Got a GPZ500

mrchips · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Mar 2004 Karma :

The big end went on the AR125 last monday so my dad's GPZ500 is in for restriction and should be out on Wednesday for me to ride. What is the GPZ like as a bike, handling, how does it take the restriction etc? Should entertain me on 33bhp for a while anyway.
____________________
Northern Irish? www.nibikers.com

R4nger · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Jan 2005 Karma :

Ask Craig-.... Rolling Eyes

Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Hi

Nice enough bikes. Generally reliable, except the A models loose the magnets from the alternator rotor. Top speed is 125~130. Large petrol tank and good on petrol (220 miles before reserve I have managed in the past without trying too much). Handing is OK, but nothing special. Always seems to be play in the rear suspension linkages (even with new bushes). Brakes are not great (although some models got twin disks which would probably be better).

Craig had alternator problems and then engine problems which were probably caused by the odd overenthusiastic down change around Donington.

All the best

Keith
____________________
Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

iCraig · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Jun 2004 Karma :

Although I hated mine due to unreliability I wouldn't say the GPZ in general is a bad bike.

As Keith said I had alternator problems on mine, and that was fixed I then discovered my top end was worn down to me overrevving the bike and not treating it well enough.

Handling is OK, though it can get awfully twitchy sometimes, mainly down to mine having 16" wheels, they are quite fast full power and are smoothish for a P-Twin.

All in all if you get a good one they are OK bikes, just keep changing the oil, put decent pads on it and warm it up properly.

Craggles · Traffic Copper Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

I've got a restricted GPZ500 - does everything I want it to, had some teething troubles origionally but they were ironed out after replacing the battery and a full service.

Dosn't seem to be any problem with restriction - however my best tank-distance seems to be 200 miles... and I pushed it into the petrol station at the end of that! *I did still have a reserve... just that I turned the fuel "off" instead of to "reserve" whilst I was riding along* Embarassed

Craig
____________________
If this signature is blue, you're riding too fast

Mrs Kickstart · Brolly Dolly Joined: 06 Apr 2004 Karma :

Hi,

My GPZ is quite old but its quite good, Its quite light as a 500 so its a good step from a 125. The handing and performance are OK but not really exciting but if you restricting it, it does not make much difference. I find it really easy to filter in traffic and things.

Mind you I should hopefully get my new bike a ZZR600 at the weekend as the GPZ is due to retire and I want something a bit faster.

Regards

Charlotte

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

Comfy, fast enough to give you a fright, neutral handling, good fuel economy (50mpg is not out of the question) and a good kick up the arse of acceleration when the revs get up. I am on my second one, have ridden them for years and am very happy with the package.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.