Suzuki GSX650F Forum - www.GSX650F.biz

I've been reading on the forum for quite some time. There is a bike upgrade in my near future and the 650f is on my list. I currently own a Burgman 400 and have also had the opportunity to ride my neighbor's Ninja 250 in exchange for free maintenance. I've enjoyed the Burgman (being able to put two large pizzas under the seat horizontally is a cool thing), but it just doesn't quite fit me right. I've also found myself wanting that "sport-touring" riding position and control. After reading over several things, the 650F has fit my criteria very well, but the one thing I haven't been able to get a good grasp on is how "sporty" it is. I do want my next bike to have a nice sport feel. I was also contemplating a hayabusa mostly because of ego, the fact that it's the Busa, and it certainly would be sporty, but cost and insurance may kill that idea. To be fair, it would also be far more bike than I really need. I'm not a speed demon, nor do I expect to go to the track anytime soon (though it might be exciting sometime).

So my question especially for those that have had a range of bikes is how sporty is the 650F? I realize it's not a supersport and don't expect it to be. I also realize I'm asking a very subjective question, but would like to hear people's opinions. My main uses for the bike are going to be traveling to work and back as well as some day trips to some twisty roads and even some possible long trips down the road. I just want to make sure that the next bike I get will be very enjoyable with some nice acceleration and cornering. Thanks!

David

Great day to day bike. I use it to go to work, tour and chase around with friends that have true sport bikes. Now if my buds with the sport bikes were really keen or skilled i would be in the dust. But in doing twistes i am right with them or just behind. On the highway and passing no problem at all. I also have put on a pipe and a juice box so i have some extra zoom. i love the bike for day to day and after long rides i still want more. Looks good as well. for what you want i think its a great choice! good luck

Hi David, My opinion on the GSX650F is that its a very nice all around bike it deffinatly has the torque and the speed when you twist the throttle. The seated position is very comfortable for the long ride. I own the 08 modle and the color is very sharp in person. so for i have about 5000 miles on mine and I have no complaints. As far as sportiness it up there but not too up their. As in speed it is like an r6 or a ninja 600. It would be a great choice for to drive to work my father drives it occasionaly and he ejoys it, he works about 45 min away from where we live. But the Gsxf is a very nice ride.

Hi David .
The GSX650F is more sporty then it looks ,sit on one with your arms bent like your about it hit the twisties and your leaning over a fair bit.
But you can also sit up with your back semi straight arms out for the long open roads when touring or just riding threw traffic.
I have put Renthal ultra low bars on mine its a little lower then standard and give you a more sports bike feel ,new bars are only $60 to $100.

Then for when your want to tour and do some really really long days or a week + ,I have some bar risers that give you a 1 or 2 inch lift and at $50 they are also cheap.

With this set up ,I'm covered for any type or riding I want and can adjust the height of the bars on the side or the road if I want ,its only 4 bolts and 5 minute job.
you get the best of both worlds and set the bike up for what the days ride is like....but 99% of the bike I just ride with my Ultra low bars.
If you want real sports bike feel after a while ,some guys have fitted clip ons the same as the super sports bike and removed the whole traditional bars and clamps ....see link below.
The thing with the 650F is the bike can be any thing you want it to be ,just set it up the way you want and its not going to cost you thousands of dollars ,finding our after you brought a super sport that they riding postion is not for you and try to sell it

http://www.gsx650f.biz/clip-ons-who-has-researched-this-t1135.html?hilit=vortex

David,
I have had my my 08 for about two years now, i have about 10k miles on her. I take it to school and about anywhere else i need to go. I run with a racing group here and I can keep up with most of them. I have topped her our at 140 mph. It will do 100mph like there is nothing to it, in fact I find it hard most of the time to keep it UNDER 80mph on the freeway, even when I am alone.

When i was looking for a bike i pretty much had the same standards as you, something sporty yet very functional. This bike is the pure definition. I love my bike and plan on getting the 1250 someday when i grow up

I've owned about a dozen bikes, and currently own a SV1000S as well as the 650F. The SV1000S is a real beast and a great sport tourer after a few common mods, but is no longer in production. I got the 650 mainly as a commuter, but have been surprised just how versatile and FUN it is. Despite its weight, it really flicks into turns in the twisties and has no bad habits at all. The brakes are very good, especially after a set of EBC HH pads up front. I like the low seat height (compared to the SV1000S), and the "superbike" bars, which are vastly more comfy than clip-ons. The 650 is nice and torquey on the low end and that is invaluable for traffic- in fact, the low end is very similar to a SV650, which is another bike (which I have owned and loved) that might fit your criteria rather well. In all, you seriously can't go wrong with the GSX650F!

I traded in my Bandit 1200 for the 650F, due to the bigger bike's excessive weight and heat and expense (tyres, chains and insurance etc). The biggest thing I noticed (apart from the drop in power) was the great handling. The 650F was very confidence inspiring and I ride it in ways that I have never ridden any other bike. I am sure a true sports bike would be even better but I think the compromise is worth it for the increased comfort you get. The power would not satisfy a speed demon but it certainly has more than enough for me, especially once you feel comfortable revving the guts out of it, which is immensely rewarding. It will easily get you out in front of 99% of the traffic you meet and it feels very planted in corners. The only caveat I would suggest is to think twice if you are a larger sized human being, it's not the most roomy of bikes.

Don't know if these responses addressed all of gecko's questions, but .... sure made this new rider happy he picked 650F!
Thanks, guys.

Don't get the 650, wait till the gsx1250f becomes available. It will be much more sporty.

..in a straight line...

For 1-up riding, +1 with humanpotato, IMO .............

For people who can't ride. They need the extra HP to catch up to the 650 on the straights.

I don't agree Phill.

I have a 1250 and a 650 and my opinion the 650 is more sporty.
that being siad the 1250 can be riden in a sporty manner but it requires a bit more muscle to do so and mile for mile the 1250 is a bit more tiring in the real twisty stuff - can't beat the shove of the 1250 tho (twist and hang the fuchs on matey)

imo the 650 is not as sporty as say a gsxr or r6 but it can keep up there if riden by a skilled rider.

the 650 is nibble enough to be satisfying in the twisties, yet planted enough to be cumfy in the long distance stuff

to make it a great all rounder that does it all would take a few $$$$ in the form of re valved and sprung forks (for me at least) and a better rear shock plus a few other things such as great brake pads a maybe better rubber, but pound for pound, dollar for dollar the way it is you can't beat the GSX650F for what it does (My humble opinion of course)

ride4life is right on the money. the GSX650F is very easy to ride quickly on the street. good torque off the bottom, secure handling at any speed you would ever go on the street. much easier to ride fast than the supersport 600s. which tend to to be aimed at the track. so they have more power on top but have to be revved to get to it and have less bump compliance at street speeds.
A good rider on the GSX650F can stay with or even leave an average guy on the right road.
I have a friend who has only been riding 2 years and he has a CBR600RR and I drive him crazy because I will leave him on the twisty roads and stop
at the end, park the bike and take off my helmet and ask him "what took so long" when he pulls up.
Although he is faster in a straight line.
You wont need a heating pad and back pillow at the end of the day like you would on a more track oriented bike.
Buy it, you wont regret it.

+1