Suzuki GSX650F Forum - www.GSX650F.biz

Greetings to everyone!

I just bought a brand new 2008 model from Bob's Cycle Ltd in Cornwall, Ontario. Went to see a 2005 Bandit 650 that he had listed, but rode away with the GSX650F instead (Black/Silver). (BTW - I live in Ottawa, Ontario, but doing business with Bob is well worth the 100km trip for me!)

I've been dual-sporting seriously for just over 10 years, and decided that its easier to just hop on a street bike to get a nice quick ride in (i.e. "quick" as in spur-of-the-moment, not traveling at excessive crotch-rocket speeds). I didn't know exactly what I wanted in a street bike, but saw a used Bandit 650 at a local dealer and quickly figured out what direction I wanted to go in. I saw a couple other used Bandits for sale, and then headed out to see the one Bob had for sale. It was in beautiful condition, low mileage, rode very well, and buying it was almost a no-brainer. Except that I was supposed to see a used GSX650F the night before, but the owner decided at the last minute not to sell ... and Bob had a brand new one sitting on his showroom floor. The GSX650F was not prepped for a test ride, so it wasn't going to be an easy apples-to-apples comparison. Bob was very helpful, but not pushy to sell one bike vs. the other. Based on the information, I made a leap of faith that the GSX650F was a better ride and hence a better deal, so I signed the papers, "ride unridden" (equivalent to "sight unseen", but for test rides).

I am so pleased with the GSX650F and have absolutely no regrets regarding my decision. Although I did a bit of homework in researching the GSX650F before setting out to see the used one, I can now say that I like the GSX650F because of all the "flaws" that other reviewers have noted (e.g.: heavier weight, less power, outdated styling, ... whatever!). It's more stable because of the weight, its more manageable due to its linear power delivery, and I've seen current bikes that look a LOT uglier than the GSX650F!!!

My purchasing criteria is the following:

1) I want a bike that is fun to ride for more than just a few months (i.e. I don't want a "beginner bike")
2) I want a bike that is comfortable for longer rides
3) The bike should be more forgiving than touchy super-sport bikes (this is 3rd because I will improve my sport bike skills over time)
4) The bike should have at least a small probability that I'll get my wife to ride on back with me.

At 745 km, the GSX650F has met my first 3 criteria (I'm confident that it will still be fun to ride a year from now). My wife hasn't ridden with me yet, but at least she's agreeable to the idea, so its very likely that the bike will satisfy my 4th criteria as well!!!

Anyway, let me finish my positive ranting with 2 statements:
- Get a GSX650F if you want a great mid-range sport-touring bike
- Get it from Bob's Cycle Ltd if you're anywhere near Cornwall, Ontario (He is also a Kawasaki dealer, too.)

I'll be lurking mostly, but will post when I think I have something worthwhile to contribute.

Ride safe!

Mike

Greetings to all. I purchased a new 2008 GSX650 (black w/red & silver accent) on Sunday for the whopping sum of $4,998 US. The bike had 2 miles on the odometer when I took posession of the bike. One of those miles were from the tech taking it for a road test before handing over the bike to me. (I love the smell of burning cosmolene in the morning)

My previous bike was a 2006 Harley Davidson V-Rod with forward controls, 116 hp on the dyno and you heard me coming when I was splitting lanes as we do here in California traffic. I put 18k on the bike in two years by commuting and riding the local canyon roads on the weekends. I sold the bike when I started driving trucks cross country. Many moons ago I also rode a 1985 V-Max when the first came onto the scene.

Night and day is all I can say when comparing these bikes. It's like I need to learn to ride all over again. The shift points are different, the power is there but not as on demand as on my v-rod. I need to learn at what rpm does each gear work best. The v-rod was a 5 speed but even in 6th on the gsx650 seems to be revving high but ready to go even at low speeds (very torquey). I could go on but will spare you all for now.

This bike was purchased a commuter bike first and canyon carver 2nd. My commute to work is 57 miles each way and is done 4 days a week. The use of the carpool lane and splitting traffic during congestion will save about an hour on the way home and about 350 bucks a month in fuel alone.

Any pointers for shifting speed /gear would be appreciated. I look forward to talking with the lot of you in the future.

Here is my 09. New rider New bike, new attitude.

Steve

The orange is growing on me every time I see it .

Welcome to all the new owners ,hope your enjoying you new rides ,like the rest of us.
Pull up a chair and join in the forum .

Yeah, when I first brought the bike home, my wife didn't like the color. Yesterday she told me that it grew on her. She really likes it now. I like it more each day as well. As for the detractors, the weight isn't a problem.

I'm a new rider. I've ridden a couple sports bikes a few times, also an 883 Harley. Rode my buddy home on it a couple times because he was too intoxicated to ride it himself. This bike is super easy to ride. Really quick steering.

Been taking it easy and just riding up and down my street. Practicing stop and go's. The Yesterday I was turning the bike around with my feet. Today I did the u-turns with my feet on the pegs! I know it's no big deal for most of you, but I celebrate small victories.

MSF course starts Monday.

Steve

Thats it DOPPLEGANGER ,slow and easy at first ,small victories as you say .

Congrats DOPPLEGANGER, as Sleddog says, and it's a great bike that seems to put a bigger smile on my dial every time i ride it.

Ride Safe and you'll be

Like to say hi, changed my Kawasaki for a GSX 650 F on the 9th September and now have 1160Km on the clock going for its first service tomorrow. I must say I’m impressed with mid range power makes riding in the mountains so much more relaxed.

Steve

Thanks for the welcome all.

Steve

Iam, Fadge from south yorkshire bought my bike last friday traded in my Fz6 Yam, must say to date the Suzuki is a far better ride,biggest difference to date the gear box hell of a lot smother than the fazer oh i forgot shes orange

Congrats on the purchase! Good that you picked up an Orange one. I hear it's the fastest yet.
EDIT:
Got pics?

Steve

I hear the new 2010 white-black bike had got the orange covered ,but still just a wisker behind the full black ....its true I read it in the internet

And who can argue with logic like that. lol

Steve

Not yet guys on wrong shift at mo but dont fear will do, keen to change things, like the M4 exhausts did a lot to the yam so dont see why the suz should go with out

Two more days of the MSF course left. The more I rode, the more confident I was. We were riding ovals and shifting from 2nd to 3rd. I was surprised when my foot drug the ground during one of the turns. I had no idea I was leaning that much. I'm riding a Suzi 250. Cruiser type bike. Written test tomorrow, riding test Thursday, Riding legaly on Friday (my birthday!) Yay me!

Steve