Things like seats and windscreen effectiveness….etc are very subjective and dependent on the dimensions, body type, weight and your dimensional relationship to the bike. I had found the GSF1250 seat to be OK for up to say 2 hours, after which I’d be moving around frequently to to reduce pressure points on my ‘sit’ bones. I experienced the same discomfort on my Wee-Strom and my BMW F800gs so may that’s just how I’m built. I really prefer a wider seat which spreads the load and yet narrows at the front so I can hug the tank when in twisties and also help to reach the ground (I’m 5’7″). I wouldn’t let the OEM seat put you off from buying this bike as the seating is such an easy fix. Besides, with the substantial dollars you save by buying this bike as opposed to more upscale bikes in this class (ST1300, Concourse, FJR1300) you can afford to tailor it to your preferences. You may want to spend a little time researching what after-market seats are made for this bike. I happen to feel that Sargent seats offer good comfort and value for the cost. I’ve purchased a Sargent seat for the GSF1250, DL-650 and F800GS and I ride about 20,000 miles / year. One additional factor for me is that Sargent has consistently provided my with good service / delivery in Canada as opposed to another well-known manufacturer who doesn’t appear to think that Canada is a market worth serving. That is my experience. And just for the record I have no affiliation whatsoever with Sargent Seats. I just like their product. The Suzuki GSF1250 is a great bike even with it’s minor shortcomings. I intend to keep mine for a long time. Hope this has helped. Ride safe.

I am 6’2′ and currently own a GSX750F and wether it be the seat or whatever, riding for long periods of time are a pain. Is the seat on the 1250FA really that much of a nuisance? I’ve been looking at them for a bit and was about to buy one, but this has put me off a little.

Brett

Regards,

Michael

As for the Monokey side cases I really like them. It’s true that you can’t fit most helmets in them but that’s not an issue for me. I usually travel with a Python cable lock which I use to secure jackets and helmets to my bike – works for me. The cable also let’s me secure the bike at night when I’m traveling.

Everyone has a different view of appearance. I don’t care for the cosmetic changes Suzuki made to the top and side cases. I think they look cheaper. The body work is OK but I still prefer my 2008 GSF.

Two other things which I forgot to mention on my last post:

I recently installed a set of Pirelli Angel ST tires. The Bridgestone BT021 were fine (good ole’ reliable) but the Angel ST’s bring a whole new feel to the bike – noticeably faster / lighter steering. Haven’t ridden them much in the rain so I can’t comment on that yet. So far the wear, after 7,000km is excellent and I think they will outlast the Batlax which are already pretty good. Worth a try for any of you guys out there with big Sport / Touring bikes.

The rear spring preload on my 2008 GSF is quite possibly the most difficult to change of any bike I’ve ever ridden. It is a cheap, notchy mechanism which you are supposed to adjust by using a supplied wrench which is almost impossible to fit in the space provided. Fortunately the ‘average’ setting seems to work for me 90% of the time. I may still replace the rear shock with a good after-market unit later.

For anyone looking at buying one of these, you can’t go wrong with this bike unless it doesn’t suit your type of riding (that applies to any bike doesn’t it?. Although not a sport bike it can really dangle, the acceleration from low – midrange speeds is like an RPG, it is soooo easy to ride and live with, approx 340km fuel range, good manners, not twitchy, totally reliable, after adjustments to the ergos it is comfortable enough for long days in the saddle although it is not an ST-1300. It is simpler to work on than all other bikes in it’s category. Because this is a lower output engine (raw horsepower) it will likely have a long trouble-free life. I’ve had several Suzukis and they have all been extremely reliable. I still have a 08 Wee-Strom which I ride often. And then there’s price

Regards,

Michael

It handles very well, is quiet, runs on regular grade fuel, easy to work on, passes like a rocket and is very agile at low speeds. I’m 5’7″ and have added a Givi windshield which has made long trips much less tiring. It is very sure-footed in heavy rain and wind. The ABS brakes are ‘good’ but I may replace the lines with braided steel to get more feel and less required pressure. I have tested the ABS on freshly rained-on, greasy pavement and it is virtually undetectable. The OEM seat is junk as are most factory standard seats. I bought a Sargent seat and can now spend many continuous hours in the saddle with minimum pressure points. I’ve done extensive work on the electricals to equip it with Oxford heated grips (great product), Heat-Troller controls for vests (also great product), Steibel air horn (make’em drop their cellphone), Scorpion alarm system, plug-ins for Battery Tender and electric air pump. This is a lot of bike for the money and I expect I’ll keep mine for many happy kilometers.

But it does IMHO have two issues – remember my comments apply to the 2008 model and may not apply to 2009 & 2010.

Issue 1 (minor): Mediocre headlight for night riding – for me this is not a big issue as I avoid night riding anyway, for obvious reasons.

Issue 2: I use a Givi V46 top case along with the 2 Givi Monokey side cases. All the cases work very well BUT the mounting bracket for the top case positions the case too far foreward. The effect of this is to encroach on the overall seat length for rider & pilion. In other words with the top case mounted the pilion is crowded forward against my back – and my favorite pilion is not a large person. I don’t know about you but I find it very tiring to have anything / person jammed against my back which forces me forward against the tank. We’re talking long trips here. So my advice to anyone considering this bike for two-up riding is to sit on this bike with a friend, with full riding gear on and see if you feel crowded. Suzuki / Givi may have corrected this shortcoming but you need to be sure. The pilion seat is already rather small.

Overall, awsome bike (and I’ve had many)

Ride safe.

Regards,

Michael

This is separate from the air the rider is taking or how smooth that air is. Of course your going to be in the air unless your behind a Gold Wing size window. That’s why all those Wingers ride with shirtsleeves and open face helmets in seeming serenity. If your in the air you need a good, aerodynamic full helmet and good riding jacket. It always seems that people are trying to put taller screens on which often doesn’t help. Pretending they can block the air but only making it more perturbed.

Nothing is perfect I guess. I am drawn to getting off the big ZZR beast and getting something like a Versys perhaps. Just something that can go on gravel roads, even iffy ones, and the highway. No test of the V mentions its ability to deal with side and headwinds. Maybe all smaller bikes suck under those conditions and it’s a given?

Just to go on far too long. I think there are two issues with air. One how the bike reacts to heavier side and heading winds and how smooth is the air is on the body. I think it’s a distinction with a difference which is ignored.