Newbie Rider

evil_hero · 07-16-2012, 05:41 PM

I should have used that as my screen name HAHA.
I have ridden small 125 dirt bikes for a few years. I have always wanted a bike, and decided to get me a road bike. After reading countless articles on wether to go with a 600 or a 250, I found a great deal on a 2003 gz250...only 3k miles! Just got it last saturday.So far the ride home, and the few times around the block, I really like it. I'm glad I went with a smaller 250 for now, until I get used to riding more.

It needed the front pads replaced so I just did that. Just wondering what else should I check? Also the left grip is broken, where is a good place to find parts for these bikes?

Thanks guys, and I look forward to reading more around these parts.

Alo82 · 07-16-2012, 10:05 PM

This is VERY similar to my story, so I thought I would piggy back onto this post!

I had never ridden before. I took a Motorcycle course a week ago and then went on vacation. I kept checking good ole craigslist and found an awesome deal on a GZ250 as well. 2002 bike with only 2k miles on it. Bought the bike today and it was a blast to ride it home and around the neighborhood.

Anyhow, just wanted to introduce myself as well!

Happy riding all!

evil_hero · 07-16-2012, 10:18 PM

That's cool man. I just got back from a little ride around the neighborhood LOL I can't stay away from this little bike! Can't wait to take my bike classes this week, get it registered, and just cruise around.

Rookie Rider · 07-16-2012, 10:42 PM

Welcome to the forum both of you and ride safe. evil hero, i would check the chain tension and make sure it is lubed up. Check your spark plug and do an oil change, and def check the tires. You should probably get new tires being its a 2003. I learned on this great forum tires should be replaced every 5 yrs. Others with more experience then me should chime in here soon.

Water Warrior 2 · 07-16-2012, 11:40 PM

Welcome newbies. Always glad to have new members. The GZ is a great first bike and very willing to help you develop your riding skills. As RR pointed out, the tires are probably toast. After about 5 years the rubber is very hard and dried out which means there is very little flexibility and very little grip. Best replace them soonest for your own safety and riding confidence.

As for a damaged grip you can find them almost anywhere there is a bike shop. They come in pairs so you can replace both to have a matching set. Just ask for grips to fit a 7/8ths in handlebar. Thicker rubber grips will also reduce some vibration too. We can help with the replacement.

evil_hero · 07-16-2012, 11:45 PM

Thanks guys, I will look into replacing the tires. How much do tires run on these? Thanks for the info on the grips.

bpdchief · 07-17-2012, 11:28 AM

Welcome to the group. Ride safe :2tup:

bonehead · 07-17-2012, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evil_hero

Thanks guys, I will look into replacing the tires. How much do tires run on these? Thanks for the info on the grips.

You should be able to replace both for around 250.00.

northsidegz · 07-17-2012, 01:03 PM

Welcome to the forums!

Water Warrior 2 · 07-17-2012, 02:52 PM

Oh yeah, the tubes might be in need of replacing too. They are probably well passed their prime.

07-16-2012, 05:41 PM	#1
evil_hero Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: K-Town Utah Posts: 9	Newbie Rider I should have used that as my screen name HAHA. I have ridden small 125 dirt bikes for a few years. I have always wanted a bike, and decided to get me a road bike. After reading countless articles on wether to go with a 600 or a 250, I found a great deal on a 2003 gz250...only 3k miles! Just got it last saturday.So far the ride home, and the few times around the block, I really like it. I'm glad I went with a smaller 250 for now, until I get used to riding more. It needed the front pads replaced so I just did that. Just wondering what else should I check? Also the left grip is broken, where is a good place to find parts for these bikes? Thanks guys, and I look forward to reading more around these parts. Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

07-16-2012, 10:05 PM	#2
Alo82 Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1	Re: Newbie Rider This is VERY similar to my story, so I thought I would piggy back onto this post! I had never ridden before. I took a Motorcycle course a week ago and then went on vacation. I kept checking good ole craigslist and found an awesome deal on a GZ250 as well. 2002 bike with only 2k miles on it. Bought the bike today and it was a blast to ride it home and around the neighborhood. Anyhow, just wanted to introduce myself as well! Happy riding all!
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07-16-2012, 10:18 PM	#3
evil_hero Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: K-Town Utah Posts: 9	Re: Newbie Rider That's cool man. I just got back from a little ride around the neighborhood LOL I can't stay away from this little bike! Can't wait to take my bike classes this week, get it registered, and just cruise around. Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

07-16-2012, 10:42 PM	#4
Rookie Rider Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Queens, NYC Posts: 1,263	Re: Newbie Rider Welcome to the forum both of you and ride safe. evil hero, i would check the chain tension and make sure it is lubed up. Check your spark plug and do an oil change, and def check the tires. You should probably get new tires being its a 2003. I learned on this great forum tires should be replaced every 5 yrs. Others with more experience then me should chime in here soon.
	0

07-16-2012, 11:40 PM	#5
Water Warrior 2 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Squamish B.C Canada Posts: 11,409	Re: Newbie Rider Welcome newbies. Always glad to have new members. The GZ is a great first bike and very willing to help you develop your riding skills. As RR pointed out, the tires are probably toast. After about 5 years the rubber is very hard and dried out which means there is very little flexibility and very little grip. Best replace them soonest for your own safety and riding confidence. As for a damaged grip you can find them almost anywhere there is a bike shop. They come in pairs so you can replace both to have a matching set. Just ask for grips to fit a 7/8ths in handlebar. Thicker rubber grips will also reduce some vibration too. We can help with the replacement. Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

07-16-2012, 11:45 PM	#6
evil_hero Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: K-Town Utah Posts: 9	Re: Newbie Rider Thanks guys, I will look into replacing the tires. How much do tires run on these? Thanks for the info on the grips.
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07-17-2012, 11:28 AM	#7
bpdchief Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 848	Re: Newbie Rider Welcome to the group. Ride safe :2tup: __________________ I'm never lost - I'm exploring alternative destinations !
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07-17-2012, 01:03 PM	#9
northsidegz Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 305	Re: Newbie Rider Welcome to the forums! __________________ 1982 Suzuki GS450 Bobber (SOLD) 2000 Suzuki GZ250 (SOLD) 1998 Kawasaki Vulcan 800A (Present Ride)
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07-17-2012, 02:52 PM	#10
Water Warrior 2 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Squamish B.C Canada Posts: 11,409	Re: Newbie Rider Oh yeah, the tubes might be in need of replacing too. They are probably well passed their prime.
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