SUZUKI GSF1200 BANDIT (1996-2006) Review

After having various 'superbikes' over the years, I purchased this bike for a one-off trip and intended to sell it on immediately after. Seven years later I can't bear to let it go. It handles well, it gets to 100mph quick enough to satisfy all but the idiots, fuel consumption is adequate, it is easy to maintain and finally has given me more smiles than any other bike I have owned. Brilliant.

Tremendous value, tough as nails.

Cheap as chips but durable and competes easily with far more expensive bikes.

This bike does everything from a long day of touring to commuting to work to horsing around on a Sunday afternoon

Upgrade suspension,brakes are early GSXR items and work really well, they do on my bike anyway!

Fantastic machine for the money. Mechanically simple and more than ample for what most people would ever need.

The 1200 Bandit is nothing special stock, but modified correctly it's the best value out there. The engine is easy - jet kit, exh can, big hole in the airbox, then one has to know how to tune carbs. Suspension - revalve forks, custom shock highly recommended, raise the rear 1-1/2" for quicker handling. With these changes it will handle as well as anything out there, and the engine will make 120 hp 80 #-ft torque from 4400to7500 rpm. Nothing else out there with that king of torque in that rev range - perfect for the street. All that at a very affordable price! I've had my '97 for 15 yrs and 55k of the 60k miles on the clock. I did have to replace 3rd gear (broken tooth) so it gets knocked down some for that.

after riding and owning a large number of bikes for over 40 years i wanted a more upright riding position but still a bike with a fair amount of power and i must say the bandit lived up to both. I bought a 2004 1200S with 8000 miles on the clock in very good condition one owner and good history for just over £2000 and in the last year have done over 4000 miles on weekends and days off from work and must say i have loved every mile.It pulls like a train,is more than fast enough for todays camera infested roads and is comfortable one or two up my wife reckons it is more comfortable on the back than my previous bike which was a vfr800 and i must say i prefer it myself. Overall a very easy bike to ride and to work on with good build quality and looks like a bike should

I bought my bike with 7488 miles on the odometer and paid $2500 in May 2013. I mainly use it for commuting 140 miles round trip in Northern Virginia stop & go traffic, and now have right at 12,000 on her. The summer heat took a toll on me but this bikes engine is bullet-proof and withstood the heat and traffic. I run full synthetic oil to lube the engine and clutch(wet-sump). This bike has sleeper like power. It will lift the tire off at a slight twist of the throttle in 1st gear and won't set it down until 3rd gear. This is my Diamond in the Rough!! Could not be more pleased in a bike. Suzuki hit a home run with this bike

I bought my bike with 7488 miles on the odometer and paid $2500 in May 2013. I mainly use it for commuting 140 miles round trip in Northern Virginia stop & go traffic, and now have right at 12,000 on her. The summer heat took a toll on me but this bikes engine is bullet-proof and withstood the heat and traffic. I run full synthetic oil to lube the engine and clutch(wet-sump). This bike has sleeper like power. It will lift the tire off at a slight twist of the throttle in 1st gear and won't set it down until 3rd gear. This is my Diamond in the Rough!! Could not be more pleased in a bike. Suzuki hit a home run with this bike

I bought my bike with 7488 miles on the odometer and paid $2500 in May 2013. I mainly use it for commuting 140 miles round trip in Northern Virginia stop & go traffic, and now have right at 12,000 on her. The summer heat took a toll on me but this bikes engine is bullet-proof and withstood the heat and traffic. I run full synthetic oil to lube the engine and clutch(wet-sump). This bike has sleeper like power. It will lift the tire off at a slight twist of the throttle in 1st gear and won't set it down until 3rd gear. This is my Diamond in the Rough!! Could not be more pleased in a bike. Suzuki hit a home run with this bike

I bought my bike with 7488 miles on the odometer and paid $2500 in May 2013. I mainly use it for commuting 140 miles round trip in Northern Virginia stop & go traffic, and now have right at 12,000 on her. The summer heat took a toll on me but this bikes engine is bullet-proof and withstood the heat and traffic. I run full synthetic oil to lube the engine and clutch(wet-sump). This bike has sleeper like power. It will lift the tire off at a slight twist of the throttle in 1st gear and won't set it down until 3rd gear. This is my Diamond in the Rough!! Could not be more pleased in a bike. Suzuki hit a home run with this bike

Recently picked up my K1 bandit 1200s after owning several 600s (incl gsf) and a long spell away from bikes before that. Was between the bandit 1200s mk2 and a fazer 1000. Have always had a secret passion for Suzuki and especially the oil cooled variety. I found my 12 in a dealer and it ticked all the boxes.. Lowish mileage, 1 owner and no tacky add ons which seems to be rife on these bikes.. After the first 150 mile ride out I havnt been disappointed and the silky smooth black lump jus surges forward with no fuss. I had reservations after reading scary stories of this bikes tendency to drink fuel, but no need to worry as fuel consumption was reasonable. Still 2 bars on the fuel guage after the trip and we werent exactly hanging about. Complaints of uncomfortable standard seat I didnt experience.. Handles well, stops well and pulls like a train.. If there are any gripes then that would have to be the nigh on useless fairing screen at any decent speed and annoying engine vibes around the motorway legal limit, of course a 6th gear would be bonus too. The standard can is staying as lost count of the amount I have bought for previous bikes and to be honest the novelty has worn thin.. If you are looking to buy one these then I wont hesitate to recommend.. Go do it.. You wont regret it..

I bought my 1997 1200s bandit 8 years ago with 15,000m on the clock the bike has been dynajetted with a race exhaust and k&n air filter it makes 130bhp on the down side i only get 30mpg But its a bit of a wolf in sheeps clothing. Definatly the most fun bike i have owned full of charactor,relable,quick,comfortable and handles reasonably well on a smooth surface. best feature is the grunty engine and riding it always puts a smile on my face.worst feature doesnt like braking going into corners (But if you enter a bend a bit hot dont touch the brakes and the bike will get you round). I have bought 2 other bikes since owning the bandit but i wouldnt ever sell it because i love it to bits. its that good

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).

What a bike ! At this price , including 2 years free servicing !! There is no other choice. I was contemplating a vfr , but once I had a ride, I was convinced. all the write ups about monster wheelies filled me with trepidation , but there is no need to worry you can ride this bike and still enjoy oodles of performance without gunning it. the other good thing about this bike is that it looks like a real old fashioned proper bike. Strengths: Engine, torque, looks. Weaknesses: Haven´t found any.

As an older rider I find the bike comfortable to travel 100 miles + in one go, very impressed with the engine no matter what you do with it it wants more, the screen needs to be a little higher for my style of riding, but thats just my own opinion, on good advice I have fitted chrome engine protectors which fully protect the lower casing , this I think is a must. Strengths: Good riding position, mpg good if rode sensibly, good gear box nice and smooth. Weaknesses: Screen a bit low, foot pegs mounted on rubbers move a bit.

Ive had my bandit for over 3 years now, and I must say it is the best bike I have ever owned, and Ive had a few, I have never had a problem with it, it is very easy to maintain and is cheap to run I get 5500 miles out of the tyres no problem, it must be good if Ive kept it for over 3 years, I normally get bored after 12 months. Strengths: Very easy to ride, powerfull, reliable. Weaknesses: The finish is not as good as it should be, nuts and bolts and exhausts the main worry, but can be replaced quite cheaply.

I returned to bikes 3yrs ago with the 600 version and soon wanted the bigger brother. Have owned my Bandit now for 12mths, have used it for day trips and for touring in Europe to watch MotoGP. It passes each test admirably whether as a solo or with pillion and full luggage. Can be a bit lairy on the front end if abused equally is a pussycat around town. Ideal as an entry into large muscle biking. Strengths:
The engine is bomb proof, found it to be very torquey, just open the throttle and hang on. MPG not too bad at 40mpg whilst travelling to Assen fully loaded. Parts are easy to come by and custom parts make it an ideal bike to make to individual tastes. Weaknesses: Looking a bit dated now in relation to colour scheme. Can rip out rear tyre if not treated with respect.

Had it for a year now, as an old git it suits me. Power/torque all there, comfort up to about 100 miles. Screen to much wind blast at 80+fuel a lot better than you could wish for from a bike like this 45mpg+easy. Finish for winter is poor. BT 020's made a very big change to the way it handles. Strengths: A good alround bike for the real would. Weaknesses: Don,t try to ride it in winter!

Tank range 100 miles (35mpg). Handling reasonable, Tyre life good F8000 R6000 (macadams). Service every 4000 (doddle). Comfortable. Excellent gearbox. Far better looking than the latest bikes. Cheap insurance for old farts, £150 comp. Engine is unburstable with regular servicing. A difficult package to beat. This is the preffered tool of loony's and stunt riders the world over. To you and me that means in our hands its going to last a very very long time. Strengths: Strong, powerful, flexible(Torquey) engine. Simple cheap maintenance. long component life. Weaknesses:  Quality of finish, will deteriorate quickly if not looked after. Zillions of them so trade in prices ridiculous. (run it into the ground, should take about 20 years :-)

From the engine to the suspension this is a bitsa bike and this makes it really easy to source parts and improve on the basic concept where it is found lacking. Mine has the compulsory race can, extra 5bhp, white power rear shock, progressive wp front shocks and a dyno jet free flow filter and jet kit. I have owned the bike for 4 years and put 12000 miles on it, best mpg has been 86 at the mag economy run and worst is usually around 25. Its a good all rounder and can tour and scratch with the rest but it is limited by the size of its tank and by its lack of protection for the rider. Clutches are a major glitch on an otherwise clear horizon and replacement is getting to be a chore, I am on my third and that has started to slip again. I have had 6 rear tyres on this bike so this is one of the penalties of a heavy right hand. I am currently on my second front but this will need changing soon as it has become pointed, too many roundabouts? No major rust but lots of minor chips where the.. Strengths: Bandits are easy to work on there is nothing that you cant do yourself with a normal range of tools. Performance and usability are good. Weaknesses:
From my own experience the clutch has failed twice and rear tyres are a major ongoing expense. Finish is thin but ok if you use a winter bike to prevent the worst of the weather from attacking it.

This bike will do anything you ask of it. Spend a few quid on some stainless bolts and away you go. Potter around all day or scare your pants off, it'll do it all. Only 2 gripes are diving front end under braking (progressive springs imminent) and blurred mirrors (cured above 110 which it'll do all day at unbelievably low revs). And there's a zillion aftermarket bits to personalise it too. If it's economy you're after the Bandit will do over 200 miles to a tankful. Do you think I'm pleased with it? You bet I am. You just can't get this much fun anywhere else for under 5 grand :-) Strengths: Proven, simple torquey engine. Weaknesses: Front suspension, cheap nuts n bolts.

I have just entered the bigger bore bike game by buying a used Bandit form a dealer in my area, it was advertised at £2500, but after some haggling I got the deal for £2200!!, when I first opened it up it took me by shock not suprise, what an engine!. It does not seem to shake it one or two up it just pulls and pulls, not in the uk officer (honest) I was doing 120mph two up and when I opened the throttle it just surged forwards, (big grin). I have now added the aftermarket can and it sounds awsome and it really does unleash the extra horses you hear about. The seat is uncomfy after about 80 miles but I am awaiting a custom seat that should cure this, a great deal form the guys at justbandits. I can only say that if you are thinking about a bandit 12 stop thinking and do it!!.....Strengths: The engine, and riding position. Weaknesses: Brakes but still ok, wind blast but good with an aftermarket flipup fitted.

Bought this 2003 model in April 05. First big bike after a Fazer 600, but the weight is carried low. Do alot of town riding (there's no way I 'need' this bike 'cause I live 3 miles from work!!) & it's very nimble @ getting through the traffic. Just came back from an afternoon in the Welsh valleys & boy is this bike gorgeous. There's loads of torque & the acceleration is oh so silky smooth through all the gears. BUT the bike pulls hard & its easy to get 100+. Overtaking is no problem & the corners are great. I can highly recommend thi bike - amazing value for money. Strengths: Strong acceleration, loads of torque, grin factor, value for money. Weaknesses: Poor suspension, tank range (150m), finish not brilliant.

This bike is ideal for people who want a fun bike but dont want a race rep,plenty of torque, half sensible handling, 40 to the gallon if you take it easy, (I dont), had the bike 9 years and the finish is still pretty good, just keep it clean, I coat all the ally bits with vasaline in the winter, you must have a race can to get the best from the engine, believe me it makes a real difference, the bike revs out properly with the art can i have, feels strangled with one can. Strengths: Price, you wont get more fun for your money, you can do all the servicing yourself. Weaknesses: Wind blast over 90, but its the same for all naked bikes, vibration! replaced about 15 bulbs in the clocks, they buzz like mad.

I bought my Bandit two years ago after three years on a Kawasaki W650 [that was a great bike in its own right] from day one I was in love with this big, red basterd of a bike. It just blew me away with it instant stomp and it can still take me by surprise if I wap the throttle open without thinking. One hell of a bike and I'm damn glad I went into the bike shop that day 2 years ago to buy a can of chain oil. Strengths:
Big engine that looks the biz, goes like hell from tickover to the red line.
Weaknesses: It just lacks the horse power to really tear your arms off and with the standard can on sounds like a Honda.

What a beast lives up to it`s reputation oh and it had to be a black one love it.
Strengths: The engine its just got so much power all you need for the road ride sensible or like a lunatic it makes no difference. Weaknesses: Suspension when you start to push it.

Love it! Forget your race reps, look after your back and get a Bandit!

Equating price, power and insurance group it's very hard to beat, must be best all rounder under £5000. Very comfy riding position, just as happy in town as it is ripping up the open road. 70ft/lbs of torque, pulls from 1500rpm in fifth, 40 to 150mph without changing gear! Racing can essential to liberate all those extra ponies, saves 2-3kg also. GSX-R engine indestructable, runs forever. Only problems are underdamped front forks and softish rear shock, but then again it is a musclebike.

Carb icing problems on damp chilly morning @ 0-5degrees. Cutting out after 2-5 miles on tickover. Once properly warmed up, problem vanishes. Dealer assures me it's a petrol issue and as it only happens in these condition, I'm inclined to believe them. I like the comfort, torque and 140 on the clock with loads of revs to go, is plenty fast enough for me. It's an easy, efforyless bike to ride with some serious credibility.

A riot for little money. We all want the latest exotica but the bandit is a barrel of laughs in an affordable package. The finish is budget buy but keep on top of the cleaning and it can be ridden in all weather. The tyres are OK when warmed up, quite easy to grind out on sweeping bends, and look like they'll last for ages yet. On the horizon? a race can and dynojet (more is never enough!) an Ohlins for the rear and does anyone know if the front end of a GSXR will go on to sort out the braking and handling?

This is my first bike, having passed my test via Direct Access on a 1996 600 Bandit. The 1200s was in my top 4 of bikes, I bought it as the insurance was by far the cheapest. from Carole Nash. The other bikes were Fazer 1000, X-Raptor, Tiger. The Bandit is cool to look at and is easy to drive and I would recommend it anyone as a first bike. It still needs a little running in, but is already showing characteristics for torque and speed. I'm please with it, and aboveall I got an excellent price for the new bike. ;-)

Probably the best thing I have ever bought and got my money's worth. Its a project bike in waiting. Any extras you buy for it will improve performance and looks. A rear hugger and extended front fender are the best things to do first. Protect that rear shock and downpipes. For more larfs and wider grins try a race can, wow.