SUZUKI GSF650 BANDIT (2005 - 2006) Review
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £120 |
| Power: | 77 bhp |
| Seat height: | Low (30.7 in / 780 mm) |
| Weight: | Medium (443 lbs / 201 kg) |
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesA well-mannered middleweight that’s simple to use, cheap to buy and cheap to run. The Suzuki GSF650 Bandit doesn’t particularly excel in any one department, but for newer riders it’s worth considering with a low seat height and forgiving manners. The GSF650 Bandit's capacity advantage over its older GSF600 Bandit sibling doesn’t actually translate into significantly more go.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineThe Suzuki GSF650 Bandit's suspension is just as workmanlike as the motor, though the range of adjustment available doesn’t make much appreciable difference to the ride quality. Of more importance to the newer riders the GSF650 Bandit’s aimed at is the variable seat height adjuster, giving a shortie-friendly low of 770mm. The brakes do a reasonable job, but don’t expect miracles.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityThe Suzuki GSF650 Bandit's in-line four DOHC motor is adequate, but neither inspiring nor invigorating. Suzuki simply bored out the older GSF600 Bandit’s engine by 57cc, but lined up against each other there’s little in it, though the new Suzuki GSF650 Bandit is significantly less vibey.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueBandit build quality is generally poor. Fork legs fur, things rust, engine cases dull. Invest in a case of WD40 and apply it liberally if you intend to ride through winter. Mechanically-speaking the Suzuki GSF650 Bandit is extremely reliable, especially the carb-fed motor, which will run and run and is simple to home service.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentThe Suzuki GSF650 Bandit is a hard bike to recommend as a good investment. New bikes plummet in price and older GSF600S Bandits are almost as good on the road for a fraction of the price. A Yamaha FZS600 Fazer will comprehensively beat it in any criteria except insurance (it’s one group higher). Find a Suzuki GSF650 Bandit for sale.
Equipment
There’s an ABS version of the Suzuki GSF650 Bandit (which was a £300 premium when new), an ignition-based immobiliser as standard and a range of official and unofficial Bandit ephemera ranging from luggage to gaudy engine bolt kits that all fit the the GSF650 Bandit motorcycle.
Specs |
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| Engine size | 656cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | 16v in-line four, 6 gears |
| Frame type | Tubular steel cradle |
| Fuel capacity | 20 litres |
| Seat height | 780mm |
| Bike weight | 201kg |
| Front suspension | Preload |
| Rear suspension | Preload, rebound |
| Front brake | Twin 290mm discs |
| Rear brake | 240mm disc |
| Front tyre size | 120/70 x 17 |
| Rear tyre size | 160/60 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | 42 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £117 |
| Annual service cost | £120 |
| New price | - |
| Used price | - |
| Insurance group |
11 of 17 How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
|
| Max power | 77 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 44 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 120 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | 12.6 secs |
| Tank range | 185 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
2005: Suzuki GSF650 Bandit launched.
Other versions
Suzuki GSF650S Bandit: Nose fairing creates a very decent mini-tourer. It’s also insurance group 11.
Suzuki GSF650ABS Bandit: Advanced Braking System version for novice-friendly stopping.
Owners' reviews for the SUZUKI GSF650 BANDIT (2005 - 2006)
20 owners have reviewed their SUZUKI GSF650 BANDIT (2005 - 2006) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your SUZUKI GSF650 BANDIT (2005 - 2006)
Summary of owners' reviews |
|
| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £120 |
Version: Standard
Year: 2006
Annual servicing cost: £120
Metal on metal slab that refuses to die , is easy to work on..and no matter how many times you have to fix things,it will keep on waking up for a very small price asked from your wallet. it's not special but it is definitely honest! Mostly as standard as bikes get,but there's a few things that differ from the very old-school 90s era motorcycles.
On the heavier side , with brakes that shouldn't be trusted. Along with the most conventional soft forks imaginable , the bandit makes up for a largely predictable yet sloppy ride. Seat is large as is the pillion , and overall one(or two) can tour on this lump for days without getting their butt tired. Foot clearance is very good and even shorter riders can ride the bandit easily. Wind shock is felt after 150km/h but maybe a screen can help? Generally it's okay, the steering is easy to predict and manipulate , it does surprisingly well while commuting despite its larger weight and therefore shouldn't frighten you. Just dont expect crazy performance from it and the ride will be fine!
A classic japanese inline-4 with dual cams and a mostly-smooth delivery until the 13.000rpm redline. It dips around 5.000 to 6000rpm but you forget all about it after 6k where it starts squeezing every little bit of torque it has. Overall it is nicely balanced with a blend of power (70+hp) but no insane torque to outgrip you. It will absolutely take a beating and refuse to die but I suggest the next iteration(07+)which is more modern , has a little more power and is fuel injected.
This thing is a rust magnet , so look out at every single metal part on it and see how much it has penetrated. Usually it's not so bad and the rust can be worked on..but it is definitely almost everywhere. Generally the plastics feel flimsy as do the levers and controls. The LCD gauge tends to fade making information harder to understand. All in all these things will happen on just about every part of the bike unless , it has been preserved correctly.
Cheap as chips considering the class it is under. It really doesn't ask for much , other than the standard maintenance and possibly odd breakdown, but parts are so many and so cheap that this shouldn't be of worry. It's a simple , tried and true combination of mechanisms that cant really get any simpler..which makes it really easy to get around diagnosing issues and in-result..repairing.Perhaps resale value is something that doesn't hold well with the bandit but come on. Just keep it as a workhorse.
It has a cool LCD..and that's about it.
Version: S
Year: 2005
Annual servicing cost: £80
Old school compared to newer bikes but a good all round every day bike and fairly good on fuel. Bit miffed the road tax is now £101 a year as that’s also the same as my now defunct 1250. I’d say get the newest model you can afford if you’re after a bandit 650 and one with abs if you can.
Brakes are very scary and as not even abs on my model makes you ride a smidge more carefully especially in the wet. Seat is hard and uncomfortable after a couple of hours but swap it for a gsx650f seat and it’s more comfy and also lowers seat height if you’re short in the leg. Forks are soft so different fork oil at next service would help, rear shock is ok for what it is and I’m a big bloke and I don’t have any problem on a journey.
Little low on outright power but buy a 1250 if you want a bit more poke. Ideal for quick motorway blasts and keeps up with most of the expensive sports cars around here and to be fair you can use most of the 650’s power most of the time anyway so quite a good giggle.
Only issue for me at least, is the exhaust collector box has rusted (common fault). Got some metal putty and it’s been good as gold. Slight surface rust on fork clamps but easily sorted. Use a hugger and fender extender. My bike does get ridden in the wet but also has a bloody good clean and drying session as often as possible.
I do most work myself so generally it’s just parts cost. Fuel as I use super unleaded, road tax is stupid high at £101 a year. Good on mpg so has its upside. No tyres yet but expecting around £180 for a set.
Non abs model. My choice to buy that though. Rest of equipment is ok, good clocks, nice and clear and fuel gauge fairly accurate. I added a givi rack as had a givi box left over from my 1250, stebel horn, hugger, fender extender and at a later date some brighter lights for the darker rides.
Buying experience: Was advertised at £2000, Paid £1900 but bike is immaculate and full service history, bought privately and kindly delivered as well.
Version: S ABS
Year: 2006
Annual servicing cost: £125
That good I’ve had two of them! Picked up an 06 Bandit S (ABS) model and put 4000 miles on it with no issues (apart from consumables/routine maintenance) after getting my direct access licence. Returned to biking in 2022 and I’ve picked up another 06 model Badit S (ABS) and 1000 miles in so far. Provided it’s been looked after it’s a reliable novice friendly bike and one of the cheapest bikes available with ABS. Forgives mistakes and really entertaining - a top first big bike!
Suspension a little soft which I don’t mind and probably prefer as I’m hardly Valentino Rossi and it never gets out of shape. Sit up and beg position, seat, suspension etc. comfy for longer distances (did the NC 500 on it!). Brakes great for having ABS back is strong would ideally want a bit more feel and power on the front but novice friendly with ABS and can emergency stop with confidence. Particularly important for me as I did my MOD 1 on an MT-07 - the ABS came into play on the emergency stop.
Feels like a hayabusa when compared to 125s absolutely rapid! Plenty of power for me brilliant acceleration and top speed is huge. Would love to get a track day in as it’s very much fast enough to get into trouble on the roads! Only thing to bear in mind is this is the carb model no fuel injection too 07 so get friendly with the neighbours 😂
Both have proved reliable but at the end of the day it is still a Suzuki so ensure it’s been looked after watch out for corrosion and apply ACF50 liberally. Look after it and it’ll look after you - a workhorse!
5 stars due to the cheap used prices both of mine cost around the £2k mark which is brilliant for a bike with ABS and this much power. Serving cheap and easy to do simple maintenance armed with a Haynes. MPG is acceptable (around 40).
ABS LED display fuel gauge adjustable height centre stand etc for a 2006 bike excellent. Was never going to have radar cruise control was it! 😂
Buying experience: Dealer both times 1st one in 2021 a 2006 with 27k miles 1 year MOT serviced one month warranty for £2390 Current one in 2022 2006 with 21k miles 1 year MOT serviced three month warranty for £1999 Good peace of mind with both
Version: Gsf650s
Year: 2005
Annual servicing cost: £150
This is a good size ergonomically, it's comfy, at 5'9" I can flat foot when stationary. The bike is very stable at motorway speeds and the half fairing really helps with the wind.
The bike is pretty powerful, under 5000rpm it's quite tame, but once above it has plenty of power. It's comfy for around 2 hours before needing a break.
The engine is quite tappety when cold, quitens down once it is warm. I think the oil-air cooled motors are a bit noisy. The power delivery is smooth up to 5 to 6000, then it does take you by surprise when you first start riding it.
The bike is 13 years old and does have bits of rust here and there. Overall the bike feels well built. It starts first time with full choke then turn choke off after 30 seconds and it runs fine.
I think the features are fine, it has a fuel gauge, trip meter, but a gear indicator would of been good.
Version: SA ABS
Year: 2006
Gave it a 5. It does exactly what I bought it for, to use all year round and have a bit of fun with it
It is a good bike for every day use, quite smooth, the brakes are more than good enough you wont hit anything
Easy enough to coax a few more horses out to play, smooth and quite tractable. An ideal motor for buzzing about on or to go touring, light clutch action and so easy to service
Bit of paint flaked off of the wheels and fur started to get in. I just keep the spots clean and use a marker pen to touch them up, does a great job of keeping the fur away
service it myself.
Everything is functional and well placed. It did have some continental concrete economy tyres which were shite. Fitted a pair of Avon storm 2 ultra's, very good tyres indeed
Buying experience: Second hand from a dealer
An easy bike. I just bought this and it's my ninth one. Needs a lot of revs at highways, but is very agile at town. Suspension is a bit wobblin compared to previous bikes. (R1100S, VTR1000F, Versys...)
MCN guys sure got this one wrong my friends. Bought my 05-06 faired bandit with 3k miles on the clock couple months back. I am loving it very much. Very nice smooth engine, and with a beowulf can fitted, it sounds super sweet. 30mph in sixth gear spins at 2100rpm, 40 at 3000rpm, and 60 at 5000rpm, 80 about 6800rpm. Accelerate nicely from 30 to 80 in sixth gear, nice amount of torque. When accelerating in lower gears, very smooth delivery from 3000-8000rpm, then you feel the kick from the engine. Not a big kick like on a gsxr but just enough to put a big smile on your face without killing you. only down side is the bike is way too heavy. With a full tank, it weights about 240 kg. at speed, it's easy enough to handle though and i got my knee down the other day at roundabout so it's ok once you get used to it. I have fitted Oxford LED indicators front and rear, and let me tell you, they are such a pain to fit on. The connectors from the Oxford LEDs are totally different from the factory lights. So i had to cut the wires and connect them together manually. Had to use superglue to glue the LED on to the indicator holders as there just wasn't any other way to stick it on the bike. Overall, as my second bike, it's very nice looking and makes nice noise. very nice fuel economy(5 blocks of fuel, 180 miles till the last block starts to flash meaning you almost at reserve). Mine is ABS model and it does work. I had to break hard once at 80mph and i can feel the abs kicking in to stop wheel locking.
MCN guys sure got this one wrong my friends. Bought my 05-06 faired bandit couple months back. I am loving it very much. Very nice smooth engine, and with a beowulf can fitted, it sounds super sweet. 30mph in sixth gear spins at 2100rpm, 40 at 3000rpm, and 60 at 5000rpm, 80 about 6800rpm. Accelerate nicely from 30 to 80 in sixth gear, nice amount of torque. When accelerating in lower gears, very smooth delivery from 3000-8000rpm, then you feel the kick from the engine. Not a big kick like on a gsxr but just enough to put a big smile on your face without killing you. only down side is the bike is way too heavy. With a full tank, it weights about 240 kg. at speed, it's easy enough to handle though and i got my knee down the other day at roundabout so it's ok once you get used to it. I have fitted Oxford LED indicators front and rear, and let me tell you, they are such a pain to fit on. The connectors from the Oxford LEDs are totally different from the factory lights. So i had to cut the wires and connect them together manually. Had to use superglue to glue the LED on to the indicator holders as there just wasn't any other way to stick it on the bike. Overall, as my second bike, it's very nice looking and makes nice noise. very nice fuel economy(5 blocks of fuel, 180 miles till the last block starts to flash meaning you almost at reserve). Mine is ABS model and it does work. I had to break hard once at 80mph and i can feel the abs kicking in to stop wheel locking.
I don't know what bike the MCN guys were riding, but I don't agree with much of what they say. If you're looking for a cutting edge crotch rocket to use on the racing circuit, then you're looking at the wrong bike. If you're looking at something that is a blast to ride, easy on the eyes and wallet, then this is bike for you. I just picked up a gently used '06 Bandit. 5100 kms on the clock, and I didn't realize it wasn't a new bike until the saleman pointed out it was a used one. In beautiful condition. Obviously well cared for by the original owner. I'm rather advanced in age to be buying my first sportbike, but maybe it is a case of midlife crisis or middle age crazy...call it what you will. I've been riding for over 20 years, and must admit I am glad the whole sportbike thing didn't appeal to me when I was younger. I'm sure I'd have died in the 80's. It is hard to be sensible when riding something this fun. It seems well put together, goes like stink, and is pretty comfortable to ride, even for an old fart with a bad back. I'm not quite ready to give up Harley quite yet, but I certainly have a new daily commuter! BTW...I'm 6' even and weight a touch over 250 lbs, so I'm not exactly a flyweight. This bike hauls my big meat locker around with little problem, so unless you're Andre The Giant's twin brother, this bike should fit you.
Had this bike now 12 months covered 9000 miles ride it every day (sold the car )longest trip 650 miles driven in rain ,snow shine .With me and the Mrs on there's not much change out of 30 stone I'm 6 foot. I've never felt that i needed more power always been able to over take any car I've wanted to it handles pretty good and is fun to ride ,sometimes hard to stay in speed limit your doing 80 with out realising it.On long trips we stop every 120 miles or so to stretch our legs and fill up ,it does get painful if I ride for much longer.I'm very happy with it ,But...It could do with higher screen and when I ride with summer gloves on after 20 minutes my fingers start to go numb . I dont think i have ever had less than 50 to the gallon.Over all good every day bike and good touring bike as long as you have regular stops
I bought this bike new after I passed my direct access. I got the candy blue one which i think is the best. Although it was hard to decide between the black. I was never looking at a new bike - looking at a 2001 naked bandit 600 which was going for £2100. Only with advice from the old man and 0% finance made much more sence. I dropped it on the way to the first service at 600 miles. Very lucky, very little damage. just scratched the engine casings and new indicator. No faults to report with anything really. As a first bike and my lack of experience I think it is a brilliant bike. Its comfy, cheap and goes fast enough. Its no sports bike but it still goes around bends good enough to scrape your boots and it will sit on the motorway all day (as a trip to france proved). The fairing screen is a little low but its good enough, and theres plenty of aftermarket ones about. Dont listen to the road tests they arent your everyday bandit riders...if you want a cheap and cheerful bike for commuting every day, something for a newbie (like me) or even someone returning to biking the GSF650 SA is in my oppinion is GREAT. I've put a aftermarket can on because the standard one is FAR to quiet (but thats not a bad thing really) and I do recomend a Oil Cooler cover because the fins dent and bend really easy. There are better bikes out there, but value for money i think you cant go wrong.
I purchased this bike new in 06 having ridden 29K+ the bike has had an oil cooler replaced, clutch cover replaced, rear brake disc replaced, 1 electrical short behind the front light and it has broken down again with another electrical fault. The bike has cost a small fortune in servicing. not a bad first bike, I get about 150 to 200 miles to a tank. Finish has seen better days resale value is about 1K for an 18 month old bike. Would I buy another maybe.
I bought this to get back to bikes after 12 years and to use every day so it is no dry-only weekend prima-donna. Compared to anything else I've ever owned its a pretty good bike for the money. I had to to raise the seat though. It's reliable, fast enough and easy to ride.
well i have owned ten bikes in 20 years but this 650bandit is so far the best bike i have owned and intend to keep it even if i get a new 1250S, easy handling, good controls, cheap ins and parts aplenty dont knock them until you tried one!
I see the Bandit gets a general poor review from MCN. Dont let that put you off this excellent bike, read what 'proper' owners say. My bike has been completly reliable, fun to ride and feels like aproper big bike. Still looks like new 12 months on and several thousand miles later. No rust, no defects to date and seems to get smoother and faster with every mile i put on it. A hard act to follow for VALUE for money.
I bought this bike to get back into biking, and have found it to be a much better bike than I expected. Most of my riding is done two up and it copes brilliantly, It does not require endless gear changes to make good progress. It is a very comfy bike as a 6hr trip to Ireland confirmed, although I found side winds a bit of a problem. Ive also found that the engine is very willing to rev and results in great performance. So pleased am I with this bike I dont plan on changing it anytime soon. Strengths: Smooth power delivery right through the rev range, ease of handling and novice freindly brakes. Weaknesses: Finish - the paint is too thin and all to easy to scratch.
Had this bike for 3 months now and its fun every time I take it out. The engine has more than enough power to put a grin on your face at the weekend but enough low down pulling power to make the daily commute a pleasure. My fun riding, round the somerset lanes, realy shows the bikes handling to its full and the extra 56cc gives enough power through out the rev range to make town / city riding less of a pain. Strengths: Good power through out the rev range. Taller than the average bike of its type, ideal if you are 6 foot. Good looking and easy to clean. Weaknesses: Build quality not as good as some. Not easy to change the headlight bulb.
I use my bandit to commute to work on, every day 12 mths of the year. I've owned a few bikes over the years from bmw to Honda's and this is the first bike I have not wanted to sell within 6 mths of having it. after a week of doing a 50 mile round trip to work it still come up tops for a blast on a Sunday morning. Strengths: Engine, it has the extra grunt compare to the old bandit for easier overtaking. Weaknesses: Finish, bit and bobs are starting to look a bit naff even after careful cleaning.
My review is slightly biased because this is my first bike since passing my test. I think the bandit is a great 1st bike, especially the 650...not too small and not too big...that said, it looks and sounds big. Great styling and comfort. The 656cc engine can easily deliver its full potential when you feel the need. Get your head down to the windscreen and it's stunning. Strengths: Ease of handling, great looks (especially in silver!). Weaknesses: Clutch is not the easiest. Finding neutral is an effort sometimes unless it's just me!
The press has an in-built bias against this type of bike. I need a bike that I can ride EVERY day, that can take some luggage, and is easy to maintain, while still being able to smoke any car that costs less than £100,000. This can! It easily lives with Fazers and Hornets unless they are piloted by nutters. Don't get me wrong, if I could afford 2 bikes I would have an R6 for the weekend, but the Bandit still puts a grin on my face every day. Strengths: More than enough power for most, bulletproof, cheap to maintain. Weaknesses: Could do with losing 20kg.
Suzuki GSF650 Bandit motorcycle review - Side view
Suzuki GSF650 Bandit motorcycle review - Engine
Suzuki GSF650 Bandit motorcycle review - Side view
Suzuki GSF650 Bandit motorcycle review - Side view
Suzuki GSF650 Bandit motorcycle review - Side view
Suzuki GSF650 Bandit motorcycle review - Engine
Suzuki GSF650 Bandit motorcycle review
Suzuki GSF650 Bandit motorcycle review - Exhaust
Suzuki GSF650 Bandit motorcycle review - Front view
Suzuki GSF650 Bandit motorcycle review - Front view
Suzuki GSF650 Bandit motorcycle review - Side view
Suzuki GSF650 Bandit motorcycle review - Engine
Suzuki GSF650 Bandit motorcycle review - Instruments
Suzuki GSF650 Bandit motorcycle review - Rear view
