Back in 2001 I bought a second hand (or more likely third/fourth hand) Suzuki GSF1200 Bandit (Nekkid however, not the S version), I had previously owned a Suzuki GS500E commuter bike (500cc flat twin).
I was 20 years old and had 'tricked up' the GS500E to look like the streetfightered (term ... Read review
Advantages: Powerful, wasy to ride, cheap and FUN FUN FUN Disadvantages: Lots of second hands have been stunted and dropped!
...(or more likely third/fourth hand) Suzuki GSF1200 Bandit (Nekkid however, not the S version), I had previously owned a Suzuki GS500E commuter bike (500cc flat twin).
I was 20 years old and had 'tricked up' the GS500E to look like the streetfightered (term for personalised/modified bikes) Bandits I had seen all over the place. I unfortunately crashed that but just found it as a good excuse to have it re-sprayed, twin spotlights added and renthal ... ...when I came to move up to a new bike I decided, on seeing an already tricked up 1200 Bandit in a local dealer, to go for it!
I was pleased to see the bike was up fro Approx £4,000 which was just in my price range. I did worry about insurance as I was only 20 but was again pleased to find out that since the Bandit didn't have an 'R' in it's name and it was classed as a commuter it wasn't in a high Insurance band and was VERY affordable! ... more
Back in 2001 I bought a second hand (or more likely third/fourth hand) Suzuki GSF1200 Bandit (Nekkid however, not the S version), I had previously owned a Suzuki GS500E commuter bike (500cc flat twin). I was 20 years old and had 'tricked up' the GS500E to look like the streetfightered (term for personalised/modified bikes) Bandits I had seen all over the place. I unfortunately crashed that but just found it as a good excuse to have it re-sprayed, twin spotlights added and renthal handlebars to give it the 'tricked up' Bandit look. Therefore when I came to move up to a new bike I decided, on seeing an already tricked up 1200 Bandit in a local dealer, to go for it!
I was pleased to see the bike was up fro Approx £4,000 which was just in my price range. I did worry about insurance as I was only 20 but was again pleased to find out that since the Bandit didn't have an 'R' in it's name and it was classed as a commuter it wasn't in a high Insurance band and was VERY affordable! At 21 years old after owning it a year I re-Insured it third party fire and theft for just £150 for the year!
On buying the bike I was rather nervous to the fact that this thing was light, VERY manuverable with the (already fitted) renthal handle bars and VERY VERY torquey and powerful! I soon got used to the power and the Bandit was an absolute dream to ride, very useable, very easy to potter around town and MORE than capable to be opened up both on the motorway (windy without the S versions fairing), 'A' roads and little twisties, where the 'sit up and beg' riding style mixed with the renthal handlebars and some decent tyres made it quite nimble and light, almost like a 600 to handle, but with the 1200's power on tap.
The low grunt from the big 1200cc engine means the Bandit can slow right down in higher gears and pull away again, very good for town/city riding. It also kicks, and kicks big, if you open her up in first gear too quickly (or if you like that) then the front wheel responds quickly and reaches for the sky due to a short wheelbase and a lot of power.
There are so many options for personalising these bikes and for tuning, although I found the Bandit fast enough for me! Mine had braided brake lines and oil cooler, custom paint job (I added), renthal bars, screws and nuts/bolts to match (blue) and a custom head-lamp set.
They are used by stunt riders a lot due to their wheely ability but they can also be used to commute nicely or even tour since they are comfortable to ride and have a decent fuel consumption (if ridden sensibly)!
I tended to go through tires and chains a lot due to my open throttle attitude but the Bandit really is a very flexible bike to ride and VERY VERY enjoyable!
Be careful hen buying second hand due to ex-stunt machines. My head bearing went due to previous wheelies/stoppies but apart from that and general wear tear of tires and chains I had no other problems with the bike in the two years I owned it.
It is also great for pillions due to the large double seat and comes with grab handles at the back.
All I ever described my Bandit as and I think it describes it well for those wanting a crazy tool, is a 'BMX with a 1.2litre engine!' If you think back to your childhood and your beloved BMX bike, then think about strapping in a powerful 1200cc torquey engine with lots of low down grunt that can also take you to approx 150mph, then the Bandit is what you have!
Enjoy it, I certainly did, I'v had and ridden all sorts but the Bandit is and will always be one of my all time best bikes! So much FUN!
Advantages: Economical, Comfortable, Powerful, Predictable Disadvantages: Having to buy extras to make it acceptable to me.
...my way up to a Suzuki GS500 in 1998. Joined an advanced riders club and got through the advanced test. Then started looking round for a big bike to suit me. I like the sitting up position, I'm not a sports bike rider. I wanted 4 cylinders for smoothness, I wanted a fairly light bike as I am not a strong person, so I had to give thought to getting it on and off the centre stand and in and out of the garage. I wanted a large capacity bike 1000cc+. ... ...be reasonable. I must have looked at every bike on the market and read every road test and opinion on them all! I found "Essential Superbike" to be an excellent source of reference. Also useful were Ride magazine, and Used motorcycle guide. Eventually after seriously considering a Pan, FJ1200, Bandit 600, Honda Deauville etc etc, I found to satisfy all my requirements, at least on paper, the 1200 Bandit was the one that fitted all my requirements. ...
jimday 19.01.2003
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Suzuki Bandit 1200S
Advantages: Easy to ride, comfortable, effortless Disadvantages: cant think of one
An accident in 1993 turned me away from bikes but the bug started biting again and the urge to get back onto two wheels started to get stronger.
A very cold winter on an old CB 250 RS.........my Dog!........and seeing friends and family on bigger bikes spelled the end of the old Dog, although I still do have it.
I have always lusted after a maroon 1200S ever since they came out in 96 but thought of them as big heavy and cumbersome things and was ... ...What finally clinched it was a ride on my cousins CB 1300 where all the weight and expected cumbersomness disappeared as soon as I let the clutch out and put my feet on the pegs.
That was it.........a search on E bay turned up a very nice looking maroon 1200S with less than 10,000 on the clock and the deal was done!
On the day of driving down to London it was a case of "What if it's not as good as the picture?"
I needn't have worried........it ...
suzban12 06.02.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Suzuki Bandit 1200S
I bought this bike from a dealer in the fall of 03. The "S" bikes come with a 1/2 fairing on the front, rather than the naked look of the 1200. I got the bike for about 6K US dollars. I don't know how many pounds or pence that is for your Brits.
If you're looking for an old man cruiser, then get a cruiser, man.
If you're looking for an all out crotch rocket, then get a full fairing sport bike, but be ready to pay 10 grand or so for those suckers.
... ...that is VERY inexpensive for what you get, but that can be ridden comfortably as well, then get out your purse M8 and buy the Bandit 1200S.
This bike rocks. If you haven't been on a big bike, be EXTREMELY cautious with the throttle. I drove an old Honda and a 750 Honda Nighthawk, but neither was even close to the torque on this puppy. I almost threw myself off this beast at least twice whilst (like that English usage?) I was starting from a stopped ...
BanditMan 23.03.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Suzuki Bandit 1200S
Advantages: Torque Power Comfort Grin Factor Price Disadvantages: Rear Shock
The 1200 Suzuki Bandit has always been the choice of stunt riders and for good reason! The nature of this motorcycle is, well, a little skitz! One minute your gently crusing along country roads with your gal comfortable as it can get, sitting in fifth gear without a murmur. Then, when your ready, lift up that front wheel hold it through the gears and finish with a stoppie! What? the same bike? oh yes! The rear shock lasts about two years befor going ... ...shocks could do with multi rate springs, again thats quite cheap so not a problem! The engine, which has been around for over 11 years, was first found in the GSXR1100. It's bomb proof! Very strong torque peaks at 6,500 rpm according to my dyno tests. My own standard bike recorded 110 BHP and 79 lbs/ft Torque. AT THE BACK WHEEL!!!
Want one?
Best Regards John ...
bandit_pav 13.08.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Suzuki Bandit 1200S
...Can't figure out how Suzuki manages to put this bike out at the very resonable price it does. There are no glaring omissions that account for it being in the price range it is in. Sure it has less fairing than some but the 1/2 job it has is quite adequate (mostly to keep riders like myself from being blown off). If you're someone who likes fast powerful bikes but don't need crippling riding positions to enjoy yourself and if you're still too young ...
LeducBandit 30.04.2004 (01.05.2004)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Suzuki Bandit 1200S
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Advantages: Smooth, comfy Disadvantages: Thirsty, high insurance
I bought the Honda CBR1100xx super Blackbird in 1997 when it was released from the blocks and i have recently traded it in with my brand new suzukibandit GSF1200s.After testing the ability of my newer bike i have found that when compared to the Blackbird it has its faults.
For instance i quite often give my girlfriend lifts and occasionlly friends, and the bandit lacks the ability to real shrug off any pillions without noticing the extra wind resistance or weight, but the blackbird is suited to pillions and you can even get side luggage on aswell.
It rides like a dream and if your not careful you will find yourself cruising through bends like if you were at brands hatch.Thankfully i have not been pulled by the police yet but should imagine many peolpe have thanks to the bikes extraordinary smooth pull and drag in and out ...
happytan 06.08.2001
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