Is a GZ250 too small for me?

[Pez D Spencer]

Ok, so I've decided to buy a motorcycle. I rode dirt bikes a lot when I was a kid but that was a long time ago (I'm 29 now). So other than that I've never ridden a "real" motorcycle.

I WAS going to take the MSF course but when I went to sign up on April 20th I discovered that registration had started on the 19th and all the classes were filled up. So it looks like I'm going to be learing on my own. Wait till next time they offer classes you say? FAHGEDDABOUDIT. I've read everything I can find on the net for beginning riders and will have 2 weeks to practice in my neighborhood until I can step up my learners so I'm not really too worried about it.

Anyway, since I am somewhat new to riding and am being forced to learn on my own, I figured that I would get a small 250cc bike to begin with due to their small size and low weight. The problem is that Im a pretty big dude and I don't know if a 250cc will be powerful enough for me because I'm 6' tall and weight around 280lbs. It's mostly muscle from doing concrete and steel work for the past 10 years, but weight is weight and I'm worried that a 250cc will just be too wimpy to pull me around.

I sat on a Honda Rebel and found it to be too small and it was very uncomfortable. The Yamaha Virago 250 felt good but was too pricey compared to the Rebel and Suzuki GZ250. The GZ250 was completely comfortable and was in my price range so I'm considering the GZ250.

All of the 250's I tried felt light enough that I could literally throw it on my back and carry it so that is one big reason that I want to go with a small lightweight 250cc. I considered getting a used bike in the 500cc range but since this is my first motorcycle I want a brand new one that I know is safe and reliable. I don't want to be riding down to road on some used bike and wonder if bolts are going to start falling off of the thing. At this point I don't have the dough for a new 500cc bike so the only thing new that I can afford is a 250cc. However, if the general consensus is that a 250cc is too weak for me due to my size I will probably consider a used 500cc or slightly larger bike.

Don't get me wrong, I couldn't care less about going fast. I simply want a bike that I can get on and take a nice ride through the countryside on. But at the same time I don't want the bike to sound like a squashed cat when I'm only going 40. FYI sport bikes are out of the question and I am only considering cruisers.

Thanks for any help on this.

[BigChickenStrips]

i ride a 250. i am 6'2" and 240lbs. a lot of people will tell you its to small and you'll "get bored" but they are uninformed, and probably have never ridden one. i have a 2006 kawasaki ninja 250R and it fits me better than the ninja 500 did. i could ride all day on the highway from state to state or just for driving to work, pleasure on the weekends, and tearing up some twisty roads, its awesome! Oh yea, did i mention 70MPG. Check out my blog here in the "blogs forum" for some pics of me on it and you'll see its not "too small" and even without breaking the 6000rpm barier (it redlines at 13K and most of the real power is above 8000rpms) i was able to accelerate to 50mph in 4th gear (of 6) so it should be fine for driving on anythign but the autobahn. it has a Sweet upright position that is comfortable but there is enough room to "tuck" if you are coasting down a hill or acceleratign really hard. best of all- they dont depreciate like a bigger bike will. you never see many for sale in the newspaper or online because if you have one- you'll have 3 freinds saying- if you want to get rid of that, let me know and i'll buy it from you. overall, a very cool bike.

dont forget to check out my blog or the terrorists win!

good luck and ride safe.

[roscowgo]

a 250 should have plenty of go for you. from what i understand most of em do tend to sound a bit buzzy, and should top out at about 70-85. so while maybe not the best thing for high speed interstate riding, they'll have plenty to do some backroads grin making.

[TechTMW]

Have you checked out an Alpha Sports (GV250) Aquila? You might find it worth your time... http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/roadte ... index.html

[Scoutmedic]

Probably your best bet is to go to the different dealerships and start sitting on some bikes. Find what feels "right" to narrow down your choices.

Good Luck!

[Pez D Spencer]

I've decided against the GZ250 and I'm definitely going with an Alpha Sports 250. I don't really care for the Classic model becuase those big fenders just don't do it for me but the Sport Cruiser is awesome. I love the alloy wheels they almost give the bike a Harley Fatboy look. Plus its got 8 more horsepower than the GZ, and has a wider seat. It's about 500 more than the GZ250 from what I can tell but it's worth it because I don't see myself outgrowing this bike as fast as the GZ250.

Here's the link:
http://www.alphasportsmotors.com/pages/ ... sport.html

[Kim]

About the MSF courses;

Pick one and just show up. A lot of times they have people that don't show up and then they'll take walk-ins. It's worth a try!

[mic_merritt]

Wait till next time they offer classes you say? FAHGEDDABOUDIT

Even if you teach yourself you'll still get something out of the MSF course. There were guys in my class that had been riding for 5-8 years that learned they weren't doing something the best way.

Schedule a slot as soon as you can - and in the meantime do as Kim said and show up for a no-show slot - you'll be amazed how many don't show up.