Anybody ride/own the new GSX650F?

[SVNET]

Got to sit on one today, feels pretty comfortable, bars could be back about 1/2 inch for my reach but looks like bars could be turned bit back due to the bend. Sat on a versus 650 too which sat a bit high, not quite flatfoot but the balance seemed good. Still want to check out the FZ6R which dealer said should be in any time. The footpegs on the GSX650F seemed maybe a bit high for me, any way to lower them maybe an inch?

All these bikes are about the same, it all depends on your body shape, size and the use you have for the bike...

If you are a tall big man, I would strongly recommend the GSX 650F.

If you are a tall skinny man, the Versys will do you good.

If you are a short person that would like a sport bike, you will be able to flat foot with the FZ6r.

If you like the buzzing of a cheap densig twin engine then the Versys if for you.

If you want a smooth non buzzing Inline 4, then the GSX 650f is your choice...

If what you want is an alternative to the 650R, then the FZ6r is just that.

If what you are looking for is a better $7K Inline four then:

The Suzuki GSX650F feels much more built like a Tough FORD when compared to the FZ6r.

[Sport-Touring]

[Ramp Rider]

This sheds some light on how the 1 inch up and back risers affect rider orientation.  For me it makes the 650F feel bolt upright.

Did you use these risers?

http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/2016/218/

I want to make sure that these fit with no problems. Thanks!

[wolf46]

All these bikes are about the same, it all depends on your body shape, size and the use you have for the bike...

If you are a tall big man, I would strongly recommend the GSX 650F.

If you are a tall skinny man, the Versys will do you good.

If you are a short person that would like a sport bike, you will be able to flat foot with the FZ6r.

If you like the buzzing of a cheap densig twin engine then the Versys if for you.

If you want a smooth non buzzing Inline 4, then the GSX 650f is your choice...

If what you want is an alternative to the 650R, then the FZ6r is just that.

If what you are looking for is a better $7K Inline four then:

The Suzuki GSX650F feels much more built like a Tough FORD when compared to the FZ6r.

Ford? like in FixOrRepairDaily??? lol Hope you're not thinking Taurus because those have got to be one of the worst things ever (ok, the old Chrysler K cars were worse lol)
Actually the pics you posted look better than other pics of the FZ6R I've seen. Either Excalibur in Ct or Razees should be getting these soon and I can try one on for size.

[Nodaclu]

Did you use these risers?

http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/2016/218/

I want to make sure that these fit with no problems. Thanks!

I'm using these on my 650F:

http://www.zianet.com/genmar/s121a.html

Had to slide the front brake hose up in the clamps a bit, but otherwise its fine.

In fact, they are a bit too much for me. I think I need the "up" only, as opposed to the "up and back".

So mine are for sale if you have any interest. Just PM me. One nice thing about the Gen-Mar's is that the paint is an almost perfect match for the existing clamp. Really can't tell the difference.

[artyboy]

Ford? like in FixOrRepairDaily??? lol Hope you're not thinking Taurus because those have got to be one of the worst things ever (ok, the old Chrysler K cars were worse lol)
Actually the pics you posted look better than other pics of the FZ6R I've seen. Either Excalibur in Ct or Razees should be getting these soon and I can try one on for size.

More like an F150.  You know...the best selling truck in America for YEARS.  Why?  Because it's rugged, durable, reliable and just feels tough.  That describes the GSX650F pretty well.

[BlueRidgeKat]

Because it's rugged, durable, reliable and just feels tough.  That describes the GSX650F pretty well.

Sounds more like you are describing a dual purpose bike. KLR 650 or maybe a DR 650.

[Hickey]

It is hard to come up with really good comparisons between cars and motorcycles.  I'm asked to do so a lot by car people, which is really just them trying to put a given motorcycle into a category that they understand.  The trouble is that traits don't apply in groups all that well.  

So I've taken to saying things like, "The Yamaha R1 has acceleration and handling that would be like a high end Ferrari in the car world."  "The Suzuki Bandit is over built and tough like a pick up truck."  

Being specific helps to get a certain point across, but more general comparisons just don't work, because in reality automobiles and motorcycles don't actually have much in common.

[Jaynen]

Anyone done any extensive 2up riding with the GSX650F?

[Hickey]

Anyone done any extensive 2up riding with the GSX650F?

I don't, but ask here:  http://www.gsx650f.biz/index.php?sid=17c144f98a0d03362ca2ca684e4f6971

[boogitty]

One of the reasons for the heaviness of the GSX650F also turned out to be one of the bigger selling points for me: the engine bottom end/tranny are straight out of the Bandit 1250S, which to me means that this unit will never be over stressed and should be virtually bulletproof. Over-built is always good, as ong as one is in a position to accept the extra weight, IMHO.

[leeski]

I have had mine for 3 weeks.   A brand new '09 plate in Orange n Black. I have made a few small sporty mods but nothing drastic - Carbon Beowulf can, carbon protector for tank, heel guards, filler cap, Carbon replacment side panels. Carbon bar ends.

AS its my first Uk big bike, i am very very impressed and happy. I have put 3,000 miles on in as many weeks. Going for the forth week to get the serivce done before going back to work in africa for 3-4 months.

All thats been said in this topic is true about this machine. Bomb proof, powerful, smooth. Cheap [ish], good eco, comfortable (although im getting seat done with gels in), UK version didnt get the treats of ABS im afraid but stateside you should lap that up. My tryes (having been put through thier paces on straights and bends are still in great shape. Another 3-4k left easy!

Anyone need to know more, PM me or MSN [email protected]

Cheers guys and pleased to join your forums. Maybe ill get around the states on day touring!

[leeski]

PS - Any UK owners can go to http://gsx650f.me.uk/forum/index.php - great group of people there, Including me!)

[knolltop314]

I'm taking a long look at this one:



It's about 4" higher then stock, and can be ordered from Frog Specialties for $105 plus shipping. Time to door is about 4 weeks since it has to be brought over from across the pond.

Did you buy/mount this screen?  If so, what did you think of it?
Thanks!

[dankatz]

An update to an old thread.   Sold my FZ6 after 2.5 years and about 11k miles. Was a great bike for the city, comfortable, economical, powerful enough and actually good two up for my wife and me).  I sold it because I came across a deal I couldn't refuse (2007 VFR RWB, full luggage, GPS, 6k miles for $4600).  I also test rode a used GSX650F. The GSX was in between the VFR and the FZ6 in riding position, smoothness and usable in-town power.  The FZ6 is much more powerful but you need to visit the upper rev range to find that out.  I must say, the VFR feels like a bike that cost 50% more than the others new. It is so much smoother, more powerful, with much better workmanship and suspension. The riding position is most aggressive, but it is surprisingly comfortable for one up and two up.  I think I will get a genmar bar rise that will give me an extra 19 mm of rise since most of my riding is in the city.  So, what did I learn? buy used! You get to test ride the bikes, there are usually good deals around and if you are patient a fairly large selection of bikes.
Happy motoring!

[Suzi owner]

     Alright, I'm probably late on this reply.  I have owned a 2008 GSX650F for almost two years.  It really dus it all.  It's a comfortable sport bike.  It can do twisties with the best of them and at the end of the day when your GSXR friends are almost cripled you can say "hey"  "wanna do it again"
     To say I'm sold on this bike is an under statment.  I just cant understand why Suzuki stoped selling it in the US after 2009.    
     I rode my daughters CBR600 and I'm really not comfotable with it.  It's a very nice bike but with my size, it's not a good fit.  

[Paul Barnard]

 I must say, the VFR feels like a bike that cost 50% more than the others new. It is so much smoother, more powerful, with much better workmanship and suspension.

I don't know how that's possible.

[nater]

     I just cant understand why Suzuki stoped selling it in the US after 2009.    
    

 Because they are still trying to sell the '09s.

[mbishara]

Well I'm a noob with my first season under m belt. I have a GSX 640F. I've got to say that I love it. I'll be spending the winter modifying t a little bit for some longer distance riding.

This bike never did scare me and I was always easily able to keep up with the bigger liter bikes. We are riding at street speeds in any case so I'm never sure where the extra power is more more important. we discuss peer a lot but I can hit 240 KM/H on this bike (which I never noted to do).

So can someone please explain this concept to me? Why s power so important if we want to tour at sane speeds?

This is not an attack on anybody's choice of bikes. It is really a question that does interest me a lot.

This bike is fully faired s wind protection is good. I have the three Givi case system in the back, heated grips, Corbin seats, taller windscreen and a charger for my GPS. Would the Bandit 1250 really make a difference over the GSX 650F if I want to travel from Montreal to New York City for example? Would the additional power make for a more comfortable ride?

Maybe the difference will appear when I'm doubling my wife on a long distance ride? Is that when I'll notice that my GSX 650F is under powered?

So far I've done a few 500 KM one day rides (solo) and have been doing great with my team of friends who are riding their super sport lter bikes at speeds no greater than mine. But my back and wrists do not hurt at the end of the day.

So far I have not noticed a difference and absolutely live my bike. So as my experience grows what will make me want to bump it up for a higher powered bike?

Again this is not to be negative with any one else's choice of bikes because these are personal choices with likes and dislikes. But I really am interested in understanding more from my more experienced collegues.

Thanks

[Last1Out]

"So as my experience grows what will make me want to bump it up for a higher powered bike?"

Only 2 things, really, ego, or the desire to do a lot of long, long riding. If you get the 1K per day bug, the big ST bikes are simply unbeatable, period. If you feel the need to jump to lightspeed whenever the situation warrants it (i.e., is she hot?) then just about any litrebike or other big go-fast will suffice. If neither of these are in your perceived future, then you're on the right bike right now!.

The GSX650F really is a sweet ride, enjoy it.

[mbishara]

Well I've done multiple 500 KM rides so far without a problem on this bike. I doubt that I'd want to do more than that in a day, even while touring. Even on car road trips I don't like to get too tired.

As for the speed, again, I doubt that I'll ever push the limit. I'm not that type of rider. I like the leisurely pace to absorb the feeling of the nice ride.

So I think that a medium sport tourer like this one will be just fine for me for quite a while.

As a medium sport tourer that handles the city riding well I think that this is a great bike.

Those big sports tourers seem to be too big for the city and those powerful liter bikes seem uncomfortable and powerful. Maybe a bit of a struggle taming them at the speeds that I like riding (for my level of experience).

For someone that just started riding the 650F is great. It pulls comfortably at any gear and I never felt scared. AlthoughI'm sure that even this bike will scare me if I ever wanted to really push it.

When riding with my buddies and their B-Kings and Hyabusas I am never left behind mainly because it'll take insane speeds and acceleration for them to leave me behind. The limiting factor is not the machine but the rider's talent level.

And with today's highway conditions I think that anyone who goes beyond the 650's capabilities is someone that I will never try to match, no matter my level of experience.

I live to ride but I do have a lovely wife and three you g children at home. And the speeds were never the reason that I got the bike in the first place.

Feeling the open air and taking it all in is why I love my bike.


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