Checked out the GSX650F at the Mpls show. - Page 2

Anthonyd5189 · 03-13-2008, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dankatz

It should be much better than the old Katanas with a smoother engine that is now fuel injected, much better instruments, nicer styling, and riding position just as good. Still can't decide between it and the FZ6....maybe, I should keep my Ninja 500 for another year and wait for more reviews/comparisons.
Dani

I'm keeping the GS this year just to see what Suzuki does with the GSXF for '09. If nothing changes that would make me take a '09 over the '08, I'm sure I can get a deal on the '08 since the '09 would be out.

dankatz · 03-13-2008, 06:30 PM

cross post...
So, I went into a dealer that I know was going to give me a good trade in (3200), $6600OTD (3400 net). He had a black and silver GSX650F. After talking and contemplating it I put a deposit on a cobalt blue FZ6. The OTD price he gave me was the same for both, but I would need to install the center stand accessory. Plus, the dealer and others have mentioned that Yamaha's quality is marginally better - don't know. And, since most of my riding is to work in the city and out, I thought to myself that the extra protection the Suzuki offers from wind will be negligible for me in the city, but the extra weight in slow speed may or may not. Lastly, the FZ6 forum is very active with lots of support. The newest FZ6 has been out since '07 and has been perfected. The GSX just came out and although it is based on the Bandit 650S, it remains to be seen how it will do in US roads (horrible!). Also, I would need to drill the plastic fairing to put a frame slider in order to protect the fairing(???) Anyway...decided to go with the Yamaha. Thank you all for your help. I am sure both bikes are great.
Dani

Boldblood · 03-16-2008, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dankatz

Anyway...decided to go with the Yamaha. Thank you all for your help. I am sure both bikes are great.
Dani

Dani,

Congrats on your new bike! I'm sure you'll love it.

The fairing on the GSX650F is important to me because it means I can ride in cooler weather, perhaps even year 'round. (But, then, I'm in SC, not MA). Also, it's hard to believe that Suzuki didn't include a centerstand. How am I suppose to clean and lube the chain without one? Sure it's possible, but a real pain in the butt. I don't have and really don't want to purchase a bike stand.

If I decide to go with the GSX650F, they WILL "throw in" a centerstand and installation.

Another turn off is the weight of the GSX650F. At 475 lbs I sure hope I don't drop her, but that's probably gonna happen, anyway. Which leads to a mention of frame sliders. When I visited the dealer the sales guy told me flat out that Suzuki doesn't have frame sliders for them. I'm not sure about aftermarket. Either way, they would be a pain to put on.

All considered, I have yet to sit on a FZ6, to see how comfortable the riding position is. It is definitely a cool lookin' bike, but I need a comfortable riding position, and when I sat on a GSX650F, I knew it was a perfect fit!

Someone mentioned Suzuki quality to me, and you have mentioned it again in your last post. This has now become a concern, which I intend to investigate further.

Congrat again!

dankatz · 03-16-2008, 10:07 PM

Thanks. I don't know how much weight to put on the quality issue, is it Nissan vs. Toyota/Honda, i.e. I hear the Bandit's are also bullet proof. As for the frame sliders, I was told by the dealer literally that I would need to drill through the plastic which I am not going to do on a new bike. The centerstand is probably not as big of an issue since it retails for $160 and I don't think is very difficult to install. If you ride on the highway a lot than a full fairing would probably be important. I heard the FZ6 does give you some wind protection, but is not going to be close to the GSX650F. Like I said, most of my riding will be in and around Boston, so I decided a slightly lighter more flickable bike would be better. Actually, an SV650 would probably be best for the city (from the selection we have), but it really has no wind protection.
Dani

posky · 03-20-2008, 04:49 PM

Suzuki is known for building good bikes (especially mid-weight sport standards) and Yamaha has a list of quality bikes hat is almost as long.

I wouldn't worry about quality as an issue.

Sleddog · 03-21-2008, 07:14 AM

Congrats on your new bike Dani .

Its gut wrenching standing there in the shop thinking what one to get and hopeing you make the right choice..,but no matter what, its a new bike and you will love .
I spent alot of time on the FZ forums and its good to see what people have done and the tricks and tips are already been figured out and you can just follow other peoples trial and error and mod away hassle free.
This is one thing I'm missing out with the new bike ,being able to chat on a GSX650F forum ,there is one but there is only 6 members

Boldblood .
I have have 3 new Suzuki's and never had a problem ,besides a screw that held the speedo cable come loose on my GS500F and it was a 1 minutes fix..

The bike is not a "new" model so to speak ,its been around for a few years and just gets updates {or fairings} and its pretty much tried and tested.

Good luck with your choice.

Sled.

dankatz · 03-21-2008, 10:00 PM

Sleddog, thanks! As I was waiting for my bike to be prepped today I couldn't help thinking maybe I made a mistake. Anyway, like you said, any new bike will be better than a 20 year old design!
I rode it home today after saying my fare well to my Ninja.

The FZ6 was much smoother...transmission, brakes and engine were great. It is like the Ninja in low rpm - tame and easy to ride. I can't wait until I break it in and can increase the rpm.
Dani

Anthonyd5189 · 04-04-2008, 03:18 PM

I just went to a local dealership to check out the SV650SF and the GSX650F. I think I'm leaning more towards the SV. The GSXF is big. It's taller and just overall bigger than the SV. I will say that the GSXF looks really good but I don't think I want a bike that big/heavy. When I saw the SV in person I fell in love with it again.

dankatz · 04-04-2008, 10:58 PM

Compared to your GS500F most bikes will feel bigger, th SV is more the exception to the rule. I upgraded from an equivalent bike, Ninja 500, and everything I tried sitting on felt big at the dealership. After about 150miles of riding, the FZ6 which is a taller, more upright position feels at least if not more flickable than the Ninja. It could be the more sophisticated aluminum frame. BTW, if you are considering the SV I have a comparison from last year of the SV650S vs Ninja 650 vs. FZ6 in motorcycle consumer news. It is very thorough. The FZ6 beats the other two hands down. The only area where the SV was slightly better was midrange and low end torque. Coming from a Ninja 500 (which is stronger the the GS500) the low end and mid range is stronger than the Ninja. My point is that go with what you like and pretty much anything will be an upgrade from your current bike. If you go with the SV I am sure you won't be disappointed. The SV does have a more aggressive riding position.
Dani

Anthonyd5189 · 04-04-2008, 11:43 PM

Thanks for the input, got a link for that Motorcycle Consumer comparison?

dankatz · 04-06-2008, 12:26 AM

Anythonyd5189 I PM'd you. Don't have a link, but can email you the article.

I crahsed my bike today into a car that pulled out infront of me. It was obviously the little old lady's fault. I think my brand new FZ6 with 150miles is totaled. I am back to looking for a new bike. Any more comments from people who have the GSX650F now that you've had it for a few more weeks? Hopefully, I'll know in a few days how m uch I'll be getting for the bike.
Dani

Sleddog · 04-08-2008, 05:53 AM

Oh crap Dani ,bad news on the bike ,glad your ok.

Well at least you got a good test ride on the FZ6 though.

dankatz · 04-08-2008, 12:22 PM

Thanks for the comments. I just had the appraiser go look at it this morning. I am not sure if it will be totaled or not. I'll probably know in two days. At this point I kind of hope that it is totaled so I can get a new one. Seeing my bike today, I can't imagine that it would ever be as good as new...

Applewins · 04-08-2008, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dankatz

Boldblood,
Let me know when you get the new bike, I am curious to see how it compares to your Ninja since I have a Ninja too and am trying to decide between the Suzuki and upgrading to an FZ6.
Dani

I sold my cruiser and decided to back to my roots. Really wanted the 1250 Bandit until I checked into insurance and until I saw the GSX650. Wasn't sure that the 650 was big enough because I'm a pretty big guy. Anyway, it fits me like a glove and the fun factor for me is off of the charts. Easy to ride fast, easy on the pocketbook, and looks are great. I wanted more upright handlebars and some sort of wind protection and got both on this bike. No, it's not a GSX-R, but then again that is not my riding style. The 650F is easy to ride in town and quite nice on the highway. The engine? I love it. The transmission is smooth and rear suspension works well enough. The front forks will need a little work. In pressing the bike harder on a bad road I felt as if could feel a little more confident. Planning on changing the fork oil to a 10W soon. Center stand I added myself. Dealer sold it for $138.00.
Anyway, if your style of riding is a little hwy, little around town and your not hitting the track (which I have never done) then at least give this bike some consideration. FYI. I have been riding motorcycles for 35 years.

Applewins · 04-08-2008, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sleddog

Congrats on your new bike Dani .

Its gut wrenching standing there in the shop thinking what one to get and hopeing you make the right choice..,but no matter what, its a new bike and you will love .
I spent alot of time on the FZ forums and its good to see what people have done and the tricks and tips are already been figured out and you can just follow other peoples trial and error and mod away hassle free.
This is one thing I'm missing out with the new bike ,being able to chat on a GSX650F forum ,there is one but there is only 6 members

Boldblood .
I have have 3 new Suzuki's and never had a problem ,besides a screw that held the speedo cable come loose on my GS500F and it was a 1 minutes fix..

The bike is not a "new" model so to speak ,its been around for a few years and just gets updates {or fairings} and its pretty much tried and tested.

Good luck with your choice.

Sled.

Sleddog,
Do you have the URL for the GSX650 Forum?