All Tests – Mini-Gex, but it does the best! – Used SUZUKI

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Mini-Gex, but it does the maximum !

All Tests - Mini-Gex, but it does the best! - Used SUZUKI

It is no longer quite a Bandit, not yet a GSX-R: the new Suzuki GSX 650 F alone replaces the GSX-F 750 and 600. Cleverly blurring the tracks, the new road from Suzuki offers a cocktail good to her ! Test.

Suzuki’s new roadster, the GSX 650 F, replaces the aging GSX-F 600 and 750 cc. It is now equipped with the new 650 cc liquid-cooled 4-cylinder engine that powers the new Bandits. Its dressing radically contrasts with its predecessors and now clearly eyeing the latest versions of the GSX-R hypersportives…

Launched on the sly last winter on the French market – which is nevertheless very favorable to it – the latest evolution of the Bandit 650, now water-cooled, has not had the echo it deserves !

Thanks to its 100% original engine, Suzuki’s famous roadster is no less a real novelty in its own right! In addition to its transition to liquid cooling, the 4-cylinder adopts injection and collects 8 horsepower..

The GSX 650 F therefore inherits this brilliant mechanism and perfectly suited to its philosophy..

Replica Gex

This is to be mistaken! In particular from the front, we can confuse the new road from Suzuki with the latest GSX-R. Same cutting edge look as the 2006 models, same forced air intakes, same full fairing: the resemblance is striking, especially in this very racing blue and white dress !

The other colors available are more discreet, since you have the choice between plain black or black and gray. And it is only by detailing the machine that we finally realize that it is not a sports car, but a more modest machine.

No inverted fork, radial brake calipers or short pot "MotoGP approved"but a saddle in one piece and a 160 mm rear tire: we are indeed in the presence of an entry-level motorcycle … But damn rewarding !

However, who says entry-level road does not necessarily mean a discount machine, far from it! Because the GSX F benefits from a flattering presentation and a very correct finish.

The full fairing is well designed and perfectly adjusted. The dashboard, also inherited from the GSX-R, is very nice and has an adjustable shiftlight. The beautiful is even equipped with a hydraulic clutch control and not a cable, which is not common at this price point. !

On the other hand, given the road vocation of the GSX 650 F, we regret that it does not have a central stand and that it does not offer a larger space under its saddle … Indeed, under reserve to remove the toolkit, it is painfully boxed an anti-theft chain but not a U.

Welcoming and obvious

You are right at home on the GSX F! The low saddle (770 mm) immediately gives you confidence, even small riders. The handlebars, a little lower than on the Bandit, give a perfect position.

The rider is just tilted forward enough to feel the nose gear of his machine, without being unpleasantly resting on the wrists. The comfortable saddle is well designed and quite soft. The controls are soft and the mirrors, attached to the fairing and not to the handlebars, are well spaced and perfectly readable.

Getting started with the GSX 650 F is almost immediate! It’s not a dime intimidating and less experienced riders will quickly feel at ease. Even if it takes the frame and the exact measurements of the Bandit S, we feel much less this feeling of heaviness that we can experience with the latter.

The roadster suffers in particular from a fairly high center of gravity, which makes it difficult to handle with the engine off or at low speed. Strangely, it’s a lot less shocking with the GSX F.

That said, the Suzuki cannot completely forget its 216 kg dry (which is 2 kg less than the Bandit, while it is fully streamlined), which are particularly sensitive when maneuvering at a standstill. With full facts, the machine flirts with 240 kg, which starts to be quite significant for a 650 cc motorcycle also intended for beginners.

The city dweller’s friend

Once off the sidewalk, the GSX 650 F is very accommodating in town. Smooth and precise gearbox, elastic engine and well filled at all speeds, perfectly dosed and efficient braking: the bike manages to be completely forgotten by the pilot. He therefore has plenty of time to focus on the multiple dangers of urban traffic. !

Special mention to electronic fuel injection, perfectly mastered on this new engine! The power supply is very discreet and generates absolutely no jerk, even very low in the towers, which is still rare on the market !

As the engine is very well filled at low and mid-range, it can be used in town in 4th gear, between 15 km / h and … much more !

At first glance, the mirrors, which are large enough, can appear quite exposed and slow down the enthusiasm to slip into town. But in the end, don’t worry: the best way is to forget them and they go everywhere without touching !

The backpacker’s accomplice

Like a good friend, the GSX 650 F will take you to work every day of the week with obvious good will. But she will also be happy to hit the road when the weekend or the holidays arrive.!

Thanks to its two diabolos placed on either side of the passenger handle and with its buckles on the passenger footrests, it is very easy to secure luggage.

The 19-liter tank and the very reasonable consumption of 5.7 l / 100km (also due to the delicate conditions of our driving …) make it possible to lengthen the stages a lot, since we pass in reserve around the 260 km !

Although fully streamlined, the GSX F is a bit of a disappointment when it comes to protection. The bubble is too low, like on the GSX-R, and will require adapting to fit one that does its job properly. The fairing sides do not protect the lower body very well either: they seem to be there more for aesthetics than for comfort !

To cut your teeth

Easy, versatile and accessible to the greatest number, the GSX 650 F also loves the castagne! It will allow novice pilots to start having fun without disappointing more experienced pilots in driving – if not sporty, at least very fast..

All things considered, given its substantial weight in running order, the Suzuki is quite efficient. Easy to put on the angle, it is above all rigorous, healthy and very stable on the angle on good surface.

When the asphalt heckles a little more, the bike does not come apart but will not allow to go so hard: you cannot ask for miracles from the traditional 41 mm fork..

Braking is free from reproach, powerful and perfectly dosable. The bite is good there too, but not exaggerated, so as not to surprise novices in the wet. The more sporty will quickly opt for a softer tire than the original one: Bridgestone BT 011 at the front and BT 020 at the rear. Correct in the dry, these tires get quite finicky in the wet.

On the engine side, the GSX 650 F is no exception: its mechanics are brilliant and the mill tows with real force from the lowest revs! The additional 50 cc compared to a 600 are really felt.

On the other hand, if it takes its turns without forcing, the engine is a bit disappointing with its too great linearity … The injection, perfect in use, smoothed the entire operating range. Do not expect fury in the towers like on a sports car !

The 4-cylinder is therefore super efficient but not very demonstrative. This feeling is further reinforced by the completely muffled sound of the exhaust, which gives the feeling of being riding an electric motorcycle! In addition, pushed to its limits, the gearbox gave us two false dead spots. To monitor !

Not just a streamlined Bandit

With its pretty GSX-R dress and lower handlebars, the GSX 650 F is not just a simple Bandit dressed for winter! Through these simple artifices, she gains a real personality both in aesthetics and in character.

Those who criticized the new Bandit 650 S for not having evolved as much aesthetically as mechanically can only be satisfied by this nice machine..

In addition, the GSX 650 F has the good taste to sell for just € 250 more expensive, or € 6,499! And to stick even more to its road vocation, a version equipped with ABS is due to appear in early 2008 … Stay tuned !

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