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....