GSX750F opinions sought.

[Docara]

Hi,

Does anyone have any experience or advice on a GSX750F.

I have recently bought an 04 SV650S (its a little too small for me bit it was cheap) now before I spend £200-300 and loads of grief trying to get it on the road.
I have an option of buying the GSXF and wondering if I should just put it down to experience and cut my losses.

Now how does the two compare in peformance and handling - I know the SV is loads of fun nice and torquey and good around corners etc but I kow nothing about the GSXF - opinion sought

Thanks
Matt

[squirrel_hunter]

Last year among other things I owned and rode a V reg GSX750F. I have to say it was one of the nicest bikes I've ever owned. Very comfortable, relaxing, a real everyday bike. However its only let down was its handling and brakes. Yes its quick, but quick in a straight line. The engine is straight out of the stone age but once you get on its power it goes. And the fairings make hitting the miles easy.

But back to the handling. Its not really a sports bike. But then neither is the SV in standard trim, though comparing the two if corners are your thing then the SV is leagues ahead. The VTwin engine also makes the acceleration more fun. Brakes are the same between the bikes, but the extra weight of the GSXF can overwhelm them. Not so much on the road but you will fill a difference.

I had the choice of both bikes and I would use the GSXF a lot if I was doing motorway miles or just nipping down the shops. If I wanted fun I was on the SV. That's not to say you cant have fun on a GSXF I did, took it out on fun rides and even took it around Castle Combe race track. The track really showed where its handling and brakes let it down, and that's on freshly serviced brakes and suspension.

Consumables and servicing costs are about the same. Both bikes are relatively easy to work on. But finding a older GSXF with out damage is possible but not easy as those are massive bits of plastic on the side. So due to that and its weight (the centre stand needs a bit of effort but you will get used to it) I wouldn't recommend the GSXF to a beginner, but that's not to say you shouldn't. I think I sold mine to a relatively inexperienced rider.

Hopefully that helps, anything else ask away...

[Docara]

Hi Suirrel-Hunter

Thanks for the reply

Yeah I used to ride the old Honda CB900F2 (faired) my god that was heavy - I cant imagine the GSXF being anywhere close to the 9. But I'm a large guy and being 6'2" I think I have to go with the GSXF.

Its a shame I was really looking forward to having a bit a play on the SV ironically using it's cornering and torue by having a bit of a scratching session where I agree the SV would have given me a big smile.

Can anything be done to sort out the handling?

Matt

[Tomor]

I believe SirTrev has a GSX650F

[squirrel_hunter]

For me the handling felt that it was the front that didn't turn fast enough, and though I'm no expert I'd say its geometry related. Yes you could do all manor of fork swaps and upgrades but then it comes to the question of what your spending and trying to achieve. My GSXF had a freshly serviced set of forks but the original springs and original rear shock. I can see how you could improve it but even with springs to your weight and a new rear shock there would be no getting away from the fact your riding a GSXF.