Bandit 1250S vs the new GSX650F

[Buford]

I was wondering if anyone had ridden both of these bikes back to back... and if so, what their impressions were.

Obviously, there is the power issue. And, considering the weight of the 650, it's probably somewhat noticable when compared to the Bandit.

But, I am mostly wondering about other issues... like ergonomics, seat comfort, two-up ability, handling, instrumentation, any hint that there is a difference in build quality, where each makes power/torque..... etc.

My local Suzuki dealer doesn't have either of these bikes in stock. Come to think of it, I don't ever remember them having a Bandit in stock. 

Thanks.

[SteveM]

The GSX650F is basically last years 650 Bandit with the addition of a full fairing. I read a quick review recently in one of the UK bike mags that suggested it might be the best bike of '08 value wise. They seemed to like it very much.

"Suzuki’s new budget and novice-friendly GSXF650F all-rounder proves that sometimes, brilliance is found in the most unlikely places. Although on face value merely a ‘Bandit with a fairing’ the GSX650F’s blend of real world performance, practicality, fun factor and value is pretty much unmatched anywhere."

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikereviews/searchresults/Bike-Reviews/Suzuki/Suzuki-GSX650F-2007-current/?&R=EPI-99365

[billincentraljersey]

FYI, some OTHER Bandit web site have a thread where they swapped the seats between the GSX650F and the B1250.  They fit.  The GSX650F seat is about 1" lower.  It is not height adjustable like the B1250 seat.  For shorter leg person that also need a 1" riser, this is one solution to take care of BOTH.  Lower the seat by 1" is about the same as raising the bars by 1".

[Buford]

 

Obviously I'm shopping, and these two bikes are on the list.

I'm guessing that most of the other factors are a wash between these two bikes. One is a repli-racer and the other a standard. I'm not sure which I prefer based on that. But, with the power-to-weight ratio being a bit down on the GSX650F, I'm wondering if it affects the ride. In my opinion, bikes with a decent power-to-weight ratio (particularly when that includes some healthy torque) just seem to ride better. I've always been a fan of the Bandit, but have never owned one.

Just FYI... I'd also consider the SV650, but I've heard rumors that Suzuki might not bring it back next year. For some reason, that just turns me off (I'm not sure why). I also thought about the Kawasaki ZZR 600 and the BMW F800ST.

[billincentraljersey]

If that Ironbutt report and the Euro ride report is yours, then you definitely need the B1250.  For daily commute and cross country on multi days of 500 mile days, the B1250 is it.  If you need it for tight narrow back roads, the smaller bike is better.  On my one year anniversary of owning the bike, I finallly got a chance to do some tight back roads.  I rarely got out of 3rd gear.  The gear box ratios are spread too wide.  I ended up doing lots of braking instead of engine braking and use the shifter to adjust my speed as the road twist and turn.  However, 99% of my rides are commute and highways.  So, I have no regrets.  Love the bike.

[Buford]

If that Ironbutt report and the Euro ride report is yours...

Yep, they're mine. And those are just the two best adventures I've been on. I've done a number of other long multi-day rides.

But, most of my riding is much shorter than that. Saturday trips of 200 miles or less... or runs across town.

[Red01]

One is a repli-racer and the other a standard.

The GSX650F isn't really a repli-racer... it has identical ergonomics (or a very slight difference due to its one-piece seat) to the GSF650S Bandit (which the US doesn't get), it just has a fairing that gives it a repli-racer appearance. Besides the fairing, instruments & seat, it is identical to the 650 Bandit. So basically, it is just a fully faired Bandit with a different model ID.  The SV650, ZZR600 & F800ST all have more aggresive ergos than the GSX650F.

[Buford]

it just has a fairing that gives it a repli-racer appearance.

Okay. Amend my post to say that. 

[PitterB4]

the picking of the nits

 

[Buford]

I just don't think it's necessary to correct someone on such a comment. You can define a "repli-racer" on looks alone, and that's what I was doing.

It's picking f**ing nits.

[billincentraljersey]

If that Ironbutt report and the Euro ride report is yours...

Yep, they're mine. And those are just the two best adventures I've been on. I've done a number of other long multi-day rides.

But, most of my riding is much shorter than that. Saturday trips of 200 miles or less... or runs across town.

In that case, I say go for the B1250.  It is a do everything bike.  I would go for a smaller bike if I am to live in NYC or inside DC where I need a lighter more manuverable bike.  The B1250 will never get out of 3rd or 4th gear.  I would love to have a KTM 690 Duke or super motard.  BUT, if it is to be one bike only, B1250.  My $0.02

[LowRyter]

my brother got the 650.   This is his first motorcycle purchase.   

Very nice bike.  Brakes and suspension very good.  Need to rev the engine (12k redline).  This bike had 300 miles on it.  Seems to need a little more gear but perhaps it will rev faster when it breaks in.  Ergos are fairly sporty, legs were a somewhat folded.  Fit & finish very good.

[Red01]

I just don't think it's necessary to correct someone on such a comment. You can define a "repli-racer" on looks alone, and that's what I was doing.

It's picking f**ing nits.

Point taken... 
No offense intended!
I've been know to pick the fly sh!t out of the pepper before...
It's pretty much what I do for a living, so it tends to rub off in other areas, too. 

Plenty of folks, usually non-riders and even cruiser riders, have called my B12 a "crotch rocket" or "one of those Ninja bikes" based on the looks of the S model fairing.

I just figured since this is a bike site that specializes in a "sporting standard" (as Suzuki likes to refer to the Bandit), more folks would define a repli-racer on ergos rather than looks alone.

[Have Blue]

Plenty of folks, usually non-riders and even cruiser riders, have called my B12 a "crotch rocket" or "one of those Ninja bikes" based on the looks of the S model fairing.

LOL, I can certainly relate to that since just yesterday, a woman looked at my B12S and
commented that she thought I was too old to be riding one of those crotch rockets.

[Human Potato]

I traded in my 2001 B12 for the GSX 650F.  Pretty happy so far.  It handles WAY better and is a much easier bike to ride.  The only time you miss the power is in long straights, but most of my riding is in the real world so I dont find myself missing the 1200cc much.
Say, seeing as the 650F is basically a bandit with fairing, when are they gonna be added to this forum?!?!?  I miss the old Bandit Alley depth of knowledge and advice.