Suzuki GSX650F Forum - www.GSX650F.biz

Thought I'd just tell you about my first proper ride out on my 650F. I bought the bike in June and although been riding on and off for around 9 years, i recently moved to FL from the UK where I've had to do my E class auto license then this weekend just gone completed the MSF course. Been itching to get out on the bike but wanted to wait until I was legal so just got in from a 70 mile ride.

The roads around me are mostly straight & flat but I decided to head out into the boonies along SR 72 and had a pretty good ride. Was concious of not exceeding 6000rpm which I must say wasn't easy and did slip over it a couple times when rolling on throttle through some curves. On the way out I hit some quite strong cross winds at around 70 and was initially worried about being blown into the opposing lane, but I was able to hold it reasonably stable and it just pushed through, my previous F800 would have not been so compliant, i guess that extra weight is a help.

I'm not going to go on & on as you guys have heard it all before I'm sure but just wanted to say how impressed I am of the overall feel, smoothness and comfort of the bike. I sat at 70 for about 75% of the ride and the fairing did a good job of minimising helmet buffeting and the bars and pegs are set well for my size at 6ft.

Engine is a gem and I can't wait to finish breaking it in to be able to hit the high notes. Pipe has to go though, its slightly too quiet, plus its huge!

I bought the bike because I'd read all of these comments about the bike, but its nice to have them confirmed. Thanks to all that have written about their opinions

Will add some more comments when I've done some more miles. Thinking of heading out for a weekend with some essentials to eat up the miles, I've heard land of the lakes has some good roads around Leesburg, anyone ridden round there?

Hey matt1976, congrats on your new purchase. it certainly is a great machine.

Ride safe and enjoy.

Welcome to Florida, Matt. I have been in Florida for about 5 years and bought my GSX650F about 6 months ago (former Katana 750 owner). I broke in my bike the EXACT same way you are doing. Be sure to do the 600 mile maintenance on the spot. Also being in Florida, I installed speedbleeders for the brake fluid and clutch fluid. In Florida (or other higher humidity areas), we should change those 2 fluids about every 6 months. Trust me, you will notice a huge difference in braking performance (and a mild improvement in shifting).

As far as ergonomics, I am 6' and found that this bike is a very, very nice ride. More than adequate power, handling is a MAJOR improvement over the Kat and the liquid cooling and FI really are a big plus (did I mention that the instrument cluster is a bonus???). Hard bike to beat for the $$$.

There are some very nice roads in Florida, but they are extremely limited. I live in Ocala and we have "The Forest Run" which is a higher speed sweeper set of roads.

Where are you?

Hi Indycarfan, I'm in Sarasota, I was thinking of heading up towards Ocala for a day out, I think Leesburg is en route. I've been busy studying google maps for curved roads in and around my area, I think I've found a few quite close by, so will check these out and report back again on my experiences.....
Every 6 months for brake/clutch fluid, wow that is often, I'm not sure I'll have the incentive to do it that regularly. Engine oil, yes, that will be done on time. Next item on my shopping list is a center stand, $120 is the cheapest I've found so far from Oneida.