Suzuki GSX650F Forum - www.GSX650F.biz

Well to be honest, i have never rode before this is my second season. i dropped the bike the day i got it. As most of us do. Never had 1 crash, use your head, if something doesn't feel right dont do it, dont try to keep up with your friends who told me comon speed up, stay within your skill level. your trying to get going and learn not win a medal. I have 10k miles on me with this bike and havint had 1 accident. Now I can keep up with my friend who has an r6 and a gsx 600r with nps. Teach yourself at your own pace, stay smart and be safe.
Btw I never took the msc.

I personally recommend V-Twin engine for beginners instead of four-inline engine. I read some one asked about body balance and the shifting. Newbie had a hard time with 4-inline engine.
On the other hand, weight of GSX650F can be an issue.
GSX650F is good for some one with at least 1 year riding experience.

I consider GSX650F after SV650F for beginners.

That is just my opinion.

Cheers,

Totally yes and no. This is my first bike, i'm sitting at about 3k miles now. Had 1 issue when new, some way cool slimy stuff grabbed my front tire on a slow speed corner, and my butt grabbed the seat enough I swear I left marks. I don't know that it would have been any different with another bike though.

The yes/no thing. As long as you're not stupid, there's alot that are. Younger riders, i'd say probably not the best idea. Older riders, if you're responsible w/ it, it can be done.

a 250cc in my opinion is the best starter bike and I'm glad that I started on one. It also makes you appreciate the beauty of GSXF more since you're a bit more confident about your skills. But hey, to each his own. It could still work but I think it won't be that fun to have it as a starter bike.

I am 6'2 220lbs,a couple of times like having a passenger on for the first time or low speed maneuvering i was able to put my foot down and save the fall had i been much weaker i would'nt have been able to do this,i lift weights a lot a good idea for all riders.However my friend who is close in size to me got a ninja 500 for his first he wrecked in a low speed turn,almost wrecked numerous times in the skills test,then later rearended me getting onto a road that had a rough shoulder dropping the bike on himself messing up the whole side and broke his front fender.Somehow i managed not to go down even though when he came at me at full throttle due to freaking out and pinning the throttle open he left burnout marks on the pavement i heard him coming and hit the throttle right before the impact on my rear tire.He had it for about four months at that point,now six,and to this day he still can't take a turn with any speed or grace.

My point is i think i learned rather quickly and had some good reflexes and instinct to rely on,however if you happen to have skills such as my friend i wouldnt recomend another bike because you would be missing out on a bike that offers the most in versatility ,enjoyability,frugality,and longevity.LEARN HOW TO RIDE WITH AN EXPERIENCED RIDER.Listen to them and wait until they think you will be alright on your own.

YEP..PRETTY MUCH EVERYTHING SLEDDOG SAID. MY OPINION, 1ST BIKE...YES. NEW RIDER...NO. I LEARNED TO RIDE ON A GS500 BUT AFTER 1 MONTH I WAS ALREADY DONE WITH IT AND READY TO MOVE UP. I THINK THIS IS A GREAT 1ST BIKE TO OWN BUT I WOULD SUGGEST A NEWBIE LEARN ON SOMETHING SMALLER AND OLDER. I ONLY BORROWED MY FRIENDS GS500 AND GLAD I DID.....I WOULD NEVER WANT TO OWN ONE. AS FAR AS RIDING AT VERY SLOW SPEEDS, IT MAKES A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE IF YOU KNOW HOW TO COUNTER-BALANCE AND USE REAR BRAKE PROPERLY. YOU'RE PRETTY MUCH DOOMED IF YOU DON'T.

Well....it's my first bike and I'm enjoying it. I respect the hell out of the machine and I hope that as I grow as a rider and my confidence level rises that I don't lose that respect......

Spent a weekend on a smaller bike doing the safety course.....about 16 hours of instruction crammed into two days (pretty much all of us were "biked out" after passing the final exam). I'm carrying around way way more weight than I should or is good for me (pushing 300), so I wanted a bike that wasn't too big, wasn't too powerful, that I could grow into, and that I wouldn't look like the big giant dude on a scooter or whatever that we've all seen.....

I'm happy with my choice....

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I realize you guys get asked this all the time (please don't hit me!), but I've had a GS500F for a month or so of last summer and all of this season and love it to bits, but I'm looking to try something else out, especially since I'll be able to sell the GS to a friend and get him into riding (the more the merrier, right?) and I have fallen in love with the GSX650F

What I really want to know if it is a proper (worthwhile) step up in terms of power. Will I notice a significant difference?

videos and specs tell me "yes" but it's hard to know for certain without trying one out. (Which I can't do, at the moment)

I am not looking to keep up with my brother and his gixxer outright, but I want something that is going to thrill me and "last" for years. Truthfully, I still love the GS500F and the thrills it offers, so perhaps I just answered my own question, but still.

Also, is the added weight (about 100lbs more than the GS) going to be a deal breaker? I honestly wouldn't think so. In fact I think I'd learn the appreciate the weight factor very quickly while riding in the wind, but you never know, I'm still learning everyday.

I think about this bike almost everyday even though I've never even been on one. It is driving me crazy. I'm trying desperately to save up and hang on until early next season to get one, though.

Thanks for the help, guys.

I really love this forum so far, by the way. I shall be sticking around.

No, when starting out, get a decent second-hand 500cc bike, spend a year or two LEARNING to ride safely (believe me, there is a LOT to learn! ). You'll probably do something stupid, drop it, fall off, etc. But you'll learn, and hopefully it won't cost a lot to put right.

Then buy a GSX650F. It's probably the BEST SECOND BIKE around.

Good question, and many variations in response. Personally, this is my first real bike in over 30 years (first experience was a dirt bike as a kid). Never had the chance to take the MSF course yet as it is only offered on Oahu (Hawaii) and not on the outer islands, but plan to take it within a few months. I am 6'1 and 205 lbs, so reaching the ground with flat feet is not a problem with the seat height.

I guess it depends on how comfortable you are with the height of the bike and practice. True, it is a lot easier to dump a second hand bike and not blink an eye. However, a bruised ego if your new bike is dropped will haunt you for a few months. I have been riding the bike to work, rain or shine (44 miles round trip) and just take it easy, obey the posted speed. I did visit the MSF web site and watched a few videos, but this in no way prepares you for the real life road conditions.

As others mentioned, just stay within your comfort level and don't do crazy driving and you will be fine.

Some of the main reasons I did not buy second hand: could afford a new bike, not many used bikes to choose from, a lot of research and spending time harassing the dealers to see who really wanted my hard earned money and would take care of my servicing needs.

Why I did choose the 650f: great price, awesome looks (blue of course), good gas mileage, good ergonomics, and dealer responsiveness.

I had a second hand 2006 Ninja 250r, and now I've got a second hand 2008 GSX 650F. I do not regret either of the purchases, and, in fact, if you're under 190 lbs., I would recommend starting on a Ninja 250 or 500.

At first, the power of the Ninja feels plentiful for a new driver, but eventually, you realize you're longing for something with a little more grunt. Trust me, once you've pushed a Ninja to the point that you want a faster bike, you're ready to move up. However, I learned many things on the Ninja that would have been a nightmare on the 650 for a first-time rider. Throttle control, break control (and preparation), proper engine and trail braking, and most importantly, what not to do when you panic. I dropped the Ninja and crashed it. After getting that out of my system, the 650F has been a dream. However, I would have never forgiven myself if I had gotten on the 650f as a first time rider and crashed it.

I highly recommend that anyone getting their first bike start with something with less power than the 650F. 0-60 MPH in 3.7s is super car fast, and its at your disposal. All you have to do is flick your wrist and release the clutch. I would have gotten myself in trouble the first time I decided to do that... it probably would have scared me. Now that I've gone through a Ninja 250r (0-60 in a little over 6 seconds), I was much more prepared for the 650F. In fact, on the day I got the bike, I nearly full throttled it one good time on my first day of ownership (bear in mind, it already had 3400+ miles on it, so it was long since broken in.) Instead of being scared, I was thrilled. I couldn't have imagined being able to handle that power just a year before.

IMO, get a 250 or 500 before you get a mid-range 600+. Definitely don't get a 600 supersport as a first bike either. I've seen one of my friends get badly injured because they thought they could handle a GSXR 600 as their first bike.... big mistake.

I've just got my L's 3 months ago and a 2 weeks later i was riding a brand new K9 GSX650F.

Im 6'2 and 100kgs so for me soon as i sat on one it felt right for me.

I considered all the learner bikes from Hondas CBR125, CBF250 and Suzuki GS500, But soon as i sat on one i just fell in love with it.

The GSX650 is a BIG bike and if your a smaller person and just learning to ride its too much of a load to manage at low speeds.

Some great replies and will give new riders and buyers some things to consider.
But as you will see with all the posts everyone has a different opinion and they are all different sizes ..height,.. weight,.. ages ,road skills {had a car licence for 5-20 years },..confident in being able to get the basics down pretty quick ,..some have ridden a little ,like maybe on a dirt bike or borrowed a mates 250cc ,done a few other riding courses before getting the 650F.

Hello,
I recently purchased an 09' gsx650f ( actually wont be picking up untill fisrt week of oct) my MSF course is last weekend in sept. Turned 43 today what better b-day gift . This will be my first bike. ( limited dirt bike riding almost 30 yrs ago) I understand it my be a bit much out of the gate. I plan on taking a cautiuos approach. I've added proficient riding and total control to my library. I watch captain crash once a night.
I considered a used bike maybe something smaller. However after looking at and sitting on my bike I was done. Very comfortable( i'm 6'2" 250)
I was cramped on most of the smaller bikes.
I'm not looking for approval on my decision, I know I could have been more sensible. That being said I was hoping to pick your brains for some begginner advice. Common mistakes and pitfalls ( besides bike choices)
Thanks in advance