SUZUKI FREEWIND XF650 (1997 - 2002) Review

Update. Three months in now, I've removed the baffles from the standard silencer (a LOT of grinding and welding) and gone up from 115 to 120 on the main jets. It starts easier, pulls better and returns better fuel economy. The lack of low down smoothness has gone, it will run down to 2K in any gear and pull smoothly and cleanly from there - in standard trim you need to keep it above 4K or it gets very grumpy. Fitted with Mitas ME09 dakar tyres it's brilliant off road, but becomes slightly flighty above 85MPH on the tarmac.

I've had many big singles but this is my first XF650. It's physically very big, which I consider a good thing, but crucially it's also very light too - there's a lot air under that fairing. In comparison my FX650 (Vigor) feels small and dense compared to the Freewind large and leggy. The engine is a slugger, not as happy at low revs as the Vigor but just as much mid range punch. I've no idea what the top end is like as I'll never rev it up there to find out. The handling is good as described, I don't find the suspension soggy at all, but I have wound the rear preload up and changed the fork oil to 15W semi-synth. The digital dash is nice, fuel gauge, revs and trip meter but as someone else mentioned a clock would have been nice. Fuel economy is good, 60MPG and more is possible if just lolloping around. The off road performance is great, that long suspension and loads of ground clearance really helps. The tank is scolloped so that you can stand straight legged and the high handlebars make sense when you're standing up, enabling you to ride with your back straight. The bike is described as European and it definately feels like it was designed with large Germans in mind - the comfort level is superb, I'm 6'2" and I could ride this all day in comfort. I like that it's a wet sump engine, which makes oil changes a lot easier and the screw and locknut tappets are child's play to adjust. Access is good once the tank is off. Overall it's very good, compared to the BMW F650 which it competes against (and looks virtually identical to) it's lighter, just as fast, handles better and is mechanically less complex.

After passing my direct access I wanted something a bit different- I came across the Freewind by chance and really liked the look of it. Being 6' it was a nice tall bike for me and had a really confortable riding position. Lots of pull through the lower gears but not a particulary fast bike- I struggled to keep up with my partner on occasion. Very reliable always started on the button and was a great first big bike. Only Weakness for me was the very soft front suspension which made cornering a little disconcerting sometimes. Really cheap to insure and run and I could easily get 200miles to a tank. I had a lot of fun with mine and when I sold her she went on to another new rider who's hopefully enjoying her as much as I did!

After just returning after riding 25k miles on the Panamerican with my partner both on Freewinds, 99 + 02 models I thought I was atually in a position to write a review. Tough bikes that will take anything that's thrown at them and keep coming back for more. Engine is amazing and neither of ours used a drop of oil, or developed any leaks and all they received was the very minimum of maintenance. It's very usable and rewarding with fuel consumption of around 50mpg, giving a reasonable range of approximately 200 miles. On the down side considering its digital dash why on earth it was never fitted with a clock amazes me and aftermarket parts are difficult to come by, especially hard panniers, although top boxes and fittings are common. All in all a very practical bike that will inspire newer riders and still put a smile on the face of the more experienced. It's cheap to buy, cheaper to maintain and will not destroy chains or tyres making it a real alternative to the big GS's as a world beater as well as being a great commuter or winter hack. What more can I say, if you're thinking of buying one, do it, you're unlikely to regret it. Best of all there's not a lot of them going about so there's a bit of exclusivity there too!

I had one of these as my first bike, it was a good bike, sometimes it was a bit bouncey and the single cylinder did make your wrists ache after 100 miles or so with vibration, but i think it was more value than the BMW or the APRILIA which seem to be the rivals for it.The brakes are good, the engine has quite a bit of tourque,( even though the pull away needs a lot of revs). and there is a lot of room for kit and it will go forever It would certainly be a good starter bike and it is a shame suzuki didn't carry on building it for a bit longer!as long as they changed the name, "FREEWIND"!..

best bits are the value for money, the quality and reliabilty, and handling.I like the bike and would have another.If i was to find fault engine needs a bit more power,exhaust note too quiet, and after market bit and few and far between.