When Suzuki engineers wanted to mark the 10^th anniversary of the Bandit, they came up with a new liquid-cooled engine, more precisely a DOHC 4-cylinder mated to a catalytic converter that meets the stringent Euro 3 emission standards. This mill was also livelier, smoother and, most importantly, more fuel-efficient than its liquid/air-cooled predecessor.

Up until now, this engine was exclusive to the Bandit 650S; for 2008, though, Suzuki decided that it would also power the new GSX 650F, which is nothing more than a slightly sportier Bandit with full fairing.


Sporty soul
The 2008 GSX 650F is marketed as an affordable, rider-friendly sportbike. Developed as a replacement for the Katana 600 and Katana 750, it shares a lot of similarities with the GS 500F, the Japanese brand's entry-level sportbike. So, we're not talking about an entirely new machine but rather a sportier, higher-end version of the famous Bandit.

In order to reduce weight, Suzuki replaced the Bandit's height-adjustable seat and handlebars by lower fixed elements. Therefore, the new model offers a slightly sportier, less upright riding position. While the GSX 650F benefits from a full fairing, its overall weight is 2-kg lighter. The bike also features a comprehensive, more aggressively-styled instrument panel with fuel gauge.

Up front is a 41-mm Kayaba fork with preload adjustment only. Meanwhile, there's a rebound-adjustable single shock with preload-adjustable spring in the back. Braking performance is delivered by the same system found on the current Bandit, namely a dual 310-mm front disc with 4-piston calliper and a single 240-mm rear disc.