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31-12-2007, 07:27pm
Ride Report: Suzuki GSX650F
We have lived with it for over a week now and have found out what it is like to ride and live with. I will start with riding and then move onto other things. Firstly, the thing is heavy for a 600, but carries it's weight fairly well. Kathy was able to maneuver the bike fairly easily.
For a 650cc, GSXR derived lump it pulls well from the bottom end rather than needing the spuds revved out of it to get it moving. This is good for the morning commute and is also good in the twisties. The fuel injection is sublime, it is a smooth linear pull from the bottom of the tacho to the top. As you near the redline the motor takes on a bit more of a GSXR growl before the shift light tells you it is time to shift up.
On the freeway at 100km/hr indicated, the bike is pulling 5000rpm. There is a slight vibration present in the throttle hand and the left footpeg, go figure??? There is no wind buffeting, but I found that a slight surging of the bike was due to the bumps in the road affecting my throttle hand. I expect that it will die highsiding me out of a crater on Parramatta Rd, which is trail bike territory
Kathy has found the bike very comfortable, we did the whole Putty Rd trip on less than a tank of gas, and without a sore butt or hands from vibrations. However the seat height is high, and lowering is required for those short of leg. However only the back of the bike needs to be lowered, as it does not detract from the appearance or handling of the bike.
Fuel range, which included the Putty trip and a commute to work today was an excellent 305km from 13 litres of petrol. This is about 4.5L/100km which I was pleased with.
Plans for the bike include fitting some doof doof mesh into the fairing holes, and changing the end can. The downside of having a new model bike which has just been released onto the market is the lack of aftermarket options and accessories for them. I guess I could get another bike to mod while the industry catches up
I hope this helps, if you have any further questions please drop me a line. I would recommends this bike to anybody making their move from their learners bike but does not want an extreme sports bike like a GSXR600.
We have lived with it for over a week now and have found out what it is like to ride and live with. I will start with riding and then move onto other things. Firstly, the thing is heavy for a 600, but carries it's weight fairly well. Kathy was able to maneuver the bike fairly easily.
For a 650cc, GSXR derived lump it pulls well from the bottom end rather than needing the spuds revved out of it to get it moving. This is good for the morning commute and is also good in the twisties. The fuel injection is sublime, it is a smooth linear pull from the bottom of the tacho to the top. As you near the redline the motor takes on a bit more of a GSXR growl before the shift light tells you it is time to shift up.
On the freeway at 100km/hr indicated, the bike is pulling 5000rpm. There is a slight vibration present in the throttle hand and the left footpeg, go figure??? There is no wind buffeting, but I found that a slight surging of the bike was due to the bumps in the road affecting my throttle hand. I expect that it will die highsiding me out of a crater on Parramatta Rd, which is trail bike territory
Kathy has found the bike very comfortable, we did the whole Putty Rd trip on less than a tank of gas, and without a sore butt or hands from vibrations. However the seat height is high, and lowering is required for those short of leg. However only the back of the bike needs to be lowered, as it does not detract from the appearance or handling of the bike.
Fuel range, which included the Putty trip and a commute to work today was an excellent 305km from 13 litres of petrol. This is about 4.5L/100km which I was pleased with.
Plans for the bike include fitting some doof doof mesh into the fairing holes, and changing the end can. The downside of having a new model bike which has just been released onto the market is the lack of aftermarket options and accessories for them. I guess I could get another bike to mod while the industry catches up
I hope this helps, if you have any further questions please drop me a line. I would recommends this bike to anybody making their move from their learners bike but does not want an extreme sports bike like a GSXR600.