GN250 revisited - (or have I started something?)

[Jantar]

With a trip to Rarotonga pending, it was time to borrow the Club's GN250 and take my wife through some basic handling skills.

As I had booked the VStrom in for a service today was ideal to bring home the wee 250 and allow Paulette to overcome her nerves. First thing was to reaquaint myself with this wee learners bike. I was following a car along Manuherikia Rd at 80 km and thought "this is boring" so I opened the throttle to pass. OK, the noise changed, but it didn't go any faster. I must remember this only has 14 HP not 100 HP . So change down a gear and past I went.

Once I got the bike home Paulette nervously put on her jacket, helmet and gloves and hopped on the bike. She last rode a motorbike 28 years ago and was expecting to be quite rusty. I showed her how to kick up the sidestand, and the magic button that starts the engine (she was looking for a kick start lever) then off she went for her first practice. 9km of gravel driveway later she stopped back in front of the house with a big grin on her face.

Next we headed off to Alexandra airport where I set up some cones on the hanger apron so she could practice slow riding, use of indicators and correct use of the front brake.

She isn't ready to ride in traffic just yet, but already she is making noises that maybe I should buy a smaller bike as a commuter, one that she can ride too.

[hayd3n]

With a trip to Rarotonga pending, it was time to borrow the Club's GN250 and take my wife through some basic handling skills.

As I had booked the VStrom in for a service today was ideal to bring home the wee 250 and allow Paulette to overcome her nerves. First thing was to reaquaint myself with this wee learners bike. I was following a car along Manuherikia Rd at 80 km and thought "this is boring" so I opened the throttle to pass. OK, the noise changed, but it didn't go any faster. I must remember this only has 14 HP not 100 HP . So change down a gear and past I went.

Once I got the bike home Paulette nervously put on her jacket, helmet and gloves and hopped on the bike. She last rode a motorbike 28 years ago and was expecting to be quite rusty. I showed her how to kick up the sidestand, and the magic button that starts the engine (she was looking for a kick start lever) then off she went for her first practice. 9km of gravel driveway later she stopped back in front of the house with a big grin on her face.

Next we headed off to Alexandra airport where I set up some cones on the hanger apron so she could practice slow riding, use of indicators and correct use of the front brake.

She isn't ready to ride in traffic just yet, but already she is making noises that maybe I should buy a smaller bike as a commuter, one that she can ride too.

i has a 88xl250 will see how it lasts the winter
and yay mrs jantar on a motorbike wahoo!!!

[tigertim20]

definitely get her a bike, but for the love of christ, not a GN, there are way better learner bikes out there.

[Jantar]

definitely get her a bike, but for the love of christ, not a GN, there are way better learner bikes out there.

No Tim, it won't be a GN. Any second bike I buy will have to do me as a commuter and be capable of some off road riding as well. Maybe a 185ER or similar.

However if it was just as a learner bike and no other purpose then a GN or a Scorpio is just perfect.

[Kickaha]

there are way better learner bikes out there.

Not very many and the only thing they really need is a change of handlebars

[FJRider]

An older road legal farm type bike (they do have comfy seats) ... with trials tyres may be the go. Ideal (and fun) for taking hay out to the horses.

[tigertim20]

Not very many and the only thing they really need is a change of handlebars

I guess we agree to disagree then!!
I have always felt that the GN was massively over rated as a learners bike, there are lots of bikes out there that (in my opinion) are superior bikes, and I will omit sports orientated bikes since i know not everyone likes them, but a DR, DRZ, XL, XR, ER, VT, VTR, Virago, Id probably put a GT250 above the Gn too (not by much) old school GPX, thats just off the top of my head, Im sure I could find more when Im sober, but there are lots of options out there, people just need to think outside the box.
The new system allowing larger capacity will also provide even more options, which will be especially good for people like jantar who love dual purpose, as the optios will open up by a fair way.

[Fast Eddie]

I learnt on a penny farthing. Wouldn't rate that one..

[DODO``]

suzuki volty tu250 is another good chick bike

[nzspokes]

I think Blueriders Scorpio is about to hit the market, shes good on it being serviced etc all the time. Its a good bike.

[mossy1200]

I guess we agree to disagree then!!
I have always felt that the GN was massively over rated as a learners bike, there are lots of bikes out there that (in my opinion) are superior bikes, and I will omit sports orientated bikes since i know not everyone likes them, but a DR, DRZ, XL, XR, ER, VT, VTR, Virago, Id probably put a GT250 above the Gn too (not by much) old school GPX, thats just off the top of my head, Im sure I could find more when Im sober, but there are lots of options out there, people just need to think outside the box.
The new system allowing larger capacity will also provide even more options, which will be especially good for people like jantar who love dual purpose, as the optios will open up by a fair way.

+1
I did up a gn to resell and I found it harder to ride due to the custom set up. Think a bike where your leaning forward a little is easier to control. Maybe its because im 6foot4. Scorp would be ideal if you didnt want the performance of a screamer.

[Ender EnZed]

I have always felt that the GN was massively over rated as a learners bike, there are lots of bikes out there that (in my opinion) are superior bikes, and I will omit sports orientated bikes since i know not everyone likes them, but a DR, DRZ, XL, XR, ER, VT, VTR, Virago, Id probably put a GT250 above the Gn too (not by much) old school GPX, thats just off the top of my head, Im sure I could find more when Im sober, but there are lots of options out there, people just need to think outside the box.

All other things being equal, as a model of motorcycle those are all better bikes, no question. But none of them are as plentiful and cheap as GNs have been since Suzuki saturated the market with their 3 grand Chinese built commuter. For someone with the desire to actually ride a bike as recreational activity and the money to buy what they really want then a GN is a shit choice. However, there are plenty of people who spimply won't appreciate other bikes' advantages over the GN, but will appreciate it's cost of purchase and use. A Scorpio is better, but not by so much as to override the market at the time of purchase.

Basically, lots of people have bought GN250s and been very happy with them. There's nothing wrong with that. I think people (n00bs) should buy what they afford to ride rather than what they can afford to own.

[Mrs Shrek]

Go Paulette


+1 for the TU 250

[Jantar]

We borrowed the GN250 again today for another practice, and probably somewhere around Xmas I will buy a learners bike for Paulette. I think a DR650 or similar would be a good choice.

[scumdog]

We borrowed the GN250 again today for another practice, and probably somewhere around Xmas I will buy a learners bike for Paulette. I think a DR650 or similar would be a good choice.

Good shit Malcolm, nice that your lady can be riding with you eh!