smokin_blue wrote on 03/27/17 at 14:47:46:
I would counter Gary in NJ comments a little (actually temper them is a better way of putting it.)
Thanks for the offer Blue, but no need to temper what I said because my opinion is quite strong in this regard and has been formed from over 40 years of motorcycling.
This bike spends most of its time on twisties in the mountains of British Columbia. The overall performance of the bike is good on these roads, it just needs a bit more top end. "Just needs a bit more top end" is a phrase that just makes my Spidy sense go off. The LS650 is not a sport bike. It's not even a standard or UJM, it's a parts-bin cruiser that uses the lowest spec materials in Suzuki's inventory. The last thing this bike needs is more top end. What it needs is better brakes, better suspension, and then more power. In that order.
I've seen too many people that thought that more power = more fun. More power will make me a better rider. More power will make me faster. They typically stop thinking that in the back of the ambulance - if they are conscience for the ride.
Add the aforementioned BBK. Read my thread on suspension improvements. That alone will get you "more top end" as the bike can be safely ridden at a faster pace.
Speed isn't about power. Speed comes from smoothness, confidence and the ability to anticipate. If this triangle isn't in balance you'll find yourself sliding under, or getting high-sided from, your bike at some point.