All aboard
Riding the bike brings you back to the sports bikes from the mid-90s, machines that were a lot less radical that what we see today. The GT 650R is a throwback to the true nature of the sports bike: with your hands on the clip-ons, your behind firmly planted deep on the seat and your feet towards the back – comfortable but also ready to attack at the slightest provocation.

On the road, it’s easily manoeuvrable on top of offering great stability in high side winds thanks to its relatively high centre of gravity that puts up a nice fight against such disruptions. The 650R eats up the kilometres with nary a peep, and always with a surprising level of comfort for this type of ride. In the city, the bike shows a little bit of discomfort, with low-speed manoeuvres requiring more than average effort from the rider.

Mécaglisse is a tight, technical track, and the GT 650R certainly wanted to play along! (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Moto123.com)

On the track, it’s easily tamed and nicely stable at steep cornering angles, despite the old style steel frame which always does its job correctly, ensuring precise corner entries and exits. This much stability comes at the cost of a certain lack of nimbleness, though, which forces the rider to work harder to keep turning, as if the bike would rather not change anything.

The GT 650R’s dynamic limitations quickly become apparent when attacking corners more aggressively, with the suspension bouncing around a bit and the front end losing traction precociously. Such damping imperfections confirm the true calling of this bike, for riders purchasing their first sports model.

Stylish, fun and capable of offering a great day at the track, the GT 650R is worth a look if you’re purchasing your first bike, even more so if you’re interested in an übersporty number with liveable real attack ergonomics.

Plus
Great looks
Stable
Versatile track and highway ergonomics
Excellent brakes
Attractive pricing

Less
High polar moment of inertia that penalizes agility