Suzuki GSF650 Bandit (2007-current)

Brilliant bike, wouldn't recommend for first bike as it is heavy. The ABS is life saving and I love it. TANK!

Bought a 2007 naked version of this bike with 4500 miles on the clock a few months back. My first big bike after using a 125cc for a few months. Absolutely love this machine. It responds to everything you want it to do without complaint, it's quick and easy to manoeuvre and fantastic fun for a first big bike. I use this to commute to work every day, a 50 mile round-trip, and am getting between 50 and 60 mpg on average, which for such a quick machine is great. I personally don't have too much experience of other bikes but from my perspective this is a fantastic bike to start off your biking career, I couldn't be happier with the machine and would highly recommend to any new rider.

The bandit 650 engine is very reliable and can stand long trips without any problem. The handling is quite good taking into account the price. The downside of the bike is the quality of some components that start to rust very quickly even if you clean the bike regularly. Some parts are completely rusted after two years and some other parts have only some spots rusted. The other problem is the Suzuki warranty that is the same that having no warranty. I had two issues and they didn't accept responsability in any of them. They just sell you a bike and don't want to cover anything on warranty unless forced by VOSA. http://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/apps/recalls/searches/expand.asp?uniqueID=CDA736AF75F6B94F8025783F0035E278&freeText=Blank&tx

The bike is in some ways great. The engine is very reliable the handling as well and the price is very good for a 650cc. The problems come after the winter when all the corrosion appears on the bike even if you clean it regularly and use a cover. Suzuki won't help you most likely after you've paid the bike and none of the problems I had with the bike within the two first years have been covered by the warranty so doesn't make sense to take it to authorised garages that are a rip off. Other than the poor Suzuki service and some quality issues the bike is a good choice.

The bike is in some ways great. The engine is very reliable the handling as well and the price is very good for a 650cc. The problems come after the winter when all the corrosion appears on the bike even if you clean it regularly and use a cover. Suzuki won't help you most likely after you've paid the bike and none of the problems I had with the bike within the two first years have been covered by the warranty. Other than the poor Suzuki service and some quality isses the bike is good.

Returned to Biking a couple of years ago and started with a GS500F which kept going back to dealer under warranty. Fed up after 12 months of hassle and good reviews of GSF650SA indicated this bike would be an ideal commuter. Have to say I love the bike, with easy handling and willing engine, however I have had numerous problems. I admit I use it in all weathers and aware of usual corrosion issues if not maintained; hence clean bike very regularly and thoroughly during the winter months to try and hold off the worst. However bike has done 6,500 miles and been back to dealer twice as front brake corrosion so severe that brakes built up heat on Motorway and when I pulled in clutch to change gear, the bike nose dived and I had to drop the clutch and gun accelerate against the brakes to pull off on to the hard shoulder. Dealer said I will just have to clen & lubricate the brakes more often! Also bike has been back to dealer three times in 1,500 miles owing to the ECU / Fuel Injection needing to be re-set / adjusted to make it run correctly. Initially noticed problems when running at slower speeds in traffic, when the silky smoothness advised in some reviews was just not there. Dealer did cover cost first time, but since then I have had to cover as Suzuki GB apparently indicated not a warranty issue! As abive, I love the bike but just wish I didn't have these recurring problems. If they continue and Warrany won't cover, then bike will be history and I move brands. Shame really as this bike should be an ideal all rounder, and from other reviews it seems everyone thinks the bike is great; I must have picked up a "Friday Afternoon" one!

I have been riding for over thirty years and needed a good hack for a 40 minute each way commute in all weathers. I had a break from biking for 2years previously had a 1200 bandit so I was prepared to be disappointed. So far I am pleasently surprised, abs has been good in the snow and the handling and power delivery is good and honest. The finish as usual can be ropey but regular cleaning helps look after that, this is afterall a good value bike, what do you expect?

Bought my second one in Nov.06 new, done 85000 miles so far, riding everyday(Despatch) apart from Tyres I do all servicing myself, never had a problem with the bike now on my second Chain and Sprocket set thanks to Scottoiler, changed the rear sprocket to 47 teeth and the front to 14, get 255 miles from a full tank and when I fill-up I still have just over 1 Lit left.I go on biking holidays once year and use it for my work the rest of the time, there are better bikes in the market but not in it's class(600/650).

Had mine new since June 2007 done 16500 used daily never let me down no rust on my third set of tyres 021 I looked at all sorts of bikes still think I made the right choice I would recomend to anyone

I've had my GSF650SA from new in December 2007. I've added a double bubble screen to try to reduce windblast as I'm 6'3" it hasn't reduced it but it is more stable with less buffeting at speed. I've done about 5500 miles so far, changed tyres at 4000 for BT 021's which are excellent in all conditions. I find the engine and gearbox absolutely superb, it can hussle when required and is easy to just potter around on when in the mood to take it easy. It's not that terrific on fuel 45-50 but I suppose you can't have everything on what is basically a budget allrounder. It will certainly do me for a while yet as the trade in value is not great but the bike still is and it does everything I expect from this class of bike and more. Highly recommended.