New (to me) GZ250

[kaput]

Hi,
I recently bought a used 2005 GZ250 for $700! Its a bit rusty and needs some work but I got it running with a new battery. I saw the manual here and thought I may be able to get some help here. I have some Idling problems, I took the carb apart today, cleaned it and put it back together again (2x cuz there was an extra part left over the first time) , cleaning helped a bit I think but I am still having issues. Is it normal not to get a normal Idle on this bike untill 15 minutes of riding? I am seeing others having this problem. I will try adjusting the valves tomorrow. I have never worked on or riden a bike before this one but had a 65 VW bus for years which always needed some kind of repair. I actually sold it last summer and am happy to have something new to tinker with :2tup:

So if anyone can point me to some typical tuneup stuff that may help me get this bike up to snuff that would be cool.

Also I have an exhaust leak, I put new seals on the pipes where they connect to the engine but i can not seem to get the pipes to butt up to the engine, the metal pieces (that attach the pipes to the engine) just bend rather than making a tight seal. seems to be too soft. Anyway, thanks in advance for any help.
-=Kaput=-

[alanmcorcoran]

I am one of the people having the problem. Easy fixed his with a new air filter. Mine apparently required more thorough cleaning of emission system (???) I haven't picked it up yet - maybe tomorrow. I will let you know. I see you are in CA as well so we probably have the same emissions set up. Mine won't idle for shit until it's warmed up for about 15 minutes too.

I think there is typical tuneup stuff in the manual. I'd check and probably replace the spark plug, definitely change oil and oil filter, and I would recommend you thoroughly inspect the tires. At four plus years, probably neglected ones, they may be in bad shape. The idling is an annoyance, but bad tires will kill you.

Also, try putting some seafoam in the next few tanks and get some long rides in. Sometimes you just have to heat things up and get some gas through the thing. Try not to leave the choke on too long - that can make the carb and plug worse.

I'll give you a full report on mine fter I get it (if it is even fixed!). My issues did not surface until about 500 miles after I think I put too much oil in it.

[kaput]

Thanks for the advice,I actually tried to blow the air filter out today but my bottle of air was empty. The filter looked clean but i am sure it couldnt hurt to replace it. I was just reading some posts that says the tool kit has a wrench for for the spark plug (my 2 deep sockets wouldnt fit) My tires are actually in great shape. I am hoping that all this little stuff will do the trick although that is usually not the case. I will probably pick up a plug and filter tomorrow.
-=kaput=-
P.S. I thought there were no smog requirements for motorcycles in CA??

[alanmcorcoran]

Check that tube in the bottom of the air box for oil - and make sure the cap is on it. There is a "wrench" for the spark plug in the toolkit but you should be able to get one at a parts store if you don't have it. My filter looked okay too, but after Easy's post, I am wnodering about it. I don't know about CA smog, but Easy said ours are different. I am pretty sure my Stratoliner also has extra CA emissions crap on it too. Refers to it in the manual. I'm in favor of clean air, but there is usually a damn good reason why this stuff is not put on all bikes. I've never read "extra emissions equipment installed on car: Boosts gas mileage, increases horsepower and... the chicks really go for it!"

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by alanmcorcoran

Try not to leave the choke on too long - that can make the carb and plug worse.

But DO leave the choke partly on until it will idle properly without it.
They ARE cold blooded and do require some choke for at least the first 15 minutes.
If everything is operating normally, you can tell how much choke you need by setting it where the idle speed is just a tad higher than normal; as it warms up, the idle speed will increase and you adjust the choke in tiny steps to keep it from idling too fast. After 10-15 minutes, you will have it adjusted all the way to OFF.

Yes, probably a good idea to change the air filter.......and note that, unlike any "normal" design, the GZ filter collects dirt and debris INSIDE the filter.....where you can't see it !!!

And lastly, regardless of how your tires LOOK, they are coming up on 5 years old and are getting HARD now. You really should replace them in the next 12-18 months.......unless you have an "old granny" riding style and never lean into a corner.

Welcome to the loony bin! :biggrin:

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by alanmcorcoran

but Easy said ours are different.

Near as I can tell, the current models only have a charcoal canister to collect fumes from the gas tank. That doesn't degrade anything EXCEPT you have a slightly smaller gas tank AND the canister can plug up if you fill the tank too full OR leave the bike laying down on the ground for very long.

My guess is that raw gas in the canister would then be sucked into the engine, making a rich condition similar to what a plugged air filter would do.

[alanmcorcoran]

It's possible to fill up the tank too full? (???) I always fill up the tank too full.

[kaput]

Is there supposed to be oil in the air filter? There is a little bit in mine but I do not know if I want it there or not.

Also, can anyone suggest a good place to buy parts online? My local shop wants 30 bucks for the filter. I saw another online for 22 but they wanted 15 shipping.

Also, the PO told me the rear tire was new and it looks it...how can I tell if the front one is ready for replacement besides tread (cuz that looks good to me) but I would guess that it is at least a couple years old.

I put about 50 miles on the bike today going around town, lots of fun! Thinking about a surfboard rack...is that possible?

[alanmcorcoran]

I have a little bit n mine and I don't think it's hurting anything - how does it run? If it's running rough, it's worth a shot to try a clean one.

I've used BikeBandit, but I think you'll find that the shipping is a bite everywhere online. I think the key is to buy a bunch of stuff at once.

I have seen people on bicycles with surfboards, but I think you are asking for trouble - the surfboard will act like a sail and wreak havoc with your stability. Wouldn't put anything bigger than a boogie baord on my GZ. If you went with a trailer it could work, but, probably not very convenient.

I like your avatar picture.

[patrick_777]

Oil is common in the air filter. If there's a LOT of it, then it could be an overfill problem and you can blow a seal (heh).

Try www.bikebandit.com and www.cheapcycleparts.com

Both of them are cheap and have very good reputations for customer service.