Suzuki GN250 corrosion problems

**FCompston** · 6th July 2008, 13:40

I have a Suzuki GN250 that I purchased new August 2007. It is now less than a year old and has extensive corrosion on many parts.
It has been kept garaged and hadly ever ridden in the rain.
MR Motorcycles in Pukekohe is refusing to recify it.

I am taking it to the Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal.
To assist with my cliam in the Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal, I am putting together a list of people that have trouble with the Chinese made GN250.
Anyone with simillar corrosion problems, please e-mail your Name, address, phone, detail of the problem and photos if possible to FCompston@kol.co.nz and if I win the case, I can send you a copy of the ruling to help you get your bike fixed as well.

The bike is for sale on trademe and if it sells, it will come with the results from the tribunal so a new owner may be able to get the corroded parts replaced.

**CB ARGH** · 6th July 2008, 14:03

Originally Posted by FCompston

It doesn't look like the bike is going to last very long and that I will ahve wasted $3,600 on a new bike that will be worthless i n a few years!

Love to know where you brought it for so cheap from!

About the corrosion, I would point this towards lack of care. I sound like a hard arse, I know that, but it is up to YOU to keep the bike from corroding. It's just like buying a cresent from Mitre 10 and next year it rusts. Legal rights? I can imagine that you have none, as it is just casual "Wear and Tear", which could have been avoided in some way.

That's my point of view anyway. Others may differ.

**Taz** · 6th July 2008, 14:11

$3600 was retail for a GN250 including rego in 2007. Talk to your dealer first and if no joy there ring Suzuki New Zealand. I have heard that late model GN's are not made in Japan so quality might be dubious.

**Mom** · 6th July 2008, 14:17

Originally Posted by StClingin

I would point this towards lack of care. That's my point of view anyway. Others may differ.

I will take the opposite of that statement happily. These chinese GN's arrive with corrosion visible if you take the time to look closely. I had one of the same vintage, within weeks the screw tops on the headlight surround were going rusty! Easy fix, CRC is your friend. However, after a year or so there were pit marks showing rust on every bit of chrome on the bike. It was always immaculately maintained, garaged etc.

I saw one of the original GNs I sold back in the early 80's a few months ago. It is showing its age for certain, but the corrosion was not as bad as some of the new ones around. I remember talking to a chick at the Westpac ride 3 years ago, who complimented me on my bike. She warned me then about corrosion issues, she had managed to get stuff replaced under warrrantee as hers started rusting from day 1.

**fridayflash** · 6th July 2008, 14:30

yeah bloody tricky one! id say youd have no joy with warranty
as they all do it and its not the biggest disaster,just use belray 6in1
crc or wd40 to halt further corrosion

**HTFU** · 6th July 2008, 16:35

Take into the shop you got it from and get their opinion.

As for rust, yeah they get it but the motor block also gets corrosion so check that as well. My Kawasaki GPX has had lots more water on it and after a year not a spot of rust. Only paid $2500 more than the GN and both I got new so price is not an excuse for shit quality. GN looked like shit where as the gpx looks like new still.

**hayd3n** · 6th July 2008, 17:12

my fionce has the same problem all the rubber seals are perished exaust rusty structural welds rusty bolts rusting probably bearings next shitty tyres tooo might i add

**rainman** · 6th July 2008, 17:36

I had one of the Chinese GNs too and it also started to rust pretty quickly. I understand the warranty is not very useful or comprehensive, but I don't have the book with the details anymore as I sold the bike.

Although I have sympathy for your plight, the Chinese GNs are a case where caveat emptor is a useful thing to bear in mind...

**The Lone Rider** · 6th July 2008, 17:41

make sure you treat the rust ASAP by the way

i always try to towel down my bike after riding in the rain

**JimO** · 6th July 2008, 18:43

Originally Posted by hayd3n

my fionce has the same problem all the rubber seals are perished exaust rusty structural welds rusty bolts rusting probably bearings next shitty tyres tooo might i add

you should get her a VTR 250 mate

**howdamnhard** · 6th July 2008, 19:03

Yes unfortuneately the Chinese built GNś have thin paint,lacquer and chrome.Mines a 06´ and would be a pile of rust now except that I keep it coated in WD40/CRC or any other rust inhibitor. I use mine everyday for commutting,often in the rain.Give it a clean once a month (also helps you spot any potential problems before they might become an issue).You don´t have to always use water,a simple wipe down with WD40 on a clothe works well.Use silicon spray on the plastics and rubber(DO NOT spray anything slippery on seat and controls as it will make them to slippery).You can use silicon on everthing else though after you´ve cleaned it.It repels the water and helps to keep it clean.
None of this helps now,but the sooner you start the better.Take the bike back to the dealer and complain,who knows you may have some joy.

**hayd3n** · 6th July 2008, 19:03

well i did offer it to her first but i need the cash for the next bike

**hayd3n** · 6th July 2008, 19:07

well i did offer it to her first but i need the cash for the next bike
shes getting he gn repaired 1700 because some silly cage reversed into it!! when she was parked in a motorcycle park!! maybe insurence will pay out as it is half the original price
repair are as follows
front mudguard
2 rhs indicators
muffler
throttle grip
handlebar
rhs mirror
master cylinder
and a brake leaver
we are pleased someone got their rego!!!

**howdamnhard** · 6th July 2008, 19:08

Originally Posted by hayd3n

my fionce has the same problem all the rubber seals are perished exaust rusty structural welds rusty bolts rusting probably bearings next shitty tyres tooo might i add

First thing I did was replace the tyres ,it´s the only thing between you and the road.Lousy tyres are a false economy especially when your replacing parts of your bike after you binned it because of shitty tyres.