Next purchase conversation - power, miles, etc

[Joe Garfield]

I'm thinking about getting a second bike. My first few purchases were somewhat impulsive, although I did have a friend with me the first time.

1st bike: '82 650L - Rode it for 2 years. it was a lot of fun, eventually I wanted more power, better breaking, and something a little sportier. Width/position hurt my groin/hips a little, never did more than 90 miles in a day.
#2: '01 Triumph Sprint 955 - purchase sight-unseen based on specs and sitting on newer models. Geometry, weight/balance, and power did not fit my experience and expectations.
#3: '82 1100g - Impulse buy, still needs some fairly major work. I love riding it, but the width and foot position destroys my groin after a couple hundred miles. It also vibrates A LOT above 5,500 rpm, so I don't get to use any of the power or torque at higher RPM.

On paper, the Suzuki GSX-650F seems to fit what I'm looking for - a mid-sized 'sport-touring' setup with decent torque and good handling, and available used (I love the GSX-S1000F but don't want new bike payments.)

My questions at the moment are about miles and power:

1) For a 2008 or 2009 bike, at what point should I be concerned about miles? There is one not far from here for a good price with 20,000 mi (2 previous owners, private sale).

2) What do I need to know about riding a modern 650? I'm assuming I'll be happy with a modern 650, particularly since I'm happy with the 1100 and only using up to 6,000 rpm. Does a 650 pull from a stop OK?

 

[Guest]

Bad category as your not getting response

Take some advice. You buy a lot of bikes and don't seem to be happy with them. First thing I would do is get 1100G 100% sorted out, take it to Steve's place if need be and throw money at it until it is right. The vibration is your bike NOT running correctly, will be a whole different experience when it runs correctly.

Second thing or question, how much seat time in total do you have (in miles) in your riding career? Never heard a man complain of groin pain before and on two different bikes. Sure after long rides you may feel a little worn out but that's riding.

 

[Jedz123]

The GSX650F was one of those bikes I wish I didn't sell. It's an all round great machine. Peppy, not killer fast but very comfortable. It's a standard bike. Great for commuting and ripping up the twisties.

I'll likely walk down the GSX-S route myself or something similar (Leaning to a B-12.5 too). The 650 I'd say is on Par with a GS750 in torque but more high end. It's no FZ6, I hit 125mph, had more but I had to chase it pretty hard to squeak out more. 0-60 is more then adequate plenty of torque to pop wheelies and get up an go. 4 second range 0-60.

The Bandit 650 and 1250 motors are tanks. I wouldn't have to worry much. I wouldn't flinch getting on another one with 20K miles...

 

[Joe Garfield]

Bad category as your not getting response

Take some advice. You buy a lot of bikes and don't seem to be happy with them. First thing I would do is get 1100G 100% sorted out, take it to Steve's place if need be and throw money at it until it is right. The vibration is your bike NOT running correctly, will be a whole different experience when it runs correctly.

Second thing or question, how much seat time in total do you have (in miles) in your riding career? Never heard a man complain of groin pain before and on two different bikes. Sure after long rides you may feel a little worn out but that's riding.

I appreciate the 1100g will be a different animal when it's running right. The main reason for this post is because I want something to ride when during it's down time (which is too much).

Note that I bought all 3 of the bikes w/o any real research, and w/o taking the time to talk to people about them or try them out. I'm trying to make this next purchase a little better.

I commuted 60 miles on my bike a few summers ago on the 650L. I rode it a few thousand miles, but never completely through a set of tires. I have between 1,000 and 2,000 miles on the 1100G. I can't stand up straight after riding 100 miles on the 1100G until I stretch the inside of my legs, and after a second day of 250 miles it took some time before I could sit down for lunch. I had to bail out early partly because of discomfort.

 

[Joe Garfield]

The GSX650F was one of those bikes I wish I didn't sell. It's an all round great machine. Peppy, not killer fast but very comfortable. It's a standard bike. Great for commuting and ripping up the twisties.

I'll likely walk down the GSX-S route myself or something similar (Leaning to a B-12.5 too). The 650 I'd say is on Par with a GS750 in torque but more high end. It's no FZ6, I hit 125mph, had more but I had to chase it pretty hard to squeak out more. 0-60 is more then adequate plenty of torque to pop wheelies and get up an go. 4 second range 0-60.

The Bandit 650 and 1250 motors are tanks. I wouldn't have to worry much. I wouldn't flinch getting on another one with 20K miles...

Thanks, this is encouraging! I don't need to go over 100mph, but I like going 0-80 as fast as I can. And I'm happy to hear the motors are still tanks.

I loved the new GSXS-1000F ergos but I don't need new motorcycle payments.

 

[bobgroger]

At the John Day meet this year, Roger on his 650 Bandit (or maybe 600) was always in the front 3. I was amazed how he could keep up with Trevor and Rob. It's all about NOT rolling off the throttle, and carrying speed I think. All 3 of them got a ticket though
Forgot to mention, I always have some inner thigh cramps on my GS's until I settle in, never happened on my GSF1200. Arms and palms, yes but not groin.

 

[Joe Garfield]

Forgot to mention, I always have some inner thigh cramps on my GS's until I settle in, never happened on my GSF1200. Arms and palms, yes but not groin.

Thank you

 

[Wingsconsin]

Instead of throwing money at a new bike.. ($1000's) --
Maybe consider investing in a new seat -- Diamond Custom Seats can make you a seat on your seat pan -
It will cost you about $500 -- and it will fit you like a glove (or sofa in this case)
I couldn't go 50 miles on my 850 with the old stock worn out oem seat (GL seats are notoriously bad)
NEW SEAT -- From tank fill to tank fill (125+/- miles) without an issue.

Diamond Custom Seats
http://diamondseats.com/

Talk to Mark - he will ask you a series of questions about you - height, weight, inseam, etc.
He will ask you what the issue is... and then he will build you a seat that will fix your problems

Take a look at this seat on my GL --

 

[Jedz123]

Instead of throwing money at a new bike.. ($1000's) --
Maybe consider investing in a new seat -- Diamond Custom Seats can make you a seat on your seat pan -
It will cost you about $500 -- and it will fit you like a glove (or sofa in this case)
I couldn't go 50 miles on my 850 with the old stock worn out oem seat (GL seats are notoriously bad)
NEW SEAT -- From tank fill to tank fill (125+/- miles) without an issue.

Diamond Custom Seats
http://diamondseats.com/

Talk to Mark - he will ask you a series of questions about you - height, weight, inseam, etc.
He will ask you what the issue is... and then he will build you a seat that will fix your problems

Take a look at this seat on my GL --

Gorgeous machine!

 

[Wingsconsin]

Thanks -- gorgeous -- with a fork seal leak ... :05.18-flustered: ..(next on the list)

 

[Joe Garfield]

Thanks - I was thinking about a new seat for the bike. I'm looking at another machine though for several reasons - mostly to do with the maintenance/down time. Since 'fit' has been an issue, I figure I might as well try to get something that fits, too, this time.

I'm going to look at the GSX-650F after work this evening. The price is good, and the guy seems to have good knowledge about the maintenance history. I get a little anxious thinking about the major downgrade in displacement, but I think it's just my limited experience (especially with more modern engines). If my 1100 didn't shake, it would have substantially more useful power than I need, and the Triumph 955 was more, too. I like the power curve of the 1100G but supposedly the 650 engine is really linear too.

The bike was only sold in the US for a couple of years, but I believe it's still current (at least through 2015) in other countries. It's essentially a Bandit with a fairing.

 

[Jedz123]

I bought mine for CHEAP, $1500 or so. 2008 it was wrecked so I converted it to a Cafe. Ran like a top. Engine is a great all rounder, like I said it's one of those bikes I regret selling... Great all rounder Standard.

Yeah it was blast and a hoot to ride!!!

 

[Joe Garfield]

The one I rode didn't have the guts to pull a wheelie, I don't think. The owner said he was never able to. I didn't try, but while the power seemed very smooth and linear, it didn't seem to pull all that hard. I don't know if it's because of the fairings, seat angle, and pegs doing their job too well, but it was kind of 'uninspiring' in terms of power. I got up to 95mph no problem, but there wasn't much left above that. The bike did corner like it was on rails and was a lot of fun to lean over.

The ergos were phenomenal - except for the seat being angled slightly too much. Foot position was perfect, width and knee bend were perfect, bars were perfect. I just miss that feeling of holding on or being thrown off the back...

 

[rphillips]

Don't have any experience with the smaller Bandits, But I have two B-12's, a 1999 & 2005. The drive trains are the same, but they are very different, as far as comfort. The "99" model is very comfortable to ride. Lighter, more nimble feel, sits up straighter & taller, wider, more comfortable, seat, but it's ugly. Dark green (drab) one color paint job, single headlight, frame painted same color as body panels, just nothing to look at. I think the 2005 is the only year the bandits had multi color paint, with beautiful blue & white paint scheme, black frame, dual headlight, really nice & sporty looking. The seat was lowered & narrowed, handlebars were lowered, more like a crotch rocket, I tried raising the bars, but the wiring harness is too short as are the clutch & brake hoses. Appx. a year ago I talked with "Hole Shot, a co. that works a lot with Bandits, & they said they were working on a kit with longer hoses, wiring harness extensions, & higher bars, to get the feel back like the earlier models. Like I said, I don't know about the 600's but if they are like the 1200's, you may want to check out the differences, I think 2001 was when they changed. Just my thoughts, newer isn't always better.

 

[Jedz123]

The one I rode didn't have the guts to pull a wheelie, I don't think. The owner said he was never able to. I didn't try, but while the power seemed very smooth and linear, it didn't seem to pull all that hard. I don't know if it's because of the fairings, seat angle, and pegs doing their job too well, but it was kind of 'uninspiring' in terms of power. I got up to 95mph no problem, but there wasn't much left above that. The bike did corner like it was on rails and was a lot of fun to lean over.

The ergos were phenomenal - except for the seat being angled slightly too much. Foot position was perfect, width and knee bend were perfect, bars were perfect. I just miss that feeling of holding on or being thrown off the back...

IT's not a FZ6... So it wil go fast put you need allot road, the one I had was peppy but It was geared up and stripped of allot of guts, not great for long rides anymore. Handled very well... If your looking for a land missile look else where. OR if your hell bent on the GSX then get a GSX1250FA

These motors out of the box aren't fast but they have a tremendous amount of usable mid range grunt.

Honestly if you want comfort, miles and power... Look at either one of these:

The FZ6 is a phenomenal little bike that will rack miles for years of uninterrupted service. This one is my Buddies.. Has 40K miles now. Bought it new and it only eats tires and chains... My buddies is a 2010. You can find a nice specimen in the $2500-$4000 range. Another good friend of mine has an 06 and it has over 70K miles, he too bought his new. ( FYI I never buy anything new). Exceptionally good handling and the motor is a GEM. I'm pressed to say I have yet to ride anything in it's 600 class that can hold a torch to it. IT's great for long trips... Here my buddy and I are loaded and headed to Cleveland Ohio from Vermont. 600 miles in 1 day, we got there and he said he felt great. 100WHP, 400lbs range for weight.

The Connie is a phenomenal big mile eater. I just did a 1600 miles over the last weekend. Shaft drive means your saving hundreds on chain and sprocket replacements(I had to do a set every year/20K miles), I bought mine last August with 14K miles it now has 34K miles. It's a bit fat (upper 600lbs range stock with bags) but with the ZX-14 performance exhaust (the stock exhuast with cats, header and muffler cat combo is good for a 50lbs shed alone) and stripped of it's baggage it handles as well as my B-king did and is loads easier to ride at high speeds because of the fairing. Great MPG yet will break that 150mph mark on the speedo relatively easily (thanks to it's ZX-14 1352cc VV-T direct injection engine)... Same here but it only eats tires, no chain to chew on! Pricier but 08 and 09 specimens can be found in the $4500 range now! Stock your at 128WHP and 680lbs fully dressed. But with some coin dropped the bike can easily be in the 165whp range and be in the 620lbs range stripped of it's bags. For example a stock gen 1 Haybusa put out 152whp and Weighed 570lbs... Lightly modified Connie 1:3.75 Power to weight ratio, Stock Hayabusa 1:3.75...

Nuff said on that. A Connie14 is a huge bang for the buck and will do allot of things very very well...

After all if you want a land missile look at other brands. The GSX is a great machine and all but Suzuki didn't make anything crazy good for miles and power. You can modify a Haybusa to tour with (thought did cross my mind) but I ended up going to the sport tourer. Shaft Drive is awesome, all day comfort is awesome, insane HP is awesome. The FJR is also another great variant if you want to go the ST route but want something a little lighter and a touch more nimble.

My 2 cent... I'm done, off to ride my ST home!

 

[Joe Garfield]

I got to check out a Bandit 1200FA at the dealership (used). It was the closest thing to what I'm looking for, if anything a little big/heavy. Well, that's barring the brand new GSXS-1000F. The used bandit was priced only $2k less than the new GSX, which was a little more compact and better balanced.

I think I'm looking for something a little more geared toward every day use, but capable of longer trips and a little fun on windy roads. If I can do it under $4k then I don't have to borrow money which is a plus.

I'm thinking about looking at the FZ6R. Probably similar to the GSX650F but a little lighter, hopefully geared a little more toward whatever I consider fun.

 

[Guest]

I got to check out a Bandit 1200FA at the dealership (used). It was the closest thing to what I'm looking for, if anything a little big/heavy. Well, that's barring the brand new GSXS-1000F. The used bandit was priced only $2k less than the new GSX, which was a little more compact and better balanced.

I think I'm looking for something a little more geared toward every day use, but capable of longer trips and a little fun on windy roads. If I can do it under $4k then I don't have to borrow money which is a plus.

I'm thinking about looking at the FZ6R. Probably similar to the GSX650F but a little lighter, hopefully geared a little more toward whatever I consider fun.

I'm with 'Jedz on the FZ6. It took a couple of weeks for my legs to get used to it, but 20,000 miles later and I'd get another one if a good deal comes up. I've kind of given mine to my wife. I had mine to 130 with GIVI side bags and a trunk on the highway and had plenty more. It's suppose to pull 145, as it's the same engine as the R6. Not a whole lot of torque below 6k, but slip the clutch a little and you'll be pulling the front in no time. Scared the crap out of me the first time it did it. I was in the process of shooting around a bus at the time. Not something you want in a leaning pass.

The FZ6R is a different bike from the FZ6. It doesn't have the power or the same feel. Cheaper swingarm and shock, steel frame instead of aluminum. It is sportier looking and you can change the seat height by flipping the tray under the seat, but that's all that may be better. It also has a narrower back tire. That's about all I will say about that bike. A big let down the first time I rode one at work. My wife loved it, it fit her well and she could flat foot it. I had to cut down the seat and lower the front on the FZ6 to fit her better, she still can't flat foot it. Here is the FZ6R we had a work that she wanted.

Here is our/her FZ6.

 

[Jedz123]

The FZ6R is not the same bike as the FZ6. Look for a FZ6 it has 25hp more and is just a more quality machine. I just browsed on my local CL and found an 06 for sale for $2900.

I have gotten 140mph out of both of my buddies FZ6's... Like. I said nothing in the 600 standard class that can hold a touch to it.

 

[Guest]

I've owned 2 FZ6's and and FZ6R - great bikes and although the FZ6 has more or everything I actually found the R easier to live with, that said - Get an FZ1 as the endless paddling up and down gears on the 6 becomes tiring....... (both are better than equivalent bandits)

No one makes the bike for me -

Comfortable
Sporty
Torquey
450Lb
V- Twin ( NON ITALIAN)


They used too - The Vtr1000F super hawk .... finding one with less than 30000 miles or that hasn't been butchered is next to impossible though

 

[Joe Garfield]

I know a guy who's selling an FZ6, and there are a few FZ6Rs around - I'll check them out next week. I just learned that there are aftermarket lower fairings available for the FZ series and the Bandits so that introduces more possibilities. I think the half-fairing looks odd on bikes like the FZ1 and Bandit.

Yeah I definitely noticed the 'endless' shifting when I rode the GSX650 - I hardly ever use 5th on my 1100G, so it seemed like a lot of shifting (and without the indicator I'd be so lost!).

And I agree - it's funny how hard it is to find a bike that's comfortable, manageable, and all-around fun. My personal thought is they might have finally nailed it with the new GSXS.

I really appreciate all your input/feedback. I went to look at a bike - with trailer and cash in hand - and didn't buy the first thing I looked at. That's serious progress!

I have to say, I didn't feel any discomfort whatsoever in my legs after riding the GSX. When I got home I fixed my bike, and after the short 8 mile ride to work the following day, my legs were already starting to cramp. I also really liked how easy it was to turn the GSX which is motivating me to find a new bike that I really like to ride.