I used to own a GF250 previously. I can only say that I actually found that it
would happily putt around town in 5th, though I found 4th in town a bit more
flexible...Its months since I rode it, so I can't remember the relevant revs -
perhaps 4000? The really useable POWER kicks in over 8000, but the torque (what
there is of it...*LOL*), is a bit lower down. My GF had a flat spot between 7000
and 8000, though I understand the earlier GS had a different power spread. If
it's like the GF, you'll find you can happily cruise along in 6th at
80kph...except when you encounter a hill ( or a strong headwind!!), when you'll
have to drop back into 3rd!
Being a four, though, you'll find it very smooth, even if you are making it lug.
To be honest given the age of the bike I wouldn't be thrashing it too much ,
nor making it labour in too high a gear at low revs - a happy medium will make
you and it happy! Rely on the brakes and nifty handling rather than power to
avoid accidents!!
Check a wreckers for someting that'll do the tailight job - you'll probably find
something that you can squeeze in - even if it's off a Honda 50. Doesn't have to
be flash as long as it's cheap, 'cos you can track down a genuine one later at
your leisure.
Those motors are like swiss watches - that's why they need good oil/foam
filters. The oil attracts and traps the dust as it flies past.
Have fun on your 'L's, enjoy your P's , and when you graduate, try a Suzuki
SV650 - you won't regret it!


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