Suzuki GSX650F Forum - www.GSX650F.biz

Hi all, I thought I would add my thoughts as I consider myself to be doing more 2 up riding than riding on my own. So this is what the review is mainly focused on.

Well the bike is a month old and nearly 2500 miles on the clock, (think it will be going in for a service shortly). My wife was really pleased when i passed my motorcycle test 6 weeks ago, (and we have been inseperable since).

So, to gain my confidence, (I had already had a 4 hour lesson in how to ride with a pillion), we started out on short trips and relatively slow speeds. Most of the journeys were to local places, i.e. coffee bars and the such, they just got further away. Until an hours ride was enough for us, before our bottoms had lost their feeling and we needed a break unless we wanted to walk like John Wayne.

Just to add a quick note, I have the Bandit 1250 seat (the split one). This was on the bike when i bought it, and yes it is adjustable (currently on its lowest setting, but could add another 20mm in height if needed).

Anyway on with the review, last weekend we decided to boldly go anywhere, the weather was beautiful and it was a great day to be out. So, we set off from Hartlepool (where i live) and went to Whitehaven (where my sister lives) we started off on the A19 to scotch corner (stopped for bacon sarnies and coffee), then followed the A66 all the way to Little Clifton (we did stop in Penrith for a cuppa and a cigarette) and down a local road to Whitehaven. A total journey of 125 miles, through some of the most breathtaking scenery in England, known as the lake district. Lots of bikers on the road that weekend, due to the weather.

Lunch at my sisters and then we left for home about 4.30pm. Rode down to Penrith and took the route through Hartside pass, another stunning journey stopped at the bikers cafe 2000ft above sea level. Then spent the next 3.5 hours travelling twisting up and down roads like you see in the movies. So, we arrived home about 9pm that evening having been out nearly 12 hours.

Bodies were weary and bottoms were still ok, thank goodness for breaks. All in all, we covered 250 miles and get this we averaged 50mpg or 11 miles to the litre, which ever you like to choose.

Would we do it again, Hell Yes, and we are on the 25th July for my nieces wedding. Never have I add so much pleasure in one day. Pity I didn't start this 30 years ago, but hey, I can still enjoy what is left before I am to old. Then there is always the memories of what was once the best time in my life.

The best thing I have ever done, is to buy the GSX650F. It has given me a whole new lease of life, for both my wife and myself. All I have left to say is, DON'T STOP ME NOW, I'M HAVING SUCH A GOOD TIME.

Pops

Hi, what tyre pressures and rear preload are you running when 2-up?

cheers, dw

Factory setting for preload is 3, i was advised not to change it unless i wanted to do some seriously hard riding. Tyre pressures (on chain guard) 36 front and 42 rear. Hope this helps. Pops

OK, thanks. Taken wife as pillion a couple of times and with 42 psi in the rear (preload on 3) the back of the bike felt a bit unstable, with a couple less psi it seemed better - so just wondering what others had found worked well.

Having said that, I'm still very new to the bike anyway.

I am the same, i have used 42psi in the rear and thought i was riding like crap, cos the backend seemed light and twitchy, so have dropped it to 40 psi and things seem better, wife is a lightweight at 10 stone (140 pound) so thought reducing the tyre pressure in the rear, would help and it has.

pops

Yes, same here, wife is about 10 stone, I'm around 13 and about 39psi seems much better, cheers, dw.

Hey Pops, really enjoyed the review . At times it was like I was riding along with you! Unfortunately that's about as close as I've gotten to two up, my wife is a little resistant so far !
I have some relatives in Cardiff and they're always on me to come visit, UK sounds really nice (especially for motorcyclists) .

Hi Brian,
I'm also crazy about the GSX. I've got to say it's the nicest bike I've ever had. Never tried two up yet because the wife and I are both heavy and she simple refuses to get on, saying she'll break the poor little thing. Lucky my other ride is a BMWK1200RS and we use this one to get out and about. Anyway if you thinking about coming our way anytime just drop me line here, we got some pretty nice riding and we can always find a bed, a shower and some chow for you. Regards from Durban RSA.

Me and my wife go two up everywhere we go. She wasn't really comfortable though until i got my Sargent seat with the back rest. She absolutely loves going for rides now because she now has something to lean back against.

Got a pic of your setup?

A very nice review.Life is good, rollin on 2 wheels with the one you love.

Here you go.....

do a lot of two up ... wife is 8 stone .. I am about 12.

left suspension on default with tyres at 36 and 38.

rides like a dream at all speeds ... steady as a rock at 120+