Top speed for GZ250 - Page 2

alanmcorcoran · 11-08-2008, 03:26 AM

Supposed to get windshield number two on Nov. 12. I've gotten pretty used to riding without one, but if it makes it go faster, I'm all for it.

rusty rider · 11-08-2008, 09:43 AM

Can't guarantee you'll go faster, just the result I had. Basically I was creating too much drag on it. If your a real skinny fella might not make that much difference. I also found it more more comfortable to ride longer distances.

mr. softie · 11-08-2008, 02:33 PM

My GZ is faster with the windshield, and I can ride at 70-75 easily on the slab, as long as the grade is not too steep. I use the 15 tooth sprocket. To get to 70 I have to use 4th gear up to about 60, as roll on power is minuscule at high speed. Moving my feet to the rear pegs will increase my speed about 3-5 mph, and looks funny. Streamlining and gearing is key to higher speeds on a low power vehicle.

Based on a Kawasaki KZ250, This bike designed by Craig Vetter cruised easily at 80mph, had a top speed over 100mph, and got over 100 mpg back in the early 80's. It also had luggage space! He found even a 125cc motor had enough power for highway cruising if the bike was streamlined. Here is another view. These photos were lifted from his website: http://www.craigvetter.com/pages/Mot...reamliner.html

alanmcorcoran · 11-08-2008, 06:09 PM

I had a chance to hit the freeway today and draft a little off my friend's T-bird. (I still don't have my windshield.) This was my first time on the "55", a paved freeway (as opposed to poured concrete.) No problem going 65 in full upright position. Had it at 70+ when traffic allowed and still had some throttle left. Probably could have hit 75 if I stuck my face down on the bars.

I used to be a "skinny" guy (5'11'', 145) but I've filled out with age (172 today). Still, I think I have a relatively low profile compared to some of Jabba the Hut's cousins I see passing me on the Harley's.

I do try to tuck in my knees and elbows (force of habit from high speed downhilling on road bicycle.)

Not much wind today - that helps.

rusty rider · 11-09-2008, 10:43 PM

Your still 3 lbs lighter than I, and 5" taller.

alanmcorcoran · 11-09-2008, 11:37 PM

Well, I am sure that extra weight is all muscle... :whistle:

rusty rider · 11-10-2008, 10:49 AM

Yeah I build a lot of extra muscle sitting in front of my CAD system every day. :skeptical:

Sarris · 11-10-2008, 10:51 AM

Me too. At least I used to get some exercise when I drew by hand.

LOL (not)

Easy Rider · 11-10-2008, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alanmcorcoran

Well, I am sure that extra weight is all muscle... :whistle:

Yea, right. And at 5'5" and 180, I'm sure mine is too. :roll:

Gotta get a new washing machine though. The damn thing keeps shrinking my shirts !! :biggrin:

rusty rider · 11-10-2008, 11:06 AM

[quoteMe too. At least I used to get some exercise when I drew by hand.

][/quote]

Well I do have my printer behind me, so I have to turn around on my chair.

11-08-2008, 03:26 AM	#11
alanmcorcoran Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Anaheim, CA Posts: 2,926	Re: Top speed for GZ250 Supposed to get windshield number two on Nov. 12. I've gotten pretty used to riding without one, but if it makes it go faster, I'm all for it. __________________ [hr:5yt6ldkq][/hr:5yt6ldkq] http://alanmarkcorcoran.com Motorcycles, Music, Musings and More… Login or Register to Remove Ads
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11-08-2008, 09:43 AM	#12
rusty rider Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: terre haute Posts: 142	Re: Top speed for GZ250 Can't guarantee you'll go faster, just the result I had. Basically I was creating too much drag on it. If your a real skinny fella might not make that much difference. I also found it more more comfortable to ride longer distances. __________________ Live life simple, so that others can simply live.
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11-08-2008, 02:33 PM	#13
mr. softie Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Bucks Co. PA Posts: 361	Re: Top speed for GZ250 My GZ is faster with the windshield, and I can ride at 70-75 easily on the slab, as long as the grade is not too steep. I use the 15 tooth sprocket. To get to 70 I have to use 4th gear up to about 60, as roll on power is minuscule at high speed. Moving my feet to the rear pegs will increase my speed about 3-5 mph, and looks funny. Streamlining and gearing is key to higher speeds on a low power vehicle. Based on a Kawasaki KZ250, This bike designed by Craig Vetter cruised easily at 80mph, had a top speed over 100mph, and got over 100 mpg back in the early 80's. It also had luggage space! He found even a 125cc motor had enough power for highway cruising if the bike was streamlined. Here is another view. These photos were lifted from his website: http://www.craigvetter.com/pages/Mot...reamliner.html __________________ The real money in a gold rush is in supplying liqueur and women to the miners.... May the wind always be at your back and the sun overhead as you make your way down the ever winding, smoothly paved, traffic free road! Login or Register to Remove Ads
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11-08-2008, 06:09 PM	#14
alanmcorcoran Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Anaheim, CA Posts: 2,926	Re: Top speed for GZ250 I had a chance to hit the freeway today and draft a little off my friend's T-bird. (I still don't have my windshield.) This was my first time on the "55", a paved freeway (as opposed to poured concrete.) No problem going 65 in full upright position. Had it at 70+ when traffic allowed and still had some throttle left. Probably could have hit 75 if I stuck my face down on the bars. I used to be a "skinny" guy (5'11'', 145) but I've filled out with age (172 today). Still, I think I have a relatively low profile compared to some of Jabba the Hut's cousins I see passing me on the Harley's. I do try to tuck in my knees and elbows (force of habit from high speed downhilling on road bicycle.) Not much wind today - that helps. __________________ [hr:5yt6ldkq][/hr:5yt6ldkq] http://alanmarkcorcoran.com Motorcycles, Music, Musings and More…
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11-09-2008, 10:43 PM	#15
rusty rider Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: terre haute Posts: 142	Re: Top speed for GZ250 Your still 3 lbs lighter than I, and 5" taller. __________________ Live life simple, so that others can simply live. Login or Register to Remove Ads
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11-09-2008, 11:37 PM	#16
alanmcorcoran Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Anaheim, CA Posts: 2,926	Re: Top speed for GZ250 Well, I am sure that extra weight is all muscle... :whistle: __________________ [hr:5yt6ldkq][/hr:5yt6ldkq] http://alanmarkcorcoran.com Motorcycles, Music, Musings and More…
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11-10-2008, 10:49 AM	#17
rusty rider Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: terre haute Posts: 142	Re: Top speed for GZ250 Yeah I build a lot of extra muscle sitting in front of my CAD system every day. :skeptical: __________________ Live life simple, so that others can simply live.
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11-10-2008, 10:51 AM	#18
Sarris Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: New Port Richey, Florida USA Posts: 1,348	Re: Top speed for GZ250 Me too. At least I used to get some exercise when I drew by hand. LOL (not) __________________ Prudent riders live longer than moron riders.
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11-10-2008, 11:06 AM	#20
rusty rider Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: terre haute Posts: 142	Re: Top speed for GZ250 [quoteMe too. At least I used to get some exercise when I drew by hand. ][/quote] Well I do have my printer behind me, so I have to turn around on my chair. __________________ Live life simple, so that others can simply live.
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