I
have owned the GZ250 for a little over two years now and have
ridden it about 15,000 miles. The bike, a 2000 model, was purchased
used with about 7,000 miles on the clock. The odometer now reads
22,500 miles. Longest single trip I've taken on the little bike
has been 1,600 miles.
In
my opinion the GZ250 is certainly a worthy member of the 250cc
"entry level" class. Its performance is probably only
exceeded by the Kawasaki Ninja 250, and the new Alpha 250. At
20 Hp it is rated equal to the Virago 250, and about 2 Hp more
than the Rebel and Nighthawk 250. I also own a Rebel 250 and
must say, that I can't tell much difference in acceleration
or top end between the two bikes, though. Both top out a little
above 80 mph with me on them. The GZ seems to be geared a little
higher though, and you'll probably downshift more frequently.
The
GZ250 uses the same single cylinder engine as the GN250 that
came out in the early eighties. In my experience it has been
a dependable engine with only routine maintenance and oil changes.
It has a 4-valve head and an internal balance shaft - neither
of which Suzuki mentions in their literature. As a matter of
fact, they (Suzuki) erroneously state that it is a 2-valve engine.
And this web site erroneously states that it's "underpowered"
compared to the other 250s. On paper and in-fact, neither of
these statements are true.
Since
the GZ250 is a single cylinder bike, nicknamed a "thumper",
while most of its competition are 2-cylinders bikes, I can see
how it might be perceive as slower or less capable in performance
than its competition. It just doesn't produce that pleasant
whine or smooth power delivery that in-line twins produce, or
that pleasant rumble that V-twins produce. But it does produces
a sound all its own that some people find unique.
The
balance shaft makes this engine relative smooth for a thumper,
it's actually less buzzy at certain speeds (less vibration)
than the Rebel. Although the sound it produces is never as pleasant,
to most, as the 2-cylinder bikes.
The
GZ250, although it weighs the same as the Rebel, has a larger
frame and is a better fit for many average sized people. But
the GZ feels larger and less nimble than the Rebel, probably
due in part to it's much larger (fatter) front wheel.
If
traveling on the GZ250, I'd recommend the factory sissybar/luggage
rack combination. The fenders and much of the body are plastic,
and the sissybar/luggage rack will provide additional options
for tying stuff down. It has a very nice halogen head light,
and a removable seat that unlocks with the ignition key, with
a small storage area underneath and tabs to lock 2 helmets down.
In
conclusion I'd say the GZ250 is a nice little bike for those
who don't mind riding a "thumper" cruiser. In fact,
this makes the GZ250 along with its larger brother the Savage
650, unique in the world of small cruisers.
A
little about me...
I
grew up riding a dirt bike in the 70's but have only been a
legal "street rider" after having passed the MSF course
about 3 years ago. With around 20,000 street miles of experience,
I still consider myself a beginner.
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Rider
Review: 2000 Suzuki GZ250