Suzuki Bandit 1200S

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 ... more

I bought my Bandit in December last year, 2001 on a Y plate, 1000 miles on the clock. Virtually brand new. Its the bike I have been waiting all my life for! Only I didnt realise it until I actually got it and rode it on the road. I am 48 years old and had a couple of small bikes in my youth, got married had kids, they grew up, the old, old story! Now returned to biking, Well in 1997 actually, started with a Honda CM200 and worked 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 ... more

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 put off by tales of unexpected wheelies at silly speeds. What finally clinched it was a ride on my cousins CB 1300 where all the weight and expected ... more

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. If you're looking for a bike with huge balls that is VERY inexpensive for what you get, but that can be ridden comfortably as well, then get out your ... more

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 a little soft, easily sorted, so no real problem! Front shocks could do with multi rate springs, again thats quite cheap so not a problem! The ... more