GN250 economy vs car

**2sams** · 4th September 2005, 12:50

Hi all,
Looking at getting the GN250 for daily use (approx 80km) road trip. It is all open road with about 3 stops, Dunsandel to airport.
Q: Would getting the GN250 be an economical option as my Caldina doing about 15km/L?
Don't mind the cold and a bit of rain, am 95-105kg and about 6ft2 if that makes any difference to its economic ability!

Any advice would be a great help, thanks.

**Jeremy** · 4th September 2005, 13:09

My GN250 just got 130km for $8.33 = 15km/$1. And that was all short trips this week.

**Jantar** · 4th September 2005, 13:10

Welcome 2Sams,

The GN250 is a very economical bike, and will certainly use a lot less fuel than your Caldina. My GS1200SS uses less fuel than your car, and the GN is much much more economical. The costs that will jump out at you unexpectedly though are registration and insurance. Both items are so much dearer than for a car. yet the GN250's low fuel consumption will make up for those other items.

**zeRax** · 4th September 2005, 14:37

why bother with insurance on anything but an expensive bike?

**sunhuntin** · 4th September 2005, 17:51

my gn takes roughly $10 gas a week. thats using her as sole transport [no car] and riding at 80k at least once a day. not sure how long the ride is km wise, but usually spend about an hour or two a day on her.

**froggyfrenchman** · 4th September 2005, 18:00

gn = good. car = bad

**Bonez** · 4th September 2005, 19:33

Originally Posted by zeRax

why bother with insurance on anything but an expensive bike?

A minimum of third party insurance is a good thing. Should be compulsary upon reregestering any vehicle.

**2sams** · 4th September 2005, 20:23

Thanks to those who replied, appreciated the comments and advice. My hubby and I are chewing it over and any other comments and advice are welcome. Anyone heard what the Yamaha virago 250 is like, compared to the GN250? Also had a look at the Suzuki GZ250 and it seemed more comfortable to ride for a cruiser, any thoughts? Sorry to bombarde you with questions but the best advice comes from those who have been there done that!
Kia ora

**sels1** · 4th September 2005, 20:56

Best thing is to go around a few bike shops and sit on and test ride a few bikes to find one that "feels" right for you. If you are tall you may find the GN a little cramped, but there are other 250s that have larger frame layout. Any 250 will be way more economical than a car.
Welcome to the site btw

**skelstar** · 4th September 2005, 21:32

Real world figures. I have a Hyosung 250 that, when I was running it in, was getting 30km/litre. Now its around 23-26 km/l (hooning more now). My bikes a more powerful (bit more) v-twin which I am assuming uses a bit more gas.

**thehollowmen** · 5th September 2005, 08:05

open road on a GN250, I did Dunedin to christchurch on $12 at the start of the year, couldn't beleive it but verified it on the way back.

You'll probably get less than that because of a bit more 'urban' value. I got 250 km until reserve (8L) around town.. so upwards of that.

But have a look at a slightly 'larger' or sportier 250 for a bit of fun ;-) The GNs get small fast.

**2sams** · 5th September 2005, 13:29

...some great info there guys n' gals. Thanks alot and keep it coming if you don't mind. It's certainly pushing us towards the m/bike's side of the fence. We do have a wee run about so we won't be completely carless. We could of course get rid of that and keep the Caldina! BTW hubby's a short-arse so we'll keep with the GN250 or there abouts. I don't mind the crouch for half an hour or so either. Will be doing the "Ride Rite" course as soon as we get some time up our sleeves...any tips?

**madboy** · 5th September 2005, 13:55

I've never owned anything as slow as a GN, but I have ridden a loaner on. I'd be a bit concerned about the open road on such a gutless bike. Hey, don't let me put you off, I'm coming at it from the angle that with your size you'll probably be pushing the bike fairly hard to ride at the speed limit, with bugger all left in case you need to bust out a quick passing move or something.

My partner has a GSX250 for a while, gutless too but at least capable of open road cruising without undue stress.

Mileage on my 636 is generally around 6 or 7 litres/100k, which is 14-17kms/litre. And I wouldn't win any economy runs on the road.

**Magua** · 5th September 2005, 14:16

Originally Posted by Jantar

Welcome 2Sams,

The GN250 is a very economical bike, and will certainly use a lot less fuel than your Caldina. My GS1200SS uses less fuel than your car, and the GN is much much more economical. The costs that will jump out at you unexpectedly though are registration and insurance. Both items are so much dearer than for a car. yet the GN250's low fuel consumption will make up for those other items.

Insurance should be pathetic for a gn. I pay $21 for full insurance, 45 hp vs gns 17, bikes insured for $1600.