Downpayment

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by Meltinpix

I guess they do well on the highways. What is top speed?

Well.....that depends on what you actually mean by "do well" and "highways".

They do very good on non-interstate type roads with actual prevailing traffic speeds of 65 or less. When the prevailing speed gets above 65, it is uncomfortable to keep up; above 70 and it borders on dangerous.

The little devil actually can sustain 70, on the flat, after it is broken in for a couple of thousand miles but most riders are not comfortable doing that. It is happiest around 60, in my experience (that's with a 16T front sprocket).

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by alanmcorcoran

It's actually not too bad on smooth asphalt, but it's unnerving on grooved, wavy or scalloped cement pavement. I've been told a windshield helps and I have one on the way.

Time out. Review needed.

Those two sentences don't go together. A windshield helps.....but not with the unnerving feeling on irregular pavement. Nothing much helps that......including a bigger bike!!

[alanmcorcoran]

Thanks for edit Easy. I meant to put something in there about the wind buffeting factor, which is significant at 60-70 and I guess I drifted off...

I did find a freeway near me that is mostly asphalt, at least for the part I was driving on (getting a bike mays you pay attention to the strangest things!) I'm gonna try it out as soon as I get back home. (Moedad - it's the 55 between 91 and the airport.) Might even have my new windshield by then.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by alanmcorcoran

I'm gonna try it out as soon as I get back home.

I was gonna offer to buy you dinner somewhere between here and Chi-town but my schedule is kind of busy this week and I need to get my windshield adjusted so I can ride at night .......with my tinted visor up and still not get bugs in the eyes !!
Maybe some other time!

[alanmcorcoran]

I'll let you know when I'm back in town. Make sure it is on a train line somewhere.

Supposed to get my windshield on the 25th according to UPS tracker.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by alanmcorcoran

I'll let you know when I'm back in town. Make sure it is on a train line somewhere.

That makes things a little more difficult if you don't rent a car when you're in town.
Don't know about suburban trains; maybe one goes to Kankakee.

[Water Warrior 2]

Originally Posted by Meltinpix

GZ250. I'm hoping to have it by xmas. I guess they do well on the highways. What is top speed? Mr. Softie you're pretty close. Honk your horn the next time you go by on the blue route.

Yup, the GZ will take you on the highway but not a high speed freeway where normal speeds are bordering on the bike's top end. It is very comfy at 60 MPH and will carry a fair load at that speed indefinitely. That seems to be the sweet spot for the 250 engine. It is a great first bike and a great commuter/traveller if high speed is not needed. Be happy with the bike. It will treat you right and allow you to gain skills without overwhelming you with too much power for a new rider. The handling characteristics are very good for an entry level bike and it does well in almost any situation(muddy roads included). With regular maintenance and a little TLC the GZ is as reliable as an anvil.

[Jer]

Welcome!