Suzuki GSF650 Bandit Bike Overview
All of the bikes in the Suzuki Bandit range have the same things in common; they are cheap to run, fun to ride and capable of handling the commute to work as well as an open road ride on the weekends. The Suzuki GSF650 Bandit is no different though it has a more upgraded look than some earlier models and is a real joy both to look at and to ride.
This is a bike which is a minimalistic, no-frills all rounder and its reliability is well known and appreciated. There is plenty of low down grunt, torque and top end power from the four stroke DOHC engine and with an all new fuel-injection system it is also one of the more economic bikes in Suzuki’s range.
Suspension is decent with a stiffer rear shock and a softer front end making it a forgiving ride and the riding position is comfortable; somewhere in between a sports bike and a tourer but enough that you don’t feel the distance if you take this bike out for a long jaunt. This bike not be as polished as its main competitors but it gives riders exactly what is needed and does it well.
It’s also an excellent bike to start out with, especially if you want to customise your bike as parts are pretty cheap to come by and modifications are easy to make. You can usually pick up a good bargain on the used market as well if you keep your ear to the ground although even new you are getting a good bargain with the GSF650 Bandit.
Suzuki GSF650 Bandit Bike Spec
- Top speed130mph
- Weight215kg
- Average fuel consumption46mpg
- Capacity656cc
- Seat height770mm
- EngineAir/oil cooled, four stroke, DOHC, 4v
Suzuki GSF650 Bandit Bike Insurance
Suzuki GSF650 Bandit Bike Gallery
Owner Reviews
Pros
reliability ease of maintenance reasonable running costs
Cons
poor design of the oil bypass pipes, they need to be stainless steel or aluminium with a better designed method of sealing them, it would also be a better idea to install oil pipes that can be repaired without the need to remove the cylinder head costing a lot of money not to mention time.
Read More
The Suzuki 650 Bandit is a responsive machine that has more than enough power when it is required, however for a mature rider like myself the positioning of the handle bars makes it uncomfortable to ride over long distances such as 50 plus miles. the saddle can become uncomfortable over distances making it necessary to pull over and rest to get the feeling back in your lower body, I have found the Suzuki Bandit is not suitable for carrying a passenger because the passenger does tend to slide forward and in turn pushes the rider forward pushing you up against the fuel tank. ( for men who ride they understand how very uncomfortable this is)
the Suzuki Bandit has a bullet proof engine that starts and runs very well when ever I need it to, BUT and it is the biggest problem with these engines and Bandit owners will understand the dreaded oil leak from the two oil flow pipes that run from the cylinder head to the crankcase. because of the close position to the exhaust down pipes the "O" rings at the ends of the pipes begin to leak causing an unsightly oil leak from the engine, also these pipes corrode very quickly and the replacement cost is around £66 each and there are two pipes.
the twin disc brakes and rear disc brake provide more than enough braking power for the road,
Again the Suzuki Bandit runs very well and is very responsive to the throttle, but and it is a huge but! cornering is VERY interesting. the only way to safely navigate bends and specially islands is to slow the machine right down and go round the island or sharp bend. as for the bikes weight again for the mature rider it can be heavy specially when it comes to mounting the bike on the centre stand, this is a poor design by Suzuki not fitting reasonable grab handles there is only the plastic rear trim to hold and in time these will begin to bend and eventually break.
The Suzuki 650 Bandit has more than enough power for the roads, and it is suitable to the mature rider, performance wise it is quick when it is required and the rev range is very high.
The Suzuki 650 Bandit does not have a huge fuel tank but it holds enough fuel for me to ride to work everyday 58 miles one way three to four times a week before the need to refill,
Pros
Basically it's a no frills, no nonsense, bombproof all rounder. It is economical to run, easy to maintain, parts are cheap and available everywhere. Good economical all rounder. Capable of handling the commute, touring, and will keep up with others on the weekend twisties.
Cons
Brakes and suspension.
Read More
Heavy bike. Adjustable forks and rear shock, but built to a budget. Rides well on decent street sports tyres.
Noisy and harsh at times, especially cam chain, but overall it is bombproof. 1200 is better.
Brakes and suspension.
Paint is thin. Spark plugs and leads don't like the wet. Exhaust system is very poor design. The downpipes and silencer are stainless steel, but the collector box is mild steel. It rots out on all models, requiring replacement or repair.
Abs system on this model. Poor feel to brakes, and abs system makes bleeding very difficult. Effective, but nowhere near as good as other 650s
Pros
Best I've owned so far, perfect for my needs. Powerful, smooth torque.
Cons
Brakes & seat is hard
Read More
Heavy pig but handles smoothly
Very torquey & smooth
Brakes & seat is hard
Not powerful enough
Pros
Good everyday bike with good solid reliability. Cheap.
Cons
Budget build
Read More
Enough for everyday use
Budget build
Could be better
Budget
Pros
The bike is generally a good bike and it does what your need from it but it could do with anit more top end and stiffer front forks.
Cons
The seat grip and front forks
Read More
The seat grip and front forks
Pros
This bike I have only had for 2 months I have give it loads of loving and a good amount of use, it is fun to ride and a pleasure to wake up to every morning!
Cons
Nothing at all!
Read More
Nothing at all!
Pros
It's comfortable in city and on highway
Cons
Bike for community
Read More
Cheap, easy and fun
Bike for community
ABS system is very good but front brakes are little bit too soft
Pros
I've had this bike from New it's a lot more throw around than the 1250 VERY HAPPY AND FUN BIKE.
Cons
Front lower wheel arch extender could be fitter at factory to stop front wheel spitting up rubbish on to radiator.
Read More
After putting a viper can on my bike it helps the engine breath along better and sound great
Front lower wheel arch extender could be fitter at factory to stop front wheel spitting up rubbish on to radiator.
Pros
Owning this bike is the best thing about it , it always makes you smile when you sling a leg over it and hit the road . It has a commanding feeling about it as if everyone sees you coming . A big strong softy handles well goes well stops well , parts are easy to get , still . Services can be done by myself , such an easy bike to work on . Long distances are no problem feeling still fresh after 140 miles and three times that no problem . People still like the Suzuki Bandit mk1 because it is still the best looking bike for miles and you can do so much with one.
Cons
Only the economy lets it down over other motorcycles I have been with as everyone else gets a few more mpg than me but I have the biggest smile at the end of the day.
Read More
When the going gets bad the Bandit nuckles down and feels like a smaller bike even fully loaded wet or dry straight or twisty I think it is the best Suzuki model made. One of my friends was in awe of my wife being able to ride the Suzuki until I let him have a go and he could not believe how easy this bike is to ride.
Low down grunt mid range and top end power so usable no wonder this engine was used in so many models . Fuel economy could be a little better though.
Only the economy lets it down over other motorcycles I have been with as everyone else gets a few more mpg than me but I have the biggest smile at the end of the day.
For an 18 year old model although only 14 thou on the clock it is still in pretty good condition there is a little paint flaking on the head stock , even though it is an all weather bike a bit of soap and a wax brings it back to its former glory. I cant say a bad word for it.
The brakes are really strong and can haul you up real quick with no need to use the rear because all you do is lock the rear wheel in heavy braking leaving that for controlled u turns or parking.
Pros
reliability very reliable, instant starting even on very cold days ,nice and quiet very smooth engine. quite hard to pull up on to centre stand. chose this bike as i wanted to get back into motorcycling again after a break of quite a few years, it is easy to ride ,feels safe and is very reliable. has enough power and is quite maneuverable in traffic. handles and stops with ABS very well.
Cons
go back to normal speedo , the rest is fine by me
Read More
very smooth take up and corners very well ,braking is confidet and smooth with ABS
enough power for the size and weight of bike ,very smooth take up will pull away in 6th at 30mph
go back to normal speedo , the rest is fine by me
build quality is ok, paint finish is good but there are rust spots on some welds .
ABS model ,brakes are very good
Pros
Fantastic as a first Big bike…. easy to ride, easy to maintain, and cheap to run. Cheap and cheerful, it does what it says on the tin.
Cons
seat comfort on long runs.
Read More
seat comfort on long runs.
Pros
Ease of maintenance.
Cons
Maybe a little more performance and better brakes.
Read More
Pretty heavy bike in my opinion but is pretty smooth and for the type of riding I do it's ok on corners.
The performance is pretty much what you expect not stunning but adequate for the daily commute.
Quite good on fuel I dont count it in mpg I count in quid.For my weekly to and from work in the traffic in Newcastle I use £8 to £10 per week.Of course like all bikes it depends how you ride it.
For a "budget "bike the build quality isn't bad.With a bandit if you keep on top of it mine has been really reliable and easy to maintain yourself.
I think the brakes are garbage.The bike needs braided lines to improve performance of braking.I tend to get a bit of fade if there getting hot.