1997 Suzuki XF650 Freewind review from Australia
"Best there is in Duel sport. 10 out of 10"
What things have gone wrong with the motorcycle?
My Freewind had a starter motor fail @ 23,000 klm's. Replacement cost $500 au.
General comments?
For a bike built as a road and trail duel sport, I would have to give the Freewind 10 out of 10.
I have traveled around Australia for the last 5 years, and apart from normal wear and tear, brake pads, tyres etc, the bike has been 100% reliable. Apart from a failed starter motor early in its life, no problems at all.
I just love the flexibility of this duel sport; Suzuki went badly wrong when they discontinued this model.
It can cruise 2 up with the top box fully loaded at 120-130 klm's all day every day, and can out corner and out brake most mid sized sporties.
As for styling? Each to their own, but I love the euro looks and styling. The LCD dash is fantastic!
Faults, I can honestly say, nothing worth mentioning.
Improvements, fit Metzler MT duel sport tyres asap, wear better and handle much better on and off road than the Italian counterparts.
Highly recommend this bike; I've been riding for 37 years, and this is the friendliest and most forgiving bike I've ever owned.
All Suzuki XF650 Freewind reviews
| Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 1997 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2007 |
| Acceleration marks | 8/10 |
| Roll-on Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Handling marks | 10/10 |
| Braking marks | 10/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 7/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 9/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | |
| Distance when acquired | 7 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 58000 kilometres |
| Previous motorcycle | Suzuki GSX-R1100 |
| Date of Entry | 7th July, 2007 |