2001 Suzuki Bandit 1200 Motorcycle reviews

Power: Oh yes....it's there! Engine: It's very flexible with good down-ow torque, very linear vs. pull-your-arms-out-of-the-sockets power. Not buzzy IMO, however VERY cold-blooded. Handling: Keep in mind this is not a sport-bike but a sporty standard; that said it's very predictable and stable. Go R-6 chasing as required. Ergonomics: Controls fall readily to hand and the seating position/foot-to-peg relationship is sane enough to make 1.5/2hr sorties reasonable. Comfort: See above. Down-sides: Mirrors provide a great view of the elbows; mirrors vibrate too much in the upper rpm. range; seat could be better (nitpicky). Would I buy another one? IN A HEARTBEAT!!!! Show less

Hi all, here is what I think of the Bandit 1200s. Well, what a bike for the money, a true all rounder, mine is fitted with full Givi luggage and wingrack and not only does it look the part with a full compliment, but it does not seem to bother the machine at all, even two up. It is in standard form and has more than enough power for me. If you can outride a Bandit 1200s, then buy something else like a Honda Blackbird Or Suzi Hyabusa. I have owned a good few bikes now and at the age of 49, I feel that this machine will suit me for a few more years before my reaction time slows up too much!!! Not the best build quality in the world but more than adequate for your outlay, plus it has a very good reliability record that some other manufacturers would possibly be a bit green eyed about!! If you like a smooth gear change, then you would be hard pressed to find better. Being a 5 speed rather than a 6 is not much of a hinderance either, if you know what you are about you could give a lot of sport bike owner/riders a shock with a Bandit 1200 and they will have paid almost double for their power!!! It is also a very comfortable bike to ride and has an excellent riding position that puts no pressure on you wrists on those long days in the saddle. Now I must mention the one bad problem I had with mine. It is as mentioned an 02 model and apparently some 01-02 models were plagued with an oil burning problem, mine was one of them. It stemmed from the build factory and was an issue which allowed the oil passed the oil control rings and into the combustion chambers where it was readilly burned with the fuel. I was horrified at the amount of blue smoke mine started to expell through the stock exhaust so I took it straight back to the dealer where I purchased it. After much hassle, they agreed to have it repaired at a Suzuki specialist and 2 weeks later I had it returned with new pistons, rings and sleeves. Please do not let this put you off as they are a fantastic bike, just don't buy it unless you can take it for a LONG, LONG run 1st and if you see any blue smoke walk away from it. Hope this helps anyone looking for this model and again I must stress, they are a stonking good bike/buy and a real pleasure to ride. Show less

A reliable bike that can handle a number of miles. Strong brakes to slow the bike in the Alps and good pickup to run the famous German Autobahn speeds. As an American living in Europe the bike is suited for traveling throughout the different countries. I have only added a luggage carrier and three cases otherwise the bike has stayed stock. I purchased the bike new in 2001 and now it has 81950Kms (50921 miles). A much smoother ride than the HDs I have owned and ridden over the years. Also has enough room to carry my golf clubs when I go looking for those unique golf courses. One draw back for the bike is the lights had to add extra driving lights to the front forks to provide a better light on the road for the night runs and long tunnels. Looking forward to moving back to the U.S. and a chance to ride there again. Show less

After 6000 miles in three months, I hope I love it. The bike is my third and they say that the third time's a charm they were so right. I love it, love it, love it! Show less

Just want to update my old post. I've had this bike for 4 years, 20,000+miles. The bike runs like new, lot's of torque, handles well, still enjoy it. As with other Suzuki's I've owned, these things are built to last. For sport (not track), sport touring/ commuting/ just riding, there is not a better value out there. I still have the stock exhaust, but these are capable of a lot more power with a few tweaks. 101hp is enough for me, thanks. Show less

Well I started my journey to find my perfect bike 5 years ago and I think now I have found it. I have owned an FZ1 and a Buell CityX. This is my bike. After spending years trying to figure out the bike for me and not to mention lots of cash I have found the Bandit, the cheapest of the 3 by far, to be my favorite. The riding position, handling and power put this bike in a class that is rare to match. don't get me wrong, I loved the FZ1 and the City X, but both of those bikes have too much torque for what I wanted. I would put them up on one wheel a lot more than I cared too. With the Bandit that really isn't a huge concern for me. I have no upgrades yet but I am planning on adding an exhaust and an air cooler to unlock that true power that I know is buried in her. This is a great bike. Show less

I have had this bike for just over a month now and can honestly say I love it. The power, the comfort, and the looks are hard to beat for the price you pay. My last bike was a Honda Shadow Spirit 750 cruiser. It looked good, felt comfortable, but wasn't as fast as I would like. I would have the throttle pegged all the way and just get up to an indicated 100 mph. The Bandit is cruising at 100 mph. My only complaints are 1)the fairing is buzzy at rpms between 3,000 to 4,000, and 2) after a stage 1 jet kit and a slip-on pipe I am only getting around 30 mpg. Despite these issues, I look forward to riding it every chance I get. Show less

April 15,2003 I got a new 2001 Bandit 1200 in black with less then 130 miles, hooked up with yoshi pipes, k&n air filter, and rejetted carbs...I love the bike with lots of power and speed. well over 100 plus hp and 75 fpt. for $6000 out the door. Handling is very nice even in sharp turns. I have put about 200 more miles on the bike and I am getting about 25 miles per gal. not good! can any one tell me what I should average with moderate 50%city and 50%hwy ride. Show less

I JUST BOUGHT MY 1200S A WEEK AGO ITS A 97 IN SHOWROOM CONDITION ONLY 9000 MILES AND A D&D EXZAUST SYSTEM. THIS IS AN OUTSTANDING PREFORMER,AND LIKE THE FEEL OF ALL THAT POWER IT REMINDES ME OF MY KZ BIKES OF THE 80'S BUT EVEN BETTER I HAVE PUT 600 MILES ON THIS THIG IN A WEEK AND LOVING EVRY MINUTE I AM VERY HAPPY GO SUZUKI Show less

I've put about 4,000 miles on my 2002 Bandit 1200S and love it. You simply cannot beat the value. It's a powerful, comfortable, nimble, nice looking piece of machinery that is as awesome to ride as it is to look at. The front wheel likes to go airborne if you're heavy on the throttle. All around great bike... Show less