2008 Suzuki GSF 650S Bandit vs 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2008 Suzuki GSF 650S Bandit 2008 Suzuki GSF 650S Bandit

Naked bike

Engine
Air/oil cooled, four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Power
57.4 kW / 77 hp @ 10500 rpm
Top Speed
198.7 km/h / 123.5 mph
Weight
204 kg / 450 lbs
2009 Yamaha YZF-R6 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6

Naked bike

Engine
In-line four
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
414.0 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Year2007 - 08-
Colours-Vivid Orange/Raven, Team Yamaha Blue/White, Raven
Make ModelSuzuki GSF 650S Bandit-
Dimensions
Seat Height770 - 790 mm / 30.3 - 31.1 in851 mm / 33.5 in.
Wheelbase1440 mm / 56.7 in1,379 mm / 54.3 in.
Ground Clearance130 mm / 5.1 in-
Height1090 mm / 42.9 in1,100 mm / 43.3 in.
Length2110 mm / 83.1 in2,040 mm / 80.3 in.
Width770 mm / 30.3 in701 mm / 27.6 in.
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (Quarts)-0.22 quarts
Oil Capacity (l)-3.40 litres
Dry Weight204 kg / 450 lbs-
Fuel Capacity20 Litres / 5.3 US gal / 4.4 Imp gal17.41 litres / 4.60 gallons
Wet Weight-187.8 kg / 414.0 lbs
Performance
Top Speed198.7 km/h / 123.5 mph-
Max Power57.4 kW / 77 hp @ 10500 rpm-
Max Torque54 Nm / 5.5 kgf-m / 39.8 lb-ft @ 9500 rpm-
Standing Start ¼ Mile12.5 sec-
Engine
Fuel Control-DOHC
Displacement (ci)-36.55 cubic inches
Engine Type-In-line four
Bore x Stroke (in,)-2.6 x 1.7 inches
Stroke-4
Displacement (cc)-599.00 cc
Bore x Stroke (mm)-67.0 x 42.5 mm
Displacement656cc / 40.0 cu in-
Engine DetailAir/oil cooled, four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.-
Fuel System-Injection. Fuel Injection with YCC-T and YCC-I
Bore x Stroke65.5 x 48.7 mm-
Compression Ratio10.5:113.1:1
Cooling SystemAir/oil cooled-
Fuel Consumption4.8 L/100 km / 20.9 km/l / 49.2 US mpg / 59.0 Imp mpg-
Fuel Induction4 x Keihin CVR 32 carburetors-
IgnitionDigital transistorized TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
Final DriveChainChain
Gearbox-6-speed
Transmission / Drive6 Speed-
Chassis
Frame TypeDouble cradle-
Suspension - Front41mm Telescopic fork, preload fully adjustable41mm inverted fork
Suspension - RearLink type, oil damped, mono-shock, spring pre-load 7-way adjustable, rebound damping 4-way adjustableSingle shock
Rake-24.0°
Trail-97 mm / 3.8 in.
Wheel Travel - Front-102 mm / 4.0 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear-102 mm / 4.0 in.
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-8.7 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-12.2 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-310 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-220 mm
Brakes - Front2 x 290 mm Discs, 2 piston calipersDouble disc
Brakes - RearSingle 240 mm disc, 2 piston caliperSingle disc
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear160/60 ZR17180/55-ZR17

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2008 Suzuki GSF 650S Bandit and the 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6 are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2008 Suzuki GSF 650S Bandit - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 770 - 790 mm vs 851 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2009 Yamaha YZF-R6 - Advantages

  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.

2008 Suzuki GSF 650S Bandit vs 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2008 Suzuki GSF 650S Bandit and 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6?
The 2008 Suzuki GSF 650S Bandit uses Air/oil cooled, four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder., while the 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6 is powered by In-line four.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2008 Suzuki GSF 650S Bandit or the 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6?
The 2008 Suzuki GSF 650S Bandit has the lower seat at 770 - 790 mm, making it more accessible. The 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6 sits higher at 851 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2008 Suzuki GSF 650S Bandit or the 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6?
Both are strong choices. The 2008 Suzuki GSF 650S Bandit has the edge in lower seat height, while the 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6 stands out for fuel injection. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.