Writing by: Brad Puetz

Static Photos by: Brad Puetz

Action Photos by: A Friend

When I think of Suzuki motorcycles the first two models that instantly come to my mind are the GSXR and SV class motorcycles. Both are extremely capable and popular motorcycles in their respective classes performing well on both the street and track. I have owned a healthy number of GSXR's and have spoken with many happy SV owners at many a track and local bike nights. One motorcycle in the Suzuki line-up that never really gave me that warm fuzzy feeling however was the Katana. The Katana was Suzuki's answer for an inexpensive entry level motorcycle with sportbike looks and sport touring comfort. While I am sure there are plenty of happy Katana owners out there, the somewhat alien looking styling of the bike has always turned me off.

Well for 2008 the Katana has received the axe to make room for the all new 2008 GSX650F. The new Suzuki is purpose built as a low-cost middleweight for the novice rider or the economical commuter looking for a comfortable ride with a sporty design. The GSX650F is based off the European Bandit 650 Naked bike. It's an inline-Four with minimal upgrades from the Bandit such as full fairing, remapping for more revs and suspension which has been slightly tweaked.

A first glance of the blue and white GSX650F I would be riding revealed the classic color combination and appearance of its close family relative, the GSXR. It's no coincidence the front fairing shares a strong resemblance to the previous generation GSXR 600 and 750's. While it will not be mistaken for an exotic Italian bike, the GSX650F has clean sporty lines and in my opinion a design that is a big improvement over the Katana models.  

The GSX650F features an attractive and easy to read instrument cluster with tachometer, dual trip meters, reserve trip meter, clock, fuel gauge, and a useful gear position indicator. Moving around on the Suzuki is an ease with a roomy cockpit, comfortable one piece seat with a low seat height and well positioned rubber-mounted, dirt bike style handlebars.

The GSX650F sports an all new liquid-cooled, fuel injected, 16-valve, DOHC 656cc engine utilizing a bore and stroke of 65.5 mm x 48.7 mm. The Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve fuel injection system provides smooth acceleration. Compact Fuel injectors with 4 hole injectors are used for optimum fuel atomization and greater power output. The cylinder head achieves a narrow valve angle of 17 degrees intake and exhaust for high intake and exhaust efficiency. Cam profiles are chosen with a priority on low-to-mid range power output to deliver performance that is well suited to an entry level rider.

The Suzuki's full fairing design wrapped around a double cradle steel frame will have you thinking GSX-R thanks to the sport oriented design. Geometry numbers are 26 degrees of rake and 4.25 inches of trail, with a 57.9-inch wheelbase. Forks are 41mm Kayaba with adjustment for preload only. The rear shock comes equipped with adjustment for both rebound and preload. Heading out on the open road? The 5.0 gallon gas tank should allow you enough capacity to bust a few bugs before having to refill.