Suzuki GSX650F Forum - www.GSX650F.biz

compared it to my old deer hunter....

For what I paid, I cannot complain one bit about this bike. I use it as a daily commuter and all I can say is "got torque?" This has got to be the torquiest (sp) inline-4 600 bike I have ever driven. Ergo's are GREAT. at 6'4", ergo's mean a lot. I am still in the break in period, but did rev the snot out of it once trying to keep up with a buddy on a busa. The power just keeps pulling...Probably the flattest powerband I have ever felt.

I'll keep it short and just add a list of pro's & cons with a few comparisons.

FZ6 vs. GSX:

GSX has MUCH better, usable torque...great for around town and commuting. (what it was built for) FZ6 has top end hands down...

GSX has better ergos, and better weather protection.

GSX is VIBE FREE!!!! Handle bars, seat, pegs...can't feel the slightest vibe throughout the rev range...even at highway/cruising speeds...it is rock solid.

FZ6 felt buzzy to me at certain RPMs.

The GSX has effortless handling and is butter smooth everywhere.

GSX vs. ninja 650:

Didn't ride the ninja, but did sit on one...ergo's is what detered me from that...so if you are tall, try out the Suzuki.

CONCLUSION:

I bought this bike as a commuter, NOT a race bike. For what it is, it is by far the smoothest (in all aspects) bike I have ever ridden. predictable handling, predictable power, and predictable braking. The bike LOVES to lean low into corners and feels right at home doing so. Transmission is nice and smooth and you get the GSX-R dash to go along with it.

As fas as a beginners bike...I would say it'd be an "ok" choice. TQ comes on strong down low, and if you aren't familiar with bikes...this may lead you into trouble. but if you can control your wrist, you'd be good to go.

So, if you like riding in comfort with some pep...This is the bike for you. If you want an all out track bike...look elsewhere.

Your perspective as a former FZ6 (a direct market share competitor) owner is particularly valuable. Thanks for taking time out to share.

Indeed, the FZ6 was also on my to-try list but I read that it needs to be in the upper rpm regions to do any good. So that one was crossed of the list.

Excellent review.
Thanx

Well, I went to go get another one...but read so much about the new 650 engine (originally was praying for a bandit 650S in the states). when I saw the GSX came with the same torquey (sp) engine...I had to check ergo's.

The FZ6 is a great bike, don't get me wrong...but when they redid it for 07, they made the fairing smaller (less protection), and the powerplant was still the same rev-happy, buzzy engine. as a daily driver...The FZ6 fails IMO. the vibes alone make riding it tiresome. just my .02

And I just filled up after 140 miles... took 3 gallons

kodiak kid,
Well said - loved your review. I myself almost bought the Ninja 650R and the FZ6. Glad I rode the mini-gix - just can't get enough of this bike. Rode it 250 miles last week end and felt like I could have ridden 200 more.

Dwayne

Excellent review. I wish you had posted it a few months ago as I was down to the GSX650F vs. 07+ FZ6. I agree with many of your points. The FZ6 is very fast up top, down low and mid it is OK. I use it mostly for commuting in the city and I appreciate its nimbleness and upright riding position. Its strengths are low weight/nimbleness, center stand, looks, quality workmanship, decent gauges, good range with a 5.1g/19.4l tank and having a large following here in the states and in Europe. I don't appreciate the short shifting that I end up doing. The transmission is clunky from 1-2. The FI remapping appears to have really helped with smoothness - I would not know since I never tried the first generation FZ6. Overall, excellent bike, but I wish I had the drivetrain from the GSX650F. I look forward to trying out the GSX650F at some point.
Dani

This is my first stree bike, which a good portion of my decision came from reading reviews on your forums so thanks guys ! As for myself a novice street rider with lots of dirt experience....this bike rocks. First ride home was at dusk and i could not have felt safer....this bike really picks up and goes...which i suppose i should refrain from until im licensed and insured (which will be very shortly, MSF course already signed up for) but how can you help it haha....today shall be the longest day of work ever as i stare at my new beauty and watch the clock till i can go home and get myself more familiar with it.....great forum guys ^_^

Glad you enjoy it!

I myself signed up for the forum after reading all of the information available on here as well. AND I decided on the bike after reading the reviews on here also!

I'm in the same boat as you! (or on the same bike?)

Sounds to me like you guys are some pretty fart smellers.. uh I mean Smart fellers.
This bike is more than I expected and although I don't get a chance to ride it much cause it's actually my wifes bike, everytime I do it amazes me what you get for the money spent.

Just got my F 3 weeks ago, I am very happy with the riding position and its tourqey usable power, maybe 1st gear is a little low and 1st and 2nd a little clunky but nothing to get pissed off at. I had to change the muffler straight away and that made it look and sound better and took a bit of weight off. Its a user friendly machine with good looks and good power. I dont think it will bore me to quickly.
Thanks Suzuki and you guys on the forum.