Will long distance travel be feasible on my new GN250 learners bike?

[FJRider]

Fair call. I will look for some. May put a little extra padding under it to.

A piece of closed cell matting (camping sleeping mat type) does wonders.

[GrayWolf]

Hi there, I recently purchased a Suzuki GN250 2007 that has done 23,000 KM.
This is my first 250 motorbike and I decided to get it instead of the Yamaha Scorpio 225 because I prefer the cruiser style and it looks like it may be more comfortable during longer trips.
People keep telling me that the GN250 is not suitable for long distance trips though, due to it becoming slightly uncomfortable to ride when reaching speeds over 100kmph and also because you will be stuck at this speed on open roads which is awkward.

But surely If I have the ambition and patience, is the suzuki GN250 capable of long distance trips of around 4 hours? (Auckland to Rotorua for example) Sure it wont be a luxurious ride like a heavy 650cc cruiser, I understand this but I cant see much of an issue with riding my 250cc to enjoy the scenery. Perhaps Il just have to stop more often to stretch my legs?
Anyone had any interesting experiences with first bikes on long distance trips? Any unexpected issues or inconveniences?

Thanks

my partner has a GN....
They will do distances fine, as long as you dont push it. I found that it is most comfortable (engine feel and noise) at 90kph, but they will do 100 fine. Top speed is about 130, so that 10kph does make a bit of difference in engine comfort... As suggested, take regular breaks and fill up with gas AND food/coffee each tankfull. sheepskins are great, even better if you go to a camping shop and buy a thin 'high density foam' ground matress for under a sleeping bag and cut a couple of layers to glue under the sheepskin costs about 15 bucks..... . We did this for long distance on my FJ1200 and her GN,, comfort levels were amazingly improved over several hundred km's.

[blackdog]

Pretty sure Leber did a 1000km challenge on his 250 Hyo within a fortnight of owning it.

Fuck the knockers, just do it.

[Gremlin]

Look after it and it will look after you. Yes, they will do long distance just keep the chain lubed, oil topped up etc etc. Takes a bit longer to get anywhere, but my mate rode his to Christchurch and back, plus riding around the South Island.

[Bass]

My wife has done Porangahau to Papakura on her GN - 500km. Left 1000, arrived 1700. Several stops, no sweat.

She caned it mercilessly but - large chunks of the Napier Taupo road in 4th at about 7000 rpm into a stiff head wind.

Cruelty to dumb motorcycles. Still, it's only a GN so who cares?

[baffa]

Not my choice of wheels, but anything bigger than a postie bike can handle a roadtrip.
Only thing I would suggest over and above what everyone else has said is checking whether your insurance (assuming you have some) has some sort of breakdown cover.

[Jantar]

As already mentioned: keep the chain oiled; stop every 200 km or so for fuel (both for you and the bike); enjoy the ride.

The wee GN is way under rated and it will certainly do any length of road trip you wish.

[phill-k]

It will do long distance travelling perfectly fine.

It may well take longer to get there than other bikes - but who cares?

Especially if you are still alive

[Normandy]

Thanks for the information.
Next question: What should be expected to pay for a GN250 2007 thats done 23000 kms? Over $2500 for good condition?
Iil try get my moneys worth out of it

[GrayWolf]

Thanks for the information.
Next question: What should be expected to pay for a GN250 2007 thats done 23000 kms? Over $2500 for good condition?
Iil try get my moneys worth out of it

bit late to ask if you've already bought it.... the new (chinese built) Ginnie's the chrome etc is not as good a the original suzuk stuff, but the motors seem about the same,,,,,, enjoy, you may even decide to keep her as a commuter, run around when you get to upsize.

[fergie]

wife paid 2k for hers. an 05 model .Great bikes,look after it (oil,lube etc) and it will give many hours of faithfull service.
Just remember its a GN 250, not a gsxr!. ride it accordingly.

[awa355]

Hi there, I recently purchased a Suzuki GN250 2007 that has done 23,000 KM.
This is my first 250 motorbike and I decided to get it instead of the Yamaha Scorpio 225 because I prefer the cruiser style and it looks like it may be more comfortable during longer trips.
People keep telling me that the GN250 is not suitable for long distance trips though, due to it becoming slightly uncomfortable to ride when reaching speeds over 100kmph and also because you will be stuck at this speed on open roads which is awkward.

But surely If I have the ambition and patience, is the suzuki GN250 capable of long distance trips of around 4 hours? (Auckland to Rotorua for example) Sure it wont be a luxurious ride like a heavy 650cc cruiser, I understand this but I cant see much of an issue with riding my 250cc to enjoy the scenery. Perhaps Il just have to stop more often to stretch my legs?
Anyone had any interesting experiences with first bikes on long distance trips? Any unexpected issues or inconveniences?

Thanks

Mate, You're riding a 2007 model bike down a sealed highway. It all comes down to attitude..

I've done the north island on a GN 250 back in the early 80's. Before that, It was riding a Yamaha CT1 175 ( 11hp ), did quite a few long trips on that, early 70's. 80kph was the norm for highway running. If your bike is in good nick, you will only be limited by your attitude.

[Zapf]

Hi there, I recently purchased a Suzuki GN250 2007 that has done 23,000 KM.
This is my first 250 motorbike and I decided to get it instead of the Yamaha Scorpio 225 because I prefer the cruiser style and it looks like it may be more comfortable during longer trips.

Thanks

1. What make / model tires and does it have good tread? Also get yourself a puncture repair kit and read the instructions before you pack it away in the bike.

2. Check that your headlight is aligned properly and has a good bright bulb.

3. Know your tank range

4. Dress warm

5. Know your tire pressures / change them up or down from factory by a few psi and see if it makes a good difference

6. What happens if you need help?

7. and the above re chain in good condition and properly oiled.

ps. upgrade to a VTR250 when you can

[winston]

Hi there, I recently purchased a Suzuki GN250 2007 that has done 23,000 KM.
This is my first 250 motorbike and I decided to get it instead of the Yamaha Scorpio 225 because I prefer the cruiser style and it looks like it may be more comfortable during longer trips.
People keep telling me that the GN250 is not suitable for long distance trips though, due to it becoming slightly uncomfortable to ride when reaching speeds over 100kmph and also because you will be stuck at this speed on open roads which is awkward.

But surely If I have the ambition and patience, is the suzuki GN250 capable of long distance trips of around 4 hours? (Auckland to Rotorua for example) Sure it wont be a luxurious ride like a heavy 650cc cruiser, I understand this but I cant see much of an issue with riding my 250cc to enjoy the scenery. Perhaps Il just have to stop more often to stretch my legs?
Anyone had any interesting experiences with first bikes on long distance trips? Any unexpected issues or inconveniences?

Thanks

I got the scorpio and i ride it to turangi from wellington every weekend. it goes choice but i get blon aroun in the wind a bit and i cant quite get there on a tank of gas, and resrve does not get you from wiberia to turangi you only get to the second passing lane.

[GSF]

It sure will mate, not as quick as some other bikes but you will still have fun!

Here is a story from Gareth Morgan's bike adventures in the USA that I think is great. You don't need a big-displacement bike to go travelling long distances.

"Two days ago in Fairbanks we were just leaving Fairbanks Honda and a chap in oilskins rides up on a 1980 Yamaha AG200 with a duffel bungied to the back – a bike commonly known in NZ as the Grasshopper. This is a bike designed for farmers doing their lambing – and not sold in the US at all. And its a 2 stroke – so you have to stop and mix oil with the petrol along the way.

A sprightly fellow gets off and Roger commences the normal exchange of where are you from, where are you headed? The rider was Arthur from Adelaide. On a whim he had shipped his farm bike to Terra Del Fuego at the Southern tip of South America 4 months ago and commenced to head for Prudhoe with nothing more specialised than a big piece of perspex wired to the front of the Ag bike and a pup tent. Now he was within striking distance of his goal – the Arctic Sea.

And what did he plan to do afterwards – ship the bike home of course – after all he’d paid $500 Australian for it. He planned to have it mounted in his lounge.

One last thing – Arthur is 80. “I reckoned I’d better get on and do this ride before I get too old” he said in a restrained Australian drawl."