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2009 Suzuki Bandit 650SA
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Suzuki GSF650 Bandit (2007-current)

View all Suzuki GSF650 BANDITs for sale (10)

Detail Value
New price £4,999
Engine size 656cc
Power 84bhp
Top speed 130mph
Insurance group 11
  MCN ratings Owners' ratings
Overall rating is 4 rating is 4.5
Engine rating is 4 rating is 4.5
Ride & Handling rating is 4 rating is 4
Equipment rating is 4 rating is 4
Quality & Reliability rating is 4 rating is 4.5
Value rating is 5 rating is 4.5

MCN overall verdict rating is 4

Take a look again. Yes, that first picture really is the new Suzuki Bandit 650, but only a trained Bandit anorak would be able to spot the differences between it and the previous incarnation. The Bandit has come under a bit of fire in recent years as it's not quite as polished or accomplished as rivals like the Fazer, or Honda's Hornet. But on its own at the bike's launch in the Isle of Wight you could be convinced it's all the bike you'll ever need, especially in half-faired S specification with optional ABS. The Bandit is the Ford Focus of the bike world and a true all rounder in every sense of the word.

Engine

MCN rating rating is 4
Owners' rating rating is 4.5

The Suzuki GSF650 Bandit's engine evolved in 2007 into a 650 with ever stricter emissions laws putting pay to the old GSX-R600-derived air/oil-cooled motor and gaining more torque and a touch more power at 84bhp. It was out with the carbs and in with the all-new fuel injection, it’s also now water-cooled. Peak power is up and there is great amount of torque. The motor is creamy smooth from idle and revs quickly and cleanly letting you tear up to 12,000rpm if you feel that way inclined, though many owners never will. And in fact it's much better to sit back and shift about 11,000rpm when it feels like the power has dropped off.

Ride and Handling

MCN rating rating is 4
Owners' rating rating is 4

The Bandit got it's last major frame and suspension update in 2007. According to Suzuki it is 10% stiffer than previously with larger diameter frame tubes. Suspension has been played around with on the Suzuki GSF650 Bandit, giving stiffer rear shock but slightly softer front end. The swingarm also increased in length. OK, it’s not on par with a sports bike but the Suzuki GSF650 Bandit is more than enough for 99% of riders - very forgiving. The riding position is every bit junior tourer, it's undoubtedly good at doing distance and the screen does a good job of taking the windblast off your shoulders.

Equipment

MCN rating rating is 4
Owners' rating rating is 4

For the bargain price you’re pretty much going to get what it says on the tin with the Suzuki GSF650 Bandit.  For 2009 the S gets a new nose fairing making it look much sleeker and grown-up and complete with two useful storage pockets in the fairing. The naked version gets a more modern looking front light, and then both bikes get black engines, new silencers, a new set of clocks, a new tail light and new indicators. Optional ABS is not as modern as the competition but it's more than adequate.

Quality and Reliability

MCN rating rating is 4
Owners' rating rating is 4.5

The old 600 Bandit was near indstructable, used by learner schools up and down the country. The old Bandits could take a real canning engine wise and as London couriers proved they stand up to a hard life. There’s no reason why the new Suzuki GSF650 Bandit won’t be the same. However, you need to look after you bike, especially in winter. A few neglected winters and your new Suzuki GSF650 Bandit will start to age.

Value

MCN rating rating is 5
Owners' rating rating is 4.5

For sheer value for money you aren’t going to go wrong with the Suzuki GSF650 Bandit - in fact for £4999 unfaired and £5500 for the S model it’s a bargain. There is a hell of a lot of motorcycle for the money. The Suzuki GSF650 Bandit is incredibly versatile at touring, learning, back lane scratching and even pulling a few tricks for amazed on-lookers, all for a very reasonable price. Find Suzuki GSF650 Bandit motorcycles for sale.

Insurance

Insurance group: 11

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Model History

2007: All-new Suzuki GSF650 Bandit launched.
2009: Updated model released with styling changes. Mechanically the same.

Other Versions

Suzuki GSF650: Naked version
Suzuki GSF650SA: half-faired version with two handy cubby-holes in the fairing.

Specifications

Top speed 130mph
1/4-mile acceleration 12.2 secs
Power 84bhp
Torque 45ftlb
Weight 215kg
Seat height 770mm
Fuel capacity 19 litres
Average fuel consumption 46mpg
Tank range 145 miles
Insurance group 11
Engine size 656cc
Engine specification 16v four cylinder four stroke, 6 gears
Frame Steel double cradle
Front suspension adjustment Preload
Rear suspension adjustment Preload and rebound
Front brakes 2 x 310mm disc (ABS optional)
Rear brake 240mm disc, single piston caliper
Front tyre size 120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size 160/60 x 17

Examples for sale nowSee all current ads for this bike

classified image

Suzuki
GSF650 BANDIT

4744 miles

£2,999

classified image

Suzuki
GSF650 BANDIT

10500 miles

£3,799

classified image

Suzuki
GSF650 BANDIT

293 miles

£3,795

classified image

Suzuki
GSF650 BANDIT

7771 miles

£3,499

classified image

Suzuki
GSF650 BANDIT

17221 miles

£2,899

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Owners' Overall Rating rating is 4(12 reviews)

  • Best In It's Class

    joeguvnor

    Average rating rating is 4.5

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    Ride and Handling
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    Quality and Reliabilty
    Value
    Engine

    Bought my second one in Nov.06 new, done 85000 miles so far, riding everyday(Despatch) apart from Tyres I do all servicing myself, never had a problem with the bike now on my second Chain and Sprocket set thanks to Scottoiler, changed the rear sprocket to 47 teeth and the front to 14, get 255 miles from a full tank and when I fill-up I still have just over 1 Lit left.I go on biking holidays once year and use it for my work the rest of the time, there are better bikes in the market but not in it's class(600/650).

    30 May 2009

  • 650sa

    3lvis56

    Average rating rating is 4

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    Engine

    Had mine new since June 2007 done 16500 used daily never let me down no rust on my third set of tyres 021 I looked at all sorts of bikes still think I made the right choice I would recomend to anyone

    28 May 2009

  • Great bike for the money

    petervoros

    Average rating rating is 4

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    Engine

    I've had my GSF650SA from new in December 2007. I've added a double bubble screen to try to reduce windblast as I'm 6'3" it hasn't reduced it but it is more stable with less buffeting at speed. I've done about 5500 miles so far, changed tyres at 4000 for BT 021's which are excellent in all conditions. I find the engine and gearbox absolutely superb, it can hussle when required and is easy to just potter around on when in the mood to take it easy. It's not that terrific on fuel 45-50 but I suppose you can't have everything on what is basically a budget allrounder. It will certainly do me for a while yet as the trade in value is not great but the bike still is and it does everything I expect from this class of bike and more. Highly recommended.

    22 May 2009

  • Good bike, shocking build quality!

    brucieg

    Average rating rating is 2.5

    Show Details

    Overall
    Ride and Handling
    Equipment
    Quality and Reliabilty
    Value
    Engine

    Bought mine new august 07, 14000 miles on it now, used daily on a 33 mile round commute. Rust appearing in most places, centre stand has to be pushed back up manually as no longer springs back up, I only have to look at the paintwork for another scratch to appear, neutral light doesn't always come on, the rear brake pedal jammed up 3 times last winter each time had to be freed with wd40 ( this is to be expected according to a Suzuki mechanic! ) , and today while washing the bike the paint on the rear wheel literally peeled off in front of my eyes! The gearbox is rubbish as well. Also be aware if you plan on doing high mileage, the servicing costs are astronomical and need doing every 4000 miles. It is cheaper to service my car (Citroen C4) at a main dealer than it is to service the Bandit at a Suzuki dealer! Tyres last around 5-6000 miles, and the original chain lasted just under 12000 miles by the skin of it's teeth! I was advised at the 8000 mile service it was on it's way out. On the plus side, reliability has been faultless, the engine will probably still be running when everything else has fallen apart! To sum up, the Bandit is a fine bike for warm weather riders, but if you are looking for an all year round commuter, stay well clear!

    25 April 2009

  • GSF650s Bandit

    Ash Sage

    Average rating rating is 4

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    Engine

    Absolutley brilliant bike, passed my DAS and suzuki sponsored my school and so i was entitled to £99 insurance on 600cc bikes. Choose the bandit mainly on looks and the ABS as i knew nought about bikes when i first passed, and have never regreted it. The original tyres where excellent no matter the road condition but squared off quite quick so i now have 021 rear and 014 front. The only thing i'm not very keen on is the bazooka sized standard exhaust. But she has never missed a beat and always starts on the button every time. Obviously its not as nimble as the sports 600s but still gives them a run for their money.

    18 March 2009

  • GSF650s Bandit K8

    GlanBandit

    Average rating rating is 4

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    Engine

    For the money I paid, I love the bike. Its getting me settled right into the biking scene and is the ideal first bike. Everything about it is great and I would recommend to anyone. GlanBandit

    06 August 2008

  • 650SA

    oldkent11

    Average rating rating is 4.5

    Show Details

    Overall
    Ride and Handling
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    Quality and Reliabilty
    Value
    Engine

    After an enforced break due to children, it's great to be back on two wheels again. I wanted something to commute on and be able to play at the weekends. The half faired Bandit fills the bill perfectly as far as I am concerned. I am quickly heading for 10k miles but with a 160 mile round commute no wonder! The Bandit takes towns, dual carriageways and motorways in it's stride and the half fairing makes quick cruising really comfortable, The midrange power comes into play in town, overtaking and exiting corners. I don't ride really hard and consequently the original Bridgestones are just getting to the end of their life. So far no problems at all, but as the miles mount up we'll see. I thought I'd need a bigger machine but this is ticking all the boxes for me for now.

    19 June 2008

  • honest bike

    lefk

    Average rating rating is 4

    Show Details

    Overall
    Ride and Handling
    Equipment
    Quality and Reliabilty
    Value
    Engine

    I'ne been riding one since last year.After 8500km, no problems so far.Engine power enough for every day tour but also for travelling,smooth ride feeling,brakes capable but lacking a bit of sense,well equiped, adequate comfort. I've been riding every day to work, doing lot of city ride and i've found this moto to be absolutely great.Water-cooled engine provides extra summer protection,bikini-fairing gives amazing air protection until 140km/h,hydraulic clutch is very useful. All that for 6000 euros...top value/money score. Over all a very good 'all round' bike.

    12 June 2008

  • bandit650sa

    oldbiker57

    Liverpool

    Average rating rating is 4.5

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    Engine

    Riding too many years, had about 5 years doing classics, now had to go for longer comuting, decided on the suzuki sa, it gave me some wind protection, and being short in the leg seat height was good for me, i think its a great bike done 700 miles in 3 weeks.

    14 November 2007

  • 650 bandit 2007

    iannbartlett

    Average rating rating is 4.5

    Show Details

    Overall
    Ride and Handling
    Equipment
    Quality and Reliabilty
    Value
    Engine

    I have been riding bikes for 35 years and the last 2 bikes I owned were a 2004 600 bandit, which was an excellent bike, and a 2006 GSR600 which I loved but it got written off in August by a moron in a vw golf, so got the new 650 bandit as soon as the cast was off my left wrist. It's smoother than either of the previous bikes, almost as quick as the GSR and more comfortable too, especially two up. I find the handling to be fairly neutral. I'd advise the fitting of a scottoiler and a double-bubble screen, but apart from that there's not a lot wrong with it. Happily, I haven't noticed the ABS kicking in yet! For the money I don't think you could do better.

    05 November 2007

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brucieg

User's Badge

brucieg says

Good bike, shocking build quality!

Bought mine new august 07, 14000 miles on it now, used daily on a 33 mile round commute.

Rust appearing in most places, centre stand has to be pushed back up manually as no longer springs back up, I only have to look at the paintwork for another scratch to appear, neutral light doesn't always come on, the rear brake pedal jammed up 3 times last winter each time had to be freed with wd40  ( this is to be expected according to a Suzuki mechanic! ) , and today while washing the bike the paint on the rear wheel literally peeled off in front of my eyes!

Also be aware if you plan on doing high mileage, the servicing costs are astronomical and need doing every 4000 miles. It is cheaper to service my car (Citroen C4) at a main dealer than it is to service the Bandit at a Suzuki dealer!

Tyres last around 5-6000 miles, and the original chain lasted just under 12000 miles by the skin of it's teeth! I was advised at the 8000 mile service it was on it's way out.

On the plus side, reliability has been faultless, the engine will probably still be running when everything else has fallen apart!

To sum up, the Bandit is a fine bike for warm weather riders, but if you are looking for an all year round commuter, stay well clear!

 

05 April 2009 22:16

darkeneddream

darkeneddreamsays

Range

The GSF650 above is 46mpg and does 145miles on the tank but the GSF1250 manages only 42mpg but 150 miles on a tank?????? Since they both accommodate the same tank size, I'm baffled.  Please can anyone explain???

15 November 2008 17:51

GlanBandit

User's Badge

GlanBandit says

GSF650s Bandit K8

For the money I paid, I love the bike. Its getting me settled right into the biking scene and is the ideal first bike. Everything about it is great and I would recommend to anyone. GlanBandit

06 August 2008 18:16

007tdk

User's Badge

007tdksays

1st big bike

Due to laws in Northern Ireland my bandit has to be resticted to 33bhp sicne passing my test on a Cbr 125. The K5 bandit is more than enough for any novice rider.Seating postition is excellent and practical for commuting and pleasure.Smooth acceleration and gearbox, so easy to ride for a bigger bike.

19 September 2007 00:12

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