Thinking of getting a GSX650F.

I have a sv650.. Thinking having a change!
Whats peoples thoughts!

[ogden]

It's almost certainly not the bike you're looking for.

[Bibio]

only you can decide that. go and test one and then decide for yourself.

[yorkie_chris]

They're a bit of a better distance tool than an SV, slightly longer range and suchlike.

What balances against that for a commuter or something* is there are more bits to rot. Like exhausts and frames which the SV having stainless/ally doesn't suffer from.

Brakes and suspension are just as rot prone and budget.

*Or some other use where you don't mind it being bland with a capital bleh.

[Doinitmyway]

I did that when my 09 pointy got nicked two years ago. When the insurance stumped up I thought I'd take a chance on something different.

First off you will find the GSX much heavier at low speed. It does not carry it's weight well. It does however have a harder front end so will not dive half as much. Once upto speed the weight just goes. My SV had clip-ons and going to the bars on the GSX felt like my hands were too close together!

Switches are pretty much the same, the gauges on the GSX are clearer to read while on the go. The SV is better on fuel by a little bit, probably down to weight. The GSX L0 I have seems to do 55mpg all the time, even while hooning - but it is completely standard. I can get 170miles easy before having to fill up both bikes again - but the SV was cheaper to refill.

Its a hard choice between the two, the GSX tours very well - i did calais, 'ring, berlin, arnhem and back to calais last summer in a week and it didnt miss a beat or ache my wrists at all. The SV does 'feel' more of a sporty bike - probably because it's twice as flickable and encourages you to hang off a bit, something the GSX does not!

BT023's on the GSX transormed the handling. No surprise I suppose, you get what you pay for. Will try the Michelin PR3 next.

If in 5 years time I had the choice between a black SK9 SV650S and a GSX I would buy the SV! and spend a bit on fork springs and oil!

HTH

Chris

[NTECUK]

As long as its not got that meany miles stick with the SV and trick it up.
It's got much more sole than an IL4

[L3nny]

I have a mate who is selling one. It's a 2008 I think. My mate has owned if from new and used it about 10 times, it's mint.

If your interested i'll send you his number.

[Sir Trev]

Originally Posted by Doinitmyway

First off you will find the GSX much heavier at low speed. It does not carry it's weight well. It does however have a harder front end so will not dive half as much. Once upto speed the weight just goes.

Really? I find mine is fine at low speed, especially as it is so smooth at all points on the rev range. Agree on the ride quality though - it feels way more planted than the SV being a bit longer and a fair bit heavier.

Moving from a naked SV helped me - I already had upright bars so it felt a lot more similar.

Take some test rides. The IL4 is a world away from a v-twin. I wanted something smooth and comfortable for longer journeys and the GSX suits me fine. If you want something for flicking round backroads or point-and-squirt hooning you may find the extra weight and need to keep the revs up a bit tiring.

Thanks guys, bike is fixed so sticking with the sv for now! Gonna save up for something nicer for a fue years!