Author Topic: New GSX650F... Bandit? (Read 3860 times)

ZenMan · « **on:** June 28, 2007, 11:28:47 AM »

It has the same engine, frame, wheels, brakes, etc. as the '07 Bandit B650S. Just dressed up in a full "sport" fairing.

Am I right?

http://roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=29459

Vee Dub Nut · « **Reply #1 on:** June 28, 2007, 11:46:34 AM »

That model designation more than likely means its the Katana replacement.. Just doesnt carry the Katana name any more

Katana = GSX(displacement)F

Bandit = GSF(displacement)S

ZenMan · « **Reply #2 on:** June 28, 2007, 11:46:56 AM »

It even has the same rear bodywork, tailpiece, rear fender,taillight, footpegs, muffler, brakes, etc. etc. as my B1250. This is a '07 Bandit 650S dressed up as a Gixxer for sure!

Call it a Katana if you want... even the tank is the same as the '07 Bandits. It has the same 36mm throttle bodies as my B1250, everything is the same except the seat and the fairing. The front forks are different than my B1250, as is the rake and trail, and wheelbase...which might be the same as the B650SK7 too.

"To fill the entry-level sportbike gap left when the Katana 600 and 750 were discontinued from Suzuki’s product line last year, Suzuki has developed the fully-faired GSX650R, which is powered by a liquid-cooled, inline four-cylinder engine displacing 656cc with a bore of 65.5mm, a stroke of 48.7mm and a compression ratio of 11.5:1. Each cylinder has four valves per cylinder, which are actuated by double overhead camshafts, which are in turn driven by a centrally-located cam chain. The engine is fed by 36mm throttle bodies equipped with SDTV and controlled by a 32-bit, 256kb engine management system. The engine is backed by a six-speed transmission, which transmits power to the rear wheel via a roller chain.

The GSX650F’s chassis is based around a tubular steel double-cradle frame. KYB supplies the spring-preload-adjustable 41mm forks and the two-way-adjustable rear shock. The dual front brake rotors measure 310mm and are grabbed by four-piston Tokico calipers. The 3.50 x 17.0-inch front and 5.00 x 17.0-inch rear cast aluminum alloy wheels come shod with 120/70-ZR17 and 160/60-ZR17 Bridgestone BT011 radials, respectively. Wheelbase is 1470mm (57.9 inches), rake is 26º, trail is 108mm/4.3 inches, seat height is 30.35 inches, claimed dry weight is 476 pounds and the manufacturer suggested retail price is $6999."

GooseMan · « **Reply #3 on:** June 28, 2007, 12:24:09 PM »

It looks really similar to the GS500F.....I dont like it.....

ZenMan · « **Reply #4 on:** June 28, 2007, 12:36:22 PM »

Actually, I like the GS500F a lot better... it's way lighter, and maybe not a powerful inline-4, but a better entry-level for a beginner than this GSX650, in my opinion. I rode one, and it was a blast. It's a lot like the Kawi EX500 Ninja, a light little twin that you can just thrash around on. I'd love to get one (GS500F) for the ol' lady... if she would just learn to ride!

pmackie · « **Reply #5 on:** June 28, 2007, 01:48:59 PM »

Humm...looks like a merge of the Bandit and Katana concepts.

Personally, I like it. A Bandit platform with a full seat (not two piece) and a full fairing.

What I really wonder is if it will come in the 750 version, which is what I really want. IE a Bandit 750. Then the factory matched bags, etc.

I wonder if it will come to Canada in '08?

Red01 · « **Reply #6 on:** June 28, 2007, 02:55:04 PM »

Quote from: "pmackie"

What I really wonder is if it will come in the 750 version, which is what I really want. IE a Bandit 750. Then the factory matched bags, etc.

I was more wondering since it sure looks like a B650 with a GSXR inspired fairing (as is the GS500's) if they wouldn't offer a GSX1250F...

ZenMan · « **Reply #7 on:** June 28, 2007, 07:49:09 PM »

Quote from: "Red01"

I was more wondering since it sure looks like a B650 with a GSXR inspired fairing (as is the GS500's) if they wouldn't offer a GSX1250F...

I wondered that too... and while I was wondering, I also wondered if the Bandit 650S wasn't being offered in the U.S., then maybe it will be available here in the form of this GSX650F instead.

Then I wondered why would they offer a GSX1250F here in the states if it would cut into the high sales of the Bandit 1250S? They already have a good thing going with the big Bandit.

Then I wondered that if I was any good at wondering things, then I wonder why I'm not working for Suzuki as a marketing rep?

GooseMan · « **Reply #8 on:** June 29, 2007, 01:54:15 PM »

I dunno, IMHO the regular Bandit 650/1250 have better looks than this one. They just need the optional lower fairings.

But yeah, from a marketing standpoint, it'll sell well. Competes with the Ninja 650, and replaces the Katana.

solman · « **Reply #9 on:** June 30, 2007, 01:31:32 AM »

Quote

it's way lighter, and maybe not a powerful inline-4

The GS500F is a gutless wonder. I did like the E model with the less weight was fun to ride. Only good thing about it is that it gets really good gas mileage.

ZenMan · « **Reply #10 on:** June 30, 2007, 11:58:44 AM »

Quote from: "solman"

Quote from: "ZenMan"
it's way lighter, and maybe not a powerful inline-4

The GS500F is a gutless wonder. I did like the E model with the less weight was fun to ride. Only good thing about it is that it gets really good gas mileage.

You're missing the point.

Sure, it's a "gutless wonder" to someone who's used to more power. But it's a perfect bike for a beginner.. i.e. entry-level rider.

Too many first-bike buyers end up as a statistic, in the hospital or worse, and give up on bikes because they went out and bought a super-fast 600 sportbike or even this new GSX650F and it was too much for them.

With a bike like the GS500F, throttle-control is not that big a problem and it won't get them in trouble near as quickly.

And I still say it's fun to ride... being able to thrash it WFO everywhere is a blast, and if you can keep the speed up through the twistes and smoke a "superbike" with it, then you really have some bragging rights, aye?