Finally Home!

[ruxpin76]

Got my GZ250 back from the Stealership today... Here's a brief synopsis of the saga:

- Bought bike after inspecting but not riding it (saw owner ride up/down short driveway), for $1100. 2002, smoke grey tank.
Known issue at this time was (1) stripped exhaust bolt (lower right, if looking at pipes from front) and idle issue (wouldn't run w/o 3/4 of choke on. Handed over cash, did title transfer, trailered directly to dealer for inspection and new Kenda Cruiser tires.

- After 1.5 wks, inspection was done. Went to pick up, when there service tech said "yeah, we heli-coiled that exhaust stud, and the bike passed inspection. BTW, you do know that you have a blown head gasket, right?" $200 bill for service and tires, not including head issue. GREAT. Worrying commenced, as head issues never "fix themselves". I know this from racing high performance 2-cycle and 4-cycle karts.

- Decided to leave with dealer as I'd just gotten a job and ride time was disappearing anyhow. I was headed out of town for a few days, figured I'd let the dealer take care of it.

- Picked up today, dealer showed me work done and old head gasket. All 4 exhaust studs replaced with anti-seize treated cap screws. 0.010" shaved from head to re-square it, new gasket installed, dealer also said that some people drill out the cover on bottom of carb and adjusting fuel screw, but he couldn't do it due to legality issues. Bike now idles and runs great. Rode home, followed by wife in car, about 20 mi. First time I've ridden in 2 years, after 1st turn, it all came back and enjoyed ride w/o stressing too much by 10 min. in. Stalled once at first stop due to wiggly shift lever (too much slop).

Now I've seafoamed the tank and added some fresh 89 (old gas seemed fine, but who knows...) and will perform the carb screw service tomorrow. Also removed previous owners' windscreen that was rusted and installed improperly, damaging top of tank....grrrrr!

That's it for now. Seems to run great, will commence practicing every chance I get. I've not taken the MSF course yet, but will, and I've previously ridden my dad's Savage 650 (docile cruiser) and brother's 1992 Katana 750 (heavy, but peppy bike!) about 2 years ago. It's nice to have the bike sitting in my garage for the first time, and first "fun ride" will be tomorrow.

BTW, I've notice that countersteering takes over around 15-20 mph -- does that seem about right? As I continue riding and things "slow down" (ie. less mental effort required) I'll be working on smoothing my technique and timing my downshifts a bit better. Do y'all shift with or without clutch once you're moving? The Katana handled shifts no problem, but this GZ seems a little notchy... Ciould be the aforementioned shifter issue. Anyhow, glad to be truly a part of the club now, and will report on what I do. I plan to cafe the front and rear, including an aftermarket cafe style tank that's a bit narrower. Anyone done this? Suggestions? I'd like to preserve capacity, however. That's it for now. G'night, ~Ted in King, NC