Suzuki GSX650F is the complete package

Versatile and affordable, the Suzuki GSX650F has it all, finds Kevin Ash

More images of the the Suzuki GSX650F

Suzuki sells more big-capacity bikes in the UK than any other company, a fact that must irk Honda, the world's biggest manufacturer. But if anyone's looking for the reason, it's not hard to find: Suzuki makes good bikes at very good prices. This is especially the case in the budget middleweight sector, where Suzuki offers a very wide range, from the basic GS500 twin (a snip at £3,349) and the SV650 V-twin (£4,599), to the Bandit 650 (£4,449). Then there are the GSR600 and V-Strom, and variants on the bikes mentioned, all of which undercut their rivals, often by substantial amounts.

The GSX-R sports bike range, meanwhile, is the strongest brand in the class among the Japanese and, once again, good bikes with keen prices reinforce sales here. It's an enviable portfolio, but one where you'd think it would be hard to squeeze in further models without a great deal of overlap. Yet by the simple expedient of fitting a fairing to the Bandit 650, Suzuki has created yet another low-cost middleweight in the new GSX650F.

Changes from the Bandit really are minimal: the distinguishing bodywork is obvious and borrows heavily from GSX-R for its balanced, sports-bike mien. It is so much better than the odd, shapeless appearance of the old GSX600F, nicknamed "the Teapot" for its strange style. But the GSX-F's frame is the same as the Bandit's, the engine has only had some mild remapping to encourage revs, the suspension is tweaked (but no more), the fuel tank is the same, and so it goes on, with few modifications.

This is surprising, because the GSX650F feels very different to how you'd expect a faired Bandit to be. Different, and much better than it has a right to be. Suzuki is reluctant to make the link between GSX-F and Bandit for fear of tainting the sportier bike's image, but this bike can stand on its own merits.

It's aimed at novice riders looking for their first sports bike and older riders after something less frantic and ergonomically challenging than a GSX-R600; it deals with both tasks supremely well. The riding position leans you forward slightly without imposing too much weight on the wrists, while the seat is a reasonable height and comfortable too. The cockpit looks more GSX-R than budget, with its digital screen grafted onto the analogue rev counter, and includes gear position and adjustable gear-change warning lights (they flash as the revs reach your predetermined ceiling). When you spin the motor hard, it even makes hard-edged GSX-R-type noises.

It doesn't provide the mad rush you get from a full-on sports bike, but its 85bhp is enough for most circumstances; what it does do is deliver a lot more thrust at low and medium revs. The engine really is outstandingly flexible. It's more relaxing and quicker than a sports bike on tight, unfamiliar roads and, unlike older budget Suzukis, is smooth and sophisticated rather than buzzy and crude. It trickles along happily in high gears right down to idle speeds, although it needs to be revving faster than 3,000rpm to get moving, and gets strong at 4,000rpm. But then it keeps on going, right up to the 12,500rpm red line, without feeling too flat as it tops out. Keep it in its natural 4,000-8,000rpm zone and you will forget it's only a 650.

The chassis might have been hijacked from the Bandit, but you'd never guess that it wasn't purpose-built. The GSX-F handles beautifully, with balance and agility. Inevitably, there are times when you notice the 110lb extra weight compared with a GSX-R. Braking from high speeds, for example, takes longer. And trying to flick the bike side to side demands a fair amount of bar effort. At the same time, the suspension shows signs of becoming choppy when there's a poor surface. But mostly front and rear ends behave impeccably, while the upside of the additional mass is the good ride quality, an important factor for long-distance comfort. The bodywork offers decent wind protection too, the screen diverting the slipstream high, but it could use more width at the top. That would also set the mirrors wider, which would be handy - mostly they're filled with images of your arms.

As a sports bike, the GSX-F is certainly a fine introduction to the class, with its combination of forgiving engine and chassis, and the ability to excite, but some riders will find that ground clearance gets restrictive when taking the bike out on track-day circuits. Yet it has many qualities of a decent touring bike, too. We've covered the comfort (include passengers in that) and the low-rev torque. And with its 4.2-gallon tank and 45-50mpg capability, it's good for more than 200 miles between refills - gentle riders will likely do much better than that. Even the finish quality appears to be improved - Suzukis haven't always impressed in this respect. If you buy new, but have a restricted 33 horsepower licence, note the GSX-F comes with a second, suitable engine management box at no extra charge. There's even an optional centre stand, like bikes used to have.

Then there's the price: at £4,999 this is outstanding value. In the one, budget package you have an everyday commuter, weekend sports machine and summer continental tourer. This will surely push Suzuki even further ahead in the sales figures. And rightly so.

Suzuki GSX650F [tech/spec]

Price/availability: £4,999 on the road, available now. Contact Suzuki (GB), 0845 850 8800 (brochures), 0500 011959 (customer service), www.suzuki-gb.co.uk.

Engine/transmission: 656cc, liquid-cooled four-cylinder four-stroke with 16 valves; 85bhp at 10,500rpm, 46lb ft of torque at 8,900rpm. Six-speed gearbox, chain final drive.

Performance: top speed 140mph (est), average fuel consumption n/a mpg.

We like: Price, comfort, engine, handling.

We don't like: Mirrors.

Alternatives: Honda CBF600S ABS, £5,399. Yamaha Fazer S2, £5,299.