SUZUKI GSF1250 BANDIT (2007-2012) Review

5 out of 5 but for the seat

Proof that simple technology done right can still make an amazing bike. Not a track ready sportsbike, but way faster than you'll use on the street and almost touring levels of comfort.

Comfortable and effortless to ride seat is a bit hard apart from that perfect

Best feature is it's torque, and the worst is the seat. I'd highly recommend one to anyone big enough to put it on the main stand, it's a heavy bike.

I have had this bike from new and am just about to sell it after 7 years and 35000 miles so now feel like I can give an accurate review. The mechanical components on the bike are bomb proof but i you want to ride throughout the year you had better like cleaning and de-rusting

Absolutely perfect except the stainless exhaust rotted and broke in 2 which seams to be a manufacturing fault and the brakes and abs need upgrading

Seat uncomfortable, windscreen small

nice motor- comfy-heavy when pushing about and the worst fuel gauge in motorcycling history

best all rounder out there. have owned vfr 750 valadero 1000 kawa z1000 yam divi 900 to name a few over the past 30 years of biking. this 1250 bandit was cheaper than the others mentioned. Also more economical and more enjoyable to ride. dead cheap to service, and will get you to work on time. 0 to 100mph will put a smile on you face all day. also great two up. well recommended

plenty of power.good fuel range.not much for the money can touch it.

Comfort and ease of handling, reliable and has started 1st time every time for the last seven years.

Have owned giant trailee's for the past 12 years, Tigers, varadero, GS. You name it, I've had it. Tended to change Bike every few years. My other half retired from riding pillion and being a tad older wanted something a bit smaller, with some 'stonk' and also a capable long distance summer tourer for my yearly trips to the Alps and later Spain. The 1250Sa was at silly money, pre reg price. Had to be done. Pleased, to right. What have I been missing. For a solo long distance machine, and general 'fun' bike, this cannot be beaten at the money. Why pay £10K when this ticks all the boxes for half that amount, with ABS, 3 box panniers etc. Roll on spring/ summer 2013 Barnd 'new' pre reg 1250 Just done forst 1000 miles My only gripe is the seat will need surgery this winter ! Plenty of people out there for little money. Also addedd a wonderful 'Fuel' can to replace the cannon that was at the side !

After riding for 35 years I have a pretty good idea what bike I want, and after narrowing it down to 2 bikes, this one ticked all the boxes. My previous bike was a Kawasaki ZRX 1200S and the 1250 Bandit is a better bike in every way. Is is smoother, has more low down power,handles better and has clocks you can read and a centre stand. The real surprise was how well it handles, you can really throw it around, it changes direction quickly for a big bike and is as much fun on twisty back roads as fast A roads and motorways. You never really need more than 6000 rpm to make rapid progress and is so easy and ralaxing to ride fast. Comfort is fine but needs a higher screen if you are tall. The only niggles are the small storage area under the seat and lack of bungee hooks. Fuel consumption is about average for a big bike at 43 mpg with mixed fast riding and touring. It's main rival is the CBF 1000, which may arguably be a slightly better bike but just looks so dull.

Fantastic bike!! I have been riding bikes for 35 years and following a back neck and hip injury I traded in my SV1000S (lovely v twin) for a 5000 mile 1250 K7 in mint condition. What a bike, it is quick, comfortable, handles really well, it's fun, great two up, my wife and I are very comfortable on it. I used to own a 97 600s, the 1250 is light years away. It is a real world bike. I think the finish is quite good, I keep my bikes in good nick and use them all year round, as with any bike you just need to keep an eye on it over winter. you will NOT regret buying one!

I've owned my GSF1250 GT for 18 months and still can't get over what great value for money this bike was. I agree with most of the comments made in the MCN review, except how do they arrive at these MPG figures? At or slightly above legal limits you'll easily get 50+ MPG and at licence losing velocity it will still return mid 40s. The only complaints I initially had was slight surging on a steady throttle at low speed (cured by disconecting the O2 sensor) and slightly stiff front forks (cured with progressive springs £100). The bikes now brilliant and even the build quality is much better than Suzukis of the past. Highly recommended

After the inital thrill of acquiring such a lot of machine for comparitively little money, I found that I could never quite manage to fall in love with the thing. My 'S' model was such a good and efficient all-rounder that it actually had very little character, the stealth-mode standard exhaust not helping matters. Once you get used to the performance, it becomes almost boringly linear. Arriving at very high speeds often seemed to just happen with disappointingly little drama or sensation. As an inter-city commuter machine it would be hard to top for the money, but as a weekend fun machine I found it disappointingly bland.

what a superb motorcycle this is,super smooth power delivery,very flickable and loads of fun on a road runs,roll on overtakes are just the biz,no need for box prodding just wind n go its fantastic,just needs a proper screen and some sorting of the seat(too hard),shame.but still its a bostin bike,love it.

Just got to 50.000 miles on my 1250 K9 ABS - and everything is just fine!! Apart from normal servicing just 4 disc pads and three sets of Pirelli Angels. What a bike, never broken down and still as powerful as when new. Never going to get rid of this baby!!

Having had a K2 GSF1200S for just over a year, I've just traded up to a K8 1250 Grand Touring and have put a few hundred miles on the clock in just over a week. The new bike has the predictable handling of the old bike, but gives a much better feel for the road, and inspires more confidence. The bike is phsically heavier than the old one, but feels much lighter, better balanced, and is a lot more flickable. The engine is way smoother, thanks to the injection, and pulls like a train from just a couple of thousand RPM. All the GT kit makes the bike great for some mile munching, but there's just one drawback........the seat. My 1200 was like a sofa, I could sit on it all day. This thing is like sitting on a rock, it's so bloody hard! Once I've sorted that issue, I've got a great tourer for a bargain price. Buy one, you won't be dissapointed.

Bought my K7 (on an 08 plate) factory streetfighter model 2 years ago almost to the day for £4k. It had 500 miles on the clock then and now is nearing 25,000 miles. It would be more but I run a few bikes. What can I say. For the money you really cannot buy anything that comes close. It's got one of the nicest road bike engines I have ever come across - smooth and immense torque just where you want it. Bit of a buzz at just under 4000rpm on mine which can be annoying when cruising. 6000rpm seems to be a good spot for spirited riding. Away from the lights it'll stick with anything due to that torque. Ate the first D208 tyre in 1800 miles - BT023s are fairing much better (6k out of a rear now and more from the front). Eats chains and sprockets too (12000 miles out of the OEM set and I do look after then with a scottoiler, etc). It's taken me on the Iron Butt/RBLR 1000 and to Budapest and back for the weekend without a single issue. Decent fuel economy on the longer trips too - 38MPG seems to be my average but I was seeing 50+ MPG on the long hauls where motorway cruising at 80-85 was required. Suspension and brakes are adequate - I can reach the bikes limits before mine which makes for an involving ride. Some bikes can be too good for mere mortals like me - this is just right (for me!) Two winters and the bike has held up well - little bubbling on one section of the engine and the wheels are starting to look tired from road salt. Stainless headers can still be polished up to look new. Equipment is fine - it's got a clock, two trips and a dubious fuel gauge. The reserve starts flashing way to early but you get used to it. I can happily ride another 40 miles+ on reserve before the 1.5 litre warning rapid flash starts. All in all this is one of my favourite all round bikes in 20 years for commuting and fun and ease of use. Hell of a package for reasonable money in an age where bike prices seem to have gone insane! Cheers.

Bought this bike new in July 07 after trading an 05 GSF650SA. I always liked the 650 but do most of my miles 2up so needed the extra power. The difference was amazing in torque, suspension and smoothness. Now done 17000 miles including a couple of week long tours 2up with soft panniers, tank bag and the superb ventura luggage system (Highly recommended) on the back. The seat doesn`t get any softer and I really need to stop after about 150 miles then 75-100mls after that. Some paint is flaking off the rear wheel and I regularly have to tighten one mirror, but I can easily live with these little moans having such a fantastic bike for the cash. Last time I replaced the tyres I put on BT023`s and it handles even better. Fuel consumption is around the 50-55 mpg mark but I am a steady rider. I fitted a double bubble screen which makes high speed a bit more comfy, hugger, radiator cover, a fender extender (front of engine/downpipes used to get pretty mucky, but then all modern bikes are built like this now aren`t they?)and the best aftermarket gadget money can buy,a scottoiler (keep it filled up and forget). Had the bike Three and a half years and still luvin it. PS. My wife says theres nothing uncomfortable about the pillion seat!

what a bargin bike. had a z750 2004. Got this july 2010 brand new now done over 2500 miles mostly 2 up in the uk.only faults i would say is a flat spot at 2500revs in high gears and rear tyre only lasted 1500 miles now changed to michlen road 2, now put a venom gp can on seams to to have cured the 2500revs mile flat spot and revs better

Wonderful bike, fast, quiet (yes some of us do prefer a quiet bike), vibration free but stability on side stand is not what it should be. After one incident I now ALWAYS use the centre stand.

Bought the 1250GT as a company bike in November 2009 to replace an unreliable BMW R1150RT. Overall its a great bike, egnine is strong, gearbox is good. Only thing that lets it down is the brakes (lack bite and feel) and how easy it corrodes.

Just traded in my 03 1200 bandit for a 09 1250. Just 50 miles on the clock so not allowed over 4.5k rpm (sulk). Biggest impression is the engine; huge improvement. Very smooth fueling; no jerkiness anywhere. Even though it's being broken in the engine pulls hard - the increase in torque is seriously noticable & it seems happier to rev so I can't wait till the bike gets to a 1000 miles so I can start really playing. Even though the bike is heavier it does seem to handle better than the old 1200, but early days yet. Certainly the suspension & brakes have improved. The ABS is not intrusive. The only areas that are negative are the mirrors (rubbish) & fuel consumption (not good) - I did think about being sensible & getting a more fuel efficient bike, but heck biking about having fun. Seriously recommended bike

it has one of the Best ride and handling. it rides like dream. Very Smooth,Comfortable and When you need the Power! Bandit has got plenty of it.

Well, I do have one of this kind. 15 months and 14.000Km rolled, in Portugal and Spain (I'm Portuguese), and so far I believe that when someone talk about all rounders - well, this is the all rounder. The 1250 S is an astonishing bike, that you can trust in every occasions. Suggestion: mount de bigger screen, much better protection in high speed!!

I've had my Bandit since the day they were released in the good ol' U.S.A. I have over 25,000 miles on it and have had no problems at all. I wish they had more accessories available thru suzuki, but as far as the bike goes? WOW!!! YOU CAN"T GET BETTER!!! Granted it don't run with the Busa, but it is far more comfortable. Can out-run everthing thats not a dedicated pure sports bike. Plenty of passing power, smooth, and have had mine at 167mph plenty fast enough. Good luck on your next bike puchase, this ones hard to beat! Oh, did I say HARD? Yeah I agree the seat is the only thing on ths bike you could complain about, after about 50mi. you start to realize that the seat is toooo "HARD". Other than that seat, this bike is very HARD to beat!

I had my GSF1250SA GT now for just over a year and did just over 4500 miles. The torque is awesome and handling is great even on twisty roads. Once on the way you don't feel the weight. The only things I have to complain about is the fairing which is a bit flimsy and too noisy. The mirrors show the ellbows quite nicely, but you can't see what's behind you. Would be better to have them on the handlebars I reckon. A lot of bike for a bargain. I noticed the paint coming off from the wheels, but Suzuki has agreed to powder coat them under warranty. Nevertheless a lot of bike for your money.

I've just read the review below, I think you must have a rogue bike. I've now put 4k on my K7 1250 and its a dream bike. it does everything i want from a bike, wether local or distance it never fails to make me smile. Hell of a bike for the money, fair play to Suzuki. Priced right and a great bit of kit.

euro 3 regs spoils a topbike vibration at 3500 revs numbs the body making 50 miles the maximum journey. seat needs gel pads and change grips to gel type or suffer old 1200 a lot better package k2 onwards..

had sports bikes since 2000. last bike gsxr k7 loads of extras what a tool but comfort wise for me agony after 50 miles. finally plucked up the courage to sell it and purchased bandit 1250 streetfighter. what can i say mistake no way.i can now do easily 150 miles in 1 go in pure comfort. engine is a peach and the weight is hardly noticable, and for a fairly hefty machine handles really well. i have been into sportsbikes all my life but this machine has bought me so much fun i couldnt imagine going back to a sportsbike. fantastic machine and for the price what a bargain. highly recommended

I had a 1999 sv650 which I was more than happy with. The bike was light and reliable and I had toured France with the machine. I needed a machine which was light, reliable and was able to take long journeys to work along with touring. I saw the bandit 1250 with full hard pannier in my local dealer, sat on it and was surprised at how much lighter it was than I actually thought it would be...even with the pannier on the machine. The sales man told be I should get 40 to 45 mpg which was OK. I took it for a ride and the bike is great. Having used it for daily trips from Market Drayton to Wigan, I am averaging about 50mpg however I have recorded an astounding 56MPG...14.3 litres over 170 miles. Incredible!! Performance is great as is the handling however I am no speed demon when it comes to the country roads. If you are looking for comfort, economy and just a bit of style, I think the bandit 1250 really fits well. When it comes to value for money, this one year old bike with 4K on the clock cost £4800 including everything and the suzuki warranty. Along with this, it can go as far as 15K miles between services. What more could I ask for. A great practical machine from suzuki.

I purchased my bike from new in May 2007 from Thunder Road, Bridgend in South Wales, It's turned out to be a good all rounder,I tend to use it for commuting mostly, There's plenty of power on tap when you need it, Seems to be very reliable and good on fuel, my only grumble is it tend's to eat rear tyres. This summer We shall be using it for touring,(I think it's up to the job). Very impressed with the bike but wish I'd waited and gone for the G.T. version. (Ah well, maybe next year)..

I've just bought a 10month old 'streetfighter' K7 1250, its every thing i want from a bike and the torque is unbelieveable- 35 to 150 in 6th??? my previous bike was a 94 (n) triumph speed triple 900cc, i just wanted something newer and did not like the new speed triple- too stubby and don't like one sided swinging arm! 4 grand for a 1250 with 1500 miles, unreal.

I have to be differnt than everybody else. I traded in my 6 year old GSX1400 for the 1250 complete with all the plastic. Is not near as good as teh 1400 and miss teh real oooomph of teh big Suzy. have to live with my mistake now as I lose too much money trying to get rid the new bike. I will look fior another 1400 sometijme in the future.

Well this is my second summer with the 2007-1250 GSF Bandit.Total kms clocked so far is 8000km. Honestly as the reviews stated..."it's a great bang for your buck!" The only complaint is the noisy engine at idle. A friend explained that it may be because of the thin engine walls. He figured if it had the air fins on the engine the noise probably wouldn't be so noticable. As for the power, it's got that! I have gone as high as 286km/hour then chickened out with a passenger. Could have went faster though. Wonderful bike for touring. Seat sucks after a long ride, but it can always be changed now that Corbin sells a aftermarket.

I took deliver on our summer day in July, I love riding it. It's responsive even keeping it below 5000rpm, although now I've had the first service I have opened it to 7000, it's smooth forgiving and fun to ride. I blast about the Welsh valleys and even in all this shit weather it's as sold as a rock. Buy this bike and you won't be sorry

Only had bike for one month, torque is brilliant and smooth on long hauls on Australian roads and the engine is never working hard either. My wife enjoys the rear seat comfort which stops her slipping forward unlike our last bikes. Our kids are grown up now so look out we are on the road again and just looking at the bike beckons you to get on and just enjoy the ride.

Bike is great, watch all tha t torque though on new tyres. Double bubble screen is a good extra. beowolf silencer makes it sound like a bike agin and is a safety feature legal with baffles in. gearbox a bit clunky but can live with that.handles reasonably well, and often goes faster than i think cos engine so smooth

I had a 2002 1200 before and compared to the new 1250 it was a saggy old bagpuss. Fantastic bike, super smooth except for a slight snatchiness at lowish speeds usually when cornering but nothing I cant adapt to. Why anyone would spend more on a bike I dont know. Would recommend it to anyone

Picked mine up last wednesday 21st May 08. Fantastic bike and a great jump up from the 650SA I had before. Handling is a lot easier. Engine smooth, however it may just be me but bottom gears are a little clunky. Had a few extras and the belly pan finishes off the base of the bike real good. Still riding in so not done over 4.5 k revs yet but when I can do, woweee

Had my bike just over a month and the torque is fantastic on the twisties. Excellent on long journeys.

I took delivery of my new 1250 gt on friday 28th march. I left it in this afternoon ( tuesday 1 Apr )for its 1st 500 mile service. i love it so far and i haven't even been over 5000 rpm yet! brilliantly smooth engine, abs, sat nav, heaps of torques, luggage and sweet handling. After spending the last 4 years on an 04 zx6 r,which is itself a great wee bike, my poor bones find the suzuki a breath of fresh air. im so looking forward to thrashing my sportsbike mates on our sunday runs and then heading to italy in the summer. its still early days but all the signs point to this being a cracking machine.

put my order in yesterday for new K8 Streetfighter! hurry up delivery man & warm weather.

The best bike I've ever had. I got the Streetfighter version 1250, and it makes me smile everytime I tweak the throttle. Get one it's alot of bike for the money and keeps up with sports 1000's, superb.

After having a k4 600 naked bandit as my first bike bike, I wanted to move into the 600 sports market. All the modern 600's are too track focused and as a result went for the new water coooled 1250s bandit. What a bike!! Done 1200 miles to date, and have found it a joy and fun to ride. The power delivery is very smooth. Like other reviews have mentioned there is no sign of the vibration I found on the old bandit. A completely different bike with the new engine and would recommend it to anyone. A great all rounder.

This bike is amazing! It is a proper 'real world' bike. After 10 years of 600cc sportsbikes and a number of knee operations, I was looking for something more practical/comfortable yet without having to give up too much in the way of power/handling etc. Cost was also an issue. Long story short, read a few reviews went for the Bandit and I'm absolutely loving it. No regrets whatsoever. I'm actually enjoying it more than any other bike before simply because its a joy to ride at any speed - not just at warp as is the case with sportsbikes nowadays. The engine is suberb, the suspension is slighly on the soft side for extreme riding but pretty much spot-on 95% of the time. The riding position took me a whille to get used to because I'd only ever ridden sportbikes before, but now feels perfectly balanced and neutral. No wrist pain, no leg pain, just having a blast. I must admit that when I ride in jeans my butt does begin to suffer slightly after approx 100miles....so I always wear my leathers now!

Done 1250 miles in 2 weeks still can't get enough of this 1250 fun bike!

Had my bandit since march 5500miles done seat still not broke in yet no probs fitted bt021 from almost new still plenty of life in them,and they offer the best grip ever.Taller screen makes all the diffrence and easy to fit along with a hugger.When are these going to be standard kit.Got a bit of clutch rumble but nothing to worry about.Dont bother with a carbon can co can i dosnt make any diffrence just a we bit of noise and a smigen of weight.Still like my new bike though.

picked up my bandit on saturday.first impressions are very good,no vibration that my 1200 bandit used to have at 4-5k.smooth injection unlike my last bike yamaha tdm 9000.seat seems firm but not uncomfortable.plenty of grunt from the new 1250 engine any gear any revs just flies.looking forward to having a run in engine to fully explore the performance.