Suzuki GSF1200 Bandit (1996-2006)

I've had my K1 '02 1200 Bandit for 6 months now, have owned a '95 'Blade for 5 yrs, vfr750, as well as other bikes, and currently have a Kawasaki GPZ500 too as a 2nd bike. My Bandit had 11k on it in March, i've done almost 2500miles in 6 months and its been a love hate affair. Recently had issues with the coils/ignition cdi unit failing causing misfire, but also the fuel tap needing attention(fuel starvation/vacuum problem). These have highlighted the crazy dealer prices for parts, £116 for a fuel tap, £94 for an ignition coil, £56 for a neutral switch, £32 for an individual rubber inlet manifold(between carb and engine), thats almost £130 for, in essence, 4 rubber tubes! I was shocked by these prices for a motorcycle built solely from Suzuki's 'spare parts' bin and for an engine thats been around for 20-odd years. Anyway its sorted now. The handling at general speeds is good, as too are the 6 pot twin calliper brakes, but as soon as you push the bike a little on country roads you will highlight the very soft front end diving under braking, and in corners it becomes very soggy/jelly-like handling, god forbid if its bumpy too, you'll experience the very essence of a bike out of its comfort zone! The rear is soft too, causing the back to feel 'squidgy' if accelerating round a bend, imagine wobbling the 'bars in a small circular motion(like when pedaling a bike) while leaned over and that is what it will do as it protests as the suspension cannot cope. I am assuming this is very much down to the basic suspension with only a pre-load adjustment and a weight in excess of 214kg. If your a country road rider this isn't the bike for you. But this paints a negative view on a bike which has many highlights. Centre stand is ace, accurate fuel gauge, clock, 2 trip meters, decent headlight, averaging 45-50mpg, decent low down grunt, simple air/oil cooled engine, excellent brakes front and rear, well spaced gearing, able to trickle along at walking pace, easy to keep balance, a small amount of underseat storage too. Overall this bike is an excellent commuter bike, giving effortless overtaking in a leisurely way-no need to rev it to make progress. Keep the bike upright and its a pretty good bike, but corners can show up the basic suspension if done mildly enthusiastically. Hagon springs and shock are available to improve this, but they won't sort the excessive weight problem, rivals are down below 200kg nowadays, even 180kg. Its no cutting edge technology so accept that and you'll be happy.

moved over to the bandit 1200 from a triumph and have never looked back had it for 10 years now and have just got a second one to do up for her indoors to ride would not think of changing it for another bike it has such a following and the owners club is the best around many more years fun to be had on it my advice buy one now

I traded up to my 1200s from a GSX750f (teapot) which was getting a bit long in the tooth at 11 years old. Although the Bandit only has another 7BHP, it's the torque that makes the real difference. If it had enough grip, it could pull tree stumps out, no problem! It's comfortable enough to spend all day riding, and there's no aching wrists or knees to complain about afterwards. My only gripe was that the screen didn't do much, but a £50 touring screen from Banditmania soon sorted that, without affecting the looks of the bike either. If you buy a 1200 Bandit, you won't be disappointed.

i've owned my 1200S for over a year now, bought has a second bike for 2 up touring. second bike must be friendly for home servicing and repairs, be comfy enough for me and her indoors for all day riding and be able to carry gear whether its camping gear or just panniers. the 1200 bandit does all of these jobs and more. i knew the motor form past experience (gsxr1100) and knew it wouldn't disapoint... it didn't. the bike is good to work on and has plenty of power and handling for 2 up work. riding solo is no bad thing neither... its good on the twisties and feels secure (its no race rep though). i had a gsx750f has the 2nd bike before this, good bike but 2 up destroyed the performance. brakes on the 1200 are a masive improvement but keep them in good shape. 6 pot calipers don't have much clearance around the pistons, they can soon fill with crud and start to bind/seize up. overall.. the 1200 bandit is very good bike for very little money with a bulletproof engine, easy to work on, cheap to fix and service and a comfy riding position... it will... do what you want

now had it for another year,thats 4 years near enough,and still nothing has tempted me to part with my cash for a better bike etc.which there are, but at a lot more COST!for little gain.now fitted a hayabusa shock(£50 breakers)plus forks sorted.The difference is just amazing the way it now corners once set up,this + the jet kit and evo can+ignition advancer,more than fast enough thank you .Don,t think i want to spend that extra £3000+ to upgrade.

Does just about everything you need it to. Makes me smile every time I ride it. Have noticed this year I am riding harder than ever, have tried BT020 and currently using D208 (good allround choice I think). Buy one you will not be diapointed, I have a flyscreen on the current one and it allows you to run a good 10mph faster on longer journeys, looks a bit weak but works! Strengths: Makes you smile and works in all places. You can ride it right to its limit if you like that sort of thing. Weaknesses: When youv'e had one a while you may like a little more performace and handling. But we all like a bit of a wobble now and then!

I was looking at a Tuono that was 3 years old and 12k on the clock and had almost bought it - then I thought I would do a last visit to the Suzuki dealership in York (top shop by the way - have bought 2 new bike there) and there was a new (old shape K4) Bandit for sale at £4500!! I had convinced myself for years that I would not like the Bandit but took an old one with 20k out for a blast - and within 5 miles was convinced I had found a gem. Walked straight into the shop and bought the new one on the spot. I am still enjoying it 5 months on - put it this way, except for a service and some polish - I haven't been in a bike shop since - which makes a change from once a week. I have started buying some trick bits for - Renthal Handlebars, HEL Brakelines - but what a bike for the price - Great!!! Strengths: Price Price Price! The torque is good - top end speed great fun - instant wheelies - but only if you want them. Fun and Fun! Weaknesses: Always hated the shape of the tank - but is that a weakness or just my personal taste? Some bits do feel cheap (but £4500 new!) - Stainless Steel brakelines are a must.

Just upgraded to the 1200S from a naked Bandit 600. The bike is fantastic!!! It just pulls in all gears and handles like stink. When I picked it up it was fitted with fairing lowers giving it the look of a sports tourer and with only 11,000 on the clock it's got lots of life left. I was cruising along enjoying the ride before I realised I was doing 100MPH and when I ducked down under the fairin gI ot 145MPH before I decided enough was enough (On private land of course). I think the only thing I don't like about the bike is the way I keep burning my boots on the exhaust (maybe my feet are just too big). I plan on keeping this bike for a lot of years and will likely enjoy every mile. Strengths: Pulling power, handling, looks, bulletproof engine, comfort, economy (I used to commute Newcastle to Edinburgh on my 600 and it would cost me £11-12 each way, it cost a little over £10 on the 1200). Weaknesses: I can't really find any that aren't just being too picky.

Its a year since I last reviewed the bike. I was tempted to px for a sports bike & I tested a R1 & it cooled me down. This was an amazingly fast bike but it just felt clinical & the position killed me. Getting back on the bandit & it just felt it had more character - its that wallop load of torque @ 4k revs. So I've decided to keep it - @ the end of the day the riding position makes it great around town & it pulls fine on the open road - just wish it had the extra gear. The engine is strong & so far after 15 mths its been completely reliable - I use it everyday through the winter. Mods - fitted a blueflame pipe, fendaextenda & screen - not sure about the screen - The next is to get a decent seat as the stock it like stone after 100 miles. Aparently fitting a 14 teeth front sprocket releases 7% more torque with a slight loss @ the top end BUT post 2001 the speed is recorded from the front sprocket & so the electronic speedo will record extra miles than have actually been done. Strengths: Great bike - good around town & great on the open road - the torque is alot of fun. Weaknesses:
Wsh it had an extra gear.

Bought my 2003 1200s a year and a half ago, it had 1100 miles on the clock with over £1500 worth of accessories, scottoilier, absoloute protec alarm, corbin seat, panniers, etc etc, been ridden two since I had it, pulls great, breaks great, and the screen is good, especially when you get over 90mph as you enter a 'pocket of air flow'. can be a little to heavy with luggage, other half and me. have addes loads of 'nice' mods, belly pan from france, stainless bolts, wavey black front discs, goodridge hoses, k+n filter, Yoshi can and stage 3 kit, ignition advancer, deristrictor kit for the ignition, as there restricted for the eu market, 14 tooth front sprocket adding 7% more tourque, nearly there now!!! Strengths: Engine, ride position, breaks, loads of accessories, grunt!! Weaknesses: Bolts, weight, lean angle (grounds out to easily).