SUZUKI GSF1250S BANDIT (2015 - 2016) Review

Suzuki are right to re-release the Suzuki Bandit 1250 S after dropping it from their range in 2012. It’s a good, honest, big-bore, do-anything, go-anywhere and above all, affordable motorcycle. Plus it’s much smoother and gruntier than the modern ride-by-wire bikes. The 1250 S Bandit is reliable, fun, practical and affordable.

Wrapping around the radiator sides and vented just below the headlight, the sculpted half-fairing design is the result of repeated windtunnel testing. The design achieves better aerodynamics improving wind protection for both the rider and passenger. 

Once you've read this review and our owners' reviews, you may want to join an online community to meet likeminded owners. We'd recommend the Bandit Owners' Club

There’s decent wind and rain protection around the knees and upper body, and although the mid-height screen isn’t adjustable, buffeting is kept to a minimum at motorway speeds. The seat is comfy on long stints and the neutral riding position is friendly for tall and short riders alike.

Despite not having fully adjustable suspension and weighing as much as the moon (254kg), the Bandit 1250 S boasts decent handling and is surprisingly agile on the move. The steering is light, there’s ample ground clearance for fast road riding and it feels unflappable at speed.

One concession to the 21st century is the addition of ABS. This is a basic system though, not the advanced cornering ABS seen on many new bikes.

Standard Dunlop D218 tyres work perfectly well, but fit a set of the latestgeneration sport-touring tyres and you’ll get an even plusher ride, more confidence in the bends and superior wet and dry grip.

The height of the seat can be adjusted up or down 20mm by removing, flipping over and reinstalling clever mounting spacers between the seat and the frame rails. The ample grab bar incorporates hooks on either side to make it easy to strap luggage across the seat for weekends away.

Propelling the Bandit’s mass is a 1255cc liquid-cooled fuel-injected DOHC engine knocking out 97bhp and 80ftlb. Inside there’s chrome-nitride coated piston rings, and Suzuki’s Composite Electrochemical Material-coated cylinder bores. A secondary balancer shaft keeps things smooth.

The previous Bandit 1250 had a solid reputation for reliability and considering this model is based around the same engine mostly with just a few cosmetic changes, as a whole there should be no reason to believe that this one should be any different.

Our Suzuki Bandit 1250 owners' reviews show very positive results, the only negative being a lack of centre stand, which seems a little mean to us. 

The ethos of Suzuki with the Bandit has always been to provide a great value, straightforward bike. This model is no different, undercutting its big-bore touring rivals by a considerable margin; it’s a lot of bike for the money.

Rivals at launch included the Kawasaki ZRX1100 and 1200, Yamaha's XJR1300 as well as the Honda CB1300S.

Compared to the latest, greatest, sports touring rivals, the Bandit now seems decidedly low-tech. You won’t find electronic riding modes, traction control, quickshifters or wheelie control here – just two wheels, an engine and somewhere to sit. It does however feature ABS as standard.

The analogue tachometer on the left incorporates FI and ABS indicators, while the LCD panel on the right displays a digital speedometer and odometer, dual trip meters, clock, and a fuel gauge. Simple – but what more do you need?