Newbie looking for GZ250.

[scotmick]

My name is Don and I have just joined this Forum in anticipation of buying one of these beauties. I am a 76 year old Grandfather who hasn't ridden in 35 years and is itching to get back in the saddle. My preliminary research leads me to believe that this is the bike to do it with.

I am looking at a 2005 GZ250 with 2253 miles on it and cosmetically it's like new. The asking price is $1,500. When I got on it, the owner told me it was missing fifth gear; When i shifted into first gear and just rolled around the parking lot and then tried to shift it into neutral at a stop, it was a struggle. It took 6/7 attempts for it to go into neutral. It shifted into second ok, but getting it into neutral was a struggle. Obviously, something "ain't right"! I figure it is probably a tranny problem seeing that it doesn't have fifth gear, so the question is, is it worth buying for $500 to $700 and get it repaired, or should I run "like hell" and find another.

Any input is appreciated.

[Strelok]

scotmick~

Sounds fishy. A GZ250 should always have a 5th gear.
Sounds like it's either broken or has been modified.
That could cost you a lot more to get it fixed.

Here's one just 14 miles away but a little more:
http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2006 ... 0-97133809

I would get them to come down on the price on both of them whatever you do.

Good Luck.

:2tup:

[blaine]

Welcome.I wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole.If they done something to damage 5th gear,who knows what else is damaged? I would look else were.Good luck on your search.
:cool:

[scotmick]

Thank you gentlemen:

My feelings have been confirmed.

I will look at that 2006 in Brewster; Incidentally, the 2005 I was talking about was purchased there, a year ago.

Don

[alanmcorcoran]

It *is* a little tricky to get it into neutral if you aren't used to it. But missing fifth gear? WTH? There's no shortage of GZ's in the $1500-$1800 range. It's usually bought as a beginner bike and more than half the people that buy them new sell them after six months or 3000 miles-ish (to get something more powerful.) Should be able to find one in near perfect condition.

[scotmick]

Thanks Alan, I appreciate the feedback.

Don

[Strelok]

Craigslist is good for being cheaper but a little more
riskier than a Cycle Dealer who would use Cycle Trader.
And as you probably know prices are higher when there
is good riding weather as opposed to a lot colder weather.

[savrip]

Mine is tough to hit neutral after it warms up. Not sure the reason for that, but I never planned on keeping the bike for the long haul. If my wife is interested in riding I'll spend some time on it, otherwise I'll be ready to move up to a new bike next year. Don't get me wrong. I like the little guy, but I bought it (through inexperience) with a few too many problems. At least being an honest person I can let the other person know what I know, and that I fixed the majority of the things I was wronged with.

[scotmick]

Thanks Guys; I think I'll move on to another bike as I have seen several locally without the tranny problems. I found one with 962 miles for $1,500 (private party) and one with 900 miles for $2,300 (dealer). I have to look at the $1,500 one to check it out. This Forum has been a great help. Thanks again everyone.

Don