Suzuki GSF 650 SA , a motorbike that I have

This page is dedicated to the Suzuki GSF 650 SA , a motorbike that I have owned for the last 2 years or so (2008 model).

The reason I decided to write about this motorbike, is because I believe it's a nice machine  and worth knowing about.

I will try to provide as much information as I have gathered on the Bandit, including articles from magazines, (some of them written in Greek). Also my opinion after riding this classic looking bike.

Someone who wants to do trips, solo or two-up and wants to be able to carry a decent amount of luggage. The Bandit can easily and safely be loaded with soft or hard panniers. The furthest I've ridden on a single day trip is 350km or 200 miles two-up or 660km (400 miles) solo.

Someone who likes the smoothness of a 4 cylinder engine with enough amount of torque that can also be revved up to 12000rpm when they feel like it. Ok this is nowhere near as fast as a Gixxer, but it pulls linearly from 50 to 200km/h in sixth gear. It will run on 6th from 30kph (~20mph).

Someone who isn't too worried about the extra weight. Ok the Bandit is a 240kg beast. It's the heaviest bike in its category. If this is your first proper bike, chances are you will drop it on its side at some point. The weight is not a problem while moving. It's while maneuvering the bike around U turns that it feels cumbersome.

Someone who wants a low maintenance bike. Ok service intervals are every 6000km and some parts could be cheaper, but petrol mpg can be quite high if you are sensible with your right hand. I have managed up to 320km between refills with the 19liter tank. (Probably had another 1.5 to 2 litres in the tank left). This is for a mixture of traffic and roads.

Someone who needs a fair amount of protection from the wind. I am 1.80 tall and I have tried a number of different screens to get a fair amount of wind protection. Powerbronze, Ermax and Suzuki's double screen. (The reason I have tried all 3 is because I had small accidents and the screen breaks quite easily when the bike falls on each side). All of these work well, the nicest looking being the latter, most efficient being the Ermax. The original screen is not that good. From 120km/h you can feel the strength of the wind hitting the helmet, from the neck up and on the top of your shoulders.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
Model ID
Manufacturer (Make) Suzuki
Model Name GSF 650 SA Bandit
Year 2006
Category(class) Street Fighter
Engine
Engine Capacity (Displacement) 656 ccm (40.03 cubic inches)
Engine Type Single cylinder
Bore x Stroke Ø65.5 mm x 48.7 mm (Ø2.58 inches x 1.92 inches)
Bore/Stroke Ratio 1.34
Compression Ratio 10.5:1
Stroke 4
Timing System DOHC
Fuel System(Carburetion) Carburettor. Keihin CVR32
Ignition Digital
Lubrication System Wet sump
Cooling System Air
Powertrain
Gearbox 6 speed
Chassis/Suspension/Brakes
Front Suspension 41 mm telescopic, coil spring, spring pre-load fully adjustable
Rear Suspension Link type, oil damped, coil spring, spring pre-load 7-way adjustable, rebound damping 4-way adjustable
Front Brakes Double disc
Front Brakes Diameter Ø290 mm (Ø11.42 inches)
Rear Brakes Single disc
Rear Brakes Diameter Ø240 mm (Ø9.45 inches)
Dimensions
Overall Length 2110 mm (83.07 inches)
Overall Width 770 mm (30.31 inches)
Overall Height 1235 mm (48.62 inches)
Seat Height 770 mm (30.31 inches)
Fork Angle (Rake) 26.0° degrees
Wheelbase 1440 mm (56.69 inches)
Ground Clearance 135 mm (5.31 inches)
Dry Weight 204.0 kg (450 lb)
Fuel Capacity 20.00 litres (5.28 gallons)
Performance
Max Power 77.50 HP (56.6 kW) at 10100 RPM
Max Torque 59.20 Nm (43.53 ft*lbs) at 4000 RPM
Power/Weight Ratio 0.34 Hp/Kg
Top Speed -
Acceleration (dart, speedup) time
0-100 km/h 4.9 seconds
0-60 mph 4.7 seconds