I'm currently riding an '03 Ozark 250 which has 8.3" of g.c. according to Suzuki's website. I'm looking to step up to a z250 which boast a g.c. of 9.1" Just got back from my local dealer up the street comparing the two and at least at the rear differential, the Ozark has much more ground clearance back there than the z. Probably an inch or better. I'm wondering if anyone knows where they get there measurements from- the "floorborad" height perhaps? My concern is the z in rutted terrain since there is a lot of that where I usually ride. Thanks.

 

I think Suzuki measures the g.c. from the footpegs. Either way, 1 inch won't make much of a difference, I've taken my Z250 through all kinds of stuff, logs, mud, rocks, etc... and have only gotten hung up twice, and that was because of my own mistakes.

 

The reason the Ozark has more g.c. is because it has 22 inch rear tires. The z250 has about 6 inches at the lowest point on the swingarm. I just measured it.

 

Thanks for the measurement. I'm not sure how that would do in the really deep ruts. I guess if you have enough speed though you can get thru anything!