Suzuki GSX650F Forum - www.GSX650F.biz

Hi guys,

I'm new to the forum. I don't have a GSX650F as yet, but when money allows I would like to get one as a second bike. I currently have a GSF1250 (i.e. Bandit) and love the upright riding position (I'm not as young as I used to be) - well, and everything else about it! Anyway, I'd love a smaller bike too, and am seriously attracted to the GSX650F. I always assumed that the riding position of the larger and smaller "Bandits" was the same, but I read somewhere last week that the 650 has a slightly sportier position. I used to have an SV650 and had a constant back-ache, so it's a crucial factor for me. Is anyone able to confirm or deny this? Cheers.

I'm not sure about your original question, but BarBacks are always a viable option, and I am a certified Old Fart...HEY YOU KIDS...GET OFF OF MY LAWN!!

I believe that the GSX650F does have a slightly more aggressive riding position than does the Bandit.

You can get "risers" to move the hand grips back/up about 1", which should be pretty close to what the Bandit's position is, but you should try sitting on a GSX before buying (nothing worse than having to resell something you just bought at a loss, because the ergos aren't right).

Wouldn't your height be a factor? I'm 5'9", founding member of team OLDEN SLOH (my running not my biking), and no problems with my back on this bike. Best to sit on one for sure, test drive too??

yes the 650 does have a slightly more leaned forward seating position to it, by a bees nut IMO
if you want to get a bit more upright then there are quite a few options.
by some standard bandit bars (bonus is you can try before committing as you already ahve the bandit)
barbacks
risers
etc
etc

but IMO leave it as is as it's not that bad.

funny thing is i have fitted 650 bars to my bandit as i think the ever so slightly leaned forward position is better and more cumfy.

Thanks for the feedback, guys. So it is as I thought.

Yes, rest assured, I will try before buying.

The bars on the 650F are about 2cm lower then those of a 650/1250 Bandit.

I had risers and new bars ...you can make the bars and height and stretch to the bars to suit you very very cheap.

That clarifies it. Cheers, mate. (There ought be a thumbs-up smiley!)