Newbie - Soon to be owner in Stonington, CT

[joephu]

Hi all,

I've wanted a bike since I was16, but my dad would not allow it under his roof. Now at 36, I've finally gotten around to getting my license and looking to pick up a GZ250 this weekend. I originally was going to get a Vespa but after riding a motorcycle at the MSF, I knew I had to have a bike!

The last time I went to the dealership, he had no 250s built but regardless said I would "outgrow" the GZ 250 quickly. He was pushing me to get a the Suzuki S40 or something similar in size but if I had to have a 250cc, he recommended the Virago because of the twin.

I want the GZ250 because it's plenty fast for me, gas mileage, and cheap to buy and maintain, and I like the looks. Heck, I even got a quote for $76 to insure it thru Progressive. I look forward to reading thru this forum, asking questions, and sharing my experiences :2tup:

[jonathan180iq]

Welcome aboard. We hope you enjoy your new ride.

There will come a time when you are trying to push the bike through a turn where you will think to yourself "Man, I wish I had a little more horsepower."

You may ever start looking elsewhere for some more punch. If you can weather that storm, you will be very happy with this bike.

[Badbob]

I think you should ride a 250cc bike until your riding skills increase to the point where you bike is now the limiting factor. Then look for something else. Unfortunately what may people call out growing is their ego can't survive other riders scorn for their smaller bike. Seems like you have already over come this. Welcome.

[joephu]

Thanks for the good advise. When I was younger I had the habit of buying more than I needed but I've learned. I think the GZ will be one of those things that when I'm read for more, I still keep it and ride it.

Newbie question. Is there a way to safely secure the helmet to the bike? And, in low crime areas, are bike thefts still high? I mean, do I need to tie it off to a tree or post if it's going to be outside in a lot all day while I'm in the office?

[jonathan180iq]

This is another strong point for the GZ. No one wants it. It doesn't have a high resale value. It's not eye catching. It's not unique. That makes it pretty undesireable for thieves.

I have a trunk on my bike, so I don't have to worry about a place for my helmet. The "helmet" locks are pretty sorry. I've never been able to use them.

[Badbob]

I use a pad lock that has a cable on it to lock my helmet. You can get them free from organizations that push trigger locks.

JC Whitney sells an extended replacement brake lever pivot pin that you can lock a helmet to with a small pad lock.

http://tinyurl.com/2f2ecp

[Water Warrior 2]

Try using a disc lock to discourage would be thieves. They will find easier pickings elsewhere. I usually just use a bike lock to secure a helmet. Master lock makes them with a vinyl coated cable about 2 feet long.

[happyhobo]

this is for joephu....look inder your seat..there is a hook on the right hand side designed to hook your hrlnet on. Hook it on there with yur D-ring ...replace seat and your all set :2tup:

[happyhobo]

ha ha...so i can't type in the dark....that was HELMET not hrinet.......lololol