Rider Review: 2000 Suzuki GZ250

Submitted by: CNY Pete

I'll do the best I can on this review. I'm sure that all you talented folks out there will give me a break on the style...

Getting back into riding after many years, I was looking for a lightweight inexpensive bike to get in some practice. The GZ-250 fit the bill for me. Ideal for the short ride (8 miles) to work with short 55 mph areas, mostly 45-30 mph. I've had it up to 65, and it wasn't uncomfortable, but it is a light bike and reminds you of that fact when passing trucks going the other direction on the two lane. A bit of vibration throught the pegs at speed too.

I am not uncomfortable on it at 5-11 250lbs. My wife rides the GZ too.

Not a bad looking bike, and easy to maneuver, but I would not recommend a steady diet of riding on the interstate. The single cylinder does perform better once there are some miles on it though.

It is a confidence builder, and ok for the short hauls. I will answer any questions I can.

Here's some specs I copied over:

GZ250
M.S.R.P.: $2,999
Engine: 249cc, 4-stroke, SOHC, single cylinder, TDCC (Twin Dome Combustion Chamber)
Displacement: 249cc
Bore x Stroke: 72.0 X 61.2 mm
Compression Ratio: 9.0:1
Carburetion: Mikuni BSR32SS
Ignition: Digital /Transistorized
Transmission: 5-speed
Final Drive: #520 O-ring chain
Suspension: Front: Telescopic, oil damped.
Rear: Twin shock, 5-way adjustable preload
Brakes: Front: Single hydraulic disc
Rear: Mechanical drum
Tires: Front: 110/90-16 59P
Rear: 130/90-15 66P
Length: 85.0" Width: 32.1" Height: 42.9"
Wheelbase: 57.1" Ground Clearance: 4.9"
Seat Height: 27.8" Dry Weight: 302 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 3.7 gal

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