I think you are the only one who likes my quiet exhaust. Thanks for your support. I ride and enjoy these bikes almost every day. Fantastic machines! I think they are the hidden treasure in the motorcycle world.
I mostly agree with your observations. I believe the bags are made in Italy, mine seem to be of great quality, and I have gone on several trips with them and haven't had a single problem. The rear trunk is awesome for filling with beer and ice...mmmmmm beer. Thanks for watching.
I love mine so much that I bought a second one. It came with ALL the bags. These are the most incredible machines for the price. I also have a BMW F650GS that cost more and has been nothing but a headache.
I bought the bike with side bags 4/12 and have ridden it around 5k miles to commute. The side-bags are big but cheap construction - the internal strap clip broke as soon as I tried to use it. My wife has also ridden with me. Both of us like the bike, very comfortable. Very smooth at 100 mph. The ABS brakes saved my skin more than once. My commute is a 70 mile on freeway and don't feel it much, the stock seat even though well padded does still numb the crotch but handlebars don't vibrate.
I took the bike out for a good long highway ride and I recommend that Suzuki lengthen the hydraulic lines so that it easy to install a handlebar riser for taller riders, install a handlebar info switch like BMW to toggle between odometer and time, include self-canceling turn signals, a larger alternator to power a heated suit, grip heaters, and a taller stock windscreen. That would make it my perfect bike.
I don't have enough experience with the bike to answer your question. I expect to install a touring windscreen over the next few weeks, and we will post a video for that. I find the bike immensely comfortable, smooth, and quiet. It seems like it has plenty of room for a passenger, so I don't think that will be an issue for you.
I bought one of these about one year ago. Mine came with the hard saddle bags with I do say get these they hold a lot of gear. I so much enjoy this bike its quit and will cruse highway speed all day long. I do recommend replacing the windscreen, though it was hard to find one to fit the bike. I did finely get one at J&P. So enjoy it have fun and ride safe...
I've got the gsx650f and i commute on it (short 5-15 minutes depending) at all hours of the night at the beck and call of my employer and I don't like waking up the neighbours. Nobody will ever get angry with you over a quiet exhaust, but plenty of people HATE loud bikes even if they don't say it to your face. I'm not old (I'm 23) I'm just CONSIDERATE. I ride my bike every day during riding season, I don't need to piss neighbours off and attract cops attentions.
If you've never riden before then I think these bikes are a little bit heavy. It all depends on how comfortable you are with the challenge. The 1250F would be way too much power for you, the 650f is on the extreme upper end for the amount of power I think a beginner should have. The 650F will do 0-60mph in about the same time as a supercar. That being said the 650F has enough power and weight to be a good highway touring bike for solo riding with bags.
Lucky you, having a wife that will ride with you. You may want to consider purchasing a Sargent seat that you can also get an optional back rest with. You are going to LOVE this bike! I can't say enough good things about it. Plenty of power for 2-100 people. Haha.
Thanks for your kind replay. By the way, do you usually ride alone or with a passenger? I always travel with my wife and it is very important that she feels comfortable :-) Hugs from Brazil, Guilherme
You like it has a sight glass to see how much oil is in it ? I think you meant to say you prefer the sight glass over a dip stick or else you wouldn't know how much oil is in the bike ?
I am still not sure about the gas mileage, cause I am old and drive really slow...hardly ever go past 130MPH. I am thinking it gets somewhere around 40MPG. The seat is great for up to 2 hours...after that, fuggedaboutit. I just ordered a Sargent seat for one of my 1250s.
Nice video, sir. Thank you. What do you think about this bike for a near 40 year old beginner? I'm not looking to go fast just yet, just go and make it to my destination. :D Does that matter not, due to the characteristics of the bike and how it rides?
Now that you've owned this bike for a while now, what are your updated thoughts on it? It seems like a great bike. I found a 2011 at a local dealer here, and am seriously looking at it. Thanks!
I still absolutely love the bike, so much so that I bought a second shortly after I bought my first GSX. I use one as a sportbike, and one for more long-distance touring. I definitely recommend the GSX very highly; if you like the bike definitely get it - you won't regret it!
This bike is very front end heavy and has a high COG. This is not a good beginner bike. I would recommend something more along the lines of a V-Strom Suzuki, especially if they are still doing the zero interest financing.
IMO, too powerful - I was taken by surprise as an experienced rider the first time I hopped on one and lifted the front wheel upon acceleration, so unless you are EXTREMELY careful with the throttle, definitely too much. Most of my friends who have gotten into sport bikes picked up ~600cc models and were happy with those as first bikes, and moved up to liter bikes if they felt the need. Thanks for watching!
redonKiLaus Thank you very much for your quick response ! I will definitely follow your advice. Some of my friends told me the contrary but I will trust the one who is riding the beast in question ;)
You can always test ride one to make your decision yourself as well. The 1250 Bandit is essentially the same bike and are more common if you can't find a GSX at any local dealership. It all boils down to throttle control - if you are able to resist the urge to twist it big time (on purpose or accidentally), then you are, in theory, ok with any bike.
does anyone have any concerns over the steel frame rusting over time? I'm guessing they didn't go alloy due to cost increases. Also, does anyone feel Suzuki detuned the engine too much? From 180hp to 98hp is a pretty big drop.
Unfortunately, in the US, we cannot import any motor vehicle made for a foreign market until it is 25 years old. That's the reason we don't have very many cool Japanese and Euro cars over here. Thanks for watching!
It's definitely a great bike. I would recommend learning on something smaller, though, because you can get into a lot of trouble with a high-displacement bike very easily if you are an inexperienced rider. Thanks for watching!
hmm what would you suggest? preferably something 5k or less since as is i'd have to save up til i can get one, i'm basically looking for a bike that will last a while and is price efficent but as u pointed out i do prob need something easy to start w/
If you can borrow a bike from a friend to learn on, that would be good, especially if you want a GSX1250. Otherwise, something 250-600cc would be good to start with, and anything from Suzuki, Yamaha, or Honda would be very reliable as well. The GSX1250FA is very easy to ride, but it has a lot of power and if you do not know how to handle it, you may end up getting hurt. I have done a few accidental wheelies on it myself with 40 years of riding experience. Ultimately, the choice is yours. If you want a sport bike, you could look at a 600cc GSXR or something like that as well, as those are very fast, too, but won't be as unpredictable.
the gs 650 can travel the whole world..and 80miles\h is speed limit...all day is enough...u cant go 90 or 100miles\h in.the highway.. i think u change to bandit is.because u felt the power of the engine and the bmw maintenance was getting expensive
Some one here said not good first bike, well not realy i bought my as first big bike, straight from. 125cc to 1250cc. If u know how ride and not doing stupid crazy things u should be ok.
I just purchased a 2010. I love it.
I think you are the only one who likes my quiet exhaust. Thanks for your support. I ride and enjoy these bikes almost every day. Fantastic machines! I think they are the hidden treasure in the motorcycle world.
I mostly agree with your observations. I believe the bags are made in Italy, mine seem to be of great quality, and I have gone on several trips with them and haven't had a single problem. The rear trunk is awesome for filling with beer and ice...mmmmmm beer. Thanks for watching.
I love mine so much that I bought a second one. It came with ALL the bags. These are the most incredible machines for the price. I also have a BMW F650GS that cost more and has been nothing but a headache.
I bought the bike with side bags 4/12 and have ridden it around 5k miles to commute. The side-bags are big but cheap construction - the internal strap clip broke as soon as I tried to use it. My wife has also ridden with me. Both of us like the bike, very comfortable. Very smooth at 100 mph. The ABS brakes saved my skin more than once. My commute is a 70 mile on freeway and don't feel it much, the stock seat even though well padded does still numb the crotch but handlebars don't vibrate.
BUY IT! I own two. There are almost no available accessories, but if you are thinking about short tours, buy the luggage - it is well worth the price.
I took the bike out for a good long highway ride and I recommend that Suzuki lengthen the hydraulic lines so that it easy to install a handlebar riser for taller riders, install a handlebar info switch like BMW to toggle between odometer and time, include self-canceling turn signals, a larger alternator to power a heated suit, grip heaters, and a taller stock windscreen. That would make it my perfect bike.
Very nice review! This model has just arrived here in Brazil. Thank you!
I don't have enough experience with the bike to answer your question. I expect to install a touring windscreen over the next few weeks, and we will post a video for that. I find the bike immensely comfortable, smooth, and quiet. It seems like it has plenty of room for a passenger, so I don't think that will be an issue for you.
I bought one of these about one year ago. Mine came with the hard saddle bags with I do say get these they hold a lot of gear. I so much enjoy this bike its quit and will cruse highway speed all day long. I do recommend replacing the windscreen, though it was hard to find one to fit the bike. I did finely get one at J&P. So enjoy it have fun and ride safe...
I've got the gsx650f and i commute on it (short 5-15 minutes depending) at all hours of the night at the beck and call of my employer and I don't like waking up the neighbours.
Nobody will ever get angry with you over a quiet exhaust, but plenty of people HATE loud bikes even if they don't say it to your face.
I'm not old (I'm 23) I'm just CONSIDERATE. I ride my bike every day during riding season, I don't need to piss neighbours off and attract cops attentions.
had one of these, now thinking of buying another one, under tuned, powerful, needs a more comfy seat for longer than 1hr riding
I have just bought one of these bikes picking it up in 4 days time can't wait
Congrats and ride safe! Thanks for watching!
If you've never riden before then I think these bikes are a little bit heavy. It all depends on how comfortable you are with the challenge. The 1250F would be way too much power for you, the 650f is on the extreme upper end for the amount of power I think a beginner should have. The 650F will do 0-60mph in about the same time as a supercar.
That being said the 650F has enough power and weight to be a good highway touring bike for solo riding with bags.
After driving this bike more, I think it would be cool if Suzuki offered HID auxiliary lights and front and rear protection bars.
Lucky you, having a wife that will ride with you. You may want to consider purchasing a Sargent seat that you can also get an optional back rest with. You are going to LOVE this bike! I can't say enough good things about it. Plenty of power for 2-100 people. Haha.
I just bought a 2014 gsx1250fa :) great bike. I paid 9000 tax in in montreal canada.
Thank you Eric, I don't like the load exhaust during sleeping hours. I am also drawn by this quiet exhaust.
Thanks for your kind replay.
By the way, do you usually ride alone or with a passenger? I always travel with my wife and it is very important that she feels comfortable :-)
Hugs from Brazil,
Guilherme
You like it has a sight glass to see how much oil is in it ? I think you meant to say you prefer the sight glass over a dip stick or else you wouldn't know how much oil is in the bike ?
I am still not sure about the gas mileage, cause I am old and drive really slow...hardly ever go past 130MPH. I am thinking it gets somewhere around 40MPG. The seat is great for up to 2 hours...after that, fuggedaboutit. I just ordered a Sargent seat for one of my 1250s.
Yeah, I forgot. I was so excited about the great things it has over my BMW that I couldn't remember them all.
I have it for 11 years fantastic. Have you it again or have it changed?
Long since sold. Thanks for watching!
Nice review. You didn't mention the ABS brakes, however.
Nice video, sir. Thank you. What do you think about this bike for a near 40 year old beginner? I'm not looking to go fast just yet, just go and make it to my destination. :D Does that matter not, due to the characteristics of the bike and how it rides?
Saxony rules! I am German and I have done business in Germany for MANY years.
Old people like quiet.
Now that you've owned this bike for a while now, what are your updated thoughts on it? It seems like a great bike. I found a 2011 at a local dealer here, and am seriously looking at it. Thanks!
I still absolutely love the bike, so much so that I bought a second shortly after I bought my first GSX. I use one as a sportbike, and one for more long-distance touring. I definitely recommend the GSX very highly; if you like the bike definitely get it - you won't regret it!
redonKiLaus Great! Thanks for your reply!
This bike is very front end heavy and has a high COG. This is not a good beginner bike. I would recommend something more along the lines of a V-Strom Suzuki, especially if they are still doing the zero interest financing.
nice video, thanks for sharing.
Just bought mine today
Congrats - thanks for watching and safe riding!
First thing I changend was the exhaust..... It's just ugly and way too big. And I just don't get why you like it to be that silent. Sorry ;-)
Hey mate, any update on the Suzuki?
This is really a wonderful bike. I have one, and it is white.
Thanks for watching!
DANGER: THIS BIKE DOES WHEELIES WITHOUT EVEN TRYING. BE CAREFUL!
Hi. Would you say this could be a good starters bike or is it too powerful to keep a rookie safe ?
IMO, too powerful - I was taken by surprise as an experienced rider the first time I hopped on one and lifted the front wheel upon acceleration, so unless you are EXTREMELY careful with the throttle, definitely too much. Most of my friends who have gotten into sport bikes picked up ~600cc models and were happy with those as first bikes, and moved up to liter bikes if they felt the need. Thanks for watching!
redonKiLaus Thank you very much for your quick response ! I will definitely follow your advice. Some of my friends told me the contrary but I will trust the one who is riding the beast in question ;)
You can always test ride one to make your decision yourself as well. The 1250 Bandit is essentially the same bike and are more common if you can't find a GSX at any local dealership. It all boils down to throttle control - if you are able to resist the urge to twist it big time (on purpose or accidentally), then you are, in theory, ok with any bike.
Looks like new)
does anyone have any concerns over the steel frame rusting over time? I'm guessing they didn't go alloy due to cost increases.
Also, does anyone feel Suzuki detuned the engine too much? From 180hp to 98hp is a pretty big drop.
still does 250-260 kmh at top end.
Shamalan On-Time Shouldn't it do 300k?
JasonWW2000, not with the touring spec suspension / conventional forks it comes with. Besides, they need to sell their Busas :)
Shamalan On-Time I wish they would combine the 2 and make a comfortable to ride busa.
Good review, I guess you don't miss the Harley?
Nope, not at all. Thanks for watching!
they still make them for the UK market. just import one or several
Unfortunately, in the US, we cannot import any motor vehicle made for a foreign market until it is 25 years old. That's the reason we don't have very many cool Japanese and Euro cars over here. Thanks for watching!
dang well i know what im gona save up and get for my first bike since that thing got everything you could want n more
It's definitely a great bike. I would recommend learning on something smaller, though, because you can get into a lot of trouble with a high-displacement bike very easily if you are an inexperienced rider. Thanks for watching!
hmm what would you suggest? preferably something 5k or less since as is i'd have to save up til i can get one, i'm basically looking for a bike that will last a while and is price efficent but as u pointed out i do prob need something easy to start w/
If you can borrow a bike from a friend to learn on, that would be good, especially if you want a GSX1250. Otherwise, something 250-600cc would be good to start with, and anything from Suzuki, Yamaha, or Honda would be very reliable as well. The GSX1250FA is very easy to ride, but it has a lot of power and if you do not know how to handle it, you may end up getting hurt. I have done a few accidental wheelies on it myself with 40 years of riding experience. Ultimately, the choice is yours. If you want a sport bike, you could look at a 600cc GSXR or something like that as well, as those are very fast, too, but won't be as unpredictable.
thanks for advice i'll def look into your suggestions since it would be wise taking advice from some one with experience thanks for help
the gs 650 can travel the whole world..and 80miles\h is speed limit...all day is enough...u cant go 90 or 100miles\h in.the highway..
i think u change to bandit is.because u felt the power of the engine and the bmw maintenance was getting expensive
245ks ph I got mine up too,,, easily... 10,900 rpm
You can say that again...
Some one here said not good first bike, well not realy i bought my as first big bike, straight from. 125cc to 1250cc. If u know how ride and not doing stupid crazy things u should be ok.
The front headlight looks like your german/eagle symbol whatever that is.