Suzuki GSX650F Forum - www.GSX650F.biz

Hi there

I'm looking to "upgrade" from a 2002 VFR 800 VTEC to a new GSX650F. I haven't test ridden the 650 yet, but are there any things I should be aware of? What might I miss (power, handling?). I use the bike for 98% commuting and a little bit of touring.

Thanks

Cheers, Flash

I don't think there's anything to watch out for in particular. The GSXF is a nice bike in that there aren't any of those little "interesting surprises" that other bikes often have. It all just works exactly as it should.

One thing to enjoy is the incredibly smooth and progressive powerband. Just open the throttle and feel it go with no blips or pauses at all.

You'll miss the VTEC kicking in As olembe said, the GSXF has a very linear, smooth, usable and enjoyable power band...

Ha ha - that's what I was trying to hint without taking part in any VTEC bashing. As a VFR rider, he'll have had plenty of that already...

Hi interesting post, coz im thinking of buying the gsx650f or maybe a 800vtec can you tell me a liitle about the Vtec that would make you want to change, i have test ridden the gsx650f and loved it, so for me its a gsx650f a new 09 bandit or outside chance of a vtec

Never riden a VFR ,but the new ones are $15,000 and the 650F is $10,000 and 150cc less .
One would think its a down grade not an upgrade.
Having said that the 650F was names sports tourer of the year by one of the worlds best magazine.

But if your going to commute 98% of the time in heavy city traffic and want to zip in and out of cars ,the 650F like a VFR ,are not small and easy to throw around like a Kawi 650 Ninja....or ER6F {Named Depending on your location}.
I brought mine to tour ,ride on weekend and commute ,but my commute in half freeway and not in city traffic and I couldn't be happier.

I used to have a 2000 VFR and the differences aren't all that dramatic in my opinion. The 650F is a bit lighter, but the VFR is a bit faster. The 650F carries its weight lower, but is a little wider at the seat and between the knees. Riding posture is similar. Fuel mileage is a bit better on the 650F. Tank range is a bit better with the VFR. The VFR has a single sided swingarm, which is easier to deal with than the conventional swingarm on the 650F.

i went up against a guy in the tight mountain twisties on a late model vfr i could'nt take him, but he did'nt get away either.

I later found out he is a A grade rider at the track !!!

hahahaha hickey can you tell me the reasoning behind your name? i still cant stop laughing about it!

and guys dont lie there is a couple of little uh ohs on the bike
1. the vibrating windscreen (possibly)
2. the transition from 1st to second can be sometimes grindy
3. the signals (everyone hates them)

otherwise this bike is amazing!

PF - I dunno: I've not had trouble with any of those things. And coming to the GSX from a Fazer, I can tell you the change from first to second is like a hot knife slipping through butter in comparison to the Yamaha!

Hickey is my last name. As I understand it, the name is an English transliteration of an Irish Gaelic name that meant descendant of Ideadh, which in turn supposedly meant healer. There is a similar surname from western England that might be of ancient Welsh origins and is probably where the spelling comes from, since ancient Irish Gaelic had no written language.

The American slang use of the word, hickey, does not seem to have any connection to the surname. At least there is no connection I've ever been able to find, although I accept I might have had rather interesting ancestor at some point.

wow. thats a sweet last name! lol hickey. lol so youre irish huh? is that where youre at now? or are you in america?

The two bikes are similar. the Honda is built to higher specs. the suzuki has a lower seat height. the Honda has a fair bit more power (extra 130cc) and wet weights are very similar (Honda's is higher, but also the tank carries 3L more fuel). Riding position is similar - Honda maybe a tad sportier, more bent. I like the Honda exhausts better. The Honda is significantly more expensive, 50% more when new. The GSX should be cheaper to maintain. Overall, a new GSX would be an excellent choice for a similar bike. I agree about the comment on the FAZER - I have an '08 FZ6S2 and the 1-2 change is not smooth. It is better now that the bike is broken in (or is it me that is broken in?) and it has synthetic oil, but still. Not great.

Hi, i was going to buy the new 08 FZ6 s2 but the some reviews i read were bad, the bike looks good but can you tell me: is it vibraty? bad gear box? no torque? whats it like compared to the gsx650f thanks

I've had only limited exposure to the FZ6, but I wouldn't say it is a bad bike at all. It is lighter than the 650F and looks great. The exhaust and exposed engine are especially cool.

I don't think the seat is as comfortable as the 650F and it is much more high strung. Its engine comes from the R6 replica racer and requires high RPMs to generate really fun acceleration. This isn't a negative trait, but something to be aware of.

With those high RPMs come additional vibration in the seat, foot rests, and handlebars. The 650F is definitely smoother. But again, this isn't necessarily a bad trait, just a difference between bikes.

If you can arrange a test ride, do it. These bikes are different approaches to the same goal: a comfortable, practical, sporty motorcycle.