After the successful launch of the 650th “Bandit”, Suzuki decided to release its twin brother. IN 2008 The consumer is introduced to the Suzuki GSX650F. In terms of outline, running parameters and the rest of the filling, it is very reminiscent of the GSF 650 Bandit, with the exception of two details - it is completely covered in plastic, and also relates to the tourist class.
The model receives:
- all solutions “tested” on the bandit;
- stock injector and ABS;
- 19 liter fuel tank and 216 kg dry weight.
The development turned out to be successful and did not undergo any significant changes the 8 years of production Production closed in 2021 .
Specifications
The GSX650F model was based on a high-revving 4-cylinder liquid-cooled engine.
Since the bike became a twin brother, it received a motor similar to the second generation bandit:
- working volume - 656 cm3;
- number of cylinders - 4 (in-line arrangement);
- number of cycles - 4;
- number of valves - 16 (4 per cylinder);
- power - 86 hp;
- torque - 62 Nm;
- cooling - liquid;
- fuel supply - injector + SDTV;
- ignition - transistor (TDI);
- start - electric starter;
- tank volume - 19 l.
Users note a slightly unusual love for 92 gasoline : “95 runs worse.”
Transmission and clutch
The bike also gets a 6-speed gearbox from the bandit.
The gearbox as a whole works well, especially since the elasticity of the engine allows you not to be particularly distracted by choosing the right gear.
But one difference is indicated - the motorcycle does not particularly favor second gear . If neutral is clearly caught, then switching from first to second occurs with a delay. When moving to higher levels, there are no such symptoms.
Users noted that in the city you can drive in 3rd gear , and adjust the speed with the throttle (from 25 km/h to 170 km/h), on the highway in 6th—turning off the gas only when overtaking.
- clutch , oil bath . Power transmission is hydraulic (like on a bandit).
- The main drive is a chain .
Brakes
Front brakes – 2 discs.
Rear brake – 1 disc.
They didn't change the brakes either.
Front:
- number of disks - 2;
- diameter - 310 mm;
- support - 4-piston.
Rear:
- number of disks - 1;
- diameter - 240 mm;
- support - 2-piston.
The story with ABS is interesting. The documentation mentions it as an optional feature. But the motorcycle arrived on the European markets with a pre-installed system.
Description
The Suzuki GSX650F sports tourer model appeared in 2008 as a successor to the outdated Suzuki GSX600F Katana. The model of the second generation Suzuki GSF650 Bandit road motorcycle, which received a full plastic body kit, was taken as a base. In all other respects it is the same Bandit 650.
The basis of the Suzuki GSX650F was a new in-line 4-cylinder liquid-cooled engine with a volume of 656 cm³ with an injection power system, producing 85 hp. power and 62 Nm of torque. The engine is revvy, with maximum performance at 9000-10000 rpm and a “red zone” at 12500 rpm.
Other features of the Suzuki GSX650F include a steel tubular frame, hydraulic clutch, adjustable suspension (front fork - preload, rear shock absorber - preload + rebound), ABS (in most countries - as standard), 4-piston front brakes, 6-piston stepped gearbox, 19 liter fuel tank and 216 dry weight (on the version without ABS).
The Suzuki GSX 650 F model existed on the market until 2021 inclusive, after which it was discontinued. Simplicity, reliability, average performance and low price have made the model quite popular among novice motorcyclists and those who like the sporty style of motorcycles, but need comfort for everyday riding.
Driving performance
The handling of the motorcycle can be described in one word – stability.
Probably, when releasing the second generation bandit, they forgot to correct the documentation. However, the figure also transferred to the specification of this model - a maximum speed of 214 km/h . Users noted that it is possible to achieve it, but to move at such a speed you need to either increase the existing glass or install higher glass.
The height of the stock version is such that the flow of incoming air is cut off exactly into the helmet. Comfortable cruiser - 130 km/h .
Acceleration to hundreds
Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h takes the same as the bandit - 4.2 seconds . The dynamics have not changed either - the same test with number two up to 13 seconds.
Suzuki GSX650F: Test drive
When this motorcycle was born, thousands of curses came out of the mouths of the owners of the Suzuki GSX-R1000 K5, which were immediately “sent” to the Suzuki . Where has it been seen that some mossy “consumption” from some angles was completely indistinguishable from a thoroughbred “liter” sportbike!
It’s easy to understand angry sportbikers - the front of the Suzuki GSX650F ... hmm, too “detailed” repeats the design of the formidable Suzuki GSX-R1000 K5: the same headlight of a characteristic shape and the same “nostrils” of the air ducts. It is very difficult to distinguish between the new product and the Jixer in the rearview mirrors. For many years now, the name Katana has been associated not with the iconic motorcycle of the early 1980s, the image of which was created by Hans Muth, Jan Fellstrom and Hans-Georg Kasten from the South Bavarian design bureau Target Design, but with a relatively budget option for those who want to get a car with the appearance of a sportsbike and the comfort of a sports tourist without overpaying for “advanced technologies”. The Suzuki GSX650F which debuted in the fall of 2007 , is the spiritual successor to the latest Katanas, even though the motorcycle has lost its proper name and is now simply called Suzuki GSX650F . The concept of the device is the same: a steel frame and pendulum, simple suspension, brakes with “traditional” caliper mounting - everything that fits into the framework of the “cheap and cheerful” stamp. Except that the engine is now equipped with liquid cooling and fuel injection systems.
However, if the motorcycles of the Katana family of previous generations were for the most part independent models, then the current Suzuki GSX650F is a slightly modified and “camouflaged” Bandit 650 of the 2007 model. The differences from the “criminal” progenitor are minimal: a full set of cladding a la GSX-R, a reprogrammed engine control unit, retuned suspensions. As for the rest.
If you don’t really think about it, it’s not clear why it was necessary to create a separate bonneted version of the “Bandit” and declare it an independent model, given that the version with a semi-fairing had already been “invented.” And the retired Katana was not in great demand in Europe. But, as they say, whoever leads the financial department to a restaurant is the one who dances the entire corporation. And, traditionally, everyone is fed by the United States, where consumers are ready to vote “evergreen” for equipment of this class. What's the main thing? Something that looks rich and pretentious! Little things like “it goes or doesn’t go” don’t bother the Yankees much. So creating the GSX650F made sense, if only to satisfy the appetites of the largest market on the planet.
Another “hello” from the sports family of Suzuki Motor Co. — dashboard of motorcycles Suzuki GSX-R 600 / Suzuki GSX-R 750 K6. Not a bad choice, it has literally everything: from fuel level indicators and the number of the selected gear to a blinker. It is unlikely that just by installing devices from a sports bike, as if by waving a magic wand, you can turn an ordinary pumpkin into a high-speed carriage. Especially when you consider that the ergonomics of the Suzuki GSX650F are exactly the same as the Suzuki Bandit 650 : frame, gas tank, steering wheel, seat... Although no, the new product still has its own seat and, by the way, is very comfortable. The driving position of the Suzuki GSX650F , I would say, is almost classic and not at all like a sporty “I’m a shrimp”: the legs are moderately bent, the back is straight, and the arms are too. As soon as I got behind the wheel, I desperately wanted to go on a long drive! The motorcycle really lends itself to this. True, before a long journey I would lower the steering wheel a little.
If these calipers seemed insufficient on Suzuki , then on the Suzuki GSX650F they look very appropriate. Like the chassis, the engine of the Suzuki GSX650F is almost identical to that found in the Suzuki Bandit 650 : a modern 656 cc power unit with overhead camshafts, 16 valves, liquid cooling and dual throttle valve fuel injection. Naturally, it could not have happened without a hefty catalyst under the “belly”, but today you can’t go anywhere without it.
It’s surprising that this “suzuki son” does not provoke the pilot at all and generally behaves in such a way that you want to put a pillow on the gas tank and take a little nap. There was no desire to ride a Suzuki GSX650F And it seems that the engine is not the weakest - Suzuki promises 85 hp. Yes, and measurements on a dynamometer showed similar results, 75 forces on the wheel. But, remembering the old Suzuki GSF400 Bandit Limited from 1991, I want to pretend to be smart and instructively say that although the power of the 400 cc engine is much less (59 hp), it had much more vital energy.
But unlike the 400 cc engine, the Suzuki GSX650F pulls from the very bottom and without epileptic attacks, with a good “shelf” of torque in the range of 4000-8000 rpm. For city driving this is a definite advantage. And thanks to the light and informative clutch, your hand does not dry out even after a whole day of jostling in traffic.
Despite the fact that the Suzuki GSX650F is not conducive to aggressive driving, this engine still has teeth. You just have to turn the throttle more sharply and push the tachometer needle to the 12,500 rpm mark when the electronic limiter is triggered. True, from 9500-10,000 rpm a noticeable decline in torque begins, but this is quite expected. If you actively “twist” the engine and quickly go through all six gears, the motorcycle accelerates quite briskly to 210-215 km/h according to the speedometer, which corresponds to the real 200 km/h (data from the GPS navigator). And because of the “jixer-like” lining, for which the production of the pseudo-sportsman was launched, even at high speeds the wind hardly bothers the pilot.
If you describe the handling of a motorcycle in one word, “stability” would be best: simple, relaxed, no frills, etc. stable. We need to go straight - please. You need to walk in an arc without wobbling backwards - no problem either. You need to accelerate out of the turn - and you can do it! At the same time, the elasticity of the engine allows you not to be distracted by such trifles as choosing the right gear. The main thing is not to overdo it in testing the limits of the motorcycle’s “patience” and its capabilities. As soon as you cross the Rubicon, the fork is the first to give up, which becomes gutta-percha and “pulls” the rest of the chassis with it. And what, exactly, can you expect from a steel frame with a steel pendulum and simple suspensions without any progression of characteristics!
Suzuki GSX650F brakes were inherited from older generations of the GSX-R. Conventional brakes, simple and without frills, require a little more effort on the levers than we would like, and are a little “thoughtful”. But you can ignore this, because the feedback is quite clear - and this is much more important. There are no revelations at the karting track. Riding the “Leader” only confirmed: it’s better to leave all sports images and fantasies at home and not pretend to be a fast guy, because the headlight with the dashboard from the “Gisser” does not at all speed up and does not improve handling... Expect something from an ordinary city motorcycle supernatural on a narrow and shifting go-kart track is a waste of time.
While I was thinking about the meaning of life and the revaluation of values, Vladimir, as usual, portraying a formidable Japanese master of night raids, dressed all in black, took up his favorite pastime - wheelie riding. After a couple of successful wheelies, he returned the Suzuki with the words: “Only with the clutch and only on the first one it rises - it’s no good...”
Once upon a time, for the characteristic design of the Zhiguli radiator grille, the seventh model was popularly nicknamed “HBM”, which stands for “I want to be a Mercedes”. Undoubtedly, such home-grown “tuning” did not bring the creation of Soviet designers closer to the cars from Stuttgart. But how popular the chrome decorative element has become! Until now, every self-respecting “shahid taxi driver” considers it his life’s duty to attach this brilliant “cartoon” to his “starship” - and it doesn’t matter that the “Taz” accelerates normally only when descending without a parachute from the upper atmosphere. But what an external effect!
Of course, it is incorrect to compare the Suzuki GSX650F with a “people’s” car, but the idea is the same: no matter how hard the new model tries to be like its sporty neighbors on the assembly line, it fails to reach them. And don’t be fooled by the promising “racing” look - this is still the same Suzuki Bandit 650 , soft, pleasant and flexible. But who said it was bad?..
Go to Suzuki GSX650F
Check out the test drives:
- Suzuki GSX650F: Comparative test drive with Honda CBF600S
Dimensions and weight
During development, the bike did not change either its weight or overall dimensions.
The model's appearance closely follows the design of its liter brother Suzuki GSX-R1000 K5, but of course weighs less.
The dry weight of the motorcycle is 216 kg . In European countries (stock ABS) - 225 kg .
Curb, respectively 245 kg and 255 kg .
It is not surprising that, being a copy of the bandit dressed in plastic, he repeats his dimensions:
- length - 2,130 mm;
- width - 760 mm;
- in height - 1,225 mm.
Seat height - 770 mm .
Wheelbase - 1,470 mm .
Ground clearance - 125 mm .
For whom is it intended?
The saddle height means comfort for users of average height.
With the pilot's height of 180 cm, the knees rise to their normal positions, and the hands themselves rest on the steering wheel.
However, the owners noticed that it is quite convenient for a tall motorcyclist to ride in the city. On the highway you have to either change the glass or lie down on the tank.
Advantages:
- Budget price in the gsx model line.
- The rear suspension is strengthened by installing a special shock absorber.
- Average fuel consumption.
- High build quality.
- Simplicity of control and predictability allows even a beginner to ride it.
- Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve fuel injection system allows for smooth acceleration.
- Gear shifts smoothly but precisely. If mistakes were made when switching, the motorcycle will not react sharply to them.
- The low, upright riding position allows for better control of the motorcycle when stopped at traffic lights and makes parking easier. It also helps prevent muscle discomfort from occurring during long rides.
Modifications and competitors
The bike didn’t teach any variations.
But he was not left without competitors. It is curious that all the other Japanese had a version with a fairing, but it was produced as a modification and was not separated into a separate model. Buyers offered:
- Honda CBF 600 (SA);
- Kawasaki ER-6 (F);
- Yamaha XJ6 Diversion (S).
Flaws
The considerable weight of the motorcycle gives it stability on the highway, but during sharp maneuvers in the city you have to fight inertia.
Users do not find any disadvantages to the model.
- There are complaints about the gearbox , second gear,
- Sometimes opinions about heavy weight slip through. This is considered both a plus and a minus.
“ The bike is not nimble , it’s hard to shift when maneuvering along the rows.”
Some people note that when riding in wet weather, the sides of the motorcycle at the rear will be dirty. If you go with number two, it will be dirty.
and dignity
The Suzuki GSX650F is a predictable and safe everyday bike where comfort comes first and drive comes last.
Of course, there are more advantages:
- Brakes and ABS . When the wheel is locked, the bike still moves along the given path, without trying to skid or start to wobble to the sides. The front brake is very responsive, but even though the handle travel is a bit large, this makes it possible to apply strictly measured force when braking, which prevents emergency situations, and the ABS will prevent you from skidding.
- The engine pulls equally well at all speeds.
- Maneuverability : A slight tilt is enough to turn. There is no need to steer, the motorcycle keeps moving in an arc well.
- Pendant . When accelerating, there is a feeling that the motorcycle can stand on the sawhorse, but in fact the front fork is very soft, which in turn conceals all the unevenness of the road surface.
- Convenient dashboard. Apart from its low position, all indicators, blinkers, and readings are captured at one glance.
The mixed-type instrument panel includes a dial tachometer and a digital speedometer.
- The pluses include the large weight . The low center of gravity, coupled with it, improves overall handling and handling of uneven road sections.
Since the motorcycle differs from its twin brother, the bandit, only in its external body kit, when searching for spare parts, you can be guided by both repair kits.
Brief history of the model
2008 - start of production and sales. Model: Suzuki GSX650F + ABS (Europe, North America, Australia, Brazil). Factory designation: GSX650FK8 + GSX650FAK8.
2009 - no significant changes. Model: Suzuki GSX650F + ABS (Europe, North America, Australia, Brazil). Factory designation: GSX650FK9 + GSX650FAK9.
2010 - no significant changes. Model: Suzuki GSX650F + ABS (Europe, North America, Australia, Brazil). Factory designation: GSX650FL0 + GSX650FAL0.
2011 - no significant changes. Model: Suzuki GSX650F + ABS (Europe, North America, Australia, Brazil). Factory designation: GSX650FL1 + GSX650FAL1.
2012 - no significant changes. Model: Suzuki GSX650F + ABS (Europe, North America, Australia, Brazil). Factory designation: GSX650FL2 + GSX650FAL2.
2013 - no significant changes. Model: Suzuki GSX650F + ABS (Europe, North America, Australia, Brazil). Factory designation: GSX650FL3 + GSX650FAL3.
2014 - no significant changes. Model: Suzuki GSX650F + ABS (Europe, North America, Australia, Brazil). Factory designation: GSX650FL4 + GSX650FAL4.
2015 - no significant changes. Model: Suzuki GSX650F + ABS (Europe, North America, Australia, Brazil). Factory designation: GSX650FL5 + GSX650FAL5.
2016 is the last year of production. Model: Suzuki GSX650F + ABS (Europe, North America, Australia, Brazil). Factory designation: GSX650FL6 + GSX650FAL6.
