Suzuki GSX650F (2008-2016) - Review & Buying Guide

Throughout the 2000s, Suzuki seemed to focus the might of their attention on flooding the middleweight market with the likes of the Bandit models, SV650-powered range and GSR600. With a ‘stack up high, sell them cheap’ philosophy, these bikes were always noticeably lower priced than any rivals and if there was the opportunity to share a platform to create a new model, Suzuki grasped it with both hands. Which is how the GSX650F came around. Much like its bigger sibling, the GSX1250F, the GSX650F is basically a Bandit with a new fairing and a few other parts taken from existing (or outdated) Suzuki models bolted on to give it more kerb-appeal (if you are thinking that headlight looks familiar, it comes from a GSX-R1000 K3/4...). Is creating a ‘parts bin’ special such as this bad thing? Not really as the GSX650F is not only better looking than the Bandit, it is also cheap, reliable and practical – all traits that helped it sell well despite strong competition and nowadays make it a tempting used option if you prioritise practicality and value for money over outright sporting potential.

Pros & Cons

Suzuki GSX650F (2008-2016) - Prices

The Bandit 650 was always a budget-conscious bike and while the GSX650F did add to its price tag by a few hundred quid due to its full-fairing, at £4999 it hardly broke the bank. Nowadays you can pick up a tatty and well-used GSX650F for £1000-£1500 but realistically, it will have seen a bit of life and you are better off aiming to spend in the region of £2500-£3000 for a bike that is touching or only just over 20,000 miles and is in better condition. It’s not about looks, more wear and tear, as by the time it gets over 30,000 miles items such as the shock, bearings, etc will probably require replacing and they quickly eat into the £1000 you might have saved by opting for a more well-used bike.

Suzuki GSX650F (2008-2016) - Engine & Performance

Powered by the same liquid-cooled engine as the Bandit models with a 656cc capacity, the GSX makes a fairly acceptable 86bhp with 45.4ft.lb of torque. Not exactly earth-shattering but more than enough to make it sprightly and fairly happy to take a pillion while remaining user-friendly. However what is impressive is the fact that it is a very well-built and designed engine that owners report runs and run with no major issues to be wary of. Visually the finish may take a bit of a hammering but within it the SCEM-coated bores and fuel-injection system hold up to most abuse well and it is very smooth with a strong bottom-end and slick gearbox. However there are a few slight areas to be aware of when it comes to buying used.

Always check for any Fi warning lights as the SDTV fuel-injection system can develop sensor issues and that is quite costly to sort out and be aware that its valve-clearance check is at 16,000-miles and can be pricey. That said, lots of owners ignore this and the motor keeps on running merrily! If the bike has been home-serviced (many are, especially the yearly oil change), check for mechanical neglect or ham-fisted work in areas such as the sump bolt (over-tightening can crack the sum), fairing (broken fasteners are common) and radiator. Also be wary of any holes in the exhaust, the nuts holding the headers to the cylinder rust solid and are a nightmare to remove if you need to swap the system.

Overall, if it starts, ticks over smoothly and there is no sign of smoke, all should be well. GSX650Fs with over 50,000 miles on their clocks aren’t uncommon, which is reassuring.

Suzuki GSX650F (2008-2016) - Handling & Suspension (inc. Weight)

Thanks to a low 770mm seat height, the GSX is a very easy bike to live with and also one that is pleasingly assured and relaxed to ride. Featuring the same suspension as the Bandit (with new settings to take into account the extra weight of the fairing), the GSX is a bit spongy when you up the pace but realistically, this is a bike better suited to taking it easy and with this in mind, bump absorption and stability is more important than pin-point agility so you can forgive it a bit of a wallow. Happily, you can add a touch of preload both ends (there is also adjustable rebound damping on the shock) to firm things up but you are always a bit limited in what can be achieved – the GSX is no GSX-R and its suspension is quite budget...

As on any middleweight Suzuki model, finish and wear and tear are the major areas of concern when buying used. Inspect the shock for leaks and check its damping, wiggle any areas with bearings to see if there is play, see the position of the chain adjusters for a gauge as to how much life is left in the chain and sprockets and be wary of badly spliced wires that might cause electrical issues. All fairy basic checks but this is a fairly basic bike and a centre stand as standard help you get a really good look at things.

Suzuki GSX650F (2008-2016) - Comfort & Economy

Considering it is a middleweight, the GSX is impressively comfortable and roomy. Despite its sporty fairing the bars are high and wide and not clip-ons and the pegs are also lovely and low and rubber-coated to reduce any vibes. If you want to spend all day in the saddle, the seat is well cushioned and there is even a pillion grab handle as standard, which is always good to see on a do-it-all. A fair few owners add heated grips and taller screens, neither of which is a bad addition if you are planning on a trip away or using it as a commuter.

When it comes to economy, you can expect to average in the high 40s mpg figures, which thanks to a fairly large 19L fuel tank should see you touching 180 miles between fill-ups.

Suzuki GSX650F (2008-2016) - Equipment

Suzuki didn’t exactly push the boat out with the GSX and aside from the option of ABS on the GSX650FA model, that’s about all you get. That said, it is great to see a fuel gauge as standard alongside a gear indicator on the dash and a centre stand.

When it comes to accessories, the most common additions to a GSX are practicality related and heated grips, panniers and a top box are all very prevalent in the used market. Owners tend not to fit loud pipes unless the OE one has been dinged in a crash, so be wary of any bikes with one on. If the bike has luggage, give the subframe a good check around any mounting points as brackets can get rusty with age and fracture. The same goes for a top box mount. Additions that are good to see are braided steel brake lines, crash protection and (dull as it sounds...) fender extenders to help keep the front of the engine free from road grime and give the finish a better chance of staying good...

Suzuki GSX650F (2008-2016) - Rivals

The GSX650F is a cheap workhorse and as such that puts it up against other middleweight rivals, some of which are also made by Suzuki. Buyers tend to prioritise value and reliability over sporting ability, so that helps narrow the field a bit.

Honda CBR600F (2000-2007) | Price: £999-£3500

Read more

Power/Torque

108bhp / 48lb-ft

Weight

170kg

Suzuki SV650S (1999-2005) | Price: £999-£4000

Read more

Power/Torque

69bhp / 45lb-ft

Weight

169kg

Triumph Daytona 650 (2003-2005) | Price: £3000-£4500

Read more

Power/Torque

110bhp / 51lb-ft

Weight

165kg

Suzuki GSX650F (2008-2016) - Verdict

The GSX650F is very typical of Suzuki’s rather lazy R&D when it comes to their middleweight range. Effectively little more than a tarted-up Bandit 650, the GSX650F is nonetheless a very good workhorse that is not only more practical than the Bandit, it also offers better weather protection and has pleasingly sporty styling. Hard to criticise, the GSX650F is a very solid performer that is cheap in the used market and known for its robustness. If you are after a hack, it ticks every box, and as a light weight tourer, it is also more than capable. It might not get your pulse racing in the same way as a Honda CBR600F or Triumph Daytona 600/650 (which are also fairly practical) but if you want an unassuming workhorse, the GSX650F will leave you very satisfied – just not thrilled or particularly excited... 

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Suzuki GSX650F (2008-2016) - Technical Specification

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