Suzuki GSX-F 650 2014 — Specifications

Who still remembers the GSX-F 750 and 600, those sporty tourers that marked the 90s at Suzuki? The Suzuki GSX-F 650 has taken up the torch since 2008, but with a very different recipe from its predecessors. Rather than developing a machine from scratch, Hamamatsu chose to graft a full fairing with sharp lines onto the proven base of the Bandit 650. A pragmatic choice that divides opinion, but which has the merit of offering a versatile touring bike at a floor price of €6,749.

Under the fairing, it's the familiar 656 cc inline four-cylinder engine that we know well, the one from the latest generation Bandit. A water-cooled, fuel-injected block that delivers 85 horsepower at 10,500 rpm and a torque of 61.8 Nm at 8,900 rpm. Nothing volcanic, but a docile and well-mannered engine, perfectly calibrated for the A2 license. Indeed, if you are looking for a Suzuki GSX-F 650 A2, it is one of the most coherent options on the market: sufficiently performant not to be tiresome, flexible enough not to trap. The top speed announced at 210 km/h confirms this reasonable positioning. Faced with a Kawasaki ER-6f or a Yamaha XJ6 Diversion, the GSX 650F plays in the same league without complexes, with a significant argument: that famous fairing which frankly evokes the GSX-R 1000 from the 2005 model year. The front forks, the design of the flanks, right down to the typography of the logo with its bright red F, all recalls the sportbike. It is flattering and perfectly fulfills its role of long-distance protection.

The steel tubular double cradle frame, the 41 mm telescopic fork and the single rear shock absorber do not revolutionize anything, but ensure healthy and predictable handling. With 241 kg fully fueled and a seat height of only 770 mm, the GSX-F 650 feels reassuring when stationary as well as in motion. The braking system uses two 310 mm discs pinched by four-piston calipers at the front, backed up by a single 260 mm disc at the rear. Correct without being a reference, especially when opting for the ABS version. The 19-liter tank allows for beautiful stages between two gas stations, which confirms its touring vocation.

Should you go for this machine? It all depends on what you are looking for. The Suzuki GSX-F 650 is neither a sporty disguise nor a grand touring GT. It is an accessible Swiss Army knife, capable of taking its rider daily in the city, on weekend departmental roads or on a highway journey without suffering. Owners' reviews often converge on the same observation: a motorcycle without surprises, reliable, economical to use, but which sometimes lacks character for riders seeking strong sensations. What is the price of a Suzuki GSX-F 650 on the second-hand market? Count between €3,000 and €5,000 depending on the year and mileage, which makes it one of the most affordable fully faired tourers of its generation, whether we are talking about the 2009 or 2013 model year. Japanese competition has since largely renewed its offer, but this GSX-F retains a performance-price ratio that is difficult to beat for those who want to ride without breaking the bank.