Suzuki GSX650F - Asking for a friend!

[Villers]

Hi all!

I've been out of the game for about 6 years and I'm trying to catch up. A friend of mine is scheduled to do his full licence in the next couple of months and we have been looking for something suitable for him to take his first steps on. One of these has come up local, it's in fair enough nick but I don't know a lot about them. Does anyone have any opinions to offer?

Bearing in mind:

About 44 years old, no experience, commuting and fun but commute is 12 miles of mixed roads, new rider confidence and complete newbie to bikes.

I thought maybe this would offer some smooth power, comfort and enough poke to still be fun.

All ideas welcome
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RS125 > CBR6 > SV650S > ZX636R > GSX1300RZ Hayabusa > 06 RSVR Mille > SV1000S > Street Triple 765 RS

[DJP]

It will be a perfectly good bike at the right price.

The only thing is that the 1250 is the same bike but much better and not much more expensive (and at 44 the insurance won't be much different either).
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Suzuki Bandit 1250
https://deejayp999.atwebpages.com/index.html
That's http not https

[Villers]

[DJP]

I've owned several 1250s and they're about as reliable as Japanese bikes get. Given that the 650 is essentially a sleeved down (and therefore very understressed) version of the same, I'd imagine it'd be bullet proof.

I have ridden one as a courtesy bike and it was plenty fast enough for a newbie (but without the raw edginess of a 600 sportsbike).

As I said, a good first bike with the only argument against being the 1250.
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Suzuki Bandit 1250
https://deejayp999.atwebpages.com/index.html
That's http not https

[Villers]

[Rob W]

I had one as a hire bike when my ZXR was written off and couldn't fault it. It went well, handled well, stopped well and was comfortable as buggery. Actually opened my eyes a bit to the possibility of riding something other than sportsbikes for once. I would think as a first big bike it's ideal as it was so easy to ride.
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TS50 > Senda 125 > ZXR400 > CB-1 > GSX-R1000 > Bandit 600 > ZXR750 H1 > GSX-R750 SRAD > '98 Fireblade > T595 Daytona > Hornet 900 > '04 Fireblade > GSX-S1000F (x2) > '23 XSR900

[Villers]

Thanks for that Rob much appreciated! Apologies but I've been off here for so long I can't remember how to tag you so I hope you see this!

I think it's a really good first time option for someone who wants to commute in comfort and find their feet. Defo going on the list!
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RS125 > CBR6 > SV650S > ZX636R > GSX1300RZ Hayabusa > 06 RSVR Mille > SV1000S > Street Triple 765 RS

[Polarbear]

Isn't that the watercooled 650 Bandit in a dress (fairing )?.

Wifie had the bandit version with the half fairing which she loved except moving it around when stopped. She found it top heavy. I didn't so I doubt your friend will.

I enjoyed riding it because you could wring it's neck and make good progress but it wasn't enough to ger you in the sh1t. Frame and brakes well up to the motor.

Good bikes.
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[Villers]