I think he’s referring to the new for 2008 Suzuki GSX650F, the replacement for the old Katana 600. I don’t know much about it, only that in reviews they say it still isn’t quite as good as an SV650S for sporty riding but has a more upright (tour-worthy) riding position and is more highway-stable. As far as its status as a beginner bike is concerned, I know quite a few people who started out on old Katana 600s (the bike it replaced). Understand that it is NOT a GSXR or in any way shape or form a racebike. ALL suzuki four-cylinder motorcycles begin with the “GSX” nomenclature. If anything it is more like a GS500F with (slightly) better suspension and 150ccs more of motor. Take that as you will.
Suzuki designed the GSX650F as an alternative to people who were considering purchasing an SV650SF (the new fully faired SV650 that is probably the single best budget sportbike on the market) but wanted something more sport touring oriented, but simply want a more sport touring oriented ride. It almost seems as if Suzuki is trying to reposition the SV as a more track oriented bike in their lineup… Why else would they come out with a fully faired version of it the same year they finally released a replacement for the Katana 600 (which was still being built using the same parts it was in the 80s)?
My only concern is that this doesn’t lead to a discontinuation of the unfaired/standard SV because there aren’t enough bikes like it on the market. Suzuki discontinued the Bandit 600 because the Katana 600 was essentially the same bike underneath its fairing and there wasn’t a reason for them both to exist. Let’s hope they dont start to see the SV650/SV650SF the same way when SF sales start taking off…