Hey all,
I've been thinking about it and talking about it and lurking for over a year but my wife and I finally got motorcycles...sorta. She got a Ninja 250 and I got a GS500f (but it needs a part so I don't have it yet). I'm really glad I decided to get the GS instead of a Ninja 650r since my wife's bike is a handful right now.
We took turns riding yesterday and today and had a blast until I tried to turn into a parking lot and stalled on the hill/incline somehow. I have no idea how it happened but I felt so embarrassed and more than a little afraid since I didn't want to roll backwards into traffic.
Thankfully I figured out how to negotiate the hill without having to physically push the bike up it but it made me realize that I need a lot more practice in the parking lot. The only bad thing is that my bike isn't here yet (hopefully this weekend) but the weather has been so crappy that it doesn't really matter.
Anyways, just wanted to say that I'm glad to almost be in the GS ranks. Also, any tips would be much appreciated (esp. how to go forward from a stop on a hill).
Oh, and here she is in all her banged-up glory....
http://www.roadtrackandtrail.com/new_vehicle_pictures.asp?veh=8854&CatDesc=&pov=783292#detail (http://www.roadtrackandtrail.com/new_vehicle_pictures.asp?veh=8854&CatDesc=&pov=783292#detail)
Slipping the clutch from about 4k works, just take it very gentle.
Congrats on the new bikes and enjoy, the GS is a great bike! :thumb:
Quote from: spcterry on March 26, 2008, 10:11:00 PM
Slipping the clutch from about 4k works, just take it very gentle.
Congrats on the new bikes and enjoy, the GS is a great bike! :thumb:
Thanks for the quick reply. By "slipping the clutch," you mean I should rev it to 4k and then ease off the clutch? I've heard the term before but never bothered to look it up. Also, if that's the case should I be using the rear/foot brake to keep the bike from rolling? I find the front brake more natural to use but I don't think I have any habits yet.
learn to feather the clutch. like in a car, you have to give it a bit more, use the rear brake to keep you on the hill until the bike starts to pull forward against the brake then slowly let up on the brake, ease the clutch out and keep adding throttle try not to shift to the next gear until you are going steadily
Hope that helps
Brad
Nice GS; someone has already performed a fenderectomy, and removed the side reflectors from the forks and from under the sides of the tail section. I think you both chose wisely; now post a picture of the 250 Ninja when you get the chance.
FYI, to post a photo, just follow the instructions in this thread:
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=39104.msg439273#msg439273
You might want to copy these photos to your harddrive, before the webpage disappears:
http://www.psndealer.com/dealersite/images/roadtrackandtrail/VP783292_1.jpg
http://www.psndealer.com/dealersite/images/roadtrackandtrail/VP783292_2.jpg
http://www.psndealer.com/dealersite/images/roadtrackandtrail/VP783292_3.jpg
http://www.psndealer.com/dealersite/images/roadtrackandtrail/VP783292_4.jpg
http://www.psndealer.com/dealersite/images/roadtrackandtrail/VP783292_5.jpg
You know how it is; the dealer will remove the page, and you'll want those larger images for posterity... so get them now while they're still available online.
EDIT: For more detailed instructions on how to post a photo, read this post:
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=15370.0
Quote from: darb85 on March 26, 2008, 11:21:24 PM
learn to feather the clutch. like in a car, you have to give it a bit more, use the rear brake to keep you on the hill until the bike starts to pull forward against the brake then slowly let up on the brake, ease the clutch out and keep adding throttle try not to shift to the next gear until you are going steadily
Hope that helps
Brad
+1 billllllllion
"Feather" is the thing to keep in mind. Everyone can use more parking lot practice. This guy has great low speed videos, and the entertainment value is good too: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMgU44UwByY
Ever watch those guys duck walking their bikes around a U-turn ? Ya, it's funny to see, and we've all been there. Slipping the clutch and USING the rear brake makes things so much easier. Practice in a lot with no traffic, setup some obstacles, you'll be amazed how manuverable the gs is !
Oh, see the other video about off-set weave. :)
What's not to like about the 650r ? I've read lots of good things about it. THanks :)
Congrats on the new ride !
Thanks everyone for the great advice (and I love the videos); I'm definitely taking it to heart. As for the 650r, I would love to have one but I think it may be a bit too much right now. Also, after sitting on and seeing the 08 250r I was a lot less impressed with the 650 because they just look too much alike. [On a side note, my friend just got a black 250r and if I had the 650, I think people might get the wrong idea if we ride together]
Offset weave, feathering the clutch, u-turns...it's all coming back to me. We took the MSF last summer but the bikes weren't in the wedding budget so we had to wait until now...when the weather sucks :mad:
take the MSF course. you and your wife. seriously. it's not that expensive and you get your M1 automatically in most states.
plus it's a lot of fun!
Quote from: nazgulnarsil on March 27, 2008, 12:27:07 PM
take the MSF course. you and your wife. seriously. it's not that expensive and you get your M1 automatically in most states.
plus it's a lot of fun!
Oops, I think you missed the last post (good advice though!):
Quote from: SeqArtMark on March 27, 2008, 05:39:35 AM
We took the MSF last summer but the bikes weren't in the wedding budget so we had to wait until now...
Unless you meant take it again? ;)
Sometimes I will keep my left foot on the ground and the right on the rear brake and pull out that way on hills :thumb:
Quote from: scottpA_GS on March 27, 2008, 12:56:53 PM
Sometimes I will keep my left foot on the ground and the right on the rear brake and pull out that way on hills :thumb:
that makes alot of sense.
how would you give it throttle to 4,000PM AND keep the front brake engaged as someone else suggested? isn't that impossible?
^^^^^ Ever see anyone do a burnout in the middle of the road? ONE brake must be applied, right? Since the backwheel is spinning, you should be able to figure out which brake is keeping the motorcycle from moving... Of course, doing a burnout is a good way to attract the wrong kind of attention, and cops don't hesitate to write tickets when they catch someone in the act, so I don't recommend it to anyone. You can accomplish the same basic effect in the dirt pretty easily (because of the low-traction surface), and if you drop your bike, or do something else equally stupid, it shouldn't incur as much damage as a motorcycle dropped on asphalt...
Okay, maybe I'm not so glad I got the GS now. When we originally checked it out the salesman said that it just came in and hasn't been fully inspected so it really wasn't ready to be sold yet. I was okay with that because the price seemed okay and it was reassuring to know they check out the bikes so thoroughly (not to mention the weather is bad). The original diagnosis was that they needed a part from Suzuki and should be in soon. No problem.
We picked my wife's bike up on Monday and the "part" still hadn't gotten in, which was cool since we would've had a hard time loading both bikes into the truck. Anyway, my wife calls them today to find out when the bike would be ready and it turns out that the "part" the dealer is waiting on is a motor! So now I'm wondering if I should just look for another bike or is a new motor a good thing? My wife is the one who spoke to them so I'm not sure why they need a new motor but that's irrelevant at this point.
What I'm wondering is:
1) Does Suzuki send out refurbished motors or only new ones?
2) Is there anything good about having a new motor put in?
3) What would that do to the title of the bike (if anything)?
I have a lot more things running through my head but I just wanted to get some input before I decide which direction to go.
Thanks,
Mark
JUST MY TWO CENTS
But the ninja 250 and 500 Are nothing but junk. The gs500 KIcks the crap out of the ninja 500 in looks and preformance. The 250 is just a waste its not big enough for anything. I weigh 170lbs and it barely got up to 80mph Its kind of sad when most peoples Dirt bikes are close to or as big as your motorcycle. IN SHORT. Buy Suzuki You'll think yourself later
I'm not sure on the motor issue. But, did you look at the tires too. From what I saw on the rear tire it looks like it is worn down maybe even a little uneven wear. You might want to ask them if it has been in an accident. I'm not sure if they do car fax on bikes but if they do I would. If they are doing that much work I think I would suggest lowering the price. BTW how much are you paying for it?
mary S
Quote from: guitarking135 on March 27, 2008, 06:01:02 PM
JUST MY TWO CENTS
But the ninja 250 and 500 Are nothing but junk. The gs500 KIcks the crap out of the ninja 500 in looks and preformance. The 250 is just a waste its not big enough for anything. I weigh 170lbs and it barely got up to 80mph Its kind of sad when most peoples Dirt bikes are close to or as big as your motorcycle. IN SHORT. Buy Suzuki You'll think yourself later
:cookoo: :cookoo: :cookoo: You're comparing bikes that aren't even in the same class. The GS is an Air/Oil cooled engine putting out 40bhp on a good day and the EX500 is a water-cooled twin putting out in the 50's.
I know a lot of people that are perfectly happy on their 250's and even if you end up upgrading later, keeping the 250 around as an in-town ride to take advantage of the awesome mileage is always a good option
Not to be a wise-ass, but YOU need to talk to SOMEONE IN CHARGE at the dealership; a "motor" is NOT the same thing as an engine. Even though a LOT of people use the words interchangeably, motors are ELECTRIC, so for all we know, the dealership is waiting on a STARTER motor. It is also possible that your wife spoke to someone who was referring to a different motorcycle, not the one you're interested in, so wait until you have a chance to talk to the SERVICE manager, not the sales manager, or some brain-dead floor-whore who doesn't know his ass from a spitoon.
Don't blame your wife for any miscommunication that might have taken place; those MORONS are supposed to be dealing in good faith, and they SHOULD have told you IN ADVANCE that the engine needs replacing, if that turns out to be correct. Depending on the price and the warranty, that GS might still be a good deal, but there are OTHER problems that you need to be aware of. If you downloaded those large photos as I suggested in my first reply in this thread, you might have noticed that the chain looks rusted all to hell:
http://www.psndealer.com/dealersite/images/roadtrackandtrail/VP783292_4.jpg
http://www.psndealer.com/dealersite/images/roadtrackandtrail/VP783292_5.jpg
The brake lever looks bent, and the right bar-end weight looks mis-aligned (probably the same tip-over that bent the brake lever):
http://www.psndealer.com/dealersite/images/roadtrackandtrail/VP783292_1.jpg
http://www.psndealer.com/dealersite/images/roadtrackandtrail/VP783292_3.jpg
As has been mentioned by Toogoofy317, the back tire looks shot:
http://www.psndealer.com/dealersite/images/roadtrackandtrail/VP783292_1.jpg
http://www.psndealer.com/dealersite/images/roadtrackandtrail/VP783292_2.jpg
Don't talk to anyone at the dealership except for the service manager, the general manager, or the head honchol. To be blunt, it is MUCH better to go directly to the dealership when you know someone in authority will be there to answer your questions, but do NOT let them know that you're going to be there. Don't escalate this in any way; just go there with at least one person who you can count on to be a witness to your conversation. If possible, take TWO people with you; get your biggest, meanest looking friends to accompany you, and tell them to simply pay attention to whatever you are told, WITHOUT getting into a pissing contest with anyone. They will be there to LISTEN, not argue, so make sure they know that well in advance.
Find the time to read these articles; they should help you understand how to handle this situation:
http://consumerist.com/consumer/how-to/the-ultimate-consumerist-guide-to-fighting-back-revised-edition-316524.php
http://consumerist.com/366713/interview-with-ron-burley-customer-service-avenger
Read those BEFORE you do anything else; more good information here:
http://consumerist.com/search/%22ron%20burley%22/
This could be a simple problem that needs to be resolved, or this might be a deal you should walk away from. Either way, you won't know that until you get the facts from someone in charge, but keep this in mind: That back tire will need replacing, along with the chain, and possibly even one or both sprockets. Find out how much those items will cost INSTALLED, and SUBTRACT that amount from whatever the asking price is. Do NOT allow the dealer to bullshit you into splitting the cost of the parts 50/50; if he wants $120 to install a new tire, he is most likely paying about $60 for it, so if you agree to split the cost, you'll actually be paying HIS costs. Don't let him know you're aware of that; just listen to whatever he tells you (NOTHING WRONG WITH TAKING NOTES), and let US know what happens. Don't agree to ANYTHING, and if he tells you that you're OBLIGATED to buy that GS (which IS possible, depending on the laws in Indiana), don't argue or complain. Just tell him that you are going to get a second opinion on what to do next, and then LEAVE.
Think about the advice in those articles, then think about the best way to handle this with the dealership. You don't have to get into an argument, or threaten to kick someone's ass, or threaten to burn the place down; just be calm and reasonable about resolving this. Let the people you're dealing with know that you want to be reasonable about the situation, and do your best to remain calm. Do NOT argue with anyone; it is better to do some simple fact-finding, then post here again with the details. Nobody wants to see you get screwed or taken advantage of, so be reasonable and rational, and expect the same from the folks at the dealership.
I hope this was just a misunderstanding, but at least now you have some idea of how to deal with this. I'm NOT telling you to back out of whatever deal you made, but I AM advising you to put a STOP to everything until you're satisfied that you're not being taken advantage of. For all we know, the general manager of the dealership will read this soon, and that could either help or hurt you; only time will tell.
Good luck; remember to fill us in on whatever you learn, and we'll try to help you decide how to handle this.
Quote from: guitarking135 on March 27, 2008, 06:01:02 PM
JUST MY TWO CENTS
But the ninja 250 and 500 Are nothing but junk. The gs500 KIcks the crap out of the ninja 500 in looks and preformance. The 250 is just a waste its not big enough for anything. I weigh 170lbs and it barely got up to 80mph Its kind of sad when most peoples Dirt bikes are close to or as big as your motorcycle. IN SHORT. Buy Suzuki You'll think yourself later
mmm, ok, sure. both of those ninjas are fine bikes. a good many people rave about both of them. the ex500 will SPANK a gs in a drag race, has better fairings, and has equally TONS of parts available. The main comparison is: water vs oil cooling, and a good deal more power. keep in mind 40 vs 50 hp doesn't sound like much hp, but the percentage of difference is what you want to keep in mind ;)
the ex will last a nice long time, as will the gs. would I buy a ex over a gs ? sure, if the miles and price were right. there is a equally good forum to support your learning to wrench on it, and it's very active. the squids are kept in check there, similarly to here.
would I recommend a ex over a gs ? i'd recommend a test ride on both bikes, with similar milage, condition, etc. so the new rider/owner could enjoy his/her bike to the fullest. :)
Quote from: SeqArtMark on March 27, 2008, 04:39:08 PM
Okay, maybe I'm not so glad I got the GS now. When we originally checked it out the salesman said that it just came in and hasn't been fully inspected so it really wasn't ready to be sold yet. I was okay with that because the price seemed okay and it was reassuring to know they check out the bikes so thoroughly (not to mention the weather is bad). The original diagnosis was that they needed a part from Suzuki and should be in soon. No problem.
We picked my wife's bike up on Monday and the "part" still hadn't gotten in, which was cool since we would've had a hard time loading both bikes into the truck. Anyway, my wife calls them today to find out when the bike would be ready and it turns out that the "part" the dealer is waiting on is a motor! So now I'm wondering if I should just look for another bike or is a new motor a good thing? My wife is the one who spoke to them so I'm not sure why they need a new motor but that's irrelevant at this point.
What I'm wondering is:
1) Does Suzuki send out refurbished motors or only new ones?
2) Is there anything good about having a new motor put in?
3) What would that do to the title of the bike (if anything)?
I have a lot more things running through my head but I just wanted to get some input before I decide which direction to go.
Thanks,
Mark
Hmm, so you picked up a bike, paid for it in full, and the dealership neglected to mention it needed a MOTOR ? Ya, I'd be taking that right back to them and demanding my money back. Motor/engine/whatever, if it's the 'part' that burns gas and motivates the rear wheel, that's complete bullshit for the dealer to just act like it needs a 'part'.
Did you hear it run ?
Did they specifically sell it 'as is', no warrantee, etc ?
Personally I wouldn't buy anything I couldn't thrash out on the road (car/truck/RV/bike/jetski/snomoblower/anything) and find out which quirks it had. If they tense up when I run it WOT and then jam the brakes, I'll kindly return the keys and walk away.
Update us on what the situation is, aight ?
Just a quick update for everyone. I got the GS on Saturday! It turns out the part actually was a starter motor, not the engine (my apologies for the miscommunication). They also replaced the rear tire and cleaned and lubed the chain but didn't replace it. The chain doesn't seem in bad condition but I'm a newb so what do I know?
I was starting get a little worried that I was buying a lemon but they seem like great people and haven't had any complaints via the BBB. Not to mention that when I first looked at the bike it wasn't fully inspected (which was when they took the pics). He informed me that they don't let bikes go without fully inspecting them and replacing whatever parts are needed.
The bike runs like a dream and I can't help telling everyone who will listen that it's so easy to ride (easier than my wife's Ninja!). Anyways, thanks for all the great advice and concern for my well-being but it turned out alright.
Ride Safely,
Mark
P.S. Just for the record I paid $2500 OTD for it. It's a bit high but I'm happy with the purchase.
Gooooood ! :)
Enjoy the 'new' ride, keep her rubber side down.
Pictures when you finally get her out somewhere cool in your town.
:)
Glad to know that it WAS the starter motor; the BEST motorcycle engineers and mechanics I've met over the last ~ 25 years ALL use the word "engine" when they talk about the actual ENGINE, and the word "motor" when they're referring to something electrical. The guys at OCC ("choppers" make me want to VOMIT) and the general public tend to use the words interchangeably, so it can cause some confusion. Again, don't blame your wife for that; she heard "motor", and got worried that you were being screwed, which is understandable.
Have an INDEPENDENT mechanic (NOT someone at the stealership) check your chain AND sprockets. They can show you how to tell the difference between good and bad chains and sprockets. After seeing the photos of that chain, I get the feeling that it will need replacing at YOUR expense if the dealership can get away with blowing you off... I've seen enough crapped out chains in my life, and that one was pretty nasty. You need an independent opinion from a real MECHANIC; the dealership might not have been trying to screw you on this, but a worn chain (and sprockets) are bad news for an EXPERIENCED rider, so don't ignore this. The dealership earned your trust for THE SALE; now, they need to earn it with their SERVICE for you to justify continuing to do business with them.
Good luck; I really am glad to know that this wasn't a nightmare scenario for you...
Quote from: GSnoober on March 30, 2008, 07:02:03 PM
Glad to know that it WAS the starter motor; the BEST motorcycle engineers and mechanics I've met over the last ~ 25 years ALL use the word "engine" when they talk about the actual ENGINE, and the word "motor" when they're referring to something electrical. The guys at OCC ("choppers" make me want to VOMIT) and the general public tend to use the words interchangeably, so it can cause some confusion. Again, don't blame your wife for that; she heard "motor", and got worried that you were being screwed, which is understandable.
Have an INDEPENDENT mechanic (NOT someone at the stealership) check your chain AND sprockets. They can show you how to tell the difference between good and bad chains and sprockets. After seeing the photos of that chain, I get the feeling that it will need replacing at YOUR expense if the dealership can get away with blowing you off... I've seen enough crapped out chains in my life, and that one was pretty nasty. You need an independent opinion from a real MECHANIC; the dealership might not have been trying to screw you on this, but a worn chain (and sprockets) are bad news for an EXPERIENCED rider, so don't ignore this. The dealership earned your trust for THE SALE; now, they need to earn it with their SERVICE for you to justify continuing to do business with them.
Good luck; I really am glad to know that this wasn't a nightmare scenario for you...
Mmm, OCC, ya, that's entertainment. ;) I like how they test ride the bikes and say "it really rides nice, lots of power ! ya ya ya !" and never actually show them duck walking it, or moving forward/back a million times to turn around. Someday, they'll be old news. :D
Nice bike, I like the black and yellow scheme (some might think of Pittsburgh Steelers) ;)
I am considering one of the following:
GS500F
Wee Strom
Ninjette 250 in frog green (2008) :icon_rolleyes:
I think the GS has the edge, it is air-cooled. And 500 cc.
How do you like the wife's Ninjette? How does it handle highway speeds?
Ride safe!
Quote from: MikeNW on March 30, 2008, 07:52:18 PM
Nice bike, I like the black and yellow scheme (some might think of Pittsburgh Steelers) ;)
I am considering one of the following:
GS500F
Wee Strom
Ninjette 250 in frog green (2008) :icon_rolleyes:
I think the GS has the edge, it is air-cooled. And 500 cc.
How do you like the wife's Ninjette? How does it handle highway speeds?
Ride safe!
One might also think of the Boston Bruins, or the Pittsburgh Pirates, or the Pittsburgh Penguins... though ALL of those teams actually wear black and GOLD, as someone is bound to remind us...
Since you live in such a hot environment (I like Kingman; I used to visit an elderly relative there every "winter"), you might want to consider a liquid-cooled engine. Any one of those would be a good choice, as long as you fit OK on the Ninja. If you plan to carry a passenger (my girlfriend complains LOUDLY if I ride without her), you might want to drop the Ninja from the list. It is an excellent motorcycle, but not the best one if you tend to wear XXL sizes. In that case, get one of the Suzuki models, and ride the hell out of it.
Let us know what you choose; I'd like to know which factors influence you the most (liquid or air cooling, room for a passenger, whatever).
I rode my GS through the middle of Australia's outback in the middle of summer. 40+ degree celcius temp[eratures in the shade, and 60 + degrees celcius on the road and she did fine.
Just use a good synthetic oil (they can withstand higher heats better)
optional: You might want to rejet the carbs to richen up the fuel/air mixture. Richer mixtures allow the engine to run cooler than the lean settings from the factory.
Quote from: MikeNW on March 30, 2008, 07:52:18 PM
Nice bike, I like the black and yellow scheme (some might think of Pittsburgh Steelers) ;)
I am considering one of the following:
GS500F
Wee Strom
Ninjette 250 in frog green (2008) :icon_rolleyes:
I think the GS has the edge, it is air-cooled. And 500 cc.
How do you like the wife's Ninjette? How does it handle highway speeds?
Ride safe!
I haven't ridden either bike on the highway yet but the Ninjette feels very unstable at 50 mph in the high winds we have here. I remember the first few times riding it and being buffeted by the wind. I can't say that the GS is great for wind protection but I don't recall thinking about the wind at all.
It's fun to ride my wife's bike because it revs so high, but it feels lacking in power now that I've been on the GS. I was amazed at how easy the GS is to ride, even easier than the Ninjette IMO because it shifts smoothly. My wife feels intimidated by the weight of the GS, but as a guy it's a non-issue (I'm just glad I didn't get the YZF 600 from Yamaha!).
When we only had the Ninjette it was okay, but I wouldn't want it as an only bike because it doesn't inspire confidence at speed. My vote is for the GS but good luck with whatever decision you make.
Quote from: SeqArtMark on March 30, 2008, 05:52:54 PM
Just a quick update for everyone. I got the GS on Saturday! It turns out the part actually was a starter motor, not the engine (my apologies for the miscommunication). They also replaced the rear tire and cleaned and lubed the chain but didn't replace it. The chain doesn't seem in bad condition but I'm a newb so what do I know?
I was starting get a little worried that I was buying a lemon but they seem like great people and haven't had any complaints via the BBB. Not to mention that when I first looked at the bike it wasn't fully inspected (which was when they took the pics). He informed me that they don't let bikes go without fully inspecting them and replacing whatever parts are needed.
The bike runs like a dream and I can't help telling everyone who will listen that it's so easy to ride (easier than my wife's Ninja!). Anyways, thanks for all the great advice and concern for my well-being but it turned out alright.
Ride Safely,
Mark
P.S. Just for the record I paid $2500 OTD for it. It's a bit high but I'm happy with the purchase.
Just an FYI...
If the chain is worn out, and it jumps the sprocket and gets jammed, there's an excellent chance that you're going to go down HARD. Who is going to pay for the damage to the GS? Who will cover your medical bills? I'm worried that you're not seeing the big picture here; this is NOT simply a matter of who pays for a new chain (assuming you need one at all). JUNK CHAINS ARE DANGEROUS; some VERY bad things can happen to you if ignore this. WORN SPROCKETS ARE DANGEROUS for the same reason. I can't make you OR the dealership do the right thing here; all I can do is try to make you aware of the consequences that you might otherwise overlook.
Whatever else you do, do NOT lube the chain while the engine is running, unless you think jamming your hand into a chainsaw would be fun. It seems that just about every forum online has at least one horror story about how some shmuck decided to wipe his chain with a rag while the engine was running, with the bike in gear. Of course, each time it happens, someone loses some fingers, and they don't understand why it happened to them. Learn from their mistakes, OK?
Once you get this issue dealt with, you should be able to ride safely and work on developing your riding skills without worrying about the condition of your GS. Have the chain and sprockets checked, and replace whatever hardware is needed, regardless of who pays for it, so that you and your wife can focus on becoming better riders.
If you haven't seen it already, this is an excellent resource for Ninja 250 owners:
http://forums.ninja250.org
Best of luck; let us know how this turns out.
Quote from: GSnoober on March 31, 2008, 05:59:45 AM
Quote from: SeqArtMark on March 30, 2008, 05:52:54 PM
Just a quick update for everyone. I got the GS on Saturday! It turns out the part actually was a starter motor, not the engine (my apologies for the miscommunication). They also replaced the rear tire and cleaned and lubed the chain but didn't replace it. The chain doesn't seem in bad condition but I'm a newb so what do I know?
I was starting get a little worried that I was buying a lemon but they seem like great people and haven't had any complaints via the BBB. Not to mention that when I first looked at the bike it wasn't fully inspected (which was when they took the pics). He informed me that they don't let bikes go without fully inspecting them and replacing whatever parts are needed.
The bike runs like a dream and I can't help telling everyone who will listen that it's so easy to ride (easier than my wife's Ninja!). Anyways, thanks for all the great advice and concern for my well-being but it turned out alright.
Ride Safely,
Mark
P.S. Just for the record I paid $2500 OTD for it. It's a bit high but I'm happy with the purchase.
Just an FYI...
If the chain is worn out, and it jumps the sprocket and gets jammed, there's an excellent chance that you're going to go down HARD. Who is going to pay for the damage to the GS? Who will cover your medical bills? I'm worried that you're not seeing the big picture here; this is NOT simply a matter of who pays for a new chain (assuming you need one at all). JUNK CHAINS ARE DANGEROUS; some VERY bad things can happen to you if ignore this. WORN SPROCKETS ARE DANGEROUS for the same reason. I can't make you OR the dealership do the right thing here; all I can do is try to make you aware of the consequences that you might otherwise overlook.
Whatever else you do, do NOT lube the chain while the engine is running, unless you think jamming your hand into a chainsaw would be fun. It seems that just about every forum online has at least one horror story about how some shmuck decided to wipe his chain with a rag while the engine was running, with the bike in gear. Of course, each time it happens, someone loses some fingers, and they don't understand why it happened to them. Learn from their mistakes, OK?
Once you get this issue dealt with, you should be able to ride safely and work on developing your riding skills without worrying about the condition of your GS. Have the chain and sprockets checked, and replace whatever hardware is needed, regardless of who pays for it, so that you and your wife can focus on becoming better riders.
If you haven't seen it already, this is an excellent resource for Ninja 250 owners:
http://forums.ninja250.org
Best of luck; let us know how this turns out.
Thanks for the heads up because I wasn't really aware of the dangers of a bad chain. I'll definitely get it checked out ASAP. By "independent mechanic" do you mean another dealership (which is where I would have to go anyway b/c I got the bike out of state) or any mechanic who is certified? Thanks for looking out.
Quote from: SeqArtMark on March 31, 2008, 04:12:59 PM
Thanks for the heads up because I wasn't really aware of the dangers of a bad chain. I'll definitely get it checked out ASAP. By "independent mechanic" do you mean another dealership (which is where I would have to go anyway b/c I got the bike out of state) or any mechanic who is certified? Thanks for looking out.
We're all in this together, Mark, and I imagine everyone here wants to help you and your wife enjoy riding as much as we do, but new riders aren't always aware of the dangers they might encounter. You have to ALWAYS put safety first; failure to do so can be disatrous. You write well, and seem to want to learn, so hopefully you realize that I'm not just an old crank giving you shaZam! for no reason. I want you to be SAFE, so you and Mrs. Mark can have as much fun on two wheels as I do, and be able to enjoy one another after the ride...
OK, enough of that stuff; call the local shops and ask how much they would charge to inspect your chain and sprockets. Chances are, they'll do it for free. Ask IN ADVANCE if they can show YOU what to look for; if you're lucky, they'll have a worn sprocket to show you, so you can compare it to a new one. Learn how to inspect your own chain and sprockets, since you have TWO motorcycles in the family. Spending a few bucks on a can of chain lube won't break you, and though they won't get rich on the profit, it will help you to start a relationship with the people there. Ask for advice on which chain lube they recommend for your motorcycles; knowing just one guy to call at a local dealership / repair shop can really help when you've got a problem you need help with right away.
This is up to you now; my best to you and Mrs. Mark. Support your local shops; you're establishing relationships in this forum, so now do the same in your actual community. If any of your local shops have organized rides (usually a monthly thing during riding season), sign up and learn how to ride in a group; you're sure to make new friends.
Last bit of advice I can offer is to get a repair manual for your GS. The Clymer manual can be ordered through here:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0892878339/ref=nosim/gstwincom
Buying it through that link will help GSTwins, and give you a good reference for any problems / maintenance questions you might have.
Ride safely, and keep us "posted"...
My main concerns are:
Can cruise on the highway, long trips once in a while.
No need for a passenger, I don't ride 2-up anymore since I ate it Nov. 06
Good mileage
Easy to fix- the valve adjust seems straightforward.
Parts reasonable and available
Low initial cost- $5K is acceptable.
Can strap on a duffle bag as luggage.
Regular gas
Decent wind protection
The GS seems to hit the mark, also it doesn't have a radiator and associated parts. I would certainly use synth oil, that doesn't bother me.
And I don't think I would be staying in NW AZ anyway.
But the Ninjette is attractive- cheaper cost, I like the frog green color of the 2008 and also the full fairing it has.
I suppose either would work.
Another advantage of the GS is 500 cc compared to 250. :dunno_white:
Actually, having so many choices is kind of cool.
This forum is also a +
One last thing before I let this thread slip into "Do A Search, Newb," Oblivion. I went out and took some pics of my chain and sprocket in the hope that maybe someone can give me a diagnosis. I'm not looking for free advice (well, I am) but I wanted to be informed before I haul by bike to the local shop.
I've decided to ix-nay on the iding-ray until I get my ducks in row (i.e. registration, jacket/gloves, MOM, and maintenance). So I figure that now would be a good time to take it into the shop since it'll probably be a week before everything is good to go. Anyway, here's a pic of the chain and of the sprocket.
And thanks to everyone who has (and continues to) help me out. I really appreciate it.
Ride Safely,
Mark
P.S. I can't quite size down the image so if you want to see, just check out...
http://drawingamerican.blogspot.com/ (http://drawingamerican.blogspot.com/)
Some people like to get as much as possible out of a chain. To me is is a wear item, an not all that expensive. A name brand (RK, Tsubaki, Regina, etc) X ring or O ring chain on Ebay is 70-90. Don't buy a no name Oring chain.