VL250 owners - help please with buying one

**JacksColdSweat** · 21st January 2009, 18:07

Hi all

Really wanting to get one of these (so much so my profile says I already have one)

Test drove one today tho, my first, and I thought the throttle was sticky. I'm very much a newbie to bikes. I'm on my learners and I've never owned one.

I found that I could not easily start off because that with the first squeeze of the throttle it would just catch and I would, well, bunnyhop a little

I am new, I am hamfisted while my confidence builds, but I tried many starts and just could not get it smooth - it was like a jump from idle to 1500RPM - and only at that first position - beyond that she was sweet!

So can I ask the owner's: Is that a characteristic of the bike would you say - or just the one I rode

I know that's a subjective question - but any thoughts appreciated

**retro asian** · 21st January 2009, 22:23

Maybe need a bit more practice with throttle and clutch control?

**JacksColdSweat** · 22nd January 2009, 06:21

Hey RetroAsian,

Thanks for taking a moment

yeah I do think that's probably the case, and I will ride another to make sure

Thinking about it overnight I was probably being a little shy on the throttle. I had the clutch down sweet for all the other gears - and it was a beautifully straight bike and very different to the knackered GN125 I learned on - so I guess problem occurred between the throttle and the seat...

**jrandom** · 22nd January 2009, 06:44

Originally Posted by JacksColdSweat

first squeeze of the throttle...

That might be the problem?

Good throttle control requires a light touch. Let your hand rest gently on it, don't wrap it around tightly. Hold the throttle just firmly enough in the hollow between your thumb and forefinger that you can roll it back and forth.

Clutch control is important, too, and it takes everyone a few minutes to get used to a new bike's clutch and throttle. We all tend to bunnyhop a little when taking off on a bike we haven't ridden before!

And, welcome to the forum. VL250s are great bikes.

**1 Free Man** · 22nd January 2009, 06:48

Originally Posted by JacksColdSweat

Hi all

Really wanting to get one of these (so much so my profile says I already have one)

Test drove one today tho, my first, and I thought the throttle was sticky. I'm very much a newbie to bikes. I'm on my learners and I've never owned one.

I found that I could not easily start off because that with the first squeeze of the throttle it would just catch and I would, well, bunnyhop a little

I am new, I am hamfisted while my confidence builds, but I tried many starts and just could not get it smooth - it was like a jump from idle to 1500RPM - and only at that first position - beyond that she was sweet!

So can I ask the owner's: Is that a characteristic of the bike would you say - or just the one I rode

I know that's a subjective question - but any thoughts appreciated

Hey there J C S. Yes you will find the throttle a bit lurchy and it can be embarrassing specially when you trying to look cool on takeoff and such like. LOL. It's all in the twist of the wrist. Slow it down a little and try and keep it smooth. I find getting out of first gear as soon as you can helps as well. Don't be put off the VL is a great little scoot.
Was going to sell mine when I go onto my S83 but I am going to keep it now just for the fun of it. You will also find getting it into neutral can be a bitch at times but just be patient.

**JacksColdSweat** · 22nd January 2009, 07:14

Thanks 1 Free Man

Yeah I did struggle to get that bike into neutral. I found it would slip into neutral on the way down from 2nd but I thought you were sposed to go a half click up from 1st? Wouldn't do it for me... but then I knew that was mostly me...

Thanks heaps for taking the time - and you too jrandom - appreciate the advice and I will practice it

I guess I'll have to get the bike home and just take my time with it

I was definitely not put off by the bike - man what a nice ride: light, low c.o.g. real confidence inspiring bike for a newbie like me - prolly a little short in the legs but that's also a good thing for a learner.

**1 Free Man** · 22nd January 2009, 21:31

Your welcome JCS. At 36 ya just a wipper snapper. I was 55 when I got my VL. First motorbike ever for me. Now I can't keep my ass of the fuck'n thing. Any excuse to ride anywhere at any time. You will grow into it very quickly. The need for more speed will come on you very shortly, but in the mean time have ball on ya little scoot.
Shiny side up.

**stanleychung** · 30th January 2009, 12:27

Hi JCS, I purchased my VL back in Nov 08. Haven't looked back since. They are an incredibly forgiving bike when you are learning. It does everything in such a linear way, it doesnt give you any nasty surprises when you are trying out new things or riding in very demanding conditions.

I've just passed the initial run in kms on mine as per the owners manual (1,600kms) and the motor has really got some legs now and its an ever increasing pleasure to throw from corner to corner.

I've found the upgright riding position really comfortable and I must say compared to the other 250 crusiers I've considered, the VL makes the best noise.

I too find neutral when coming down from 2nd half click. I'm used to the half shift to that point now every time im slowing down at the lights.

There is a lot of VL riders on Kiwibiker. Many of them will vouch for the bullet proof build quality of the Suzuki. So best of luck on your purchase decision.

Whatever you buy you will love it anyway. Ride safe

**Owl** · 30th January 2009, 15:41

My partner has had her VL nearly 4 weeks. I'm not sure about her, but I really like it.

She's having a bit of trouble taking off, though I think she just needs to get used to it. I have no trouble at all and think it's a great little bike!

**The Stranger:Me** · 30th January 2009, 15:54

JRandom knows his shit. However, whilst you are getting used to throttle control, perhaps you could try something and see if it helps you. Try rolling the throttle between your thumb and fingers, not moving your wrist as such to twist the throttle.

**Headbanger** · 30th January 2009, 23:03

Ignore your hand, listen to and feel the engine, Thats what you need to be in tune with, not thinking about your extremities.

You don't think about your foot when you change gear do you?, You just do it.

**JacksColdSweat** · 31st January 2009, 20:53

Woah! I see this thread has lit up again - thanks to everyone for the tips and advice. I've gone ahead and bought one (sight unseen - gulp!) and it's on it's way here from Hawkes Bay - prolly Monday or Tuesday I reckon.

Damn, I'm excited!

So soon enough I better get used to it - cos it's what I'll be riding!

cheers all!

**Blossom** · 31st January 2009, 21:02

Congrats on the purchase. Great bike.
Mine was a little sticky in the clutch and again after its first service but only took about a week to smooth out. I think it was a combination of new bike and new rider (husband didn't find it lurchy at all but he rides death on wheels rf900, so is used to sensitive throttle and clutch) So his opinion obviously doesnt count...

Enjoy your new ride. Lifestyle imports to a nice leather saddlebag too if your in need.

**muman** · 31st January 2009, 21:33

Hey congrats on the purchase, as ya can see I'm new here too and only recently got my Intruder but am loving it to bits. Finding any excuse to get out there, never been up the road to the shops so many times in one day haha, and making the most of this weather whilst it's good, I know eventually I'll have to face the wind and rain (was taking the car on rainy days

) But by the time winter comes around my butt imprint on my Intruder should be quite permanent.
Have fun out there and ride safe!!

**JacksColdSweat** · 3rd February 2009, 15:55

I am like a five year old!

My VL250 arrived in Penrose today and I went and picked it up and rode it home to the Shore

Pretty nerve wracking on the bridge when the full force of the wind hit me but I got over in one piece and it's now parked out the front (out of sight from the road) and calling to me to take it for another ride!

Put the 12 month old on and she loves it too... she looks pretty mean stretched out holding one handlebar from the seat...

Had none of the throttle and starting issues I mentioned during the ride home and I practiced rolling the throttle which seemed really simple - I'm pretty sure the other one needed the cable lubricated - it only had 640k on the clock and was probably just a bit new

I absolutely love it from the noise it makes to the way the wind threatens to push you off the back once you open it up!

I'm going outside to behold it's loveliness some more....