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The author does not like shared design elements? http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4086/...330d94f13c.jpg
http://www.motortradesolutions.net/s...T_OFFER_Q1.jpg
I wonder when BMW introduced the 1 did some of the 5 owners get pissed off?
I am confused should everything look different or should they all look exactly the same?
Does everyone share the same taste?
What was the point of that article?
I was wondering the same, as beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. I guess writers need to provide a certain degree of output. Nevertheless, as they say ... all publicity is good publicity.Quote:
Originally Posted by MJH
Personally, I am not a fan of how the new GW250s with fairing looks, but some people I`ve talked to seem to love it.
I could do without the silver piece, but some may see that as stylish.
http://www.visordown.com/common/imag...rightimage.gifhttp://lh6.ggpht.com/-e9baNsCL2Ps/UX...jpg?imgmax=800
I think the Honda VTR-F is cool looking.
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-smO_2mZiIU...GQ/s1600/1.png
The GW250 could have been smoothed out, it then would look totally different, it to me has a lot of unnecessary contouring , the Honda wind screen is smooth and tapered.
http://www.visordown.com/common/imag...rightimage.gifhttp://www.visordown.com/common/imag...rightimage.gif
http://www.visordown.com/common/imag...rightimage.gif
People get so over excited about how bikes look. To me the ride is way more important.
Been a while since I've added anything here. That is because there is not a lot to report. The bike continues to purr away, without any hiccups or unusual events.
This has been a pleasant surprise, as it seems that every new model built in China has its growing pains, especially those intended for the China market. It strikes me that joint ventures that build bikes for worldwide distribution get their act together quickly (e.g., the Yamaha YBR250 and this Suzuki GW250). Manufacturers like Shineray, Qingqi, Jialing, etc., seem to have a business practice of using early-adopters' beta-testing to figure things out for them ... "let's sell them and see what happens." Haha - try THAT in a developed country's marketplace!
I was out riding in the Western mountains with a GW group about a week ago (dealership sponsored - 17 bikes), and no one had any problems to report. The initial batch (Summer 2012) had some tranny problem that Suzuki Japan quickly rectified, and repaired/replaced the few dozen bikes that had been delivered.
No one will tell me the actual number of sales in Beijing, but it certainly seems to have been a lot. They are still sold out at the two major Suzuki dealers in Beijing, with an approximate 4 week order/wait time. Black, grey and now red are the available colors. I was bitching at the dealer for not holding inventory, but he has a limit on the number he can order per month and they are all sold before each delivery date.
The GW250S (travel version with fairing and bags) can now be ordered. I think the price is about 26,500 rmb. No idea which colors are available, but I've seen the sales brochure which shows a blue one.
As a sidenote, the GW is a hot item for thieves - I've seen a few advertised for around 4,000 rmb ("my friend lost the paperwork").
EDIT: Chatted with the manager of Dadihengtong Motors, the largest Suzuki dealer in Beijing. In the past year, that one dealership (it has four outlets) has sold approximately 350 GW250 bikes in Beijing. He estimates that the total sales in Beijing are about 550 (the other 200 spread across the other official & unofficial dealers). He also mentioned that Suzuki considers Beijing a relatively small market, hence delivery orders are not given a high priority. A much larger number of GWs are being sold in Southern China and, of course, overseas. Finally, he mentioned that the factory has geared up to building the GW250S model (travel edition), so anyone ordering a regular GW might experience further delays.
Sitting down?
OK, re the questions about country of origin.
The bike is 100% Made in China. The ONLY Japanese parts on it are a few made inside Japan for its domestic market (slightly different turn signal lights, etc).
Everything else is made at the factory in Changzhou, Jiangsu.
The bike has been quite successful in Japan, also being sold out before deliveries. And it costs just over 35,000 rmb (roughly, depending on exchange rates). It is called the GSR250 in Japan.
Here is a link to the story:
http://en.haojue.com/public/showInfo...150_i17816.htm
with additional links at the bottom of the page.
I again asked a large Beijing dealer and they said "yes, entirely Made in China." I guess they no longer need to make up stories, since the bike has become such a big seller.
I like the blue and white colours available in Japan very Suzuki in livery.
http://www1.suzuki.co.jp/motor/gsr250l2/spec.html
Kennon
The GWs are starting to appear at the dealers in Beijing, again, but in very limited numbers (and all are already spoken for). The next batch are due to arrive next week (early September). I have a red one on order that will hopefully be in this second group. I really like that color combination that Kennon identified above, and I'm trying to squeeze every favour I can to get one delivered here. Highly unlikely, because I am a "nobody" ... hahaha ... but we'll see.
We've been putting some kms on the GWs. Yes, plural, as I have acquired a few (I've too many friends/relatives that want to visit Beijing). I'm working with a couple of companies (1 local, 1 overseas) to design / develop proper after-market parts (aside from the typical taobao garbage). Hence, one of my GWs is a test bike that is being taken apart, & put back together, on a regular basis. One nice thing we've discovered is that disassembly / reassembly is surprisingly easy due to high QC. Things fit like they are supposed to, even after being on/off the bike a few times. The downside of the GW is the plastic body panels - as with all manufacturers that use a lot of body panels, the parts are puzzling as to how to initially get them off (hidden tabs, hooks, bolts, clips, etc). Fortunately, a local dealer gives me free lessons ... as that dealer's mechanics have already learned from breaking numerous pieces during disassembly.
I'm starting to hear grumblings from the early-adopters of the GW that there are way too many people that now have GWs - there is no more exclusivity!
For example, this is a typical weekend GW club ride (27 GWs):
Attachment 13229
There are several GW clubs in Beijing, some with >50 members. Always interesting to see what different people do to personalize their ride. The little stuffed animals, the bar end tassels (whips), and the gremlin bells are becoming popular (hmmmm - I thought these were only for pirates?). And, of course, zillions of stickers.
Here's a pic of my black one, and my grey one:
Attachment 13230
This coming weekend, I'm planning on switching out the exhaust system on one bike (pics later). I've recently acquired a super-light 2 into 1 exhaust. A friend just put one on his red GW, and he swears by it - although he needed to remove the center stand because it stuck out too far on the left side (the exhaust goes on the right side).
I still have not seen the "Travel Edition" GW in the dealers, but I did see the Police GW (called the GW250J) which is almost identical. Not my cup of tea - didn't like the fairing, boxes or handlebars. A Japanese company is now crafting 10mm CNC risers for the regular GWs (GSR250 in Japan), but they are 600 rmb - yikes!
I've decided that I really hate that windscreen (on the black one), so a proper one is being designed.
OK - the question every 250cc rider in China wants to know the answer to ...
Which is faster? The GW or the YBR?
So, the following shows three runs. The runs are not exactly "scientific" or under a "controlled" environment but they are interesting. There are two red YBRs and one black GW (rider has a blue jacket on):
Run 1:
Run 2:
Run 3:
GW "wins" in runs 1 & 3, but loses to both YBRs in run 2.
I guess that means GWs should be ridden in only one direction. :lol8:
Next ... in case people are wondering about performance exhausts on the GW ... we've been playing with a few, including a Yoshimura (very, very nice sounding).
I like Yoshi because it provides Dyno data on its website, dispelling the local guys claiming 20% increase in power ...
http://shop.yoshimura-jp.com/files/g...0-5--0_pow.gif
Not much difference, stationary, at the rear wheel.
However, the Yoshi is only 2.7 kgs, versus the stock 9.4 kgs. And that is just for the slip-on. Do a lighter weight 2 into 1 stainless pipe from the engine (drop about 1.5 kgs), and remove the under-bike cat. conv (we built in an O2 sensor receptacle), and you drop another 2 kgs (estimated). Remove the center stand (kinda necessary because it protrudes on the left side with a 2 into 1 pipe) and you lose another 2 kgs (estimated). Total weight saving = approximately 12.2 kgs. Not bad, and this lighter weight can translate into better performance.
Problem is ... a nice Yoshi retails for 50-70,000 YEN in Japan (depending on stainless/carbon/etc). Oh well, it is only money ... and it sounds so good!
We've also tried an IXIL 2 into 1, also nice and also very light weight ... but doesn't have that smooth & deep Yoshi sound, which I personally prefer.
We've also CNC'd some bar risers to match the riding position with the 250S (Travel Edition). More detail later, as we are trying to play around with height, cables, etc. It seems 10 mm is the maximum without needing to change cable lengths. We're trying to get Suzuki to supply the longer cables used on the 250S, but the bike itself isn't in showrooms yet.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kennon
Sometimes the heavens are kind to the meek nobody.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lao Jia Hou
The shop called last night and said "the Red GW has arrived and, by the way, Suzuki also sent us one blue & white one, if you are interested?"
Am I interested?!?!?!?!?! Hell ya, I am definitely interested! Don't let anyone near it until I get there!
Bought it today, now getting plates.
Attachment 13261
It is called the GW "Quarter Sport" (must mean a quarter liter ... 250cc). In Japan (apparently the only market it was being sold in), the price is the same as the solid color GWs. Not here ... solid color is 23,800 ... Quarter Sport is 25,000. Maybe the shop tacked on an extra 1,200 just for the hell of it, but I don't care. I wanted this bike! As Kennon commented, this color combo is very Suzuki-ish.
Also saw my first GW250S (Travel Edition). The shop had a black one delivered from Suzuki (along with the regular red & the blue/white GWs). I sat on this new 250S ... the seating position is quite different - it is noticeably more upright, which is good for an old guy like me. Also, the half fairing seems different than the police version (GW250J) I had seen before. I am not sure if it actually is different, but the side panels seemed large enough to mount a few goodies (e.g., electrical outlets).
Another Beijing shop is apparently getting a large delivery of GW bikes late tonight, so I hope there will be a white GW250S in that bunch.
Yeah, I have a lot of GWs, but we use them for various purposes.
Motorfans link to the GW250 model(s) release announcement.
Attachment 13265
Attachment 13264
Attachment 13266
Thanks BD.
I've seen a little bit of motorfans discussion about the new crop of GWs. It seems some people are saying that Suzuki has substituted lower quality parts on this new build. Apparently:
1) lower quality tires (not sure, I will check it out today); and,
2) Black headers/pipes, instead of chromed.
I found that second "concern" quite interesting. It is the kind of comment I hear among the pirates. Personally, I think the black looks much better on these bikes.
The only design "flaws" I have noticed are the fenders - just too big, in my opinion, but everyone always has different opinions about that trade-off between form & function. Technically, the bike is a bit too heavy, but that is not a difficult problem to solve.
I agree LJH, Black makes it look more sporty, i guess those "pirates" doesn't know what they're talking about.:icon10:Quote:
Originally Posted by Lao Jia Hou
I much prefer chrome headers, but it's not a deal breaker.
Aside from the chrome/black headers/pipes, other changes are:
1) Tires. Now Chengshun (CST), but initial reviews are mixed as to whether that is better/worse. I've used CST before, and had no complaints.
2) Mirror stems have changed in appearance.
I am not sure if these changes are unique to China, or have also been made to the export-bikes. I guess we'll find out once people start buying the new batches overseas and reporting.
I picked up one of the first Travel Editions (250S) - I will add comments on the other thread.
It seems a little market is developing between the old/new GW parts. People with chrome bits & pieces who prefer the black are offering to swap. Also, lots of "old" owners have swapped out the stock factory pipes with a new 2-into-1 system (including headers), and are selling their chrome ones for next to nothing.Quote:
Originally Posted by ZMC888
I'm a little surprised that after-market parts companies haven't jumped on the GW bandwagon. A lot of these bikes have been sold, and once many owners have about 6-12 months of usage, they start looking for goodies to freshen up their bike. There still isn't a whole lot available (I'm talking quality parts), except in Japan, where the GW's (GSR in Japan) aftermarket parts' market is developing rapidly.
Some proper mods are being done to the GW250 genre. Much better than the "let's cover the bike with stickers" that is often found in China.
For example, this bike is in Macao ...
Attachment 13708
The guy has swapped in a single-sided swing arm, done a tail kit, new wheels/tires, Yoshi slip-on, changed the passenger seat to a clip-on plastic (think Ducati Monster-style) with integrated passenger handles, changed the bars, front forks and put large dual discs up front. Looks good. It allows the natural lines to become more prominent, uncluttered by some massive pieces of "stuff".
Hey Daz ... we're waiting! Whomever gets to market first with these mods, as bolt-on packages, will make a killing.
I wonder how difficult that single-sided swing arm mod is?
Let's label this bike a Suzati ... or a Ducuki.
Li Chi GW250 owners unite!
Suzuki/Haojue is organizing a trip from Jiangmen to ChongQing, passing through through Guangdong, Guangxi and Hunan. The total is about 1700 kms, and will be stretched over 6 days, from October 12 - 17, 2013. The CIMA Chongqing motorcycle show runs from October 17-20, 2013. It is hoping for 200 bikes to participate.
Attachment 13736
More details here:
http://www.haojue.com/action/gw250-2013special.jsp
On another note, Dadinhengtang (Beijing), in conjunction with Suzuki China, is offering free oil changes/servicing to GW250 owners at the end of this month. Side note: total GW250 sales in Beijing have apparently reached 600, with an apparently large shipment arriving later this week or, if delayed, after the holiday.
Forgot to mention - I have managed to get an ENGLISH owner's manual. Expat owners in Beijing can get a copy from me, OR, you can talk with your dealer (or Suzuki directly) and they will get you one within a week. You have to supply the frame & engine number, and the dealer's name/address - it will be sent to the dealer for you to pick up.
The bike looks awesome! Wonder why he didn't do anything to the front fender. Also interested in the swing arm conversion.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lao Jia Hou
Im using CST tires and they are quite good , much better then the ones my yamaha came withQuote:
Originally Posted by Lao Jia Hou
I'll take Bridgestone over CST any day. However Chengshin are Maxxis tires parent company, so there is certainly some technology in the tires.
In other words use them up if you've got them on there for touring or for winter or spares. In peak season or on the track run something more exotic if you can afford to.
^ what he said! I've CST on the 650TR and I'm already thinking to replace them with something more familiar e.g. Bridgestones, Metzlers, Michelin et al. CST are okay in the dry... that's it for me. There's no way they compare to the Bridgestones on my Burgman 650's, the Michelins on my Jetmax or the Dunlops on my Dragstar 1100 Classic...
CST = pneumonic for Crap Shoot Tyre...
I had the same question. But, again, beauty is always in the eye of the beholder. Maybe he likes it. His bike - his choice. My bike? The fender is being changed.Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve_Halt
Re Tires/CST/Bridgestone/Metzler/Pirelli/etc.
We have a few GWs with various, different tires mounted:
1) CST (Made in China) mounted on the new batch of GWs
2) Road Warriors (Made in Japan) mounted on the "old" batch of GWs
3) Bridgestones (not sure where they were made - doesn't say on the tire) put on a GW during its first tire change at 11K kms
A local GW rider is also an accomplished track racer and, in my opinion, he can push the bike through turns far better than any of us mere mortals can. He's ridden the GW with each set of the above tires (it is his own GW that now has the Bridgestones), and here are his comments (paraphrased):
1) No real differences, except in price
2) All can take me well past my line-of-sight in the twisties (which, by the way, is suicidal on Chinese roads)
3) No idea about seriously wet pavement, because it is a total PITA to ride in those conditions
4) They all totally suck (equally) on anything except pavement, especially mud (our clubhouse has recently had part of its access road muddy)
Personally, I subscribe to the functionality-theory and value-for-money. I am not racing the GWs, nor do I need to prove anything in the mountains (I am not 17 years old any more), and I always opt for a tire that will serve me well for 99% of its intended uses, and will last a LONG time (they do, after all, cost real money).
That said, however, I did notice a difference with Pirellis on my scooters. Pirellis seem to do well in the wet, but it is really hard to tell because I never really push a bike in slippery conditions (frail bones, slower reaction-times, failing eyesight, and all that other wonderful stuff that comes with "years of experience").
On my big bikes, I've tried various brands and also never really noticed any dramatic difference. I think tire pressure was always the religious secret for me.
I may be the odd man out here, but I have never really subscribed to the tire kool-aid. Maybe it would be different if I was racing - but I am not. Back home, I owned a few exotic cars and the tires were super f'n expensive ... ridiculous to the point of nearly a thousand dollars EACH (and there were 4 tires on a car!) ... so I opted for el cheapos that did the job (seriously, how often does one actually drive at >160 mph?).
Same with my bikes.
Come to Beijing and try them out - we have several GWs hanging around. If we could do a blind taste-test, I bet you couldn't tell the difference. Take the challenge! You win - no rental charge - you lose, double price.
Yeah, I'm grumpy tonight :P
That fender was likely a result of wind tunnel testing. It looks to be designed to divert and also direct air, it likely sends a column of air directly at the radiator while holding the front wheel downward and also it could be isolating it from turbulence. I do not think it to be any more of a style statement then the body of the Hayabusa both came from the same designer, I believe.
Good point! You're probably correct. It helps explain that forward piece.Quote:
Originally Posted by MJH
Good news for foreign GW250 owners in China.
I have managed to acquire all of the bike's mechanical specifications (e.g., clearances, torque adjustments, wiring diagrams, assembly/disassembly instructions, etc.). If you need some info, send me a PM.
Suzuki China had a little promo going on at one of its Beijing dealers yesterday. Factory reps were on hand to give GW250 owners:
1) Two for one pricing on genuine GW250 oil;
2) Free bike check-ups and adjustments (using real torque wrenches by people who knew which end to use); and,
3) Two free coffee cups (with the "Haojue" logo) ...
Attachment 13846
Hahaha. Look familiar? Ya gotta love this country!
I'm a sucker for free stuff, and deep discounts. Apparently, so too are most GW250 owners - there was a big turn out.
I've had to interact with the dealers and the factory (directly) on a few matters relating to the GW250, and my experiences so far have been nothing short of stellar. I've not experienced any mechanical problems with any GW250 I own (I have a few), but wanted things like the English owner's manuals, English service manual, specialized tools, etc. Chatting with other GW250 owners around town, none seem to have experienced problems with the bike.
Suzuki appears to be trying to redefine customer service in China with the GW250. Let's hope it stays that way.
EDIT: I should add that I think the reason Suzuki is often sponsoring these events is to educate GW owners about the positive benefits of preventative adjustments & servicing. It certainly ain't cheap to do this, but Suzuki has probably figured out that ensuring the bikes are properly maintained ... well, it helps the model look good. These factory-sponsored events are apparently common practice in Japan. We all know, living in China, that the usual service-mentality is "wait until it breaks, then we'll fix it."
heard my name got called :D
a little intro...about the Dalian dude named Daz
a few weeks ago I was introduced to Lao Jia Hou in Beijing and had a pleasant riding trip through the northern suburbs of Beijing. Next day he rode over on his beloved GW250 and let me rode around the block near the hotel and I was so impressed with it. I couldn't believe it's a made-in-china bike, everything feels tight on it.
I've been making sportbikes go faster or touring bikes go further, all were foreign bikes...(well i'm a dalian dude) so, the GW250 just hit my nerves. It's time to do something for a domestically made bike, so an avg Joe can pickup motorcycling and modify it as a hobby. before the GW I didn't feel there is any model from China will worth the efforts, but now, my view has totally changed.
we have one gw250 on hand (thx to lao jia hou and robert) in dalian that has been totally stripped down. we're developing about 20 parts for it ranging from CNC products to body parts. we will start on performance improvements (airbox for example) next year. I will keep you guys updated.
i saw two huanglong 600 in zhuhai last month, doing laps around 2 min/lap, which is not bad. does anyone here have relationship with high-ups from any of these major brands? Im thinking of starting a track school in zhuhai, where i have good buddies who is already running trackday school w/ ducs and beemers. It'd be nice to have a gw250 track fleets there...so i need donor bikes!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lao Jia Hou
Hey Daz - welcome aboard MCM. Good to see you here.
I, for one, am definitely looking forward to your company's customized GW products. The prototypes I have seen pics of look fantastic.
Good luck at the Atlanta bike show. If you head back for the Chongqing show, we'll catch up. I think Robert will still be in Germany.