GN125: China VS. Japan

[Romeo]

Hey guys,
Just wondering if anyone has had any experience with either of these two.

The missus is looking for a cheap runabout and she's got her heart set on a GN125.

There's two options at the moment.


Brand new 2010 GN125H model for $3,000

or

Mint Second hand 2005 "Japan" GN125E model for $2,200 (16,000kms)

Both of these are from the same reputable Suzuki dealer.


I've heard a lot of grim tales about the Chinese ones, and a lot of good things about the Japanese ones. But which one is really worth more in the long term?

How can I confirm that the 2005 model is actually from Japan?

Thoughts etc?


Cheers,
Alex

[R6_kid]

For that sort of money you'd be better off finding something more like your CB175 (I'm jealous!)... $3000 would buy a very good condition late 70's-early 80's commuter 250 that will probably be more reliable than a new GN125.

But to answer your question - you'll have to wait for someone else to read the thread!

[EJK]

I havn't owned both bikes hence my opinion is absolute dirt worthless but I think Chinese brand are fuck not worth it.

Hope that helps.

[The Baron]

Hi - my son had a GN125E- it was a great bike - If it is her first bike, go for the second hand one. It will be a training bike after all and I don't think she will keep it more than a year or two before moving up. My son had his for 18 months before going to a 250.
Hope this helps.

[Buddha#81]

that money would get you a FXR150 and would run rings around them both.......not to mention the wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy better looks.

[Joliet]

Being that "missus", I'm here to explain why I want a GN125.

I'm short. As in, 5'2" short. I don't want to lower a bike and I'm not comfortable standing on my tiptoes at the lights or leaning the bike over to rest on one foot. - Done that before with a Bandit, not interested in doing it again. Even a GN250 is too tall for me.

I don't want an old bike, I'm not interested in having a "mint" 1970's or 1980's bike (they don't exist for my requirements anyway). - Done that before with my RD50, not interested in doing it again.

I wanted a GN125 because I'm comfortable on it and I've riden one before (passed my learners on it), it's just for getting to work and back and any other run arounds that I need doing, not for going on rides or "moving up after a year". I don't want a sporty looking bike like an "FXR150" that "would run rings around them both" because I'm not interested in power, I don't want a cruiser looking bike like a GZ250 etc because I don't like the riding position - my legs are too stretched on them.

I wanted a new one because it comes with a 12 month warranty so I can relax for at least a year, and I like the idea of doing WOF's and Rego's only once a year.

I know *what* I want, but the boy is not letting me have it. So I've given up anyway, it's not worth the arguments.

[CookMySock]

I know *what* I want, but the boy is not letting me have it. So I've given up anyway, it's not worth the arguments.Just go and buy it, miss. Worst case scenario is you might loose a grand on the resale value, or the boys spend hours fixing it. Either way its nothing to loose sleep over. ;)

Buy it. The boys will get over it, and they will possibly afford you a little more respect next time when you say what you want.

Steve

[woodyracer]

that money would get you a FXR150 and would run rings around them both.......not to mention the wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy better looks.

exaculy, get a fxr150, ive had both {as in both motors as a bucket} and the power difference is major, my gn125 bucket had a racing cam, and a racing exhaust, the stock fxr i owned after that was sooooo much faster, and handled alot better.....

Oh and looks like buddha said

[SMOKEU]

You say that you don't need a lot of power; but after a while you will have a craving for more power. I know that you don't want to drag every car off at the lights, but the lack of torque on a 4 stroke 125cc bike quickly becomes apparent, especially in situations with a lot of traffic when you're trying to quickly get into a gap. I used to own a CG125 and it wasn't a nice feeling having to rev it hard in top gear just to stay at 60kmh. With your budget, you could easily afford a Japanese 250cc cruiser type bike and they are quite low to the ground so it will suit you quite well. Coming into winter, I'm sure that bike shops will be struggling to make sales so this is the perfect time to grab a bargain. The resale value of a GN125 is quite poor as well.

[howdamnhard]

Having owned a Chinese GN250 I would go with the older Japanese GN125. But your mrs wants a new one so you may as well make her(and you) happpy and get her one, not worth the agro,he,he. It'll make her feel special and as she points out will be under 12 month warranty. Just depends how long she wants it. It's going to be gutless though.

[BuzzardNZ]

I have heard that the Jap build quality was far superior to the Chinese models. I'd go for the jappa.

[allycatz]

Not too long ago Carver I think? did a favourable review on a new GN125...look it up or PM him

[Jonno.]

Being that "missus", I'm here to explain why I want a GN125.

I'm short. As in, 5'2" short. I don't want to lower a bike and I'm not comfortable standing on my tiptoes at the lights or leaning the bike over to rest on one foot. - Done that before with a Bandit, not interested in doing it again. Even a GN250 is too tall for me.

I don't want an old bike, I'm not interested in having a "mint" 1970's or 1980's bike (they don't exist for my requirements anyway). - Done that before with my RD50, not interested in doing it again.

I wanted a GN125 because I'm comfortable on it and I've riden one before (passed my learners on it), it's just for getting to work and back and any other run arounds that I need doing, not for going on rides or "moving up after a year". I don't want a sporty looking bike like an "FXR150" that "would run rings around them both" because I'm not interested in power, I don't want a cruiser looking bike like a GZ250 etc because I don't like the riding position - my legs are too stretched on them.

I wanted a new one because it comes with a 12 month warranty so I can relax for at least a year, and I like the idea of doing WOF's and Rego's only once a year.

I know *what* I want, but the boy is not letting me have it. So I've given up anyway, it's not worth the arguments.

FXRs are likely to be more relyable then a GN125 even with a 12 month warrenty. GN250s are reknown for rust issues even after a year kept indoors.
Take an FXR for a ride. You can take one on the motorway easily, they're hardley a sports bike, and they're relatively up right.

[Joliet]

FXRs are likely to be more relyable then a GN125 even with a 12 month warrenty. GN250s are reknown for rust issues even after a year kept indoors.
Take an FXR for a ride. You can take one on the motorway easily, they're hardley a sports bike, and they're relatively up right.

Why would I go on a motorway - I'm a learner, I'm not even *allowed* to go over 70 - and yes, I play by the rules.

Fact is, I know what I want and I'm not here to be convinced otherwise. We just wanted to double check that the jap ones really were better than the Chinese ones. :)

[JimO]

its for you and you know what you want but i would reccomend a vtr 250 over both of your choices, you will get 1 for the same sort of coin your looking at and it will have resale value unlike your choices

[CookMySock]

I know what I want and I'm not here to be convinced otherwise. We just wanted to double check that the jap ones really were better than the Chinese ones. :)Yes they are. Now go buy the one you want and ride it's wheels off. Hurry up! ;)

Steve

[Dodgyiti]

My G/f has a Chinese GN but it's a 200cc not a 125 sorry, built at the same place though and it has been fine engine-wise, and the bike has been totally reliable but- the cosmetics like chromework failed after 3 years and the original tyres got thrown away after a month. The original battery suprisingly still holds a decent charge and it's 3 1/2 years old...
Better off with the Jap one as a whole package IMHO

[Joliet]

its for you and you know what you want but i would reccomend a vtr 250 over both of your choices, you will get 1 for the same sort of coin your looking at and it will have resale value unlike your choices

Is this meant to be ironic? :P yes, I know what I want, and it's not a VTR250.

[Joliet]

Yes they are. Now go buy the one you want and ride it's wheels off. Hurry up! ;)

Steve

THANK YOU! Haha, consider it bought!

[Joliet]

My G/f has a Chinese GN but it's a 200cc not a 125 sorry, built at the same place though and it has been fine engine-wise, and the bike has been totally reliable but- the cosmetics like chromework failed after 3 years and the original tyres got thrown away after a month. The original battery suprisingly still holds a decent charge and it's 3 1/2 years old...
Better off with the Jap one as a whole package IMHO

Thanks for that info :) good to know! (and yours is one of the better replies to this thread, too .. )

[JimO]

Is this meant to be ironic? :P yes, I know what I want, and it's not a VTR250.

its your money, i dont really give a shit but you can do way better than the GN for the money

[nudemetalz]

This may help:-

http://www.motorcyclesurvey.com/reviews/suzuki/gn125/
http://www.reviewcentre.com/review230149.html

[davebullet]

Another couple of links (one the same site as nudemetalz above).

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20060905092051AAVtOBW
http://www.motorcyclesurvey.com/reviews/suzuki/gn125/r227/comments/page-2/

I presume apart from the country of assembly / manufacture (not clear which?) - both bikes have the same seat height.

Your partner needs to realise this is your decision and your responsibility. When you buy it tell him he needs to support you, not tell you what to do, drop little jabs / criticisms for your choice etc... Tell him this from me if he values the relationship he has with you. I've been down that road.

You've weighed up the options and made up your mind - go for it. Time is too precious to waste not riding a motorcycle! I only wish I started years ago.

[NighthawkNZ]

she obviously wants, likes the style of a small cruiser sit up right position, not a small sit forward sports style... she is obviously is not going to race it or to much worry about speedas she wants it for commuting, so why recommend a bike she doesn't need or require and or probably want. ????

The GN has been prooven to be a reliable bike over the years and is a good commuter as that is what they are designed for commuting. I would recommend the Japaness model as the the quality went down hill when the Chiness took over production. But I would recommend looking at a few other bikes like the Yamaha Virago etc. Take them for a test ride see if she is comfortable on them...

Now remember it is a 125 and as others have said not a lot of power, (as it is a commuter) I would look at even the GN250, or as suggested above the Virago 250 and test other bikes out as well before she makes a final decision...

[Joliet]

Thank you all for your input.

Purchased the beast today, $1800 for a 2005 model with 17000km on it. Tidy wee thing, fun to ride and it's not too scary to ride either (like that awful Bandit was).

Just thought I'd update you all ;)

[nudemetalz]

Congratulations !!
Post up a pic of 3 of your new bike for us all to see :)

[miloking]

Thank you all for your input.

Purchased the beast today, $1800 for a 2005 model with 17000km on it. Tidy wee thing, fun to ride and it's not too scary to ride either (like that awful Bandit was).

Just thought I'd update you all ;)

Bandit was scary?!?!, lol, its just the easiest bike to ride, like ever!.....i think you better do some more practice on a bicycle then before you hit the road on a motorized vehicle!!!

[SPman]

Different people at different stages of their riding career have different views on what is suitable for their circumstances! I see you ride a CBR1000...so a bandit SHOULD be easy as to ride! I had a friend who hated the bandit but loved the FZR she rode, so.........

[CookMySock]

Purchased the beast today, $1800 for a 2005 model with 17000km on it. Tidy wee thing, fun to ride and it's not too scary to ride either (like that awful Bandit was).Good. Clearly you will be right at home on that, and that's the important thing.

Now there does come a time when you have to pay attention to the noisy opinionated boys' please, so do keep a proper balance between going your own way, and zipping lip and doing as your mentor says. Nuff said. :yes:

Steve

[miloking]

Different people at different stages of their riding career have different views on what is suitable for their circumstances! I see you ride a CBR1000...so a bandit SHOULD be easy as to ride! I had a friend who hated the bandit but loved the FZR she rode, so.........

My very first road bike was bandit GSF400!! Sweetas learner bike and would recommend to all (apart from the occasional speeding ticket)....iam not sure how some people can even ride 125cc etc., the other day when getting my restricted on borrowed 225cc scorpio i couldnt believe how scary that was compare to my CBR...no kidding! brakes were shit, suspension was floating like boat and not to mention how unstable the whole thing was! and you are supposed to learn and be safe on that?!

If it was up to me everybody would be ridding at least $8000+ bikes as learner, i would in no way allow inexperienced rider on a cheap shitty bike like the china/korea made crap people buy these days....unfortunately even from reputable company small CC bikes all have crappy components on them, unless its like aprillia RS125 or cagiva mito etc...

ok...my rant is over now.... but good luck and be safe (and PLEASE put some decent tyres on that thing!)

[carver]

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[miloking]

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classic!!!! :D

[Joliet]

My very first road bike was bandit GSF400!! Sweetas learner bike and would recommend to all (apart from the occasional speeding ticket)....iam not sure how some people can even ride 125cc etc., the other day when getting my restricted on borrowed 225cc scorpio i couldnt believe how scary that was compare to my CBR...no kidding! brakes were shit, suspension was floating like boat and not to mention how unstable the whole thing was! and you are supposed to learn and be safe on that?!

If it was up to me everybody would be ridding at least $8000+ bikes as learner, i would in no way allow inexperienced rider on a cheap shitty bike like the china/korea made crap people buy these days....unfortunately even from reputable company small CC bikes all have crappy components on them, unless its like aprillia RS125 or cagiva mito etc...

ok...my rant is over now.... but good luck and be safe (and PLEASE put some decent tyres on that thing!)


Quite frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn.

[Joliet]

Good. Clearly you will be right at home on that, and that's the important thing.

Now there does come a time when you have to pay attention to the noisy opinionated boys' please, so do keep a proper balance between going your own way, and zipping lip and doing as your mentor says. Nuff said. :yes:

Steve

:D thank you!

[miloking]

Quite frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn.

Well, thats not very nice thing to say now....i guess i know what your reply would be "i dont give a damn" correct? Must be a christchurch thing....

[marty]

Well, thats not very nice thing to say now....i guess i know what your reply would be "i dont give a damn" correct? Must be a christchurch thing....

fuck you're awesome

[miloking]

fuck you're awesome

You small town people have some serious inadequacy issues!

from beginning i was just being friendly (maybe bit cheaky) but you get nastly like spoilt little brats just because you dont like someone elses opinion.

....but let me guess you just "dont give a damn" too!

[thealmightytaco]

You small town people have some serious inadequacy issues!

from beginning i was just being friendly (maybe bit cheaky) but you get nastly like spoilt little brats just because you dont like someone elses opinion.

....but let me guess you just "dont give a damn" too!

Or you big town people just take movie quotes a little too seriously...

[marty]

when I typed 'fuck you're awesome' I acually meant to write 'you sound like a dick'