GSX650F vs. FZ6 anybody with experience?

[dankatz]

Hi,
I cross posted form some other forums, so I apologize if there are the same people on both. I am trying to decide between the two. I ride to work about 8 miles mostly city stuff (up to 50mph). I like having a center stand, so I would need to add one to the GSX. I also do some highway rides, but usually not more than 50miles without a stop. Looking for some fun, decent wind protection and comfortable ergos. I like both for their fuel injection, excellent instruments, upright seating position, good sized fuel tanks, and looks.  I think both would be forgiving for me (I only have about 3500miles under my belt).  Any advice/experience would be appreciated.  The GSX650F is basically the same engine/chassis as the 2007+ Bandit 650S with the brand new engine. I can probably get either of the for $6500-6700 OTD for an '08 model.
Thanks,
Dani

[Sport-Touring]

[Spiffious]

gotta vote for the fz6 here.

To me, GSX = heavy, cheap, comprimise.

Fz6= lightweight, fun to ride.  Lots of aftermarket support and internet forums also.  

I am sure either would work for you though, so, if you like one more than the other, just get that one.

[Scratch33]

Hmm.  Didn't MCN do a comparo of those and a couple other bikes in an issue a few months back?

[SuperHans]

Dont know much about the GSX, but having owned a FZ6, I can say it's a great little commuter bike. The FZ has very good ergo's, gets plenty of miles out of a tank of gas, and is just a good all around bike.

[dankatz]

Thanks for the input. Yeah, the FZ6 has an excellent forum. MCN (you mean british mag?) compared the GSX to the Ninja 650 and Honda CBF600S. The GSX won the comparison from what I am told.  Motorcycle consumer news put the FZ6 against the Ninja 650 and the SV650S and the FZ6 won that comparison.  I think the FZ6 would probably have more personality. I don't know if the Suzuki would have better wind protection with the full fairing. It also probably has more midrange and less top end then the GSX.  Anyway, I think the FZ6 looks are finally winning it over for me.
Dani

[miles]

 Anyway, I think the FZ6 looks are finally winning it over for me.
Dani

What good is a motorcycle if you don't love looking at it as well as riding it?  This passtime/sport/affliction is all about moving the soul- the body is just along for the ride.  Get the bike you are falling in love with.

[dankatz]

You are absolutely right. The looks are very important. I do like the looks of the GSX650F including the nice looks of the instruments and full fairing.  But, am thinking the looks of the FZ6 are more raw.  My only reservation is about the midrange, where I think the Suzuki is probably better, but how much better, I don't know.  And, coming from a Ninja 500 the FZ6's mid range would probably be plenty.  Of course, the wife thinks the Suzuki looks better.... So, I guess I am answering my question.
Dani

[Max Wedge]

I doubt if there would be much difference in midrange between the two. Is the Suzuki FI and liquid cooled? What is valve service interval on the Suzuki/ The FZ6 is 26,000.
Just helpin to muddy the waters.....

[dankatz]

I don't know the adjustment interval and it is not on the internet...This is the bike that I was offered a deal on - the black/silver
http://www.suzukicycles.com/images/ProductImages/colorVariations/500/GSX650FK8_BlackSilver_afb6b9.jpg
Dani

[GooseMan]

ZZR600 man! Go check one out in person!   (I'm getting kinda close to getting one myself...with the FZ as a close second!)

[Jeff]

Entirely opinion only here, but I'd guess the FZ6 is a better bike hands down. I think the GSX is just an old bike with new plastic, where the FZ6 is a more comfortable R6. I think the genes are just WAY better in the Yammie than the Suzook. The only thing the GSX gets from the GSXR is the headlights, gauges and color scheme.

For me though, and this is just for me, if I was in the market for a commuter bike, and I would be if I wasn't broke, I'd be looking at something other than those two, although I'm sure they're both fine. My commute is similar to yours, maybe a bit shorter even. The majority of it is around 35-40mpg, lasts less than 10 minutes. The bikes that move me are:

Triumph Speed Triple (complete overkill, but see Miles' quote - it moves my soul)
Triumph Street Triple - not as much overkill at the Speedy, but still hooligan. "Moves me" - but not quite as much as the S3.
Suzuki DRZ400SM - Hooligan, can go on dirt if I want, crazy mpg. And cheaper than either of the above. Local Suzuki dealer too.
Ducati Hypermotard - again, complete overkill, total nutter, but ridiculous amounts of fun, and just completely bad assed cool.

FWIW (and probably not much), I find the majority of Japanese bikes just boring as hell to look at or even dream about. My tastes have drastically changed over the years. Maybe I'm just getting old. I still completely respect and am in awe of the performance capabilities of the latest liter bikes and 600SS, but they just don't interest me in an ownership kinda way, with a few exceptions (Triumph Daytona 675, Duc 1098 and 848).

Jeff

[Cale_Kat]

I think the GSX is just an old bike with new plastic, where the FZ6 is a more comfortable R6.

The GSX isn't an old bike. The engine is a new design that doesn't borrow from the air/oil cooled unit in the previous Katana or Bandit models. The frame and forks aren't borrowed from the old Katana or Bandit either. The clutch is a newhydraulic unit where the old clutch was a cable design. Maybe you meant that it was a steel frame and that seems "old" compared to aluminum frame bikes.

I think the FZ6 might offer advantages but they wouldn't necessarily be in the areas of comfort, low-to-mid range power output, engine smoothness, suspension adjustability or dealer support.

For a newer rider and commuter, I think the GSX650F is a very good design.

[cyclopathic]

easy answer: Street Triple!
http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring/news_reports/triumph-street-triple.htm

[Kat-Rider]

Entirely opinion only here, but I'd guess the FZ6 is a better bike hands down. I think the GSX is just an old bike with new plastic, where the FZ6 is a more comfortable R6. I think the genes are just WAY better in the Yammie than the Suzook. The only thing the GSX gets from the GSXR is the headlights, gauges and color scheme.

For me though, and this is just for me, if I was in the market for a commuter bike, and I would be if I wasn't broke, I'd be looking at something other than those two, although I'm sure they're both fine. My commute is similar to yours, maybe a bit shorter even. The majority of it is around 35-40mpg, lasts less than 10 minutes. The bikes that move me are:

Triumph Speed Triple (complete overkill, but see Miles' quote - it moves my soul)
Triumph Street Triple - not as much overkill at the Speedy, but still hooligan. "Moves me" - but not quite as much as the S3.
Suzuki DRZ400SM - Hooligan, can go on dirt if I want, crazy mpg. And cheaper than either of the above. Local Suzuki dealer too.
Ducati Hypermotard - again, complete overkill, total nutter, but ridiculous amounts of fun, and just completely bad assed cool.

FWIW (and probably not much), I find the majority of Japanese bikes just boring as hell to look at or even dream about. My tastes have drastically changed over the years. Maybe I'm just getting old. I still completely respect and am in awe of the performance capabilities of the latest liter bikes and 600SS, but they just don't interest me in an ownership kinda way, with a few exceptions (Triumph Daytona 675, Duc 1098 and 848).

Jeff

Of all the Triumphs I like the Daytona 675.  That bike is super sweet.
Of the 2 options in this thread (GSXF/FZ6) the Suzi takes it in the looks department.  Not a big fan of the naked bikes.
Also the GSXF there is a totally redesigned GSXF, not the GSXF (Katana.)  Liquid cooled, FI, the whole thing.

[dankatz]

Thanks for the comments.  I sat on both the GSX650F and the FZ6. I am small framed, 5'8", 150lbs, 30" inseam.  The Suzuki's seat does seem a little shorter and I can flat foot. The Yamaha's a little taller and I can't fully flat foot - maybe 2/3. The screen on the Yamaha is a little lower it seems (I know there is a touring screen available).  Many dealers have said that the workmanship on the Yamaha is a tad better.  The review that I read of the '07+ (FZ6S2) Yamaha vs Ninja 650 Vs SV650S the Yamaha won the hands down. The SV was slightly stronger in the midrange. The only comparison with the Suzuki against the Ninja 650 and Honda CBF600S (not available in the US) the Suzuki won.  Now, if one could only have a comparison between the two....
I am wondering if I would get used to the slightly taller sit in the Yamaha. It has a center stand standard yet it is an option on the Suzuki. I am coming from a Ninja 500, so either will be stronger in the midrange and both feel slightly taller - Yamaha more so.  Don't know what to do and would love it if someone would actually give me a test ride of the Suzuki so I can assess how much better the midrange is and do I feel the extra heft.
decisions, decisions...
Dani

[Kat-Rider]

I have said this before, but I would never buy a bike without riding it first.
Even if I had to drive an hour or so.  

[dankatz]

so, how do I get a test ride? I am not quite clear on that....
I do agree with you. My current bike I bought slightly used and I DID test ride it.
Dani

[miles]

You just aren't going to get a test ride from a big Japanese bike dealer.  In my experience, they don't allow test rides.  Maybe if you find a smaller dealership they might be cajoled into it, though.  It's worth calling around.

[2006FJR]

I was able to test drive my bike both alone and 2-up before I bought it. I would not have purchased it without the test drive.

[SuperHans]

You just aren't going to get a test ride from a big Japanese bike dealer.  In my experience, they don't allow test rides.  Maybe if you find a smaller dealership they might be cajoled into it, though.  It's worth calling around.

Not true, there are local dealers near me that offer test rides on Japanese bikes. I would look around to see if there is one out there,