presentation of the GSF 650 Bandit N et S 2005
cBF 600, Fazer, Z 750, Hornet, ZR-7, SVN... The Bandit has lost count of the number of teases it has to compete with in the medium-displacement roadster market. It still tops the sales charts in France, but is beginning to age. A facelift will do it some good. Suzuki is working on this for the 2005 livery, and intends to take advantage of the opportunity to remedy its main shortcoming: an overly hollow character at low and mid-range revs. How can this be achieved? With a new engine?
Not at all. It's still the good old air- and oil-cooled block that occupies the GSF's double tubular cradle frame. But for the occasion, its displacement has been increased by 3 mm to 656 cm3. Power remains at 78 horsepower, while torque is up by 1 mkg, obtained at 2,000 rpm less than the old unit. All in all, a significant improvement in driving pleasure.
Aesthetically, the N roadster benefits from only minor alterations. A small cowling joins the headlight to the meters, scoops are fitted between the radiator and the fuel tank, the exhaust is no longer bevelled, the rear body has been refined and the side covers (behind the carburettors) modified. The most obvious changes are the new seat, which can now be adjusted in height, and the introduction of ABS. For the S tourer, the fork head gets new optics and new rear-view mirrors.
don't be fooled into thinking that Suzuki has simply painted the engine black and added a pot of yoghurt to renew its best-seller. Far from it, the old GSX-R block is still going strong. And its latest modifications give it a few more years of sunshine. In addition to a larger bore, the cylinder liners have received special treatment, the pistons and rings have been redesigned, and the new timing diagram improves torque at normal engine speeds.
10 years is a time to celebrate, and the Bandit 650 blows out its candles by sweeping away the performance of its forebear. When it comes to acceleration (cruel for mid-size 4-cylinders), the 650 leaves the 600 in its wake. At any engine speed, the 2005 GSF happily takes off. When the old one struggles, the new one soars. All you have to do is shift into last gear and screw down to notice the enormous difference. The 650 responds from 3,000 rpm, making you feel that it has much more boot. The Bandit 2000-2004, on the other hand, is desperately trying to find watts. But to no avail, it only has watts in the rev range.

And it's even better on the road. The fork looks the same, but the tubes have changed. Better hydraulic management, preload adjustment, spring optimization, the old Bandit is disgusted; it has just received the coup de grace. With a front axle that lacks firmness and can't stand ageing, she knows she can't fight. No mercy on the croissants! The Bandit 650 is invigorated, confident in its more rigorous front end, where a sport shoe can hang on. Chipotle: the new GSF is a tad less alert due to a slightly higher front tire, but it makes up for it with much better stability, brakes that have finally found some bite (hey, miss SV, blow your pads and discs...!), and very well-made tires.
While the Suz is making an effort with its adjustable seat and handlebars, it's a shame that the attractive chrome meters have disappeared. The new ones, although fully digital, don't arouse the same enthusiasm.
with a fuller engine and improved dynamics, the Suzuki GSF 650 intends to keep its place among the top sellers in France. Not only does it look good, but with a price tag of just over €6,000, the Bandit is sure to continue its hold-up.
M.B
(test text inspired by M. Levivier's article - Moto-journal n° 1 643
manufacturer's photos)
Key facts Suzuki GSF 650 Bandit N et S (2005) : What you need to know before you buy
Highlights
- More generous engine
- More torque
- Freinage
- Adjustable saddle
Weak points
- Timid touch-ups
- Sad counters
Prices
| Basic version | |
|---|---|
|
6,099€
|
Performance
- Max speed : approximately 210 km/h (130.50 mph)
- 0-100 km/h acceleration : 3.60 s
- Average fuel consumption : 6.60 liters/100km (0.36 mpg)
-
Estimated range
: 303 km (188 miles)
Calculated range until tank is empty, not verified.
Specifications Suzuki GSF 650 Bandit N et S 2005
- Chassis
- Frame : Double tubular steel cradle
- Fuel capacity : 20 liters (5.28 US gallons)
- seat height adjustable between 770 mm and 790 mm
- Length : 2,110 mm (83.07 in)
- Width : 770 mm (30.31 in)
- Height between 1,090 mm (42.91 in) and 1,235 mm (48.62 in)
- Wheelbase : 1,440 mm (56.69 in)
- Dry weight : 201 kg (443 lb)
- Front axle
- Telehydraulic fork Ø 45 mm, Wheel travel : 130 mm (5.12 in)
- Braking 2 discs Ø 290 mm (11.42 in), 2-piston caliper
- Front tire : 120 / 70 - 17 → Order this type of tire
- Pressure : 2.5 bar
- Transmission
- 6 stage gearbox
- Secondary by chain
- Rear axle
- Mono-damper, Wheel travel : 126 mm (4.96 in)
- Braking 1 disc Ø 240 mm (9.45 in), 2-piston caliper
- Rear tire : 160 / 60 - 17 → Order this type of tire
- Pressure : 2.5 bar
- Motor
- 4 cylinders online , 4 strokes
- 4 carbides Ø 32 mm
- Cooling system : combined air / oil
- 2 ACT
- 4 valves per cylinder
- 656 cc
- 78 ch (76.90 hp) to 10,200 rpm
- 6.50 mkg to 7,500 rpm
- Power-to-weight ratio : 2.61 kg/ch
- Weight / torque ratio : 30.92 kg/mkg
- Compression : 10.5 : 1
- Practical information
Gallery
Compare the GSF 650 Bandit N et S to its competitors
Acceleration
Fuel consumption
Range
Torque
Power
Power-to-Weight ratio
Torque-to-Weight ratio
Speed
FAQ Your frequently asked questions about the GSF 650 Bandit N et S 2005
- What is the power of the GSF 650 Bandit N et S 2005?
-
The GSF 650 Bandit N et S 2005 develops a power of 78 ch (76.90 hp)
- What is the torque of the GSF 650 Bandit N et S 2005?
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The maximum torque of the GSF 650 Bandit N et S 2005 is 6.50 mkg to 7,500 rpm.
- What is the maximum speed of the GSF 650 Bandit N et S 2005?
-
The GSF 650 Bandit N et S 2005 is capable of reaching a top speed of approximately 210 km/h (130.50 mph) on the track.
- What is the weight of the GSF 650 Bandit N et S 2005?
-
The GSF 650 Bandit N et S 2005 has a a dry weight of 201 kg (443 lb).
- What is the fuel consumption of the GSF 650 Bandit N et S 2005?
-
Average fuel consumption is estimated at 6.60 l/100km (0.36 mpg) according to the WMTC cycle.
- QWhat is the seat height of the GSF 650 Bandit N et S 2005?
-
To ensure good accessibility, the GSF 650 Bandit N et S 2005 offers a minimum seat height of 770 mm (30.31 in). The integrated adjustment allows you to adjust the riding position to suit your needs.
- What is the price of the GSF 650 Bandit N et S 2005?
-
The price of the GSF 650 Bandit N et S 2005 is 6,099€ in France
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Bikers' reviews Leave a review - 76 reviews
Bandit 650S 2006, two words to describe this bike: ease and versatility.
A real bike, I find myself thinking "I'm dragging myself a bit here", but a quick glance at the speedometer quickly changes my mind, especially in the corners.
A chassis riveted to the road, the engine is linear...I'm very (too) often in the red zone, but it picks up at all speeds, it has torque for a 650, almost similar to my old zr7.
A pain in the ass after 100kms though, and a bubble that's way too low.
I won't change this bike until I feel like going bigger, and not before, in at least 20,000kms or more.
A lot of riders change before they've used 1/3 of their bikes... with the bandit, that won't be my case.
Rating : 4/5 Respond to Banditou
If so, which year?
thank you Rating : 5/5 Respond to Norbert
On the other hand, I'd like to point out that there's an error on the Bandit 650's 2005/2006 spec sheet: the front tire is a 120/70/17 and not a 120/60/17. Rating : 5/5 Respond to tazmaniko30
The consumables are of very good quality, to announce a little my driving, I changed my rear tire at 3500km, having done 1000km of break-in and yet, the pads look almost new, the chain kit has almost no wear! It's a great bike! Rating : 5/5 Respond to BZR Team
I think it's a pretty versatile bike that lets you enjoy yourself without getting scared. I find the braking very effective, the roadholding good, the handling excellent, and it's very comfortable. I really like the precise gearbox
On the other hand, I find the bike's finish disappointing: Neutral indicator diode burnt out, rear brake seized up, play in the mirrors
i don't regret my purchase, as the quality/price ratio still seems good (N version bought new at 5700 euros), but I'm going to hesitate to buy a Suzuki for my next bike .... Rating : 5/5 Respond to ludo27
I've been touring for nearly 20 years ... After sports bikes (rdlc and stinger ) 2 TDM a sprint and to finish a 125 GN ..
For financial reasons I fell back on the bandit 650 n !!! Well, I'm not disappointed ..
ample power, acceptable comfort ,
good versatility and not too expensive in fuel and maintenance
To be ridden on departmental roads... Rating : 5/5 Respond to Magnum
I recommend it! Rating : 5/5 Respond to BZR Team
Have a good ride and always be careful, see you soon. Rating : 5/5 Respond to Satisfait
former owner of a 750 YZF, I've lost power but gained in handling and fuel consumption. Rating : 5/5 Respond to bandit12
Bonne route a tous........................... Rating : 5/5 Respond to seba 57
A bike that's not too expensive, that can be ridden in a variety of ways - in short, it's good for everything except hypersports, of course. Rating : 5/5 Respond to yq1
In conclusion, I have no regrets about this purchase for an old man of 45
By the way, it's an S with a secdem bubble
Prudence and headlight calls to all. Rating : 5/5 Respond to satisfait
It's a blast! I used to ride a Kawa 900 that was 20 years old! No real comparison to be made, but hey. With this one, cornering is easy, acceleration correct and roadholding beyond reproach. I recommend it, it's so affordable... Rating : 5/5 Respond to Fudô
I've had dr650/Gpz500/ZZR600/Freewind before
In the Red S version, it looks good, it pushes very well at low and medium rpm (running-in), even in 6th gear it starts better than a Z750 below 3000 rpm (not after qd mm), comfortable in duo, consumes nothing (4.6l for the moment, injection would bring NOTHING to this model), holds the floor in "normal" use (well adjusted and adjustable suspensions), practical (space under the saddle, num counter with gauge and 2 trip clock ... seat height adjustment). In short, NO MAJOR faults, more sparkling than a CBF600 and less expensive (insurance and especially tires less expensive than a Z750, too)
What more could you ask for? (other brands make other choices, and that's good for everyone)
In terms of "minor" faults (there are some you can't see on a technical data sheet), the bubble (often too low from the outset anyway), a little stiff if the road gets rough (due to a trail bike), a little heavy at a standstill, when the ignition is switched on the code inevitably lights up
Here's hoping that "cheap" and homogeneous bikes like this one will last! Rating : 5/5 Respond to Fred13
It's my first bike, I'm in 34hp for a month and I'm still breaking it in, but I'm already getting the hang of it :p
It's true that you can ride a 6 all the time, but you have to admit that the acceleration is extraordinary at 1000rpm ^_^
Can't wait for the end of the break-in and the 80hp :)
(Bandit S) Rating : 5/5 Respond to Freddouill
One minor criticism, though: the bubble is too small, so a larger one is called for. Rating : 5/5 Respond to Un satisfa
Good for the frustrated. Please note that the Bandit is not a competitor to the Hornet, and certainly not to the SV (Would you be good at marketing, putting 2 competing bikes of the same brand on the same market). For the clever horsepower-hungry, if you look at the performance of a Hornet and the Bandit... well, sorry, but it's all the same, minus the flamboyance with the chicks... although..
So if you must compare, do it with machines in the same category. Well, you can criticize, but a bike that's been a best-seller for 10 years, with a look that wasn't very appealing at first, I say pack up your criticisms before you've actually tested the 2005 version
Ps; ABS only kicks in if you have poor braking control and lock the wheel. So, "grands Rossi" of the French highways, it should never start if you never block... or save your life once or twice. Rating : 5/5 Respond to Titom82
i took my license late (40 years) and swore by the big roadster, however I was seduced by this "little bandit" when I did not want. Here is a good and beautiful compromise and for a first bike (except 125) it is very good. Rating : 5/5 Respond to cousinhub
andit!!!!"
and yet it's been 1 week since I exchanged my SV for the 650 bandit and it's been bliss! Rating : 5/5 Respond to nono
- good stability and comfort (not tried as a duo)
- good acceleration from 3000 rpm in 6°
- i find the bubble protection insufficient and would like to find a higher one
- good speedometer readability
Finally, with the bad weather, I didn't do many KMs Rating : 5/5 Respond to amduve
For 6,000 roros, the performance is very decent, with no dips at low and mid-range revs, making it more versatile! Rating : 5/5 Respond to phil65