Suzuki GSX650F Forum - www.GSX650F.biz

As you all may, or may not know. I'll be picking up my 650F in a couple weeks here (plan on the 15th of July) and I've read so many stories of people buying brand new bikes and dropping them within weeks!

I've gotten some advice from coworkers such as:

Sit on the bike, sway back and forth and get used to the weight.
Walk it back and forth down a parking lot or driveway, etc


I'm sure the motorcycle safety class will have a bunch of tips as well (start taking that the 14th of July). But I'm curious what you all have to say, those that both own and don't own the 650F.

Thanks!

as you've been told, get a feel for the weight of the bike.

Be aware of the surface you're on. Petrol station forecourts, gravel, loose stuff, all lead to your feet or the tyre moving when you don't want them too.

when your stationary, use the brakes to stop it moving anywhere you don't want.

If it falls, LET IT GO. Once it's over the tipping point you won't save it, you'll only hurt yourself

if your walking next to the bike, keep it lent slightly onto your thigh towards you. it's much easier than trying to lean over the top to catch it.

Don't think that you will drop it. if every time you get on your bike you think that you're going to drop it, then you will. be positive and think it will be ok.

I know it's shiny but at the end of the day, it's a bike, it can be fixed, so don't sweat it to much

Thanks Fubles! That's some good advice and some points I've never thought or heard before

But this...

... is sad

But I understand what you mean, I'll just think positive as suggested

I think Fubles has it all covered .

But the place where I see great riders and learners drop there bikes day after day is in a riders cafe parking lot .

DON'T touch the front brake on gravel ,you just touch it ,it will slide out ,and all these drops I see are at less then 5kph.

And I never push my bike around ,I always sit on it ,I hate pushing it I know I will drop it.

But don't worrt about it ,if it happens it happens ,just concentrate on what your doing and you'll be fine.

I'm sure frame sliders will be a first purchase for me

I'd hate to see scuff marks or scratches on my brand new baby

All good advise, a couple additional points from a commuter --
1. Watch mirrors, I really like making eye contact before whizzing by someone.
2. Look out for phones, makeup, lunch or other things that other drivers in much bigger vehicles are doing -- and then AVOID those drivers!
3. NEVER make yourself a sandwich. What I mean is don't get between cars. I know that sounds simple, but it seems like SUCH A HUGE gap in the traffic with a car on the left and a car on the right and no one in the middle, and then all of a sudden one of them decides to close the door. It may seem boring, but when ever possible I like either the far right or the far left in multi-lane traffic.
4. Don't get lazy -- use signal lights, warn others what you are doing.
5. Don't be afraid to use a little of the power that is under that gas tank. Use it to pull into "open air" gaps between traffic so that you're not in a blind spot.
6. Common sense. We've all got friends (or may even be guilty ourselves ) of having momentary lapses in judgement because it is just so darn fun to ride this sucker!
7. Finally - pick YOUR speed. Don't get sucked into other bikers or other vehicles speed. Pick your SAFE speed for the road, traffic and experience and then stay with it.

Safe and fun riding out there!

This is the best point IMO from dj2826. I've seen people trash/crash their bike here because they want to keep up with the rest after going to a bikers group/meeting/tour. It's better to fall back then to crash your bike.

I think as far as falling over goes, you've just got to keep in mind that being at a standstill is a dangerous condition for a bike, not a safe one. It's got no stability and the slightest off balance will put it on the ground before you can do anything. Anytime I'm pulling to a stop I'm scanning for gravel, drains and bad camber.

Some more great advice, thanks!

And thank you, dj, for the commuter advice. I will be using the bike to commute back and forth from work (on the highway) the most as soon as I become more comfortable on the bike.

This waiting is torture

Wasn't going to mention this but might as well, as it might help some one in the long run.

Picked up GSX650F on the Thursday morning 6 miles on the clock, rode the bike home about 34 miles. Got home and showed the wife the new toy then went out a wee run, (should have went a run rather than go and see my Uncle). Ended up at my uncles house bang on 50 miles on the clock. Uncle very impressed with bike, he sat on it started it and asked if he could take it round the round about outside his house. As it was my uncle i could not say no.

Off he set alright to start with next thing he loses his balance and the bike and him fall over.

Got really lucky as there was olny slight damage, scratch's on the magneto cover( Flywheel Cover), small scratch on the fairing below the indicator and a smashed left hand side indicator.

This was the first bike i have ever owned and was absolutley gutted with the scratch's. After about 3-4 hours and spreaking to a few biker mates they managed to stop me feeling so gutted and re enforced that it could have been a lot worse.

All the posts i have read on here have been great, and have helped me in gathering new skills to take on the road with my new toy. Thanks again

Ah that sucks .'

As soon as you said my uncle ask for a go ....I new what was going to happen.
I never let anyone ride my bike unless I know their a shit hot rider.

How is your uncle is he out of hospital after you beat him up.

My favourite one for newbies, is DISC LOCK remember to take it off. Is a sure way of takin a nose dive.

Pops

My favourite one for newbies, is DISC LOCK remember to take it off. Is a sure way of takin a nose dive.

Pops

always hilarious as long as it isn't you.

a flourescent bungee cord helps

OK -- I'll look like an idiot -- what the heck is a disc lock?

Picked the bike up at the dealer -- they rode it from the assembly room to the parking lot, I got on and rode away.