1998 Suzuki GSF1200S Bandit Sport Bike reviews

Wrote a year ago that my '98 1200S was a fine bike. Now a year later, it is still a great machine and I love it. No maintenance problems of any kind. (14,000 miles) I use Mobil 1, 15w-50 in my bikes ('95 Gold Wing) with no problem. I think it shifts easier with Mobil 1. After rejetting, I get 35-37 MPG where I got 40-42 before. I think this is due to heavier right hand as well as the jets...ha ha It is a screamer. I don't know just how fast it would be. Too much for me, I know. I am at 230 pounds. If a lighter person were to ride it...WOW, hang on. STILL THE MOST BANG FOR THE BUCK!! Ride careful. Show less

I have a 98 bandit 1200s in dark red. so far, its got 3600 miles..it's sweet no problems yet. The power is plentiful and can lift the front wheels easily. Gas mileage has dropped somewhat due to exhaust mods. Otherwise, it handles great, is no looker, but watch out..drop a gear and you'll see me disapear. I recommend the Bandit for anyone looking for a reliable, powerful and comfortable ride. Show less

I have 24000 miles on my 1997 Bandit1200 and have been very happy with it. I put a Corbin seat w/backrest for my wife -- I'm afraid I might loose her on it. I also put engine case guards and a Bandit tank cover I got at my Suzuki dealer on it. I have been thinking about getting a newer one but I don't care for the style of the 2001 as much as the 97-2000 models. I have a blue one and don't like the other colors as much. If I keep it I am going to install a jet kit from Hole Shot, because it is not very responsive when cold. Show less

I bought my '98 Bandit new in January '99.It had a bit of a lean stumble at 3500rpm and ran bad below 3000rpm. A stage three jet kit and a Two Brothers full exhaust system increased power about twenty percent. The motor makes good power from 3000 to 6000rpm then it really takes off. Still runs crummy below 3000rpm, valve overlap. Stiffer springs and a damper rod re-valve plus a new rear shock help handling a whole bunch, but the frame is still kinda flexy. The stock tires are OK if you spend all of your time on the freeway, but Metzeler mez4's work a lot better in the twisty stuff. A good bike for the tall and fat, like me. Show less

I have 5500 miles on my 1998 Bandit and the only maintenance done to the bike have been periodic oil changes. So far it has been stone reliable. It is a fun to ride bike and a great commuter to go to and from work. Performance and power are exemplary. It has fantastic torque, which makes for great low-end power. You can virtually stay in top gear at any speed over 25 mph and ride like it has an automatic transmission. The bike is light, handles well in most situations and is pretty sharp looking to boot. The ONLY thing I don't like about the bike is its carburetion characteristics. It runs very lean at partial throttle settings and surges and bucks when trolling in traffic at slow speeds. It feels like some driveline lash when shutting off the throttle and coming to a stop. But when you open up on the throttle that leanness all goes away. The low and midrange acceleration is very impressive. Roll side by side next to a Yamaha V-Max and the Bandit pulls away in any gear (unless the Yamaha is in its V-Boost zone). Also, the bike is a bit busy (rpms) a highway speeds. It feels like it needs a 6th gear to calm it down a bit. I'm constantly shifting up for a higher gear that isn't there. Also, there is some vibration at about 4000rpm but starts to smooth out a bit as the miles increase. I would definitely buy another Bandit 1200S because the bike is some much fun to ride and it does so effortlessly. I understand the 2001 model will be much different looking than previous editions and hopefully the carb leanness will be addressed by Suzuki. Show less