GSX650f by Chris

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Ok, so I decided to keep my bike a while longer. To give it that little “x” factor, I decided that it would be worth spending a little money and time tricking it out a little. just a little mind you. My plans are pipe, windscreen, mirrors and lights. I’d love to do a dual round headlight too (like a bi-moto) but inside behind the housing inside (similar looking how the headlights of a Sprint ST look). Ok, so more than a little, but to start, just a few (low hanging fruit).

Rear light, signals and fender.

I went with an LED integrated rear light and turn signal unit (60-ish off eBay). Of course this meant I could remove the existing turn signals and then had the fender to mod. I cut away a fair amount and remove a bit under the tail. I have some plastic that I cut a plate and both glue and screwed into place underneath.

Front Turn Signals
The second mod was removing the front turn signals. Originally, I was going to get a pair similar to what a street triple has, but then the back wouldn’t look quite right (would want to have the matching pair I think). So, I went with the flush mount lights from Cycle Gear. Not as spacy looking, but it’s night not having those stalks sticking out there.

So, anyway
That’s it so far. When I get the cash, a Two Bros Titanium slip on (loses 18 pounds and even ups the power a little bit). And, as mentioned, would love to do something to the headlight. I may also get a tank protector as you can see the wear on the tank from my pants. And if I get too much money than I know what to do with, maybe some new wheels even

Ok, so as you know or can easily read to find out, I have had my GSX since 2008 late October. I just took the bike past 16,000 miles. It is running fantastic with the only issue that the brakes aren’t quite as smooth as they were new, but this is pretty normal. I inspected the pads and they aren’t showing the kind of wear that you’d want to replace them or anything.

I have been on the Bridgestone 021s for about 7,000 miles and while I feel like I know these tires pretty well I am looking to try something else when they wear out. Maybe 023s from the reviews I’ve read.

Two weeks ago, I rode up to Bellingham with a friend for a seminar on the Logos software. We were able to ride Chuckanut drive a couple of times in the evening after day 1 ended and the bike was feeling great. I couldn’t shake his BMW 1200G whatever the heck he has, but my bike felt planted and allowed me to carve with confidence.

After day 2 we headed back, first via Chuckanut, then we headed over to hwy 9 to head south. What amazing riding there is around those parts, especially Old Burn Road. Amazing curves and rises, tree-lined. You felt like you were at warp speed.

Anyhow, we ended up eventually popping out in Snohomish and then is was a highway bomb home (well, slog through rush hour anyway).

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Last week, I took some time and after a meeting in Lacey, I cut out 101 to 12 to Raymond….well, here it is for you…

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Hwy 6 coming back in from Raymond is easily my favorite small hwy. It was perfect and open and you could really pin your ears back. Fantastic. Then at Adna, a little turn up onto Bunker Creek and wowzers! These corners were all tighter looking than they were, but a lot of fun. Would like to be able to spend some time really learning my way around.

Anyway, the bike is still running great, all the tune-ups and oil changes and chain maint on schedule.

I have just complete my turn signal mods, but that’s another post.

To wrap up my update, I have chosen not to trade this bike in for another year or so and may end up keeping it. I’ll likely turn it into a street-fighter or something. Just too much fun and not so fast that I am going to spend too much time in jail.

Well, I have, as you know, had my Suzuki GSX650f for just over a year. Bought it new in October 2008.

I’ve been riding as much as I can get out and just hit a interim milestone.

13,000 miles!

Well, after today, 13,080.

So, how is it?

It is fantastic! Been riding it and maintaining it and it still in perfect condition. Runs great and still gets going.

This thing has got to be one of THE great bikes. I do get the sense that this GSX650f is the kind of bike that one might sell to upgrade and always wish one still had it. I’m sure of it.

Anyhow, all I have to say is that the Suzuki GSX650f is one great bike and I love it.