Author Topic: New member and B650 owner :) (Read 10902 times)

Raphy · « **on:** May 14, 2007, 10:08:12 AM »

Hi everybody.

1st post here, so go easy on me :) I'm been lurking here for a while and finally bought a Bandit :) I'm located in Toronto, ONT, Canada - (i see quite a few Canucks here too :))

About 2 weeks ago I picked up a 2005 Suzuki Bandit GSF650S. It had 700km and the 1st owner didn't ride it much since '05 (read: a sweet deal!)

I couldn't be happier. This was the right "next bike" for me (i was coming off a Honda Shadow 750 ACE after 3rd season on it). I was looking for something more sporty but not "full-out" sporty (ie. laying down on the gastank)...lol

The bike is great and pulls really nice....however, I am feeling the famous 'vibrations', and since the bike now has 1300km, i just got some oil and filter and will do the oil change, pour in some Seafoam, tighten all the bolts, possibly a carb synch and maybe a valve adjustment. If that doesn't help it's either heavy bar ends or a barsnake/lead shot... we'll see....

In transit to my door are Givi engine guards, DS profile touring screen, Monorack, V46 topcase and backrest pad(for the fiance).

So, I just thought i'd share my purchase with you guys... I'm one happy camper.... I look forward to learning from the Bandito experts and hope to contribute to the discussions...

Here are some pics for your enjoyment....

ZenMan · « **Reply #1 on:** May 14, 2007, 11:37:56 AM »

Sweet!

Love the color, and I like those soft saddle bags... they look a lot like my RallyPacks. What brand are they?

Not a big topcase! Nooooooo!!!!

Red01 · « **Reply #2 on:** May 14, 2007, 11:55:48 AM »

Don't let Zen scare you off... he means well.

Raphy · « **Reply #3 on:** May 14, 2007, 12:06:52 PM »

Thanks guys -

Zen - the saddlebags are Joe Rocket Sport Saddlebags. They are also expandable... I actually have a set of Chase Harper Stealth saddlebags on the way - i hope they work nicely... the JR bags i'll be using for the longer hauls :)

pmackie · « **Reply #4 on:** May 14, 2007, 12:29:37 PM »

Welcome Raphy

Nice to find a good used bike with only 600kms. Wow.

I know you haven't had much time to ride it yet, but does the 650 have the same "dead zone" in the power curve from 4500 to 6000 rpm? The 2G 600 is weak in this range, and I alway wondered if the extra 50 cc's helped. Shimming the needles helped for me.

Change the oil and sync the carbs before you invest in different bar end weights and/or bar snake. Mine is pretty good, but does have a raspy patch. I don't really notice it however.

Red01 · « **Reply #5 on:** May 14, 2007, 12:45:01 PM »

Quote from: "pmackie"

Mine is pretty good, but does have a raspy patch. I don't really notice it however.

It was the first thing I noticed when I rode it.
As quiet as your bike is, that's the only time it's noisey.
How can you not notice that?

I think you've just grown accustomed to it and maybe stay out of that zone more than I did.

Actually, I guess it wasn't the first thing I noticed. I noticed it seemed smaller than my B12 and even though we both have the same kind of tires, the 600's narrower tread made it much more flickable.

Raphy · « **Reply #6 on:** May 14, 2007, 03:47:51 PM »

Quote from: "pmackie"

Welcome Raphy

Nice to find a good used bike with only 600kms. Wow.

I know you haven't had much time to ride it yet, but does the 650 have the same "dead zone" in the power curve from 4500 to 6000 rpm? The 2G 600 is weak in this range, and I alway wondered if the extra 50 cc's helped. Shimming the needles helped for me.

Change the oil and sync the carbs before you invest in different bar end weights and/or bar snake. Mine is pretty good, but does have a raspy patch. I don't really notice it however.

To be honest- I really haven't noticed any flat spots.... But, keep in mind i'm coming off a 36HP underpowered cruiser, so ANYTHING will feel good and without flat spots...lol... so far, there hasn't been any issues in terms of power delivery with the Bandit that I've noticed. I will let you know a little later in the season if i notice anything funny.

GooseMan · « **Reply #7 on:** May 14, 2007, 05:16:23 PM »

Sweet! Nice bike!

to the Bandit family! Oh...I see you mentioned you were going to get Seafoam...have you found a place that sells it in Canada? Please let me know! I cant find it anywhere!

CWO4GUNNER · « **Reply #8 on:** May 14, 2007, 06:32:48 PM »

Raphy · « **Reply #9 on:** May 14, 2007, 06:55:20 PM »

Thanks everyone for the warm

Quote from: "GooseMan"

Sweet! Nice bike! to the Bandit family! Oh...I see you mentioned you were going to get Seafoam...have you found a place that sells it in Canada? Please let me know! I cant find it anywhere!

The actual Seafoam i got was at my last visit to the US... BUT... i have heard that CarQuest and NAPA carry it... I cant be 100% sure tho, as i havent gone looking for it personally... GOOD LUCK!

pmackie · « **Reply #10 on:** May 14, 2007, 07:07:59 PM »

Quote

Actually, I guess it wasn't the first thing I noticed. I noticed it seemed smaller than my B12 and even though we both have the same kind of tires, the 600's narrower tread made it much more flickable.

As well as the smaller rear tire, the 20 mm smaller front disc rotors and the WAY less flywheel inertia (and HP) all contribute, not to mention the dropped forks (5/8") and longer shock (B12).

The thing I noticed first on your bike (and Bobcat's) was the amazing rush of acceleration from 5000 rpm up.

I'd have to learn to ride differently if I went up to a 1200!! No more pin it and row the gearbox!!

ZenMan · « **Reply #11 on:** May 14, 2007, 08:20:01 PM »

Quote from: "CWO4GUNNER"

I have to say that every time I see a new or like new 2nd Gen Bandits they just catch your eye no matter how many times you have seen them.

Uhhh, that's not a 2nd Gen Bandit.

It's the same bodywork as the '07's you are always ragging on.

Ha! I pulled a "Red01" on ya.

Red01 · « **Reply #12 on:** May 14, 2007, 09:27:50 PM »

Quote from: "pmackie"

I'd have to learn to ride differently if I went up to a 1200!! No more pin it and row the gearbox!!

That's right, with the 1200, you just leave it on one gear and pin it.

CWO4GUNNER · « **Reply #13 on:** May 14, 2007, 10:37:16 PM »

ZenMan · « **Reply #14 on:** May 14, 2007, 11:41:59 PM »

Quote from: "CWO4GUNNER"

Come On, Now! We talk about this... quit making comparisons in your mind and snap out of it, its good looking bike too.

Remember when you told me how you enjoyed ragging and nitpicking on people 'cuz that's how it was in the service?

Well, I've learned to enjoy pointing out all the times you blurt out wrong information and stick your foot in your mouth. Hard to keep up with 'em all, though...

Be happy... it should make ya feel right at home.