Lightweight yet more powerful bike?

[Pete7874]

I can see myself upgrading from the GZ250 to something more powerful (500-600cc) within a year so that it's more highway-capable, but similar riding position to GZ250.

However, I would like something that's not much heavier than the GZ250 (320lbs). I'm still not comfortable on heavy bikes. I was thinking of something like Kawasaki Vulcan 500, but it weighs close to 500 lbs, AFAIK.

So, does a bike like this exist? Any suggestions?

FYI, I am 5'7" and weigh 150 lbs.

Thanks!

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by Pete7874

So, does a bike like this exist? Any suggestions?

In the US.....right now......I don't think so.

Don't write off the 400-750 bikes that are a little heavier though.
The Vulcan 500 you mentioned is a good choice
Maybe a Ninja 500 or 650 but lots of plastic and more forward position
Suzuki s-40 (650) maybe
Honda Shadow 600....if you can find one or maybe an ER6N
Lots of choices but damn few that fit your weight target.

I didn't think I would ever ride anything heavier than the GZ again but now am quite comfortable on my Shadow.

Maybe you need one more riding season of "practice".......and maybe the weight difference won't be as important as you think.....if you haven't ridden anything that size yet.

P.S. If you go for an OLD 350 or 400, it likely won't have much more useable power than your present 250.

[dhgeyer]

Well, the Kawasaki Ninja comes to mind, but it's not a cruiser, and doesn't have the same riding position as the GZ250. It'll do 90 or better, and, other than getting blown around being so light, will do highway speeds with no problem. Weight is not significantly higher than the GZ.

Hyosung makes the GV250 Aquila, which is a light 250cc cruiser. It's got significantly more power than the GZ250, but not as fast as the Ninja. Don't let the fact that it's Korean throw you - it's a quality machine. It makes 25 hp compared to the GZ's 16. It has a dry weight of 368 pounds, so it's not quite as light as the GZ, but not as heavy as a 500 or 600. I've known several people who have had them, and they are reliable and fairly nicely fitted. Only real drawback there is finding a dealer, or a used one nearby. They're still relatively new to this country.

If you want to stay in the 300 pound range, I can't think of anything currently made that's bigger than 250cc's. But there are faster 250's than the GZ. There used to be a lot of bikes in the 300, 350, and 400 cc range, but that was years ago. Now it's 250 and then 500, and not many 500's.

I would also second what Easy Rider said: in another year or so you might be quite comfortable on a Vulcan 500 LTD, which is a wonderful machine.

[Sarris]

Maybe a Yamaha V-Star 650? Nice smaller cruiser but the lightest one is still 520 lbs or so.

There ain't much in the lower midsize range anymore. Now midsize is 1000 cc.

It's a shame. :poorbaby:

[blaine]

Originally Posted by Easy Rider

The Vulcan 500 you mentioned is a good choice

The Vulcan 500 weights in at 438 Lbs,probably the lightest you will find next to the G.Z.
:2tup:

[Viirin]

Originally Posted by dhgeyer

It makes 25 hp compared to the GZ's 16.

A bit off topic but has the GZ only got 16hp? thought it was ~20hp.

If i was in your position, i'd probably go for a ninja if the riding position isn't a major concern, although i imagine the maintenance is a bit more difficult but on the plus side you got a small engine so you can keep the good fuel economy and the cheap enough insurance bracket.

I haven't even seen a vulcan 500 here in Ireland but if it's half the bike the guys on here make it out to be i'd say it's a solid bet as an upgrade.

Vii

[Sarris]

I was told my local Suzuki stealer that it's a huge 18 hp.

BFD either way, eh?? O_o

[BusyWeb]

Hi, Pete.
If you don't do much highway touring, you may look at the dual sports bikes.
Those types are little bit lighter than street oriented bikes, but with bigger engine size, more power.
Many do start 250cc to 650 cc sizes, and saw some 400-450 size super-moto style which tires are street oriented types.
Riding position is mostly up-right, and wide handle bars.

You are looking for the crousier type or strictly street type, I don't think (not sure) that you can have less than 400 lb weight.
Just my opinion!!

[burkbuilds]

Pete, I switched from the GZ to a Vulcan 500 about 14 months and 19,000 miles ago and I highly recommend the bike to you. My manual says it weighs 473 lbs dry, but I would never have guessed it weighed that much based on how it feels and handles. The acceleration is much greater than the GZ and the top speed is over 100 mph (personal experience). I ride a lot of highway miles and it really handles the turbulence of the 18 wheelers without a problem. My mileage is about 60 mpg which is less than I was getting on the GZ by about 10 mpg but not bad considering it's two cylinders and twice the cc's of the GZ. The bike is well balanced and I walk it into the garage and back out every day while sitting on the seat without any problem. Now, having said that, I'm 6'1" and weigh about 215 lbs, so if you are 5'6" and weigh 150 lbs, that would be much more of a challenge. If you get an opportunity, try to test drive one and see what you think, I would have guessed the weight at about 375 -400 if someone had asked me.

[blaine]

Originally Posted by burkbuilds

Pete, I switched from the GZ to a Vulcan 500 about 14 months and 19,000 miles ago and I highly recommend the bike to you. My manual says it weighs 473 lbs dry, but I would never have guessed it weighed that much based on how it feels and handles.

I wonder what changed between 09 & previous years to change the weight by 35 lbs.09 models weigh 473 lbs all previous models weigh 438 lbs.Even the 1990 454 ltd weighs in at 438 lbs.
:??: O_o