2010 Suzuki GSX650F ABS Review

Introduction

Featuring an ideal balance of sportbike excitement and all-around versatile performance, the bike offers enough power even for an experienced rider and crisp handling so you can turn any winding road ride into a ride to remember. Suzuki’s strategy was to fill the gap between the decent GS500F and the powerful GSX-R600 in order for a complete lineup to turn any aspirant into a Suzuki owner. At least that was the plan for 2009, because 2010 brings the Suzuki GSX650F ABS, which kind of increases the standards of the class.

History

1988 Suzuki Katana 600

Derived from the 600 and 750 Katanas, two motorcycles that Suzuki built with cost effectiveness in mind and which used the same basic frame bodies with minor differences in the tail section for the 1988-1997 models, the GSX650F is set further apart from the Bandit 650 than we would thing.

In 1998 Suzuki released the newly designed Katana models and the bikes became even more similar: both had the same body panels and tail sections, seats, and headlamp assemblies.

In 2003 Suzuki made a few minor design changes to the 600, such as widening the upper and lower triple trees by a fraction of an inch, and it also changed the tail sections on both the 600 and 750 with a redesigned taillight and a newly designed seat shape with a flat surface texture for better weight transfers during maneuvers.

 In 2004, Suzuki made a few additional changes to the Katana platform for both models such as the new stainless steel muffler, the inclusion of four-way emergency flashers and a passing switch.

The original engine design came from the first generation GSX-R 750. So the 1989-1997 750 Katana engine is nothing more than a slightly retuned 1989 GSX-R sling shot power plant more suited for sport touring. With the 1998 body redesign, Suzuki made also some major changes to the venerable Katana engine. The base oil cooled engine remained the same but received some much needed updates.

Both the 600 and 750 share the same transmission and the same engine stroke. The only major difference between the 600 and the 750 is the engine bore, cam shaft duration and carburetor size. Both engines received a gear ratio change in the transmission, a better oil pump, and a redesign of an earlier problematic second gear. Also, the piston cylinder walls received a new glaze that promotes longer engine life and better piston ring wear.

2006 Suzuki Katana 750

Competition

Early Katanas competed with Honda CBR600F in the late 1980s and through the 1990s.

Both motorcycles were reliable, very well balanced and offered a good power to weight ratio, although Honda had a few more horses and better acceleration.

Another rival for both the Katana and the CBR600F was Kawasaki’s ZZR600. The bike offered great road characteristics and it had the same amount of power as the CBR but didn’t handle quite like the Suzuki. Also in the present day, the Kawasaki ZZR600 has reasons to brag about. For example, the efficiently tuned 599cc four-stroke DOHC inline-four, 16 valves engine gets 50 miles per gallon, which is good even when you consider the Suzuki’s 52 mpg. Yet, Kawasaki doesn’t carry on producing the ZZR600 in 2010.

Yet another do-it-all sportbike and an alternative to the GSX650F is Yamaha’s YZF-R6S. This is also a 2009 model year and has better performance coming from that original 600cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder, DOHC with 16 valves engine. It will also go around corners more aggressively, but remember that this is practically a 2002 Yamaha R6 and as long as I can remember, that is a super sport motorcycle. The riding position won’t be as comfy as on the Suzuki and Kawi, but the Yamaha will provide a greater rush.

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Exterior

2010 Suzuki GSX650F ABS

Designing this Gixxer-like motorcycle, Suzuki took into consideration comfort and visual attraction, the bike being practically a perfect blending of those very same qualities. The Suzuki GSX650F ABS features a full fairing design with styling cues taken from the high performance GSX-R series for a sport-inspired look with full wind protection for the rider. Also, weather you’re on the back roads or on the open highway, you’ll appreciate the GSX650F’s comfortable design, including a more upright seating position that makes all-day riding a pleasure.

A compact fuel tank was designed for an easy reach to the handlebar with a narrow midsection while still retaining a full 5.0 gallons of fuel capacity. As a distinguishable note from the Kawasaki and Yamaha models, the GSX features a one-piece seat.

Colors combinations available for 2010 will be Blue/Silver and White/Black.

Press Reviews

2010 Suzuki GSX650F ABS

"It’s aimed at novice riders looking for their first sports bike and older riders after something less frantic and ergonomically challenging than a GSX-R600; it deals with both tasks supremely well. The riding position leans you forward slightly without imposing too much weight on the wrists, while the seat is a reasonable height and comfortable too." – telegraph

"The new motor is the same 656cc, water-cooled inline four that powers the Bandit. It’s a strong, solid motor that made a notable difference to the Bandit, and it works here, too. To quote Al, from his launch report, it’s “reasonably spunky”, and a vast improvement over the air-cooled unit it replaces. The power delivery is fairly linear, with plenty of low- and midrange, albeit lacking sparkle at the top-end." – superbike

"For really defiant overtakes and a more focused feel, you can stir the silky smooth six-speed box and keep the revs between 6,000 and 8,000rpm, only licking the 12,500rpm red line if the buzz of the ride takes over. During the launch in France, I was pleasantly surprised at how easily the bike adapted to my various demands." – cars

"The Suzuki GSX650F’s chassis is, for the most part, Bandit 650, too, being centred around the same, no frills, cost-conscious steel tube cradle and conventional forks. Yet in GSX-F guise it gets a more sophisticated shock for added sporting ability and subtly adjusted poise thanks to the fairing, new one-piece, rubber-mounted..." – MCN

"Overall handling on the Suzuki was quite balanced and agile. It turns in well, sticks to a line, and can be gassed hard out of a turn. While not being the most sophisticated chassis, the GSX650F isn’t going to do anything to get you in trouble. That is, of course, if you don’t push it far beyond its limits." – motorcycle

"The Suzuki GSX650F, in my opinion, felt like the perfect motorcycle for somebody who wants a mean-looking bike that’s not a mean ride. Think of it as a kindred spirit to the ever-popular Kawasaki Ninja 250R, only heavier and more powerful." – motorcycles.about

Price

Considering last year’s $7,899 MSRP and the fact that the new model year gets ABS, the starting price is of $8.8K.

Conclusion

Inspired both by its sport-touring and supersport siblings, the 2010 Suzuki GSX650F ABS is one successful combination from all points of view: there is enough power for whatever on earth a rider will feel like doing, the chassis is effective both in and out of town and the ergonomics are day-long comfortable. We just hope the bike still makes for one awesome bang for the buck.

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SPECIFICATIONS

Engine and Transmission

• Engine: 656 cc (40.0 cu. In), 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC
• Bore x Stroke: 65.5 mm (2.579 in) x 48.7 mm (1.917 in)
• Compression Ratio: 11.5 : 1
• Fuel System: Fuel injection
• Lubrication: Wet sump
• Ignition: Electronic ignition (Transistorized)
• Transmission: 6-speed constant mesh
• Final Drive: RK525 SMOZ7Y, 118 links

Chassis and Dimensions

• Suspension Front: Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped
• Suspension Rear: Link type, coil spring, oil damped
• Brakes Front: Disc brake, twin
• Brakes Rear: Disc brake
• Tires Front: 120/70ZR17M/C (58W) tubeless
• Tires Rear: 160/60ZR17M/C (69W), tubeless
• Overall Length: 2130 mm (83.9 in)
• Overall Width: 760 mm (29.9 in)
• Overall Height: 1235 mm (48.6 in)
• Seat Height: 770 mm (30.3 in)
• Ground Clearance: 125 mm (4.9 in)
• Wheelbase: 1470 mm (57.9 in)
• Curb Weight: 245 kg (541 lbs)
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 19.0 L (5.0/4.2 US/Imp gal)

Features & Benefits

Key Features

2010 Suzuki GSX650F ABS

• 41mm Forks - 41mm forks are designed for a smooth ride and are preload adjustable for a variety of riding conditions
• Full Fairing Design - A stylish full fairing design with styling cues taken from the high performance GSX-R series for a sport-inspired look with full fairing protection for the rider
• Instruments - GSX-R inspired instrument cluster includes a step motor driven tachometer, multi-function LCD for dual trip meters, reserve trip meter, clock, fuel gauge, and a useful gear position indicator with GSX-R inspired shift light
• Rear Suspension - Rebound and preload adjustable rear shock works in conjunction with a link-type rear suspension for excellent road holding performance
• Dual Throttle EFI - Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve fuel injection system for smooth acceleration. Fuel injectors are compact and lightweight with 4-hole injectors for optimum fuel atomization and greater power output
• Comfortable Seat - Wide, comfortable one piece seat with low seat height for increased rider and passenger comfort

Engine Features

• A large capacity exhaust system utilizes a high capacity catalyzer and an oxygen sensor to meet strict Euro 3 and Tier 2 emissions requirements while still providing strong performance throughout the rpm range
• Cam profiles are chosen with an emphasis on low-to-mid range power output and help to deliver highly accessible performance that is well suited to an entry level rider
• Compact, liquid-cooled, fuel injected, DOHC 656cc engine utilizing a bore and stroke of 65.5 mm x 48.7 mm and featuring strong and easily accessible power and torque
• Piston rings are manufactured with ion plating treatment using Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) for a smoother surface, increased durability and reduced friction and reduced oil consumption
• Six speed transmission works smoothly with a hydraulic clutch for crisp shifting in a variety of riding conditions
• Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material (SCEM) coated cylinders deliver high heat dissipation and allow for better ring seal while reducing blow-by and mechanical losses
• Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve fuel injection system for smooth acceleration. Fuel injectors are compact and lightweight with 4-hole injectors for optimum fuel atomization and greater power output
• The cylinder head achieves a narrow valve angle of 17 degrees intake and exhaust for high intake and exhaust efficiency
• The GSX650F ABS keeps cool with a high efficiency radiator combined with a 190mm electric cooling fan controlled by the ECM and a high output water pump with a bearing-less design for reduced weight

Chassis Features

• 41mm forks are designed for a smooth ride and are preload adjustable for a variety of riding conditions
• A stylish full fairing design with styling cues taken from the high performance GSX-R series for a sport-inspired look with full fairing protection for the rider
• Compact fuel tank is designed for an easy reach to the handlebar with a narrow mid section while still retaining a full 19.0 L (4.2 Imp gal) of fuel capacity.
• Double cradle steel frame provides excellent balance, nimble handling a unmatched rider comfort with a sporty overall feel
• GSX-R inspired instrument cluster includes a step motor driven tachometer, multi-function LCD for dual trip meters, reserve trip meter, clock, fuel gauge, and a useful gear position indicator with GSX-R inspired shift light
• Handlebar is rubber mounted for reduced vibration
• Rebound and preload adjustable rear shock works in conjunction with a link-type rear suspension for excellent road holding performance
• Tokico 4 piston front brake calipers are used with a 310mm floating discs for optimum braking performance and combined with a pin slide two piston rear caliper and a 240mm rear brake disc
• Wide, comfortable one piece seat with low seat height for increased rider and passenger comfort