GN250 speed ?

[Gizzit]

I have just been looking at a reasonably new GN250. The owner said that it apparently can reach approx 140kmh, but cruises best at 90kmh, as it seems like the engine is over reving at 100kmh.
Has anyone got an opinion on that? I was wondering if this bike may free up and not vibrate/over rev at this speed, when it has more K's on it. Apparently its only done about 2500 K's.

My other question to GN owners, is can you change the rear sprocket so that these cruise easier at 100Kmh, without feeling stressed, or compromising the 1st gear slow crawls ?
Any advice greatly received.

I'm still in decision mode regarding a suitable small commuter.
Thansk for any help,
Grant.

[breakaway]

I have just been looking at a reasonably new GN250. The owner said that it apparently can reach approx 140kmh, but cruises best at 90kmh, as it seems like the engine is over reving at 100kmh.
Has anyone got an opinion on that? I was wondering if this bike may free up and not vibrate/over rev at this speed, when it has more K's on it. Apparently its only done about 2500 K's.

My other question to GN owners, is can you change the rear sprocket so that these cruise easier at 100Kmh, without feeling stressed, or compromising the 1st gear slow crawls ?
Any advice greatly received.

I'm still in decision mode regarding a suitable small commuter.
Thansk for any help,
Grant.

I've heard from a GN250 owner that "It will do 100, and 110 if I really push it".

[Conquiztador]

Downhill, wind in back and homesick U might get her to 140 if you lie flat on the tank. But as soon as U are on a straight and sit up U be lucky to ride 110. (I have not come across one that does 140) And by changing gearing you will not achieve much as there just is not enuf Hp in her to go faster.

[McJim]

You're thread titile is the finest example of an oxymoron that I've seen since Military Intelligence.

Well done for making me smile. :)

[Mom]

I would hate to hear the engine note on a GN at 140kmh!!

Perhaps with a tail wind....:dodge: ........anything is possible, the bigger question is what do you want this bike to do for you? A GN will be the ultimate commuter bike, not so peppy though for the overtaking at speed manouvers, loves to get out on the open road and see how fast it can go!!!!!!

Great little bike!

[Gizzit]

You're thread titile is the finest example of an oxymoron that I've seen since Military Intelligence.

Well done for making me smile. :)

Yes fair comment :yes:

[McJim]

Yes fair comment :yes:

Try to get an RG150 if you want a budget open road bike. GN250 is a fabulous bike to learn basic skills on and to commute through traffic but I would have serious worries about it's cornering ability and overtaking on the open road.

[Gizzit]

I would hate to hear the engine note on a GN at 140kmh!!

Perhaps with a tail wind....:dodge: ........anything is possible, the bigger question is what do you want this bike to do for you? A GN will be the ultimate commuter bike, not so peppy though for the overtaking at speed manouvers, loves to get out on the open road and see how fast it can go!!!!!!

Great little bike!

Yes I thought 140k may be a bit of wishful thinking too! I do mainly want to commute in a 50 & 70K zone, so in that role, a rocketship isn't really needed. However, as a born again bike rider (read middle aged/ mid life crisis!), I may find I want to get out on the highway sometime ... and stretch my legs!

I recently tried a Yamaha Scorpio 225, and in a short distance had it up to 100k in no time. I'm not sure what it would wind out to, but 100k was no problem.
Just wondering if it is a better bet ??
I saw a Honda 250CBF ? new, for about $7000 and thought that was a bit too much to pay, at twice the price of a new GN !! Do you get twice the bike ? I know Honda's are good ... but thought that was a bit OTT!

[Lissa]

Sorry GN's dont speed. :yes: I had one FOREVER.. about 5 months. It would do on average about 120kph, more with tail wind, going down hill etc. Would shake alittle at that speed though. But for your basic learning its great, but like McJim said, not so great at overtaking, infact takes alot of effort to overtake, and more if that car decides to speed up as you are doing it. Cornering I found fine, scrapped my boot on some corners of the Takas on mine :)

[Drum]

The GN is a learner bike mate. It doesn't need to go over 100.

Plenty of time for that later, on bigger bikes.

[Gizzit]

Try to get an RG150 if you want a budget open road bike. GN250 is a fabulous bike to learn basic skills on and to commute through traffic but I would have serious worries about it's cornering ability and overtaking on the open road.

RG150'sdon't appeal to me, sorry. They may have better cornering manners ... I wouldn't know, but I'm not into that kind of sport bike thing .... especially in something that small.
The GN isn't pretentious in any way, and it's obvious from it's design, that it isn't designed to be a scraper !! :yes:

I have already got basic skills, they just need resharpening, and I could start back on something bigger, but am choosing not to, as commuting will be the main thing, and I want something cheap to run and service. I may go to a nice 600 or something bigger at some stage ..... if I really get back into biking. In the meantime, a 250 means I don't have to outlay too much, to get back onto a bike and have some basic fun. At 53, I am not thinking about 0 t0 100K at the speed of sound, . just enjoying being on two wheels again, and having the fun I used to get from biking! :yes:

[McJim]

Sorry - you were looking at a used Ginny I assumed your budget was $2,500 max.

Scorpio is a better bike and yes, I think the 250 single Honda is overpriced - pay another $1000 and you get a VTR250 which is a very nice bike and will do 140kph+

[Drum]

Gizzit, if you already have your full license then I recommend getting a 400. The 250 market is grossly overpriced, and yet they are virtually giving 400's away.

[Gizzit]

Gizzit, if you already have your full license then I recommend getting a 400. The 250 market is grossly overpriced, and yet they are virtually giving 400's away.

Yes a 400 may be a better option, but I haven't seen any around that are new or have low k's. What bike did you have in mind ? I don't really want a racer style with legs tucked up/back, and weight on my arms. I've got a bit of a dodgy shoulder, and as most of my riding will be commuting, the sit up and beg style of bike is more appropriate at the moment.

My price range is in the $2500 to $3800 kind of bracket, and there isn't a lot in new bikes in that price range, and pretty old bigger bikes, with high K's, from what I've seen on TM so far.

If I get right back into riding, and my wife enjoys being a pillion, I will get a bigger bike eventually, but for now I'm intent on keeping the outlay to a minimum, and just getting the buzz of riding again ...
Thanks for your suggestion.

[Maha]

The GN is a learner bike mate. It doesn't need to go over 100.

Plenty of time for that later, on bigger bikes.

Now thats an intelligent response.....in saying that, i got 130 out of mine when i was taking it to its new owner, passing a milk tanker just north of Ruakaka...:scooter:

[NighthawkNZ]

120 yes 140 i doubt it...

[Steve 555]

I can do 120 on my gn no problem anything over that and it is a bit shaky. Now I have to test ride a scorpio sometime. The gn is a fun bike I really enjoy it. Although I am a learner. But 140km I don't think so with NOS maybe:gob:

[kiwifruit]

I sat my full licence test on a loaner gn 125
part of the test involves traveling at 100km/h.... no worries :)
i'd say it would do near on 133km/h, not that i tried! :innocent:

[fridsy]

Yes a 400 may be a better option, but I haven't seen any around that are new or have low k's. What bike did you have in mind ? I don't really want a racer style with legs tucked up/back, and weight on my arms. I've got a bit of a dodgy shoulder, and as most of my riding will be commuting, the sit up and beg style of bike is more appropriate at the moment.

My price range is in the $2500 to $3800 kind of bracket, and there isn't a lot in new bikes in that price range, and pretty old bigger bikes, with high K's, from what I've seen on TM so far.

If I get right back into riding, and my wife enjoys being a pillion, I will get a bigger bike eventually, but for now I'm intent on keeping the outlay to a minimum, and just getting the buzz of riding again ...
Thanks for your suggestion.

You could look at a honda cb600 hornet there pretty upright.... or any other naked sports bike, they seem to very a little in sitting position but most have a natural sitting position....600+ would be fine if you wanted to do 2 up....(imho)

[Gizzit]

You could look at a honda cb600 hornet there pretty upright.... or any other naked sports bike, they seem to very a little in sitting position but most have a natural sitting position....600+ would be fine if you wanted to do 2 up....(imho)

Yes a 600 would be nice, but to pricey at the moment. I haven't seen any reasonable 400 - 600cc second hand bikes for sale anywhere, that aren't over the top price wise, or cheap but old with loads of K's. I will still probably go for a second hand GN or Scorpion perhaps.
I'm sure I could get a nice GN250 for around $2500 - $2700 with low K's. I haven't seen a second hand Scorpion for sale, so not sure what they go for.
A CB600 Hornet would be very nice, but out of my price range for this bike. Maybe next time :yes:

[Gizzit]

I can do 120 on my gn no problem anything over that and it is a bit shaky. Now I have to test ride a scorpio sometime. The gn is a fun bike I really enjoy it. Although I am a learner. But 140km I don't think so with NOS maybe:gob:

Yes that sounds about right to me Steve. 140Kmh is a bit ambitious for a GN. Pleased to hear you enjoy yours. I think they are a good basic bike, and certainly good for around town and commuting, and maybe a bit of crusing on the open road.
Some people seem to use them ok on the open road, and I guess if you arent in a huge hurry to go places, 90 - 100kmh would be fine on something that small. I'm pretty sure thats what I'll go for, as I haven't heard from anyone who knows both the GN250 and the Scorpion 225. I know that the GN has been around, probably largely unchanged .... since Adam was a cowboy .... so they must have got something right with the design!! :yes:

[Steve 555]

I actually really like the look of the GN250 it looks like a cruiser type bike were as the scorpio although it may be good I just don't really like the look of them. Only my opionion of course. Hey is the GN250 not being sold in nz anymore I have heard rumors that this is the case.

[Gizzit]

I actually really like the look of the GN250 it looks like a cruiser type bike were as the scorpio although it may be good I just don't really like the look of them. Only my opionion of course. Hey is the GN250 not being sold in nz anymore I have heard rumors that this is the case.

Yes I agree with you about the look of the Scorpio, but thats just a matter of personal taste. I have ridden one for a very short ride, and it seemed to go ok, and got up to 100kmh fairly easily. I'm sure they are a good bike too, but as yet I haven't heard enough about them. I think they have also been around for a while, just not long here in NZ .... I think. I could buy a demo model that has 88k's on it for $3500, but think I would rather go for the GN250 for some reason.
I was looking at helmets today, and was in my local Honda shop, and I sat on a CBF250. They are a slightly larger bike than the GN or the Scorpio, but from a writeup I read, comparing a Hyosung GT250 and the Honda, they are both able to get to about 140kmh, and cruise at 100 - 110 quite well. BUT .... the Honda I saw, was $6995 !!!! Thats 2 x new GN250's !!! I couldn't justify spending that amount of money on ANY 250cc bike ..... but thats just me :yes:

And yes .. as far as I know they are still being sold. My local Suzuki dealer has a brand new red GN in at the moment. I'm not sure if that is going to be the last of them though. Maybe someone else knows ?
No ... I'm pretty sure it's going to be a GN I buy. They seem to be the best bang for your buck, and you don't loose a lot of money on them ..... (I hope !)

[swbarnett]

I've owned a GN250 for just on 9 months and found it a very capable commuter. 100 to 110 is where I usually sit on the motorway (when traffic allows), 120 at a pinch. It would probably go faster but I don't want to shake it to bits. As soon as I get rid of a debt or two I'll be moving to something bigger again but until then I'm actually enjoying the GN (haven't tried it a lot on the open road though).

PS. I can now say with certainty that a 2006 GN250 will do 130km/h in top gear at red line (on a downward incline). And it didn't shake as much as I thought it would; I could've put up with it for an extended period. The bike is well run in and loosened up at 10,000k on the clock.

[howdamnhard]

I have just been looking at a reasonably new GN250. The owner said that it apparently can reach approx 140kmh, but cruises best at 90kmh, as it seems like the engine is over reving at 100kmh.
Has anyone got an opinion on that? I was wondering if this bike may free up and not vibrate/over rev at this speed, when it has more K's on it. Apparently its only done about 2500 K's.

My other question to GN owners, is can you change the rear sprocket so that these cruise easier at 100Kmh, without feeling stressed, or compromising the 1st gear slow crawls ?
Any advice greatly received.

I'm still in decision mode regarding a suitable small commuter.
Thansk for any help,
Grant.
I've a GN250 and I would seriously doubt it would ever do 140 km/h.The fastest I've ever managed is 120km/h.Mine gets very "viby around 6000rpm.Then gets better after that.The motor has freed up a bit with time but overtaking can be interesting as there ain't much power/speed in reserve after 100km/h.Changing the sprocket won't help as the motor just doesn't have the grunt .Mine cruises at 100km/h in 5th at around 5500rpm if I can remember correctly and has become less viby with age.If its been run in correctly then itshould be fine,its only a single cylinder after all.It makes a good commuter but it no racer so it depends what you need from a bike.A 250 Vtr honda would be quicker but much more$$$$.:scooter:

[BigRed2007]

Gn is a good learner bike, thats pretty much it.

How about the suzuki marauder? I have one atm, learning on it andits pretty cool and strong :) and reasonably priced.

[Steve 555]

My gn has only done 2300kms it has freed up quite a bit since I have had it. But $7000.00 is far too expensive for a new 250 you might as well buy a decent 2nd hand 600 for that price. Another option for you is a fxr 150.

[sunhuntin]

ive had 2 gns... with 20 years between them! one was an 86, the other an 06. i cant remember which one did what, but i did get one up to 120, on a downhill. soon as i noticed, i brought her back to 110, lol. 140 would likely never happen on a gn, unless on the back of a trailer or ute!

[Deviant Esq]

Hey Gizzit. From what you've posted it sounds as though you've already decided on a GN250, so I won't bore you with alternatives. But as for getting back into bikes, good for you mate! There are heaps of born again bikers around. The good thing about a GN is that once you've ridden it around for a while and have decided it's time to get something better, it should hold its value. If you do get a GN, do yourself a favour and get new tyres, if the previous owner hasn't already replaced them. The stock tyres are quite plasticy and tend to lose traction in slippery conditions. You have been warned! ;)

[sunhuntin]

dev... i never noticed a problem with the tyres. they would step out occasionally, but that happened less than 5 times over the year, and always on a HUGE paint arrow right in the middle of a corner. but then... i ride slow as a snail anyways. might be a different story if pushing things.

[Lissa]

I got told my numerous people.. mostly people from KB to replace the tyres on my GN.. which I never got around to. They seemed ok in the dry, but if I still had the GN during winter I would have changed them from the stock tyres. I had a quote for about $300 to replace both the back and front.

[Deviant Esq]

It may be that it never bites and you never know, but that doesn't mean to say that the tyres are good. All it takes is one occasion the tyre isn't quite up to it, and you could be skidding down the road. Changing the front tyre was the best thing I ever did on the NZ250. Sure, the old front tyre wasn't exactly bad, only worn, and it didn't catch me out as such, but phwoar, what a difference the new tyre made! I can now chuck the bike around with confidence (granted that it's not a GN, mind) if I'm in the mood, and it just keeps on sticking, wet or dry. Or maybe it's my smooth riding and impeccable lines?! :innocent:

Tyres are the only point of contact between the bike and the road. It therefore makes perfect sense to know what your tyres are capable of, and when they're in need of replacement due to wear or just not being capable enough for what you want to do, it only makes sense to use the best tyres you're reasonably willing to buy. They could be the difference between a scary moment, and a crash.

[Oakie]

Dont' get recent model GN if you plan to go fast on it. I heard this from a bike mechanic recently. He said the metal some of the internals are made of just doesn't handle consistent high revs. He saw the evidence in his workshop. He said you're better off with a 10 year old one than a two year old one.

As someone else said ... look at 400s as well. The prices and quality aren't too bad as the kiddies getting out of 250s tend to go straight to 650/750 bikes.

[lti]

i suppose pretty much everything has been covered, but ill add my experiences.

Ive been riding a '03 GN125 for about a year or so before recently upgrading to the CBR250. What an upgrade!

The bikes really cant be compared, they are just too different.

In terms of speed for GNs, the GN125 would redline (10,000rpm) at 108ish kph in 5th gear. It could relatively easily get to that speed if you were going down hill. On the motorway id just ride with the throttle fully open, itd sit on 95 - 100 on the flat, down to 80 up a hill.

Not a fast bike, but incredibly fun, They certainly can be thrown round a corner, but watch the pipes, theyre a little low on the right.
Ive ridden with guys who were on GN250s, and although they could effortlessly out accelerate me and keep up with mway traffic, i doubt theyd be able to go faster than 130. As someone else said in this thread, they redline at about 130, so 140 wouldnt be feasible.

[swbarnett]

I've had my GN for 9months and until recently I hadn't found the limit of the tyres (and I don't drive slow). The last big rain storm I was out in I slid on each and every bridge expansion joint I went over.

[Gremlin]

The last big rain storm I was out in I slid on each and every bridge expansion joint I went over.
errr... just be aware that rubber and a soaking wet metal expansion joint will never be best buddies, even if you have $700+ worth of rubber...

However, you can be best buddies with it, if you were to say, hit it at high-ish revs :devil2:

[Gizzit]

[B]Well I went to Auckland yesterday(Sunday) .... on my way to Hamilton to look at a GN250. I stopped in at a shop in Takapuna as I needed to buy a helmet and decent riding trou. I got a nice Shark helmet,and some excellent padded trou (and even shelled out for some boots!)
A mechanic at the shop I went to, who had been helping with my choice in helmet and trou (and steered me away from more expensive/and cheaper stuff - was very helpful - and not meant to be serving customers, but they were busy!) asked me what bike I was going to look at. I told him a GN250. He straight out said "don't buy it"! I asked why, and he said he services heaps of them, and said they are "crap". He told me that most of the old ones are good, and have more horsepower than the newer ones, and said if you could get a late 80's model with reasonable K's it might be worth looking at, but said the Chinese models were made from crap metal, and that all the bolts and crucial fittings are made from "cheese metal", which according to him, is soft and stretches, causing things to come loose and get damaged fairly easily. He advised me to get something bigger and older (as I have a full licence) and to steer right away from GN's.

I must admit, as I was travelling down to Auckland I got a twinge in my gut about buying the bike (an excellent low K' example - by the way), and almost turned back, but said nothing to my wife and continued on. Further down towards Auckland I realised I didn't have my clear lensed glasses for night driving, only my prescription sunglasses I was wearing ..... another not great feeling !! The the mechanic at the bike shop (who was a very honest guy) talking about bikes, and flatly telling me not to buy one. .... That was enough for me to change my mind. I had niggles about my decision, and that confirmed that this wasn't the right bike for me. You have to listen to stuff like that ... for what ever reason!
Anyway the other thing the mechanic told me was that because the quality of the GN's coming out of China was so poor, Suzuki have decided to drop the contract, as it was affecting their reputation. Thats why GN production has stopped.

Sorry if my experience has offended anyone who happily rides a GN, without any hassles. I'm sure you enjoy your bike and your rides. Just that for me, I am going to look at something else now, probably bigger and older, as some people have suggested.

Incidentaly ... as I was paying the manager of the shop for the stuff I had bought ( he hadn't heard my conversation with the mechanic), I asked him what he thought about GN's. He said the same thing, and why ... crap metal in bolts, fittings, etc. He said they don't last. He went even further and told me of his own experience with a Chinese copy of the Sach Mad Ass scooter he bought fro an Auckland agent ..... to cut to a short story .... it fell apart, literally, even the swing arm collapsed. He had to take the supplier to court, and ended up ruining his import business for him, as the chinese scooter wa such crap quality. He said don't buy any Chinese bike/scooter for at least the next 15 - 20 years, until they get their quality up to scratch, just likethe Japanese had to ..... remember ??

[Steve 555]

Oh shit I bought a 2004 gn250 2 months ago I feel like I have made the wrong purchase although I am only riding rond the city.

[Gizzit]

Oh shit I bought a 2004 gn250 2 months ago I feel like I have made the wrong purchase although I am only riding rond the city.

Na ... I'm sure most guys n girls aren't going to have too much trouble. Just for me .... and I was certainly going to buy one in Hamilton .... a nice red one, but after the "feelings" I had going down to Auckland, and after the two guys at the shop told me about the later models ... I thought that I would listen to those prompts, and not buy one.

From my perspective ... they have still been around a long time, and are probably one of the most popular commuters, that parts and service won't be an issue for a long time to come.

But because of that, I am looking "wider", at what may be the best option for me, and as I have a full licence, may just go straight for something like a Kawasaki 500, Suzuki 500, something mid range - 600, 650 ??? I'll just see whats around.
I wouldn't sweat about your purchase. I wrote about what I had decided, more to let people know that I have yet to decide what I'm going to buy, when I thought I had it down to either a Yamaha Scorpio 225, or the GN250.
It will now be neither, as I go for something larger! :yes:

[kensuem]

What a load of old cobblers!!!!!12000klm in the first year without any problems must show what they are really like!

[Gizzit]

What a load of old cobblers!!!!!12000klm in the first year without any problems must show what they are really like!

Pleased to hear you are enjoying yours!!! That's great and I hope you continue to enjoy it for many years to come. :yes:

I'm just relaying what I was told, and saying "I" have changed my mind about what I am going to buy.
As I said in the email above, I'm sure that loads of people have no problems at all, and there will always be sad tales about "any" bike! None are perfect, and some people will get duds, even with the most respected models.

However, I had a bad feeling on the way down to look at the bike.... (maybe intuition about that particular bike ?? I don't know).
I based my final decision on what a bike mechanic had to say who has serviced many GN's over the years, and then on what the shop manager said regarding the GN.

Sorry if I have upset any GN owners in what I have said, as it is certainly not my intention to do so. I'm purely relaying what I was told, and what I have personally decided to do. :yes:

Happy riding to all !!:scooter:

Grant.

[kensuem]

Thanks for that,perhaps I am getting over sensative,but it seems the new National pastime is to rubbish Gn250s.With regard to things being made in China,we went to get a new microwave yesterday,I quite liked the WarehouseCascade model,but saw it was made in China,then I checked on the other brands,and found that the Sharp and sanyo are also now made in China,as was the phillips Sterio we bought a while ago!

[Oakie]

The moden GN250s are probably fine commuters. The problems we've been told of are when they're used as sports bikes.

[swbarnett]

errr... just be aware that rubber and a soaking wet metal expansion joint will never be best buddies, even if you have $700+ worth of rubber...

I used to ride a CB750 with Avon blue spots. They would stick to anything. Even wet metal wasn't a noticeable problem. Maybe it was the balance of the bike? After all, it was a Honda.

[kensuem]

My Gn has done 12000klm in the last 12months,and just about all of it flat out.I have to admit that it gets thrashed all of the time,but the engine hasnt fallen to bits yet!

[kensuem]

While browsing I came accross this on the net,one for the harley owners to ponder,but then it may be a repost!

[swbarnett]

My Gn has done 12000klm in the last 12months,and just about all of it flat out.I have to admit that it gets thrashed all of the time,but the engine hasnt fallen to bits yet!

Indeed, I ride mine like I'm desperate to get somewhere (anywhere!). It's done 10000 in 9months and still going strong.

[Minnie]

ive had mine for 6 months, i can only get 120km out of it, have tried to go faster with no luck. am looking forward to trading up to a 5-600cc when the time is right, but having said that ive had a heck of a lot of fun on my bike, its nice and steady for my over excited brain at times, and im sure if i was on something a bit more peppy would have got myself into trouble heaps already.
ive done short trips and long trips and i just have to be aware that everyone will be waiting for me at the next turn off.....ha ha

[Gizzit]

Thanks for that,perhaps I am getting over sensative,but it seems the new National pastime is to rubbish Gn250s.With regard to things being made in China,we went to get a new microwave yesterday,I quite liked the WarehouseCascade model,but saw it was made in China,then I checked on the other brands,and found that the Sharp and sanyo are also now made in China,as was the phillips Sterio we bought a while ago!

China will get to be the quality that Japan has ... very soon I imagine. Like we used to think "Jap Crap" .... not any more !! China will be the same I think.
Cheers,
Grant.

[Lucy]

Try to get an RG150 if you want a budget open road bike. GN250 is a fabulous bike to learn basic skills on and to commute through traffic but I would have serious worries about it's cornering ability and overtaking on the open road.

You mean it's ability to eject the rider off the bike and into the gravel whilst cornering? Yes, it does fail in that ability....:dodge:

[Pancakes]

The chinese manufature almost everything and will do it however they're contracted to (Macpac being made in China now so better technology can be applied to their products) The are Taiwanese and Chinese manufacturing districts where you can take your prototype and get a quote on however many thousand you want. I had 3 gn's which got put together to be one better one as my "getting back into riding" bike. The older ones were noticibly better and the one new (2000's) one was crap, bolts would sheer, the casting for lots of parts had an obvious "grain" where the metal wasn't formed properly. I did use the tyres from the new one on the end product and had it hang out too much, I ran a higher gear on it than standard and did get 135 out of it but it took off way too slow. Gear a bike down for more pick-up, get a bigger bike to go faster, a real generalization but pretty much there.

TYRES THAT STICK TO WET METAL *cough - cough* I'll buy that for a dollar, better still, I'll take you to some roads around here with big square lids mid-corner and you can show me how eh?

You get what you pay for, how long are you going to have the bike for? 5 years? for another $10 a week your used GN becomes a brand new Hyosung, $15 a week you get a used CBR250RR in ok nick or a Hyo 650. Just my 2c

PS, not a hyo lover, but they are good value. I got a new bike cos I was sick of fixing and replacing things. It's not that fast but what 250 is?



Who said RGVr?

[terbang]

I got my Missus one up to once 120 with me chin on the tank. However they are a great learners bike unless you are a big heavy bloke (or gal).

[McJim]

You mean it's ability to eject the rider off the bike and into the gravel whilst cornering? Yes, it does fail in that ability....:dodge:

RG never did that to me - wot you talkin' about Willis?

[swbarnett]

TYRES THAT STICK TO WET METAL *cough - cough* I'll buy that for a dollar, better still, I'll take you to some roads around here with big square lids mid-corner and you can show me how eh?

I didn't mean to say that my tyres from way back would stick to metal in a corner. I just meant to illustrate that, even in a straight line, the GN250 stock tyres aren't good crossing bridge expansion joints. In a heavy downpour the bike tends to go sideways over them whereas by CB750 with the Avon Blue Spots back in the late 80s would keep a perfectly straight line.

[Pancakes]

A bike going straight has as much to do with the tyres as it does to do with frame alignment, shocks (in the case of GN's with dual rears) rider position (shock horror, $100 says your arms and legs are slightly different lengths on each side!). My point was that how a bike seems to ride (straight or cornering) over wet metal plates isn't really that great a test, best lawnmower for vaccuming your house with? Not really a priority. The other thing to remember is you probably could make a GN handlke really well, Raise that pipe that scrapes on the ground, new forks, lighter wheels, cut the frame and adjust the head angle, new rear shocks new engine, OH SHIT $10,000 later... You'll read tons about the BEST bikes, BEST tyres etc but normal people are operating inside of a bunch of financial constraints and compromises for their end use. If your bike budget is $2400 (which is about what Gizzit's seems to be and this is a thread about him buying a bike) you might be looking for best tyres available for $300 a set, just over 10% of the bikes value. I agree with those who post about changing tyres etc to the best you can get/afford, just what people can afford is different as is the end use. I used to sell high end bikes, people would try to buy a good value/cheaper bike then upgrade everything because they thought they were great riders and needed good stuff, they'd end up pricing it up then just buying a better built up bike for less. I would advise people to change parts that are sub-standard or clearly no good but add up the cost, you might be looking at bike + upgrades costing more that a better manufacturers package. Take your new purchase out and show some self control and takes things further in small steps. If some part isn't performing well, you will know how much of an upgrade you need (ie, brakes. Pads and fluid or full new system?) Then you get to spend your upgrade budget where you'll notice a difference and get used to "normal" on that bike at the same time instead of chucking tons of race bits at a bike and hoping it'll make you a better rider.

You get what you pay for.

Gizzit, my bike is in at Red Baron at the moment, if you want something that will be reliable and GN like they have lent me a bike that fits the bill, the best thing is it won't cost an arm and a leg. If you would have been happy on a GN you'll be happy on this with gas money to spare, if not you will have saved some devaluation on the newer GN and have money left to buy what you might really want.

Forgot to add pics, see below

[Pancakes]

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[swbarnett]

A bike going straight has as much to do with the tyres as it does to do with frame alignment, shocks ...

A point well made. I was already starting to think that there was a lot more involved than the tyres. The day that I was sliding on bridge joints there was a lot of surface water and driving rain - admittedly pretty extreme for any tyre.

(slinks back into his corner after blabbing the first thing that came to mind... :o)

[Pancakes]

I like to think of it like a good stereo, you can have a good amp and good speakers but if the signal is bad the result will mirror that. All the good bits can't stop you, the rider, inputting bad signal. For safetys sake it is important to have your gear up to scratch but we can all only afford so much, learning to do the best with what you have will help your riding no-end. The vast majority of car racers at the top of their game started in carts and progressed from there. A brand 'spankers R1 will let most people ride like a superstar..... until it goes wrong. Better to get your medicine at lower speeds if your going to get a dose eh? Spending time on low power bikes and ones that don't handle as well as something newer or twice the price teaches you how to carry speed thru corners and ride more fluidly (fluid-lee, making up words now?) so you can make the most of the next bike closer to it's full potential.

I used to coach rock-climbing and people would spout on, wrong shoes, different chalk, glare, all kinds of bull-shit. We had ton's of fun, climbing pretty well with what you could afford while trying to work as little as possible to just get out climbing and the guys that were really fricken amazing had what everyone else had and realised that the biggest improvement could be made by fixing the weakest link in the chain - themselves.

If you have a dream ride - love it, if you don't, make the most of the opportunity presented to you.

[surfchick]

Yes I thought 140k may be a bit of wishful thinking too! I do mainly want to commute in a 50 & 70K zone, so in that role, a rocketship isn't really needed. However, as a born again bike rider (read middle aged/ mid life crisis!), I may find I want to get out on the highway sometime ... and stretch my legs!

I recently tried a Yamaha Scorpio 225, and in a short distance had it up to 100k in no time. I'm not sure what it would wind out to, but 100k was no problem.
Just wondering if it is a better bet ??
I saw a Honda 250CBF ? new, for about $7000 and thought that was a bit too much to pay, at twice the price of a new GN !! Do you get twice the bike ? I know Honda's are good ... but thought that was a bit OTT!

I'm selling a beastie 250cc cruiser v-twin that kicks asse at 120... and still not vibrating...check da trademe listing - :
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=103166038

got a dude coming to see it on wed tho..so might not have it long... good luck on your bike hunt-if it was me i'd be looking at getting any of the quicker 250's as you don't really ever want to be struggling to get to 100kph... how irritating :Punk:

[paddyrider]

I changed the back sprocket and now I can do 110 no problem at 5500revs. and 120 at 6 . Bit slow over the bombays. but 4th gear allways helps. PS I bought the bike from a reputable dealer. after getting my bike back after service I rate them as holeshite.

[Pancakes]

You run out of power with the taller gears tho and the best thing about bikes (for me) is the pick-up. I want to hear a story about gearing a Gnu down so it can only do 80 but will lift the front at 50! A really tall gear would be great for a commute on the salt flats and that about it.

There are no fast 250's when a 600 is a few dollars away.

[Lee Rusty]

Try to get an RG150 if you want a budget open road bike. GN250 is a fabulous bike to learn basic skills on and to commute through traffic but I would have serious worries about it's cornering ability and overtaking on the open road.

I did the Southern Cross road rally on a GN250 and Im a big bloke
the bike will cruise at 100kph and return good mileage - you can do anything on a GN250 you just have to sit on it a bit longer than the guy on a faster bike