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

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
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
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
Full Specifications
General
Year-2007 - 08
ColoursVivid Orange/Raven, Team Yamaha Blue/White, Raven-
Make Model-Suzuki GSF 650S Bandit
Dimensions
Seat Height851 mm / 33.5 in.770 - 790 mm / 30.3 - 31.1 in
Wheelbase1,379 mm / 54.3 in.1440 mm / 56.7 in
Ground Clearance-130 mm / 5.1 in
Height1,100 mm / 43.3 in.1090 mm / 42.9 in
Length2,040 mm / 80.3 in.2110 mm / 83.1 in
Width701 mm / 27.6 in.770 mm / 30.3 in
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (l)3.40 litres-
Oil Capacity (Quarts)0.22 quarts-
Dry Weight-204 kg / 450 lbs
Fuel Capacity17.41 litres / 4.60 gallons20 Litres / 5.3 US gal / 4.4 Imp gal
Wet Weight187.8 kg / 414.0 lbs-
Performance
Top Speed-198.7 km/h / 123.5 mph
Max Power-57.4 kW / 77 hp @ 10500 rpm
Max Torque-54 Nm / 5.5 kgf-m / 39.8 lb-ft @ 9500 rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile-12.5 sec
Engine
Fuel ControlDOHC-
Stroke4-
Engine TypeIn-line four-
Displacement (ci)36.55 cubic inches-
Displacement (cc)599.00 cc-
Bore x Stroke (mm)67.0 x 42.5 mm-
Bore x Stroke (in,)2.6 x 1.7 inches-
Displacement-656cc / 40.0 cu in
Engine Detail-Air/oil cooled, four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Fuel SystemInjection. Fuel Injection with YCC-T and YCC-I-
Bore x Stroke-65.5 x 48.7 mm
Compression Ratio13.1:110.5:1
Cooling System-Air/oil cooled
Fuel Consumption-4.8 L/100 km / 20.9 km/l / 49.2 US mpg / 59.0 Imp mpg
Fuel Induction-4 x Keihin CVR 32 carburetors
IgnitionTCI: Transistor Controlled IgnitionDigital transistorized
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
Final DriveChainChain
Gearbox6-speed-
Transmission / Drive-6 Speed
Chassis
Frame Type-Double cradle
Suspension - Front41mm inverted fork41mm Telescopic fork, preload fully adjustable
Suspension - RearSingle shockLink type, oil damped, mono-shock, spring pre-load 7-way adjustable, rebound damping 4-way adjustable
Rake24.0°-
Trail97 mm / 3.8 in.-
Wheel Travel - Front102 mm / 4.0 in.-
Wheel Travel - Rear102 mm / 4.0 in.-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.2 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)310 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)8.7 inches-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)220 mm-
Brakes - FrontDouble disc2 x 290 mm Discs, 2 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle discSingle 240 mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front120/70-ZR17120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear180/55-ZR17160/60 ZR17

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6 and the 2008 Suzuki GSF 650S Bandit 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

2009 Yamaha YZF-R6 - Advantages

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

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 vs 2008 Suzuki GSF 650S Bandit - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6 and 2008 Suzuki GSF 650S Bandit?
The 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6 uses In-line four, while the 2008 Suzuki GSF 650S Bandit is powered by Air/oil cooled, four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder..
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6 or the 2008 Suzuki GSF 650S Bandit?
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 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6 or the 2008 Suzuki GSF 650S Bandit?
Both are strong choices. The 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6 has the edge in fuel injection, while the 2008 Suzuki GSF 650S Bandit stands out for lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.