1999 Suzuki Bandit 1200 Motorcycle reviews

I enjoy riding this bike. Plenty of torque, always at your disposal. Valve adjustments recommended every 4K (drag). Vibration is a little excessive. Upgrade to 6 speed should make cruising more enjoyable (often looking for that extra gear). Did I say, I love riding this bike. Very easy to ride. Show less

The Suzuki Bandit is without a doubt the best bike you can buy for the dollar. I've ridden freinds' bikes that were newer and more expensive, but the Bandit 1200 really shines for value. If you are not a track racer and you're not into obese cruisers, then this is probably the bike you're looking for. I bought mine used and had it for over a year now. It has 22,000 miles and is going strong. This winter, I did all the maintenance to it myself: changed fork seals, brakes, set valve lash, new plugs, and new K&N. She's fast enough to ride with my buddies with R1's and Hayabusa's, and tame enough to ride to work and tour on. I rode her 1500 miles to the coast and back last summer and it was a real blast! You can spend more money, but you cannot find a better performing, more reliable, economical and enjoyable motorcyle on the market. Show less

My other review on this bike is already here but i just hit 20,000 miles on her. All I can say is WOW!!!! She can hang with the fast guy's or putt with the cruisers, she's a wolf in sheep's clothing just like the reviews said, if front wheel lofting is your pleasure she does it with no fanning the clutch just a throttle twist and up she comes. For the price tag she can hang with the fast guys, I can't believe the 2001 is even a better bike? Cost me ZERO in repairs none at all, just tires and chain and sprockets, just maintenance that's it. What a smooth bike at 60, just as smooth at 90 unbelievable bike, can't believe people pass this bike up. If you look at the quarter mile stats she's right in there at 11.00's. Where can you find a bike like this or better than this at 7K? She's better than the reviews said. BigBill Show less

I currently have 2 bikes. A 1999 Concours and of course my 1999 Suzuki Bandit 1200. I like my concours fine, it is very reliable, but the Bandit is really the fun bike to ride and every bit as comfortable. It has great handling characteristics for the average to advanced rider and will preform great. Using Holeshot equipment on it makes it as fast as anybike you want to own. The fun factor comes from the overall comfort of this machine. You can ride it 600 miles a day and not get tired. I have taken many trips to Arkansas and really had a blast on it. Also I have taken two vacations to Colorado and this where you have to wonder where the fun ends. It is great on the sweaping turn thru the mountain passes. More then enough power to pass 5, 6 or more cars stuck behind a slow moving vehicle. After that the mountains all yours. My wife seems to love the speed as much as I do and she does'nt even drive a bike. She sure likes the smoothness of the Bandit though. Hope you enjoy your also. Thanks Wayne Show less

I purchased this bike in one year I have 13,000mi. on it with no problems, when it comes to quality Suzuki sure hit the nail on the head, with a proven design, they did a little modification, You don't have to red line her to make her move, she's a bike that can do it all. The only things I replaced were the tires drive chain and a light bulb in the tach. This bike has been a winner to me. She's reliable, quick, handles country roads, and the price you can't beat. If you looking for a comfortable bike in between a super sport and a cruiser this is the one. Show less

Being young enough to still have a heavy right wrist, I was looking for a bike that would satisfy the need for the twisties and for the long commute. I since I picked my '99 this year I have had a great deal of fun carving and cruising. There is nothing perfect in this world except Jesus, so you can find faults with it all. While my Bandit has a long future with me, a few areas of concern are as follows: The cooling system -- no antifreeze, so in traffic you gets a little hot. Second the seat gets a little soft after two hours. Well enoughThe bad parts of most of these problems can be fixed for a little cash, but you still have an awesome bike to play with. The after market stuff is endless Show less