Thinking about buying a GZ??

Todubs · 07-03-2007, 11:49 AM

I am new to this board and rather new to riding.

I have recently completed my local MSF course.

I would like to purcahse a 250cc and have looked at all the various choices. I have settled on the GZ250 for its feel, size, low insurance and reported MPG.

SO, to the point of this post.....

I am 6' 1", around 250lb. I am looking for a cruiser to use around town and for my job (social worker). I am not interested in freeeway or cross country. Will the GZ250 get me moving enough? Or do I need to look at bigger engine size?

Thank you!

**jonathan180iq** · 07-03-2007, 12:46 PM

Hi Tod,
Welcome to pretty much the only place to discuss the GZ.

This topic was covered in some earlier posts. http://www.gz250bike.com/viewtopic.php?t=306

Basically, the concensus was that, for your height, the frame of the GZ might feel a little cramped. It's light years ahead of the Rebel, but it's still a little cramped. Now, a couple of guys have added longer rear shocks to increase the seat height. I'm 5'11" and I've thought about it, but it's not too bad.

I would still suggest the Ninja 250 or the Nighthawk for your size, with the Ninja getting the nod for your weight. Keep in mind that I also consider a 500cc a supersport bike. 250cc is just about perfect for everything.

good luck,
Jonathan

PS: Just go to the Kawasaki dealer and have a seat on the Ninja 250. It's a standard motorcycle with a fairing, nothing too sporty. There is also a huge following here ( www.ninja250.net )

markboy · 07-03-2007, 01:21 PM

For what it's worth...

I'm 6' 2" and about 210 lbs and I feel quite comfortable on the GZ. I also used the GZ in the MSF. On the other hand, I have not ridden other bikes and I'm guessing that I would find other comfy rides. Within the 250 class I sat on many bikes while looking for my first purchase and the GZ felt just right for me. I felt way to bunched up on a sport bike, didn't like the Rebel handle bars, etc. Go sit on a few and you should be able to determine if the fit is at least acceptable for you.

As far as speed I haven't done any freeway riding yet but I've had no problem getting up to speed and hanging with traffic on the 2 lane highways (60ish).

**jonathan180iq** · 07-03-2007, 02:11 PM

Interstates are the only real weakness of the GZ. With a 75-80mph top speed, it can certainly keep up with traffic.
However, on long hills the motor really bogs down. Also, since 75 is about tops for the machine, passing power is basically nill.

You shouldn't let that deter you though. Not many of us spend too much time on the interstate anyhow.

Take care,
Jonathan

Todubs · 07-03-2007, 03:51 PM

I have tried the other 250's out there during my MSF course, including the Hyosung/United Motor versions. I felt the Rebel was TOO small, Virago bars hit my knees when turning and the Hyosungs were just a bit "cheap" feeling to me. I did like the Kawa' Ninja 250. It felt nice, but was a bit hunched over.

To me, it has come down to either the Ninja 250 or the GZ250. I much prefer the cruiser ride position of the GZ250.

My only concern is will the bike have the power to get me moving at faster speeds when needed?? As in getting out of the way of trouble or merging onto a faster road. I have no problem avoiding freeways and really need a commuter/fun bike.

Thank you for the replies!!!

Easy Rider · 07-03-2007, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Todubs

I did like the Kawa' Ninja 250. It felt nice, but was a bit hunched over.

Oh no, can't be, since it's a "standard" after all.

"Just go to the Kawasaki dealer and have a seat on the Ninja 250. It's a standard motorcycle with a fairing, nothing too sporty."

Sorry, just couldn't resist. :neener:

**jonathan180iq** · 07-03-2007, 04:23 PM

Staying with traffic is not really a problem and, as I must say I'm glad you are sticking with a 250cc, the bike will move you along quickly enough.

You will probably notice some slugging on long hills. This can be counteracted with proper gear selection and experience. As far as avoiding danger, controlled reactions and a sharp defensive/aggressive mind set will keep you safer than horsepower and torque. I'd suggest that displacement shouldn't make a difference. A smart and cautious rider knows what situations to stay out of before they happen. In a situation where it is impossible to avoid an accident, it wouldn't matter what size bike you were on.

The MSF course taught you how to control a motorcycle. Now it's time to learn how to interact with traffic. It's a little different than driving a car. I've survived by pretending that every driver is a moron (not far from the truth) and that I am invisible.

It may seem dorky, but flashy colors on the helmet and a reflective vest are a good option for both confidence and visibility.

Take care,
Jonathan

**jonathan180iq** · 07-03-2007, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Easy Rider

Oh no, can't be, since it's a "standard" after all.

well, a sporty standard... :blush:

prof_stack · 07-03-2007, 04:59 PM

[quote="jonathan180iq"]It may seem dorky, but flashy colors on the helmet and a reflective vest are a good option for both confidence and visibility.
Take care, Jonathan[/ quote]

+1

No, it is NOT dorky. It is smart.

Badbob · 07-07-2007, 03:43 PM

My specs:
Height: 511
Inseam: 29 inches
Weight: 235 lbs
Miles riding a GZ250: About 18,000

I think your inseam is more of an issue than than you height. I had a custom seat built that raised the seat height 2 inches. I did this not because it felt cramped but because it change my seating position slightly and took some of the pressure off my spine/butt. It worked great.

I don't see weight as a factor. A GZ250 can carry about 375 lbs and I'm pretty sure I have exceed that from time to time. Never an issue for me.

I commute in city traffic everyday that the weather permits and never once have I had any issues keeping up with traffic at speed limits under 50 mph. In fact it seems to me that a GZ250 will out accelerate most cars up to 30 or 40 mph.

If you think you might need sustained speeds in excess of 60 mph I would strongly recommend you look at the Ninja 250. It is well supported and has a top speed of around 100 mph.

07-03-2007, 11:49 AM	#1
Todubs Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 6	Thinking about buying a GZ?? I am new to this board and rather new to riding. I have recently completed my local MSF course. I would like to purcahse a 250cc and have looked at all the various choices. I have settled on the GZ250 for its feel, size, low insurance and reported MPG. SO, to the point of this post..... I am 6' 1", around 250lb. I am looking for a cruiser to use around town and for my job (social worker). I am not interested in freeeway or cross country. Will the GZ250 get me moving enough? Or do I need to look at bigger engine size? Thank you! __________________ Best is the enemy of good enough Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

07-03-2007, 01:21 PM	#3
markboy Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Redmond, WA Posts: 31	For what it's worth... I'm 6' 2" and about 210 lbs and I feel quite comfortable on the GZ. I also used the GZ in the MSF. On the other hand, I have not ridden other bikes and I'm guessing that I would find other comfy rides. Within the 250 class I sat on many bikes while looking for my first purchase and the GZ felt just right for me. I felt way to bunched up on a sport bike, didn't like the Rebel handle bars, etc. Go sit on a few and you should be able to determine if the fit is at least acceptable for you. As far as speed I haven't done any freeway riding yet but I've had no problem getting up to speed and hanging with traffic on the 2 lane highways (60ish). __________________ _______________________ Still learning... and loving it! Redmond, WA Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

07-03-2007, 03:51 PM	#5
Todubs Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 6	I have tried the other 250's out there during my MSF course, including the Hyosung/United Motor versions. I felt the Rebel was TOO small, Virago bars hit my knees when turning and the Hyosungs were just a bit "cheap" feeling to me. I did like the Kawa' Ninja 250. It felt nice, but was a bit hunched over. To me, it has come down to either the Ninja 250 or the GZ250. I much prefer the cruiser ride position of the GZ250. My only concern is will the bike have the power to get me moving at faster speeds when needed?? As in getting out of the way of trouble or merging onto a faster road. I have no problem avoiding freeways and really need a commuter/fun bike. Thank you for the replies!!! __________________ Best is the enemy of good enough Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

07-07-2007, 03:43 PM	#10
Badbob Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Tallahassee FL Posts: 945	My specs: Height: 511 Inseam: 29 inches Weight: 235 lbs Miles riding a GZ250: About 18,000 I think your inseam is more of an issue than than you height. I had a custom seat built that raised the seat height 2 inches. I did this not because it felt cramped but because it change my seating position slightly and took some of the pressure off my spine/butt. It worked great. I don't see weight as a factor. A GZ250 can carry about 375 lbs and I'm pretty sure I have exceed that from time to time. Never an issue for me. I commute in city traffic everyday that the weather permits and never once have I had any issues keeping up with traffic at speed limits under 50 mph. In fact it seems to me that a GZ250 will out accelerate most cars up to 30 or 40 mph. If you think you might need sustained speeds in excess of 60 mph I would strongly recommend you look at the Ninja 250. It is well supported and has a top speed of around 100 mph. __________________ My GZ250 Blog Facebook Pinterest Google+ Tumblr YouTube Lumber Jocks
	0

07-03-2007, 12:46 PM	#2
jonathan180iq Super Moderator Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Dalton, GA Posts: 3,996	Hi Tod, Welcome to pretty much the only place to discuss the GZ. This topic was covered in some earlier posts. http://www.gz250bike.com/viewtopic.php?t=306 Basically, the concensus was that, for your height, the frame of the GZ might feel a little cramped. It's light years ahead of the Rebel, but it's still a little cramped. Now, a couple of guys have added longer rear shocks to increase the seat height. I'm 5'11" and I've thought about it, but it's not too bad. I would still suggest the Ninja 250 or the Nighthawk for your size, with the Ninja getting the nod for your weight. Keep in mind that I also consider a 500cc a supersport bike. 250cc is just about perfect for everything. good luck, Jonathan PS: Just go to the Kawasaki dealer and have a seat on the Ninja 250. It's a standard motorcycle with a fairing, nothing too sporty. There is also a huge following here ( www.ninja250.net )
	0

07-03-2007, 02:11 PM	#4
jonathan180iq Super Moderator Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Dalton, GA Posts: 3,996	Interstates are the only real weakness of the GZ. With a 75-80mph top speed, it can certainly keep up with traffic. However, on long hills the motor really bogs down. Also, since 75 is about tops for the machine, passing power is basically nill. You shouldn't let that deter you though. Not many of us spend too much time on the interstate anyhow. Take care, Jonathan
	0

07-03-2007, 04:23 PM	#7
jonathan180iq Super Moderator Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Dalton, GA Posts: 3,996	Staying with traffic is not really a problem and, as I must say I'm glad you are sticking with a 250cc, the bike will move you along quickly enough. You will probably notice some slugging on long hills. This can be counteracted with proper gear selection and experience. As far as avoiding danger, controlled reactions and a sharp defensive/aggressive mind set will keep you safer than horsepower and torque. I'd suggest that displacement shouldn't make a difference. A smart and cautious rider knows what situations to stay out of before they happen. In a situation where it is impossible to avoid an accident, it wouldn't matter what size bike you were on. The MSF course taught you how to control a motorcycle. Now it's time to learn how to interact with traffic. It's a little different than driving a car. I've survived by pretending that every driver is a moron (not far from the truth) and that I am invisible. It may seem dorky, but flashy colors on the helmet and a reflective vest are a good option for both confidence and visibility. Take care, Jonathan
	0

07-03-2007, 04:59 PM	#9
prof_stack Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Seattle Posts: 42	[quote="jonathan180iq"]It may seem dorky, but flashy colors on the helmet and a reflective vest are a good option for both confidence and visibility. Take care, Jonathan[/ quote] +1 No, it is NOT dorky. It is smart.
	0