Suzuki GSX650F Forum - www.GSX650F.biz

Hi,

I am considering buying this bike and would like to know what it rides like with a pillion passenger.

Does it have enough power to haul two people around all day, what is the ride like and how does it handle?

Any other observations for two up riding would be great.

My other option is to look at the GSX1250FA which we can get in Australia, not sure about anywhere else.

Cheers Chris

The 650F rides two up just fine. Just make sure you adjust the suspension preload properly for the added weight. I've taken my wife out for day long trips and had no problems what so ever. In fact, I had expected her to complain of being uncomfortable on those long rides, but she did just fine and was no more stiff than I was after 100 miles between stops.

Other than ABS, the 1250FA just has a bigger engine... Well, there are some minor differences, but, with the same frame and similar chassis, passenger comfort will be about the same.

The 650F will be capable of hauling around 2 people but the 1250 will be better at it. Depends on whether you want the bike mainly for 2 person touring or if it is just something you will do now and then.

Also, consider the Bandit 1250. Performance wise I expect it will be the same as the 120FA, and probably has the same engine and chassis if I know Suzuki, but will be cheaper. From what I can tell the fairings on these bikes don't do a hell of a lot other than looking nice.

I used to ride two-up on an old Bandit 1200 and even though we were both lard-asses that thing had some serious passing power with both of us onboard. The newer 1250 engines would be even better. Personally, I wouldnt want to do touring 2 up on the 650F but like I said, we are both lard asses (combined weight around 210kg or 460 lbs).

Hi Chris,

I have a "first timer" (2-up) opinion, FWIW.

I've had my '08 650 for about a month (& 1500km); took my 70yo dad for a 80km ride a couple of days ago (I'm 45). We're both 6ft and would guess our combined heftiness at about 180kg, which is probably a fair load to add to the bike's 240kg wet weight. After he worked out sitting up gave us both a bit more room, and he loosened the grip he had with his knees on my hips, I pretty well forgot he was there.

Bike handled beautifully through the sweepers, steady as a rock at 100km/hr, braked easily, smooth gear changes all the way. Only took a short while to hit apexes with confidence. I changed out the front sprocket for a 16-tooth, but still the bike pulled easily up steepish hills, even in top gear. Kept the revs below 5000rpm so-as not to freak out the passenger, but no doubt could have ridden it harder were we both more experienced.

He said the seat was very comfy.

As the missus had me on a tight budget, I researched hard for best bang for buck in this purchase. Can't recommend this machine highly enough. Better than sex (almost ).

Cheers, Matt

PS. Did I say it's a great bike?

Mr Potato ah haaa you have to much starch, kidding. Hi matt ya i agree 650 great, ya sure needed some mods but wow, and the engine 40 CU inch, almost 88 HP, and runs on regular. And for me a great commuter, a valuable company tool almost like good aircraft. saves me time and fuel costs.

I started riding last year and bought my 2010 GSX last year. I fitted it with the GIVI three case system and Corbn seat, higher windshield, heated grips, cigarette lighter charger, LED lights and a few other things that I'm sure that I'm forgetting.

All of this with the goal of riding two up with my wife on sme longer excursions. For example Montal to New York City.

Some of m friends tell me that. May have wanted a bigger bike since touring is my goal. I'm not so sure about that.

I rode for 5,000 KM law year n man conditions and I didn't feel like this bike was under powered as compared to the other bikes that I was riding with, especially for the type of riding that I do.

I'm more not enjoying the scenery than breaking the speed records.

What's great about this bikes is that it seems to be a great city bike and can tour adequately as well. It's the best of both worlds.

I'll provide some feedback with regards to two up touring soon but f anyone has done this with the 650F then your feedback wold be much appreciated as well.

It's great fun, mbishara, isn't it? Motor biking in general; and to be able to share it occasionally with a passenger is definitely a pro.

Similar to you, I fitted a higher windscreen (I'm more of a tourer than a sports-freak, though it's cool to unwind every now and again, and you're right, this machine has plenty in reserve). I ended up going the givi screen - no good for me on it's own - then added the MRA xcreen. Just need to lower the handlebars an inch and I'm there, out of the main air flow (I'm 6ft-nothing).

Also added the largest givi topbox (no panniers; wanted to stay skinny for filtering), though I had to modify it back three inches for pillion comfort - the standard setup is for "sports" posture, the grab rail a little hard to, well grab.

Just moved into autumn down here and still love my Suzi. Hmmm, the sun's out...

Cheers, Matt