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Well i bought a GZ250 last summer after getting my MSF done.

At first i did not like the idea as i wanted something bigger like a 500 or even 800 to start on as im a big guy. Money got tight and i picked up an 02 with 1700 miles on it.

I have been pleastly surprised. Its a great bike to learn on and my choice was this or nothing. If your new dont over look the little bikes! It's got plenty of power for a beginner and its super easy to work on.

Now i only go about 15mins to work each way and the highest speed limit is 45mph. It is not good for higways over 55mph.

I am ready to upgrade but i am so glad i learnt on something without tons of HP. I cant afford to upgrade right now and i would rather ride my GZ250 than nothing!

Upgrade time is coming in 6 months and ive got it down to a FZ1 or a Honda 919 or if i cant afford those the Ninja 650.

Awesome! It's great to hear a "success" story about a 250. I looked hard and long at the GZ myself. I finally decided on the bigger bike simply because I could afford it.

Stay Safe!

jonbailey19808 wrote: Upgrade time is coming in 6 months and ive got it down to a FZ1 or a Honda 919 or if i cant afford those the Ninja 650.

Going from a 250 with what, 50 hp? to a FZ1 or 919 with tweakier controls and MORE power, is going to be quite a shocking step up.

Consider VERY cafefully how adept you are at riding that 250. You have by know developed a lot of muscle memory for the controls and responses of the 250.

PLAN on spending some serious time practicing all the basics on any upgrade machine. Otherwise, a moment of panic is likely to put you in to "250 mode" and the consequences may be dire.

P

Hey thats good advice. I might step up to the lower HP Ninja 650 first. But i feel like its just going to be a stepping stone.

Ah well. No big deal. Least I have my 250 to ride the pants off right now.

cool.

if i had to pick a starter bike... i'd pick really small but upgrade earlier to the bike i really want. rather than get something close, but not quite, to what i want and be stuck w/ it longer.

...just like what you will probably do.


anyway... congrats and good luck finding a FZ1 or 919 in a few months.

If I'd had an "in between" BMW from my single cylinder f650CS (50 hp) to my current R1150R (80hp, plus 100+ lbs heavier), I might not have dropped the Rockster 3 times in one day... long story.

Some folks move up to 1000cc bikes and realize that they've moved beyond what they really need or desire in a motorcycle... they move back down to the mid-range 600-800cc and are happy.

Consider what KIND of riding you expect to be doing: Commuting, recreational/twisty riding, touring, etc. and choose accordingly.

P

No matter how many bikes i may own in the future. I'll always have my rebel 250. 250's are just great little machines. They'll be even greater if gas ever gets up to $5 a gal.

Scott58 wrote:They'll be even greater if gas ever gets up to $5 a gal.

not funny dood!

so not funny!

Mr jonbailey19808, ur a smart guy, you got a good head on ur shoulders for wanting to own two great bikes, the Yamaha FZ1, and the Honda 919, both bikes are perfect. The biggest thing I notice is everybody that owns a Suzuki never buys another Suzuki, the people that own a Suzuki always upgrade to a different brand, Suzuki has the less repeat buyers. Another type of bike that I think would be perfect for you is the dual sport bikes like the Suzuki DRZ400S, DR650, the Kawasaki KLR650, or the Honda 650XL, all bikes have twice the power than what you own now, easy to ride and handle, lighweight, easy on gas, and just a blast of fun to ride.

/hyjack
quick question moto, why don't you use any emoticons in your posts? I have never ever seen you use even a single one, c'mon show your spirit!
/hyjack

jonbailey19808, those bikes you mentioned are quite a step up, I hope you are prepared for it. All bikes are different, so as other said, I also suggest you get used to your new bike in a non-traffic area for a while.
Pretty much +1 to everything everyone else said.

good luck
~Shelly