About.com Rating

The Bottom Line

A sharp-looking, user-friendly bike that should satisfy beginners and even advanced riders, too.

Pros

• Gixxer-like looks with an unintimidating on-road personality
• Inline-4 engine offers plenty of power when you need it
• Relaxed ergonomics and smooth-revving engine make long distance rides manageable

Cons

• Large-ish saddle might not be comfortable for all posteriors
• Engine power and curb weight might be a bit too much for more novice beginners

• If you're looking for hardcore performance to match those sporty lines, look elsewhere

Description

• MSRP: $6,999 ($7,299 for 2009 model)
• 656 cc fuel-injected inline-4 engine
• Hydraulic clutch & six-speed transmission with digital gear indicator
• Twin-disc, 4-piston Tokico front and single-disc rear brakes
• Seat height: 30.3 inches
• Fuel capacity: 4.9 gallons
• Curb weight: 531 lbs

Guide Review - 2008 Suzuki GSX650F

Sporty looking starter bikes (like the Kawasaki Ninja 250R) are few and far between, and the 2008 Suzuki GSX650F occupies that rare space where sharp styling meets user friendliness; it’s no wonder it’s one of our 10 Great Beginner Bikes.

Priced at $6,999 ($7,299 for the 2009 model), the GSX650F packs a fuel-injected 656cc inline-four cylinder engine that routes to a large single pipe, a six-speed transmission with a hydraulically actuated clutch and a digital gear indicator, and four-piston Tokico brakes—capable equipment for spirited riding. And while GSX-R-inspired details include an aggressive nose, lean profile and a substantial looking tank, practical features like a tall windshield and a large, one-piece saddle abound.

Though its styling has a sharp bark, the GSX650F’s bite is rather soft. Power delivery is ultra smooth (all the way to its 12,500 rpm redline), handling is easy and predictable, and brakes are powerful and reassuring. Though this bike’s got plenty of power for acceleration and passing (sometimes more than some beginners might be comfortable with), the GSX650F’s engine is never peaky or intimidating. In fact, every aspect of this bike feels so refined you’ll likely find that long rides are relatively painless—though the big-ish saddle didn’t accommodate my posterior as well after a few hours as it did off the bat.

The GSX650F is a pleasantly satisfying bike for newbies and more experienced riders alike. It’s approachable, comfortable and perfectly entertaining more advanced motorcyclists. Perhaps best of all, if you blur your eyes you might even confuse it with its mean-edged big brother, the GSX-R… it won’t pack the same brutal punch as a Gixxer, but the GSX650F should please most riders on number of levels.
>>Click here for a photo gallery of the 2008 Suzuki GSX650F<<

>>Click here for a 2008 Suzuki Buyer’s Guide<<