Suzuki GSX650F Forum - www.GSX650F.biz

Hello all, I thought I'd share my veiws on the GSXF. My riding history is, Owned a CBR125R for a years, also riden cg125's yamaha 125s, kawasaki ER5s and most "learner" bikes around.

As i have only taken my restricted test (didn't expect to upgrade from my CBR so quickly) My GSXF is restricted to 33bhp.

This is done through changing the ECU (provided free by suzuki) which alters the fuel injection maps. no rev limiters/throttle pins or Carb washers.

Now much has been said about the weight of this bike, but even with only 33bhp it feels light and nimble and still has masses of low down torque. the bike picks up revs and moves quickly when you want it to, but can bimble around with the throttle closed and the clutch out as well if you so wish. Even with the restrictor the bike is good for fast overtakes at motorway speeds (70mph+) and the brakes are more than capable of bring it all to a stop calmly and safely. Pull on in any gear is fantastic, even if you're one gear too high the engine picks up quickly and luanches you along.

as for equipment, there's little more you could want, adjustable brake and clutch levers, gear position indicator, fuel guage and hazard warning lights, all more than you'd get from a bike costing much more. and the little finishing touches that make things easier/better are always nice to see like the hinged fuel cap and the parking lights.

wind protection is adequate, could benefit from a better screen, but the fairing does its job.

Headlights are better than most, but I still intend to invest in Hi Output bulbs at somepoint soon.

comfort levels are high, takes about 2 hours to start getting minor problems on my wrists mostly, but thats partly becuase of previous injuries.

2 up riding is a easy as pie, the extra weight makes no odds to the bike at all and the pillion is held in a well balanced point on the bike.

Only bad points I have so far are - underseat storage is next to nil. A disc lock, a small tool kit and thast about it.
Freewheeling the bike (paddling, pushing etc) can be difficult on an incline.
The throttle can snatch closed sometimes (may need adjusting) but that last little bit of movement to closed seems to just drop off.
that end can is huge.

all in all it makes a great commuter bike and is just as good for having a blast around on. as with any big bike, you need to know how to control you throttle(it goes both ways) keeping it below 30mph can get tedious but once you get into 50/60 limits the bike feels rigt at home.

I wouldn't say its a new riders bike, it seems to me more like a bike for those who want usuable power and decent comfort but don't want to give up on looks.

I'm sure there's some point in all of that, even so it gave me something to do while my Missus watched her soaps.

Nice review Fubles.

This is going to be my first bike, just had my 4th driving course lesson (riding on a CBF500) and I'm doing everything with eas.

Maybe the throttle problems have to do with the 33bhp CDI?

The end can is really huge indeed, probably get myself the Yoshi R77 asap when the bike is at my house.

Great review, I like the little details that you included which are so nice to know... I always wanted a bike with a gear indicator so that is nice to know...

I also enjoyed the review.
Especially, when you state that the 650 is not a novice bike as some reviews tend to indicate.
This is real world bike that also looks great ,and you nailed it, puts the power where it really needs to be.

Jaydee

Brilliant review.

I was sold on this bike as a newbie bike, but fact is, it's more more a touring sport and a little heavy for a noob.

Regardless, great bike, and great review. Props!

Good review!


This is a common 'feature' on this model - mine does it and it is not restricted. I have just taken it in for a service and raised this with them as a warranty issue and guess what? My dealer says that can't replicate the problem....

I agree. Even with my 9 months of experience, I have to be careful with the right wrist. The throttle is sensitive and I'm going to have fun learning how to keep it smooth.

I've grown somewhat used to it. I can keep it smoother than I could at first, but it still catches me from time to time. Glad to know I'm not alone dealing with it.

Our local bike mag did a review on the restricted 650f.

Basically ,the weight was NEVER mentioned.
And said it just as good as the full 650F.

The reviewer did the review of the full one and the restricted one 6 months apart and he said that the bike is the same still 7000rpm.

Well 99.9% of the time im never over 7000rpm ,local or twisty riding so the bike would go the same ,but on the open roads doing long distances when we streach the freiend ship with the police ,its be restricted and you know it.
Some rider like to be over the 7000rpm that where the fun starts, but from a learner or some one still new to bikes this is a good review for a learner bike to keep for a few years.

So from what I gather ,the restricted it as good and the full 650F.

Nice review , enjoy

Hi Fubles, very professional and comprehensive review.
You mentioned that our bike (mine's blue and white the same as yours), could do with a better screen. I am wanting to sell my dark tint Skidmarx double bubble,its totally unmarked , and has only been out twice. They are £49.95+postage Skidmarx, give me £25+£5 for postage and the it's yours. It does give much better protection, its just that after fitting it I have gone off the style, call me fickle but there it is. If you or anyone else is interested , please get back to me.
Cheers, pleased you like your GSX as I do mine, look forward to hearing from you.

See photo below:
Ross