Differences between GN250 & Volty

**klingon** · 28th January 2007, 22:17

I have a Suzuki Volty, which is basically the same as a GN250. But I'm gradually discovering some differences and I thought it might be useful to share them as I come across them.

My latest discovery is wheel size. My Volty still had its original tyre from 1995, so I decided to get a new one last week. To my surprise I found that the Volty has a 17" diameter rear wheel (I think the GN is 16").

The old tyre was a 120/80/17 whch is apparently pretty rare and gives you limited choices of brand etc. On the advice of Chris at Haldane's I replaced it with a 110/90/17. He reckons there's no disadvantage to the change, and the advantage is lots more choice.

So I replaced the hard old tyre with a Bridgestone Battleaxe. (I'm going to enjoy living up to the name.) For a minute there I was tempted to get a Pirelli, but changed my mind when I discovered that brolly boys don't come as standard. I would have rather enjoyed pointing out that my little Volty was riding on pirellis.

**Ixion** · 28th January 2007, 22:24

BT045? In fact, a 110 in place of a 120 should give you sharper handling with (on that bike) no real downside. I'd guess the GN had a small diameter fat tyre for the cruiser look.

**Crasherfromwayback** · 29th January 2007, 00:21

Your TU 250 is also Japanese built.....it's of a far higher quility than the latest GN 250's.

**Quartermile** · 29th January 2007, 12:08

Volty's are alot better than GN's for 3 reasons:

*They have more class in their look

*They aren't mass produced chineese rubbish

*And there aren't a thousand of then on the road!!!

**MidnightMike** · 29th January 2007, 12:54

Wasnt expecting that quartermile.

Voltys are far superior IMO.

**klingon** · 29th January 2007, 21:28

Originally Posted by Quatermile

Volty's are alot better than GN's for 3 reasons:

*They have more class in their look

*They aren't mass produced chineese rubbish

*And there aren't a thousand of then on the road!!!

Well... I couldn't possibly comment because of course I'm biased... but you're absolutely right! Voltys have that curvy retro style thing going on...

**klingon** · 29th January 2007, 21:34

Originally Posted by Ixion

BT045? In fact, a 110 in place of a 120 should give you sharper handling with (on that bike) no real downside. I'd guess the GN had a small diameter fat tyre for the cruiser look.

Yep, it's a BT045. And that's exactly what Chris said about the handling. She'll be a demon on the twisties now.

Originally Posted by Crasherfromwayback

Your TU 250 is also Japanese built.....it's of a far higher quility than the latest GN 250's.

I've been following some of the unfortunate stories of the de-chroming new GNs. I'd be so mad if I bought a new bike and it started doing that! The only sign of rust on the Volty was on the mirrors - which weren't original anyway. The rest of the chrome seems to be in really good nick.

So what other differences have you discovered, fellow Volty owners?

**MidnightMike** · 30th January 2007, 08:01

Adjustable rear supension. Do the GN's have that?

**Lissa** · 30th January 2007, 08:38

Originally Posted by MidnightMike

Adjustable rear supension. Do the GN's have that?

Yep mine does

I had a question... I have the standard GN Tyres that came with the bike when I brought her, should I replace these... (as I have been told they arent very good) and if so, what do I replace them with?

**MSTRS:Me** · 30th January 2007, 09:10

Originally Posted by Lissa

Yep mine does

I had a question... I have the standard GN Tyres that came with the bike when I brought her, should I replace these... (as I have been told they arent very good) and if so, what do I replace them with?

Yes you should. Will transform the handling and improve your confidence. 16" rear & 18" front??

**Lissa** · 30th January 2007, 10:07

Originally Posted by MSTRS

Yes you should. Will transform the handling and improve your confidence. 16" rear & 18" front??

Yea... I have NO confidence with my bike.. esp when its wet. I have no idea about what tyres to get, will go into my local bike shop and ask them I think. I am pretty bad at maintence as well, I havent even checked my tyre pressure... but will do this tonight.

**Crasherfromwayback** · 30th January 2007, 10:54

Originally Posted by Lissa

Yea... I have NO confidence with my bike.. esp when its wet. I have no idea about what tyres to get, will go into my local bike shop and ask them I think. I am pretty bad at maintence as well, I havent even checked my tyre pressure... but will do this tonight.

It's smacked bottom time for you Love!

Tyre pressures MUST be checked regularly.....low pressure make any bike handle like a wheel barrow with fucked wheel brgs......not safe!

**MidnightMike** · 30th January 2007, 12:00

Originally Posted by Crasherfromwayback

It's smacked bottom time for you Love!

Tyre pressures MUST be checked regularly.....low pressure make any bike handle like a wheel barrow with fucked wheel brgs......not safe!

SHIT anyone know what pressure the tyres on my bike should be, Ive never checked it

**Crasherfromwayback** · 30th January 2007, 12:10

Originally Posted by MidnightMike

SHIT anyone know what pressure the tyres on my bike should be, Ive never checked it

32/34 will be just fine for you mate

**Lissa** · 30th January 2007, 13:27

Originally Posted by Crasherfromwayback

It's smacked bottom time for you Love!

Tyre pressures MUST be checked regularly.....low pressure make any bike handle like a wheel barrow with fucked wheel brgs......not safe!

Ohhhhhhh Ive told off!

hehe. Ok checked my manual I think they are suppose to be 25/29 going to run out to the garage and TRY and check them now.... Thanks Pete!