GZ250 vs VL250?

[Tixylix]

Hi there, I am in the process of purchasing my first bike. I'm keen on a cruiser and willing to spend around the 5k mark.

Can someone please explain the difference between the Suzuki GZ250 and the VL250 for me please.

Apologies for my ignorance...

[Virago]

Welcome to the site.

The main difference is the motor. The GZ250 is a single-cylinder, the VL250 is a V-twin.

The GZ250 is a commuter bike with cruiser styling, the VL250 is a far superior machine. The $2,000 price difference between them reflects the differences - you get what you pay for.

Look also at the Yamaha XV250, and the Hyosung GV250.

[Pussy]

The GZ is a single cylinder powered bike, the VL is a V-twin.
If you can, go for a VL. They're a lot better bike.
You're not ignorant.... you don't know if you don't ask!

[Tixylix]

Thanks guys...

Any other bikes you can recommend me take a look at?

[Virago]

...Any other bikes you can recommend me take a look at?

See my post above.

There's not a huge range of 250cc cruisers being produced now. Honda and Kawasaki don't do one, but the older Honda Magna 250 is worth a look.

[Griffin]

Original question answered... as for your query on other bikes to look at, check out the Yamaha XVS250 (Note the difference between that and previous suggestion of XV250). It is an awesome beginners cruiser and really looks much bigger. I started on one and loved it.

[hellokitty]

Hi there, I am in the process of purchasing my first bike. I'm keen on a cruiser and willing to spend around the 5k mark.

Can someone please explain the difference between the Suzuki GZ250 and the VL250 for me please.

Apologies for my ignorance...

Hi, I would go for the VL250. I have had one and I loved it - a perfect learner bike!
I learnt on a GN250 which I outgrew very quickly - I was told that the GZ250 is the "replacement model" for this bike. Good to learn on but soon becomes very boring.
The VL250 intruder is so much more fun - faster without being scary, and very easy to ride. Plus they look so much cooler! I loved mine and was sad to see it go, but I upgraded to a 750cc.

[LoweRider]

I've owned a gz250 then upgraded to a vl250 and have never been happier... Go for the vl250 it leaves the gz for dust in every way!

[The Lone Rider]

Anyone ask how tall and how heavy you are?

If you are 6 foot and up for example, you won't want to ride a Virago.

On the other hand, if you are smaller the VT250C Magna may be to heavy for you while you're learning.

[Tigadee]

The GZ250 is smaller than the VL250, if memory serves me right. I think the GZ250 is basically (and is rather basic) a GN250 in cruiser clothing.

Depends on what size you are, as Lone Rider mentioned. If you're close to 6' like me (I'm 6' 1"), then the Honda VT250c aka 250 Magna, Kymco Venox and Hyosung GV250 would be more for you. I've heard too that the Intruder is a nice sized bike for the larger person.

If you're a wee person, then the GZ250, Lifan 250, Arrow 250 and Honda Rebel would be more suitable.

Not sure where the new Kawasaki EL250 Eliminator sits in terms of size, but it is a beautiful beast and thought I'd mention it...

[GrayWolf]

I was going to mention the Vennox and the Hyo 'Aquillia' GV250 as alternatives. The GZ is a GN 250 in cruiser clothes as suggested, and there is nothing wrong with a GN as a learner or as a good 'work commuting' hack. It is an easy going bike BUT you will 'outgrow' its abilities if you want to ride the open road over any real distances. The twins, V or parallel are a better bet for that. In 'real terms' performance is better than a GN, but probably only 20-25kph in the top speed dept. That does make a difference in cruising speed and any overtaking manouvers. Fuel economy wont be staggeringly different between them as 250 cruisers are quite frugal generaly.

Best thing is try riding them, or at the least sitting on them in shops etc and see what feels 'right' for touching the ground with BOTH feet, the reach to the bars and footpegs etc. Take your time, do not rush, or BE rushed by any seller.

[Newbi]

Go for the VL250, That's what I've got and I love it.