TEST DRIVE: Suzuki Bandit 1250SA Touring – Hardware for mature people

The Suzuki Bandit 1250 is a road bike that is suitable for experienced motorcyclists who want to enjoy speed and maneuverability. The model became a replacement for the Bandit 1200 and was released in 2007. Production of the device lasted from 2007 to 2010. In 2010, a new modification of the model called Suzuki GSX1250FA Bandit was released. In 2012, the model was discontinued and no longer sold. Already in 2015, the version was visually changed, the design and characteristics were changed.

Features and model range

Unlike the old version, the updated devices were equipped with a liquid-cooled engine, electronic fuel injection and received a number of other changes. Suzuki Bandit 1250 is highly powerful and produces 98 hp (108 Nm). Although it seems that the changes with the previous version are not so obvious, the manufacturer managed to significantly level out the power and increase traction at revs. The old model produced 6500 rpm, and the new version already produces 3700 rpm.

The main features of the presented motorcycle include:

• Steel frame.
• Regular pendants.
• Hydraulic clutch.
• 6-speed gearbox.
• Piston front brakes are reliable and powerful.
• Adjustable seat.
• system
• Fuel tank with a capacity of 19 liters.

The lineup contains several Suzuki GSF Bandit models:

• GSF400 Bandit.
• GSF600 Bandit.
• GSF650 Bandit.
• GSF750 Bandit.
• GSF1200 Bandit.
• GSF1250 Bandit.

The main competitors of the model are:

• Honda CB1000R / Honda CBF 1000;
• Kawasaki Z1000;
• Yamaha FZ1.

TEST DRIVE: Suzuki Bandit 1250SA Touring – Hardware for mature people

I know that test drives of personal motorcycles are considered “not comme il faut” by our journalists. But I was prompted to write this material by numerous requests from friends who are not indifferent to the imperishable iron classic, which is the “big” Suzuki GSF Bandit. That's why you won't see studio photos. Only hardcore. Live only.

MOTOGONKI.RU, December 15, 2013 — In the spring, the question arose of which projectile to load for travel. There were several options on the horizon, including a couple of well-preserved Pan-Europeans, a BMW R1200 and even a Hayabusa - all in the range of 500-520,000 rubles, a new Honda CBF1000R (for 475,000), as well as the long-awaited new BMW F800GT. After studying the conditions somewhat second-hand, I put the process “on pause” in anticipation of the premiere of the Russian price for BMW: by that time, the British had already got their hands on the F800 and gave the first reviews, naming their price - around 380,000 when converted to rubles. However, the announced official price in Moscow somewhat cooled the ardor. At the same time, an offer appeared from Suzuki Motor: a new motorcycle with zero mileage was waiting for me at a special price. BMW faded into the background, although the idea of ​​​​taking a big test drive and returning to the plan of purchasing it (in case the device was really worth it) remained. Test drive of the BMW F800GT can be found here, everything is written there.

Suzuki GSF1250SA (2011-12) as a girl, out of the box

Design?.. I am not a passionate fan of the classics, so for me personally the appearance and “smooth curves” of the GSF1250S specifically do not matter at all, although many consider it very stylish and even somewhat beautiful. The practicality of the motorcycle and the results of the research that confirmed this were the determining factors in the purchase.

Taken out of the box, the Suzuki GSF1250SA (nee) became a full-fledged GSF1250SA Touring (limited configuration supplied for 3 years to the UK and Italian markets). The GSF1250SA package, which initially included a standard half-fairing and ABS, was supplemented with an original Suzuki GT fairing, a GIVI luggage system with a capacity of 124 liters, two USB sockets, heated handles, GPS with a stationary mount and power, as well as a comfortable seat.

Suzuki GSF1250SA Touring after a small upgrade

My whim was to install SW Motech power protection for levers and handles. Taking into account all the discounts and extras, the Bandit, absolutely ready for a 10,000-mile run across Europe just a week after purchase, came out cheaper than its hooded counterpart (Suzuki GSX1250FA), not to mention other offers on the market.

Laying cables to connect additional equipment to the GSF electrical system is a matter of just a few minutes: there is a lot of free space under the tank and seat; more than one additional box and meters of wires will fit there.

GSF1250S dashboard: analogue tacho and digital speedometer (right). The set asks for a gear engaged indicator. This omission can be corrected with a simple manipulation by purchasing a “chip tuning” unit in which such an option (indicator) is built-in.

By the way, several are ready to “upgrade” the GSF1250 for 3500-4500 rubles. A small “plug-in” no larger than a matchbox is connected to one of the service inputs (there are two under the seat), which, by modifying the basic ECU firmware, removes the factory speed and rpm limits. Using the block, it is easy to reconfigure the engine mapping, for example, after installing a more efficient exhaust system. I did not interfere with the operation of the electronics, nor did I exchange the steel pipe for a lightweight but daring Yoshimura. Maybe it's a matter for next season. Fortunately, there are a lot of different tuning options for the GSF1250.

Closer to the iron

Suzuki Bandit is a classic of the Japanese motorcycle industry; it is considered one of the most reliable road bikes and has always been valued for its style, as well as its sporting roots. The model is still in production. Causes? Ease of operation and versatility of a motorcycle “for every day”. The “naked” Bandit belongs to the same cohort as the Honda CB1300, Kawasaki ZRX1200 and Yamaha XJR1300; even the Harley-Davidson XR1200 can be placed in this order - all of them are large and heavy, the so-called. "men's" motorcycles. They were called “male” for their simplicity of design, lots and lots of iron, and because a fragile girl or a 60-kilogram weakling simply cannot cope with this pile of metal. The curb weight of the Bandit 1250 is 254 kg, and with a hitch - all 270.

98 hp and 108 Nm of torque stretch the chain for 5000-6000 km, after which it needs to be tightened

The bike is built on the basis of an in-line 16-valve 4-cylinder engine with a capacity of 1255 cc. liquid cooling with DOHC and fuel injection, introduced in the fall of 2006 and has not changed one iota since then. Unlike its predecessor, the GSF1200 with a 1155 cc engine. air-oil cooling, the “1250” received a symmetrical camshaft layout with a drive chain in the middle and bucket-shaped valve tappets, after which the engine finally ceased to be an “emigrant” from the GSX-R and became an original product, moreover, overgrown with meat throughout the entire speed range. The new design of the combustion chamber and the cylinder head with an inclination of 16° made it possible to remove the exhaust pipes, compactly wrapping around the frame at the front, after which the motorcycle took on a more “sporty” stance and no longer suffered from “hot” start problems. After that, Suzuki released two touring versions - GT and Touring - in full plastic and with additional equipment. You won’t find them in the Russian line, but ordering what you need for an upgrade from Europe with access to eBay is a matter of a few minutes.

The sliders are mounted on a milled bracket to the frame and connected by a rod so that in the event of an accident the engine will not be affected

First of all, owners of “naked” GSFs equip the bike with protective bars, and GT drivers - with sliders. The width of the engine side covers is the only real weak point in possible falls. Installing German GSG sliders takes a few minutes and does not require cutting the fairing. I haven't tested their strength yet. Thanks for understanding.

The steel tubular frame, inside of which the motor is suspended, is not the ultimate in rigidity, so in very fast corners there is no “impenetrable confidence”, which is inherent in sports tourers with aluminum frames released in 2008-2013. However, I never experienced any problems with control: several times I lowered the motorcycle on serpentine “spaghetti” roads in the Alps so low that the plastic, as well as the footpegs and the center stand, invariably met the asphalt.

Suzuki GSF1250SA Touring: the original does not have a central case, but mine is equipped with a GIVI Maxia E55, the total system volume is 124 liters.

Even before the first departure, when installing the luggage system, which included a roomy GIVI Maxia E55, the mechanics scared us with horror stories about “wobbling” at high speeds. To Suzuki's credit, subtle changes to the 43mm fork for 2009, as well as the addition of a full fairing with tall glass - just like the Touring version - have helped curb this bad habit on the bike. There was an idea to install a steering damper for a preventive blow to the “wobble”, but it disappeared by itself after the first trip of 7000 km: not a hint of parasitic vibrations the entire time, despite the fully loaded panniers and the strongest side wind! The fairing with a massive “plow” creates sufficient downforce, compensating for the possible “unloading” of the front-end from the impact of incoming air flows into the panniers. By the way, in the case of the much lighter BMW F800GT, the problem of “wobbling” at speeds of 180+ becomes worrying; the damper installed in the basic configuration is not a whim of the developers, but a severe necessity. The same story can be observed on the BMW R1200RT generation before MY2014 (we have not yet tested the completely updated RT with a liquid engine and new generation suspensions).

Eternal question

So, you asked, “how much does he eat, how much does he rush”? The true costs and performance of GSF is a topic that is rarely addressed in press releases. Since the engine concept is almost 20 years old, even the 2007 update couldn't change its essence - the Big Voracious Monster. Suzuki GSF1250SA consumes at least 7.5 liters of gasoline per 100 km, and there is nothing you can do about it. But there is also a plus.

When the air-oil 1155 cc was developed, it was radically derated relative to the 130-horsepower “donor”, ​​Suzuki GSX-R1100: while the cylinder diameter was increased and the power was reduced by 30%, the compression ratio was also reduced. When moving to “1250” it became 10.5:1, which allows you to use Normal gasoline (AI-92) just as successfully as Super (AI-95)! For trips around Europe, where Normal is not sold due to Euro-3 requirements, the topic is not relevant. But it works great in Russia and the fraternal republics.

I tested this scheme throughout the entire run-in and after, having already passed the 10,000 km mark: except for some drawdown in dynamics at low speeds (at the start), when using a high-quality “92” instead of “95”, no other shortcomings were found. Normal start, natural color of the contacts on the spark plugs, no smoke and the same drive. In the first 1500 km (during the run-in), until the manufacturer recommended that I turn the engine above 4500 rpm, and the speed did not exceed 140 km/h, the mileage turned out to be absolutely fabulous - 320 km on a full tank of AI-92 (=500 rubles) versus 280 for AI-95 (=600 rubles). The experiments were carried out at different network gas stations; preference, in the end, was given to Shell and Trassa for the stability of the results.

Driving a Suzuki GSF1250S Bandit

The engine with 98 horsepower and almost 110 Nm of torque eventually acquired its real power. I felt the enthusiasm increase every 100 km, after the number on the odometer crossed “1000”. Finally, the pace of movement reached “normal” for a 1200 class motorcycle – 160-170 km/h on average. After TO-1, a “second wind” opened, and the Suzuki factory officially “allowed” me to rev the engine at more than 5000 rpm. Here the costs for various types of fuel have come to a more or less common denominator: 250-265 km on a full tank and no matter what kind of gasoline! Direct savings between AI-92 and 95 are 20%. So why pay more? The measurements were carried out with the GIVI V35 series panniers and the Maxis E55 central panniers installed. Without them, you can increase your mileage by 10%...

...but not when the trigger is fully open! Bandit, especially not burdened with unnecessary attachments, encourages you to turn the engine and move quite quickly. The maximum speed that the GPS could record was 235 km/h, while the speedometer happily reported that the first cosmic speed of “265” had been reached, which is not the limit of the motorcycle’s capabilities. The error of Suzuki measuring equipment is traditionally 12-14%.

“Will it get to Chicago?..”

In the summer, we managed to conduct a couple of endurance tests, which Bandit passed without the slightest dissatisfaction with the pilot’s tenacity and the duration of the “flights.” From Moscow to Berlin in 16 hours - this may seem like something extreme, but the Suzuki easily covered 1850 km. Traveling 190 km in an hour - I used to not believe in such stories until I tried it myself. The volume of the gas tank (17.5 liters) would not have allowed me to drive more at this pace (17.5 liters - for example, in Belarus the risk of “drying out” forced me to turn into a gas station at the first opportunity; in Poland, on the Warsaw-Poznan-Berlin autobahn the speed limit is practically not controlled, so the left lane goes 200+), although the body said: “another hundred in this mode!” I achieved the best result in a day (2100 km) only once, on a brand new Honda VFR1200FD. This is another story...

Protection of handles and levers SW Motech on Suzuki GSF1250SA Touring

The previously purchased plastic, the enlarged touring glass and the hard protection of the handles played their roles perfectly. Why did you install it? Compact “burdocks,” in addition to physical protection (for example, from stones flying from under wheels), excellently cut off the lion’s share of splashes, so that leather gloves remain dry in light, short showers and water spray hanging over a wet road. In heavy rain, only GoreTex can help, for which thanks to Alpinestars and Bike Land!

Tokico brakes with ABS in the base: they cope 100%, but I would replace the cylinders with something more... precise and soft

Suzuki GSF1250 is equipped with floating 4-piston two-piece Tokico calipers and Ø310mm discs. Brakes have never been the strong point of road Suzis, and after all the tests of the latest BMW, Aprilia, KTM and Honda with the most precise lever operation, I really wanted to change all the master cylinders to something more “decent”, for example, to Brembo ( which is what I'll be doing this winter). The standard machines do their job well, but in order to use them, especially in the city crowd, you need to purposefully pump up your wrist muscles: the clutch hydraulic cylinder is tight, don’t worry, and there is insufficient feedback from the front brake lever. Otherwise, with ABS, I would call the braking of a motorcycle whose fully loaded weight is close to 300 kg safe (and without quotes). If you don’t experiment with the right lever in turns, it’s better to straighten the motorcycle first and then push as hard as you can.

Our colleagues seem to be suggesting: if you want it this way, you can do it this way - the Suzuki GSF1250SA is universal!

Suzuki GSF1250SA Bandit has never been “sporty”, although it easily allows you to make spectacular wheelies from the gas and even perform stoppies, deceiving the not very advanced ABS: which you won’t do for a couple of spectacular shots with someone else’s, fully insured bike during a short two-day test!!

In everyday use, it is much more important to know how it behaves on the road. Without a traction control system, cornering on cold and wet, especially in the morning, Alpine serpentines always made me slightly nervous. The situation was corrected by replacing the base Dunlop Sportmax D218N tires with soft Bridgestone Battlax BT023 - really grippy in both rain and heat.

Beautiful weather in Bavaria, early October 2013, the season is coming to an end

But shifting gears is something that is probably impossible to fix without a serious “surgery.” When switching inaccurately, you can catch a “false neutral” in the entire range from 2nd to 6th. There is no certainty in finding the real “N” at a traffic light - between the 1st and 2nd you can click the foot for a long time. I learned to do this on the first try, a thousand to the third mileage: you release the clutch lever a little, and the system immediately starts moving - click and you're done. The solution to the problem is to fine-tune the clutch at the Suzuki dealership, where the motorcycle will go one of these days for a complete refurbishment and maintenance-2. If you are concerned about such features, I note that there is no such thing on BMW motorcycles, as well as on Hondas of the last 5 years of production - they are all chicks and farts!

On duty... a touring seat is like an office chair if you need to do urgent work. Anywhere in the world.

Total:

In three months, with interruptions, GSF traveled almost 16,000 km, mostly outside the homeland, endured two long trips and one short one. I can’t tell you the average cost per kilometer on the scale of the entire mileage, but in Russia I definitely didn’t pay more than 1 ruble. 70 kopecks/km. And now I know for sure that this motorcycle will run 240 km on one tank in any operating mode, even “on the ears” (190+). Over the entire season, he did not eat a single gram of oil and did not require any intervention other than tightening the chain at 6500 km. Would I recommend the GSF1250 for a beginner or as a first bike? No. It handles well and rides as briskly as a “two-hundred-pound Bavarian,” but the lack of auxiliary electronics returns the Bandit to the ranks of those very “male” motorcycles that you need to be able to handle. What would I ideally want from him? Reduce gluttony. How? Unless you keep yourself within limits and don’t accelerate above 130 km/h. In Europe this is not a very difficult task, but we still have to get there.

Pros: + Sports classic or Grand Tourismo - whatever you want + Excellent engine performance even on the AI-92 + Extremely practical and undemanding to maintain + Spare parts in stock, a lot of tuning - from attachments to electronics + A bargain Bandit is always a marketable product

Cons: - Among modern technologies, only ABS - Gluttony, typical for the "1200" class of the mid-2000s - Clutch hydraulics are too rigid and not clear enough in the front brake circuit - Fuzzy operation of the gearbox

Thank you Bike Land for the right SHOEI all-weather gear and GoreTex from Alpinestars!

Technical characteristics of the Suzuki Bandit 1250 model

The Suzuki 1250 motorcycle, released in 2007, is still on sale. The devices are very popular among fans of fast and comfortable driving.

The bike has several more important technical characteristics:

• The highest torque is 108 Nm at 3700 rpm.
• Gearbox - 6-speed.
• The maximum speed is 225 km/h.
• The vehicle accelerates to 100 km in 3.2 seconds.
• The gas tank capacity is 19 liters.
• The dry weight of the motorcycle is 225 kg.
• The adjustable saddle rises to a height of 785-805 mm.
• The height of the bike is 1095 cm.
• Length - 2135cm.
• Engine capacity - 1255 cc.
• Ground clearance - 135 mm.

In addition to technical characteristics, the motorcycle boasts its design. Everyone will like him. The vehicle is started using an electronic ignition.

In addition, an important attribute of a motorcycle is its engine. It features electronic fuel injection and liquid cooling. The engine of the model is 4-cylinder and four-stroke. Power is distributed evenly, allowing you to accelerate in every gear.

Design features of transport:

• Aluminum double-tube frame.
• The front suspension is angled like a telescopic fork with a coil spring.
• Reinforced rear suspension to withstand high loads.

Description

The Suzuki GSF1250 Bandit road motorcycle model was introduced in 2007 as a replacement for the Suzuki GSF 1200 Bandit. Unlike its predecessor, the model received a number of technical changes:

Engine. It received liquid cooling, a second balance shaft, an injection power system and increased its volume from 1157 to 1255 cm³. Maximum power remained at 100 hp, but the engine speed was reduced, which increased torque at low speeds. Brake system. Returns to 4-piston calipers and the availability of ABS versions. Transmission. Instead of the old 5-speed, the model gets a more modern 6-speed. Fuel tank. The capacity is reduced from 20 to 19 liters. In 2012, the naked version without a fairing (GSF1250) was discontinued and is no longer offered by dealers, leaving only the version with a front fairing (GSF1250S) on the market.

In 2015, the Suzuki GSF1250S Bandit model received a slight update in appearance (now plastic covers the radiator), and in 2016 it was discontinued.

In 2010, on a common base with the GSF1250, a sport-touring modification was proposed - the Suzuki GSX1250F.

Fuel consumption and cost

According to official data, the device consumes 5.4 liters of fuel per 100 km. However, gasoline consumption depends on the condition of the bike, road conditions and driving style. Owners note that the device consumes approximately 6-6.5 liters of fuel per 100 km.

The cost of the model depends on its condition. The pricing policy is very affordable, so the Bandit 1250 is often purchased by beginners and amateurs. The cost of a model in good condition and without mileage starts at $5,500. The price of a used bike in Russia starts from 200,000 rubles.

Motorcycle Suzuki GSF 1250S Bandit 2011 review

The description of the Suzuki GSF 1250S Bandit 2011 motorcycle is in the queue for publication of the article. Announcement: Today, for almost every new motorcycle that comes into being, marketers strive to carve out their own niche. This one is a road sport, this one is a recreational enduro. But what class should we include a motorcycle that has a little bit of everything? A good bike should have a reliable engine, comfortable ergonomics and simple controls...

The Suzuki GSF 1250S Bandit is a motorcycle of common popularity in Russia, equipped with a fairly high-power engine of 95.8 hp. Despite the fact that good models of motorcycles have a very respectable price, and the season for their use is relatively short, the motorcycle market is developing rapidly. And if you believe the words of dealers, then some models of recently released motorcycles are selling like hot cakes at the beginning of the season, and the models brought to Russia are clearly not enough to fully satisfy consumer demand.

A motorcycle has long ceased to be an alternative to a car, and the times when this equipment was bought only because there was not enough money for a full-fledged car are forgotten. Nowadays, two-wheelers can be called technological marvels in many cases, and their cost can be compared with that of prestigious cars.

Many people have started buying motorcycles for hobby purposes as riding or even collecting them has become a good pastime for many people. Many motorcycles, for example the Suzuki GSF 1250S Bandit, whose technical characteristics make it possible to call the model a prestigious brand, are in demand among both beginners and experienced motorcyclists.

Motorcycles with an engine capacity of 1254.8 cc / 76.6 cu-in cubic meters. see, appeared as a result of long work of inventors who sought to create a model that was not inferior in characteristics to other versions of the motorcycle. In some cases, these models are not only not inferior, but also ahead of other motorcycles, as they have minimal fuel consumption and other excellent parameters.

Motorcycles with an engine capacity of more than 400 kb. cm, which includes the Suzuki GSF 1250S Bandit - this category of motorcycles simply cannot claim the title of “motorcycle for a beginner.” On the contrary, this is already a serious technique that requires certain control of motorcycle equipment with a smaller engine capacity. Yes, she attracts more attention, she is the most beautiful, fast, interesting and there is a huge selection of models. But as power increases, the weight of the motorcycle inevitably increases. In this class you are unlikely to find motorcycles lighter than 180 kg, unless they are the latest motorcycle models.

Go to the entire range of Suzuki motorcycles, on this page you can find Suzuki GSF 1250S Bandit motorcycles from other years of production and information about them

Repair and tuning

Even with a minor breakdown, Suzuki needs repair. To repair your bike, you need to go to a private garage or a good mechanic. The only downside is that it can cost a lot of money. Spare parts can be found on the Internet, ordered from a dealer, or found a suitable analogue. An attractive bike does not need special tuning. The user can install a new wind protection or change discs.

Pros and cons of the Suzuki Bandit 1250

The advantages of transport include:

• Motor power.
• Reliable and robust design.
• Attractive appearance.
• Reliable brakes.
• Spacious fuel tank.
• Excellent handling and maneuverability.
• Reasonable price.

Unfortunately, there are also disadvantages. These include:

• Weak wind protection.
• Problems finding suitable spare parts.
• The engine is poorly protected from damage.

Brief history of the model

2007 - start of production and sales. Model: Suzuki GSF1250 Bandit + ABS; Suzuki GSF1250S Bandit + ABS (Japan, North America, Europe). Factory designation: GSF1250K7 + GSF1250AK7; GSF1250SK7 + GSF1250SAK7.

2008 - no significant changes. A touring version of the GSF1250S with a proprietary pannier system is also offered. Model: Suzuki GSF1250 Bandit + ABS; Suzuki GSF1250S Bandit + ABS (Japan, North America, Europe). Factory designation: GSF1250K8 + GSF1250AK8; GSF1250SK8 + GSF1250SAK8.

2009 - no significant changes. Model: Suzuki GSF1250 Bandit + ABS; Suzuki GSF1250S Bandit + ABS (Japan, North America, Europe). Factory designation: GSF1250K9 + GSF1250AK9; GSF1250SK9 + GSF1250SAK9.

2010 - starting this year, the model is available with a black engine. Model: Suzuki GSF1250 Bandit + ABS; Suzuki GSF1250S Bandit + ABS (Japan, North America, Europe). Factory designation: GSF1250L0 + GSF1250AL0; GSF1250SL0 + GSF1250SAL0.

2011 - no significant changes. Model: Suzuki GSF1250 Bandit + ABS; Suzuki GSF1250S Bandit + ABS (Japan, North America, Europe). Factory designation: GSF1250L1 + GSF1250AL1; GSF1250SL1 + GSF1250SAL1

2012 is the last year of production of the naked version. Model: Suzuki GSF1250 Bandit + ABS; Suzuki GSF1250S Bandit + ABS (Japan, North America, Europe). Factory designation: GSF1250L2 + GSF1250AL2; GSF1250SL2 + GSF1250SAL2

2013 - no significant changes. Model: Suzuki GSF1250S Bandit (ABS) (Japan, North America, Europe). Factory designation: GSF1250SAL3

2014 - no significant changes. Model: Suzuki GSF1250S Bandit (ABS) (Japan, North America, Europe). Factory designation: GSF1250SAL4

2015 - starting this year, the model is produced with new plastic covering the radiator. An additional opening appears under the headlight to smooth the air flow behind the windshield. Model: Suzuki GSF1250S Bandit (ABS) (Japan, North America, Europe). Factory designation: GSF1250SAL5

2016 is the last year of production. Model: Suzuki GSF1250S Bandit (ABS) (Japan, North America, Europe). Factory designation: GSF1250SAL6