Review: 2008 Suzuki GSX650F
Monday January 5, 2009
Why is the first motorcycle review of 2009 an '08 model? Funny you should ask; I was fortunate enough to have tested so many bikes in 2008 that I couldn't write them all up before year's end.
The Suzuki GSX650F, in my opinion, felt like the perfect motorcycle for somebody who wants a mean-looking bike that's not a mean ride. Think of it as a kindred spirit to the ever-popular Kawasaki Ninja 250R, only heavier and more powerful.
One of our 10 Great Beginner Motorcycles (which almost made it to our list of 10 Great Advanced Beginner Bikes, thanks to its 656 cc inline-4 engine), the GSX650F occupies a unique niche in the entry level bike market. To find out why, read my 2008 Suzuki GSX650F Review.
Related:
Photo © Basem WasefClick for 2008 Suzuki GSX650F Photo Gallery
Comments
What, no reference to the competition (Ninja 650R, Yamaha FZ6R, Suzuki’s own SV650)?
I’m more partial to the Ninja 650R, as the balance of that bike is just so perfect. It’s made to fit the rider, and it works. As for the GSX650F, I like the gauge setup (plus for the fuel gauge and gear indicator), but it leaves so much empty plastic space in the dash, it adds a cheap feel to the bike. The stock pipe is hideous…it’s so ‘Katana.’ And does anyone else think Suzuki’s alphanumerics are getting carried away? GSX650F-L-M-N-O-P…I liked this bike better when it was simply called a Bandit.
Not a bad starter, and newbs have stylish options now, besides just standard nakeds like the SV650/Gladius, Kawi ER-6n, and Honda’s defunct 599. But if style is really that important, I’d look elsewhere…the restyled Ninja 650R and new Yamaha FZ6R trounce the Suzuki in that department.
One complaint about all the bikes in this catagory, however…the upright handlebars don’t really mix with the high-set pegs. It makes for great handling/lean-angles, but on rides over a half hour, any rider with an inseam over 30″ will cramp up quickly.
The GSX650F is a fantastic motorcycle and gets nothing but compliments on its looks (I have the black one). Goes round bends like its on rails and feels so safe and planted at speed. Lots of “extras” as standard. Fast enough for anyone without a death-wish (do you need to go faster than 130?). Love this bike (and no, I’m not a newbie).
I have a bone to pick on top speed. I’ve hit 180 and still had room for more! I’ve been riding for 31 years and this is one great bike. I am a shorter (5″5″) man and it is quite comfortable on longer rides. The only drawback to this bike is no center stand.
Hello everyone!
I justed wanted to say that I have bought Suzuki GSX 650F (2008 model) as my first bike! Partially thanks to this article.
I actually got my education on Ninja 600R, but i find it quite nervious and very light weighted…
Suzuki, is very balanced, very stable, i feel very safe having the weight under me It is very calm, i am able to release the gas without any problems and keep going… i am actually used to keeping my right hand free more than the left one – cougld’t do that with Ninja.
GSX650F is yet quite powerful, it was always able to get me going fast! Aceleration is a blast ! and i am still running within the first 1000km, so i can’t go up in to the high revs…but i must say, this bike forgives you the wrong gears, and i am able to drive on 4-5th gear about 40 km/h without realizing it…
it may be a little bit heavy for newcommers, or short people…but it has really grown on me…I have stoped feeling it after about 100 km. It was heavy on the feet though, at the first week. But i did manage to do the figure of 8 and etc for the driving exam on kawasaki 600R without anyproblems on the first go after driving Suzuki…
Sure GSX650F is not very agile, but on the motorway it is extremely pleasent to drive, and even in the city it takes the curves great! it is just not light enough for traffic madness…but maybe, it’s just me not being skilled enough.
Breaks are great, and the engine aids a lot in stopping power. Plus you feel almost no vibrations from the engine.
in total – GREAT bike, i love it. I actually bought it without ever trying it…and i was pleasently surprised!
The funny thing is: At first my driving instructed said it was a bad idea getting a big bike as the first…he said it is too clumsy, too big for the city…so i gave him to try it for 30 minutes in the city traffic. And he told me that when i decide to sell it in the future…i should talk to him
Haha ha He was very impressed with it too…
And just if you are interested …why km and all…I am Russian, and I live and drive in Italy
PS: i was considering Yamaha too…but i saw a FZ6R crashed on the day i was getting a motocycle…and i thought it was a bad sign…
PSS: GSX650F is not a common bike…which means that it is less likely to be stolen. Cause here a lot of motorbikes are stolen and then sold for parts at the black market…especially this is common for popular models….
I will be glad if someone finds my comments usefull.- oh…GSX650F also has a fuel and gear gauge…very useful to me