Suzuki GSX650F Forum - www.GSX650F.biz

I took my 2009 650F (ABS) to the local weight station to see just how much it really weighed? I've been hearing from everyone varied weights so I filled the tank and ran it up on the scale. Bear in mind my machine is bone stock right now right down to the exhaust (soon to be changed) and it posted 544lbs. Long and short of things it certainly does not ride like that weight. I love the bike and cannot wait till the next ride.

So, 248kg, thats an extra 32kg more than specified dry weight, always wanted to know for sure.

Thanks pops

Mine feels lighter every time I go to ride it. Weight doesn't really bother me at all now, if it ever did before in the slightest.

Chris Holmes, i didnt think they made ones with ABS?

After riding this heavy weight of a bike , i would probably never own a lighter weight bike unless i had track intentions , our roads in Oz generally are buggered so you need a heavier bike to avoid bouncing of pot holes , ruts , and grooves that we seem so lucky to enjoy. (especially B roads)

I've had my 2008 GSX650F for about 3 months now and take it on long rides every weekend. When I'm cruising the highway or even mountain rides I have never found the weight a problem.
The only issue I have had is when I'm slowriding and particularly slow cornering (like doing a u'turn or in a carpark). I found that the bike has a wonderful reassuring centre of gravity, but in those circumstances that centre-of-gravity over balances quite easily.
I know that with more practise and experience I will learn to easily handle the bike.

Yes, slow speed maneuvering isn't F's forte.
But you're also correct that with practice it can be done.
In most states of US, motorcycle licensing involves a written and a driving test. Driving test mostly involves slow-speed maneuvers. I did slalom and u-turn test maneuvers with no problem. But there was alot of practice before test day.
I try to practice the slow-speed maneuvers once a week so I don't forget how, for the confidence-building it provides me, and heck .... IT'S FUN!

Ditto, Knolltop, ditto.

I put over 9,500 miles on my Bike and I have no complaint of its weight on the road. The weight is a good factor when riding on a wet road and windy day.
The bike can be push around in the garage with one hand using a red motorcycle dolly from Harbor freight ($75.00). But have in mind, the heavy weight of this bike can dislocate and tear a ligament in your shoulders when lifting a down bike to its upright position. Don’t do it, always ask help from someone. I’m writing you this as a reminder since I injured myself when I lifted mine at the garage due to poor side stand design of this bike.

And remember, all that steel in a 650F makes it more likely those damnable "automatic" traffic lights will actually realize/sense I'm there and turn GREEN!!!!

I can manouver my 650F at crawling speeds with no problem at all. Counter balancing is key. Or, feather the clutch to stay upright. Another option is to use the rear brake while on the throttle. I'm a fan of feathering, but may look into using the rear brake out of curiosity.

Steve

[quote="popsthe bike is sure footed and gives great confidence, only when you get gale force winds (England) does the bike begin to sway a little, winds of about 60-70 mph. Where i live in the North East of England, stong winds are a common feature.

Pops[/quote]
never has a more true wording been said there matey,me and the missus have been out for a blast today and that wind cut through us especially shortcutting it through the castle eden to a19 road! naffing freezing and strong,the bike holds its own in circumstances like this.it instills confidence when riding.

Well I had a Honda VTR 250 before this bike. It's dry weight was 149kg and in wind I was blown around badly.

I looked forward to the 650F's weight and I haven't been disappointed, the extra 60+kg dry weight handles it a ton better.

Hi Everyone,

I'm a very new member and this is my first post.

I have been riding on and off for 35 years. Motocross and street bikes some very fast. It has been 20 years since I last rode though with family in between.

I picked this post as my first so as to address the weight scare campaign and uncertainty that I have witnessed online when I reviewed my black GSX650F before buying it. When I went for a test ride my bike I found that the negative online comments did NOT hold true.

As has already been stated by most replies above the extra weight is good value for stable cruising on open roads, especially here in Australia.

I am taking off on a 2,500 klm road trip to Cairns in 3 weeks and have already completed several day rides of between 400-800 klm since picking up the bike 2 weeks ago. I might add though, that I have purchased an Airhawk 2 and it is astounding - no aches (bum or back) for this old 52 year old.

I live in Port Macquarie NSW, but will be relocating to Cairns, Queensland permanently.

As for flickability - the fact that the centre of mass is well positioned on the bike and is low to the ground allows the bike once turned in to become very planted mid corner. Getting the bike turned in is another matter. For best results I have found that turning in using my knees (hug the tank with your knees and apply pressure to aid the turn in quickly for short/hairpin bends especially if there is a left and right concerned), leverage the bars (apply weight to the side your turning into) and it is assumed that your experienced enough to have already geared down for entry and exit points.

As for posts / comments previoulsy above re: difficult to manouver in u-turns and tight car parks - the best way to balance the GSX650F is to slide your body forward on your seat where your jewels would be resting against the tank, this gives you a better centre of mass on the bike for balance which will allow you to more easily turn the steering head of your bike with a slight lean and a controlled throttle while working (feathering - get used to your friction point of your clutch) the clutch if needed - remember to keep your knees tight hugging the tank this will give you excllent control for tight turns.

I have enjoyed reading many posts by "F" owners and their experiences and look forward to a mutual friendship with everyone on topic.

Thanks Pete