Dropped an exhaust valve at 4500 miles.
Severe loss of power on inclines (5 to 10 mph loss).
Consumes oil when new and after break in.
Beware! I currently own a 2007 GZ250 and like everyone else I will agree it is a great "put around town" bike, however is WILL NOT maintain 65 mph on the interstate with me only on the bike, regardless of wind or hills. 2 up is even worse. I only wish my salesman had told me "it's not enough bike" after having told him I was a new rider and how I intended to use the bike. My dealer was told up front that I wanted the bike to commute to and from work on, which at the time was 48 miles one way.
Needless to say it is currently in the shop for repairs (under warranty thank goodness). She dropped an exhaust valve. My service tech said this is bound to happen again if I continue to use the bike for this purpose because the bike is just too small. I will be going to the dealer this week to see if I can strike a deal on a new C50T. This should be all I need to suit my purpose, from what I have read about the bike.
Your situation is probably unique, cause every salesman I've talked with tried to sell me a larger bike and not the smaller ones. Why? Profits are larger on larger bikes, and they can sell all the small bikes they have. Dan.
I really think you should take a look at your reasons for having the bike. A 250 may not be the best choice for a 48 mile one way highway trip. Of course you dropped an exhaust valve, you're always running the engine at or close to red line. As bulletproof as the motors are, they aren't made for that.
Try an upgrade to an S40. For an extra $1000 you get 25 more cubic inches and very similar fuel economy. Or, keep thumping on your GZ and hope for the best.
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