can't reach the ground with all the concessions and mods just baffles me...

Water Warrior 2 · 01-13-2014, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnC

I don't want to sound like an a$$, but my inseam is 30", I'm (well) over 60 and I ride a Thunderbird Sport which has a 31.1" seat height, is very top heavy and weighs in at 494 lbs dry. When I sit on the GZ I feel like I'm practically dragging my butt on the ground.

To say she can't reach the ground with all the concessions and mods just baffles me...

You may remain baffled till you get older and have less strength. Age does make a tremendous difference. Everyone is different and the gals have less strength to begin with. Lynda was fine with her GZ and then her Suzuki 800 V-twin until she stated suffering some minor health issues. It's not just the height issue that may make the bike harder to ride. A combination of factors can make riding near impossible to ride safely and with confidence.

JWR · 01-14-2014, 12:45 AM

The Yamaha Virago is smaller and lighter feeling than the GZ.
The Virago will also pull from 20 mph to top speed in high

JohnC · 01-14-2014, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Water Warrior 2

You may remain baffled till you get older and have less strength.

I AM older and have less strength! I've let that progress as far as I can allow. No more birthdays and no more loosing strength! I'm keeping the Thunderbird until I die!

**jonathan180iq** · 01-14-2014, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnC

I AM older and have less strength! I've let that progress as far as I can allow. No more birthdays and no more loosing strength! I'm keeping the Thunderbird until I die!

...

By golly!

grasshopper · 01-11-2014, 09:31 AM

I understand your problem. I have a sister in law that height and about 80 pounds in her early 30's. I had her try to ride my gz250 last Christmas and she did not feel as if she could control it and was tippy toed on it. she felt very unsafe. I seen on ebay a company selling a bolt on trike kit but they do not offer the tires and fenders with the kit. they sell them separately . pretty high cost in my opinion but still cheaper than buying a trike. you might want to check that out. I hope you are able to work something out for her. good luck and ride safe.

01-10-2014, 09:46 PM	#1
SWASHBUCKLER Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: PENNSYLVANIA Posts: 11	Trike a GZ-250 lately? Just wondering if anyone out there has triked a GZ? We're thinking about trying it because my wife loves to ride but can't handle the height and weight of the GZ-250. We tried everything and this is our last resort. Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

01-11-2014, 12:40 AM	#3
Water Warrior 2 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Squamish B.C Canada Posts: 11,409	Find a good riding school. A really good riding school with experienced instructors. Also pick up a copy of Proficient Motorcycling by David Hough. Both of you read it cover to cover. I thought I was a fairly decent rider until I did both of these suggestions. A newbie has an easy time of it with proper instruction compared to an old guy with bad unsafe habits that need to be broken first. Training is the best life insurance you will ever buy and it is a one time expense. Lynda had never ridden a bike when she bought her GZ. We went to classes together. She became an exceptional rider and 2 seasons later bought a M-50(800cc) V-twin. Rode it for 3 seasons. She is about 5' 3" so the GZ fit like a glove. As for triking a GZ I would have serious thoughts about the small engine and the added weight involved. My personal experience tells me never to learn from a friend or spouse and never teach a friend or spouse. You are too emotionally involved. Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

01-14-2014, 12:45 AM	#7
JWR Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Louisville, TN Posts: 1,413	The Yamaha Virago is smaller and lighter feeling than the GZ. The Virago will also pull from 20 mph to top speed in high __________________ Jerry Truth is there are lots of great bikes available and not nearly as many good riders out there riding them... "A man's got to know his limitations..."
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01-10-2014, 11:48 PM	#2
Cathy Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Vancouver BC Posts: 157	Qasual: How tall and how much does she weigh. I can't see how the weight and height of the GZ would even be a problem. My girlfriend Cathy is 5'2" 96lbs and can't fight out of a wet paper bag but is fine. I would recommend some sort of riding school where she is trained by a professional and taught how to handle the bike while upright and balance. The bike does all the work once moving and can be easily steered with with one finger.
	0

01-11-2014, 08:48 AM	#4
SWASHBUCKLER Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: PENNSYLVANIA Posts: 11	Well you know she isn't 5' or 3", she's 4'8" and we are in our late 50s. Everyone seems to think that height difference between 5' and a few inches and several inches under 5' isn't a big deal but it is a huge difference! Her inseam is probably under 27" and with the width of the seat and tank it makes it very difficult for her to manage reaching the ground. We altered the bike a couple of years ago to a point where she can barely reach the ground with high soled bike shoes. We lowered the front forks a bit and put shorter shocks on it. For safety sake, we are checking out the triking option. Riding schools are of no use when a motorcycle is TOO big for someone to handle. So, all that being said...you guys know anyone under 5' riding one of them?
	0

01-11-2014, 09:31 AM	#10
grasshopper Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: manning, sc Posts: 484	I understand your problem. I have a sister in law that height and about 80 pounds in her early 30's. I had her try to ride my gz250 last Christmas and she did not feel as if she could control it and was tippy toed on it. she felt very unsafe. I seen on ebay a company selling a bolt on trike kit but they do not offer the tires and fenders with the kit. they sell them separately . pretty high cost in my opinion but still cheaper than buying a trike. you might want to check that out. I hope you are able to work something out for her. good luck and ride safe.
	0