Suzuki GSX650F Forum - www.GSX650F.biz

welcome to the forum Ray and congrats on the purchase. You'll be very impressed once you get to spend a bit of time on your new 650F.
Don't be too concerned about the weight. It's really not as bad as you may hear. The design of the bike puts all the weight down low so it is very easy to manage and you will find it very stable. It does not take long at all to get used to. As Sleddog mentioned it will only really effect you at seriosly slow manouvers when you just don't know what your doing. Take a bit of time to master them and you will be all smiles. I personaly like the extra bulk and find it an advantage for my riding over a lighter bike - especially with the cross winds.

Cheers. BB

I now have 1300+ miles on my 650F. It is my first bike. I dropped it once. Standing still with engine off. My friend almost backed into me (on a hill) I leaned to avoid her, but leaned too far. I dropped her gently. No damage. As far as riding goes, the bike is very easy to ride. very nimble, and easy to steer. Trust the bike, it knows what to do, and does it well.

Just don't be throttle heavy in the beginning, especially from a standstill and turning. Enjoy your bike. It will serve you well.

Steve

Thoughts from UK...


Over here youngies can get licence at 17 but are restricted for a couple of years to 33hp bikes. This allows them to develop skills on tamer bikes. Many then move on to real sports machines (600 range being typical) and the 650F is not a common choice as its power to weight ratio is not what they want.

Over 21's can get a full licence and ride any size bike straight off (subject to passing various tests). This is becoming much more comon for older people and was the route I took. I trained for 2 days on 125CC and then about 4 days on a BMW 650 single cylinder - got the licence pass and bought the 650F.

I knew I was getting a fairly heavy bike and one with more power and therefore I knew I was going to have to treat the bike with great respect and learn about its traits slowly - which I am doing day by day. I wanted the weight as I may consider moving up to a tourer next year. I wanted all day long riding and some decent power on tap - the 650F gives me that.

I am 59 and feel OK about my choice of bike given what I use the bike for.

Sorry all - had to break off for dinner - final bit of my thoughts is that for anyone who is new to biking but aims to have a fast "racer" as quickly as possible - the GSX 650F (or any other out and out fast powerful and heavy bike) is not a sensible first bike. Such a person, particlularlarly a young one - would be better advised to work up to their "dream" via a few bikes as they gain experience and possibly maturity. Sadly a lot don't and suffer the consequences of failing to control their machines.

However for someone who doesn't want to ride with bum in the air and nose on the front wheel, knows exactly what they are getting and why - and are prepared to spend the requisite time learning riding skills appropriate to the bike they chose - then the 650F is not a bad choice.

This subject is debated quite extensively on the UK's GSX650F Forum - and remember that we have far less open road networks and spend a lot of time in traffic here in the UK. The motorcycle press over here also recommend the bike as suitable for newcomers or first big bike and a significant number are female riders.

OK-My two cents--Maby so-Maby no---Totally depends on the person---I started with a Vulcan 750-Loved that bike-Wrecked it at 3000 miles---Then spent 2 years on a Burgman 650-Great machine-just didn't like it---Summer of 08 I picked up a slightly used CB250-One great bike-light weight-nimble-very good milage-very easy to maintain-took it 2500 mile trip-not the best bike on SO. Cal. freeways---Mine sits in the garage, right by the newly aquired GSX---It still is ridden several times a week---The CB250 is a good honest motorcycle-with it I learned a great deal about motorcycles---You pay your money and you take my chances---Ride safe and often---Luke

Personally - I'd say no. I'd recommend a cheap and cheerful old bike like a gs500, Er500 or CB500 for a first time. Given that you will drop it you dont want expensive panels to repair/replace. I know you can add crash bungs and all sorts of other protection, but I still think time on a lower spec work horse will serve you well, and build up some decent no claims discount on your insurance. After all whose going to claim for writing off a £500 ( $700 ) lump.

IMHO newbies and 650f are not a good mix. There is a break in period(initiation if you will to motorcycles) that anyone new needs to go through prior to riding the GSX 650F. How long this break in period is depends on the rider (some people adjust faster than others). I voted yes and no, and I define newbie as someone who has never been on a motorcycle.

No, in my opinion.

A bike that weighs 535 lbs , goes 130 mph (210 kph), is not for the uninitiated. I know Suzuki markets the 650F as a "beginner bike", but I have seen quite a few of this model for sale as salvage (even though it's only been out for two years). I saw one salvage 650F for sale with 2 miles on it. Almost certainly a beginner that didn't even make it home from the dealership.

The "best way to learn" stuff that I have read from professional riders (rider trainers and the like), say that the lighter, less powerful bikes are ideal because you can push your limits more easily, and gain skill over time. You can't gain any skill while you are too scared to push your limits, or worried about holding the bike up off the ground.

Of course there are worse bikes to start on (any modern Super Sport bike{Gixxer}, or HyperBike {Busa}). Some people do start on those, and survive.

But the experts say you will likely be a better rider in the long run, if you start small.
http://www.gixxer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=151947
The purpose of a first bike is to allow you to master basic riding skills, build confidence and develop street survival strategies. You don't grow into a bike. You develop your skills on it.

Hi All - I know this is an old thread, but since I am a new member, I thought I'd post. First up, just wanted to introduce myself - Hi everyone. I moved to the US (Cincinnati, OH) two years ago from the UK, to take up a new job. What a great country! My family and I love it.

I haven't ridden for about 20 years (I'm 43) having been into fast cars in the UK - a TVR Tuscan and a Hayabusa-engined Caterham 7, for those of you who know what they are - but here in the US, biking is so big, there are so many quiet roads, I just had to get a bike again. So, I consider myself a beginner. I bought a gorgeous orange/black GSX650F (I had to - they are Bengals colors).

Anyhow, I along with others was worried about the power and the weight of the bike to begin with. But so far, so good. Basically I read as much as I could about biking, I bought tuition DVDs, I took the MSF courses, and basically, I am not a Valentino Rossi wannabe. That to me is the biggest thing. Guns are inherently not dangerous. They dont go off by themselves. Somebody has to pull the trigger - and it is the same with twisting the throttle. I learned these things with my cars, both of which had huge power, low weight, no ABS, Traction control, or airbags.) To me it is a case of being sensible, being educated, riding defensively and with good protection. If you do these things, the GSX650F is a GREAT beginners bike.

Also - I learned a HUGE amount about low-speed riding from the Jerry "Motorman" Palladino DVD "Ride like a Pro". Even though the DVD focusses on big lardy Harleys and Goldwings, the techniques work on all bikes. I spent several Saturdays in an old Walmart parking lot with a bunch of cones, and it really paid off.

Heh, Brit .... welcome!!
Great 1st post and good to hear you are having hoot with that new bike. Would be great to see some pics when ya get a chance!
You live in GREAT area for biking .... right out your back door. And Stanton, KY, area ... just couple hours south of you ... is SUPER riding.

Thanks knolltop314 - good to feel welcome. I only bought the bike late fall so had limited time to really get out and enjoy the bike, but as we approach spring I will be exploring the highways and byways (after having practised my slow speed stuff again!). I hope to go quite far afield over the summer, so trips to KY are in the plan, as is a scheme to ride to Destin FL with some buddies in May/June. We'll see how the 650F makes out as a tourer.

I will post some pics after the bike wakes up after hibernation. She's wrapped up warm right now.

First I want to say I’m new to this site just found it this morning and will give and introduction later, but its awesome I finally found a forum for our bike.
This was my first bike a bought after having 2 days of riding (MSF Course) and would have to say anyone that takes that course could do ok on the bike. I'm a pretty big guy so the weight wasn’t to bad just took some time getting use to. If I hadn’t taken the course I probably wouldn’t be here right now that shows how much I think it helped. Within a week of buying the bike I had it on the highway (probably wasn’t the smartest) had a 60 mile round trip to work so when I bought the bike I knew a 250-500 wouldn’t be enough. I'll knock on wood here because I haven’t dropped it yet, have had one close call in a parking lot and one on the highway when a semi went by me. Have to say though my Dad who has been riding for 30+ years came closer to dropping it then I ever had and he was just moving it out of the way(wasn’t expecting it to be so heavy, never touched any kind of sport bike). I’m glad to be here and hope to get some ideas from ya'll.

Welcome BigJay!! Don't forget to add your location in your user profile so we know where you are from and congrats on the purchase.

Started out on a 91 kat 750 last year and it was a bit heavier than my new gsx. but i did drop it once and broke a mirror other than that all fine. put about 12000 k on it last year and was riding till December 1st in ontario. but i decided to sell the old girl and trade for this haven't ridden it yet but i am anxiously waiting will keep you posted. and i would say maybe not the best bike for a beginner either of them. fairly heavy and fast. but if you have it in ya than who's to stop ya

I bought mine the other day and I'm a brand new rider.

As soon as I got her out of the showroom I was in slow moving traffic. So that was a perfect test of my bike control on a new bike !!

As it happens I controlled it well, and didn't fall over and crawled along with the rest of the traffic.

So I think it is a good beginners bike. But as a previous poster has said, it totally depends on the riders skill, competence and ability to reign in their urge to go beyond their limits.

If you are unsure of your newly aquired abilities, get a cheap bike for a year and hone your skills on that.

But for me, a superb first bike!!! Woo Hoo !


Tris