Suzuki Bandit 1200S (GSF1200S) reviews

I have ridden this bike 14000 miles in 7 months and it has been problem free. It is quite fast and handles fairly well. I switched to a 636 for two years but due to money issues I am back on the Bandit. It is not as fast as the Ninja, but the stock gearing helps to allow the bike to perform quite well considering its weight and horsepower. I would recommend this bike to anyone who enjoys riding often, you will get nearly the same performance as a supersport with much better fuel economy and more comfortable ride. Show less

I bought my 97 B12 a short month ago. It had 28,500 miles on the odometer and I was a bit hesitant because of that. Once I checked it over and started it up after it had been sitting on a dealer floor for a week without being run, I couldn't find anything wrong with it. In my first 500 miles, I know I made a good choice. I am taller than most, so finding any bike to fit me was difficult. It isn't perfect in that regard, but better than a new V-Strom for sure which is what I thought I'd end up with. It came with a Kerker universal exhaust can on it, and makes a healthy sound. I am impressed with how well it pulls from down low, and can't wait to see how it responds this winter with a holeshot stage 1 kit, K&N and 5 deg. timing advance. It is cold blooded, but a couple miles down the road it is ready to go. A solid 44 mpg at the 75 mph I run the interstate on to get to and from work. The gearing is shorter than stock, so a couple teeth off the rear or add one to the front will lower my highway rpm (currently 4700 in 5th @75 mph) and probably boost mpg a bit. Only downside is the rear end is too soft, it wants to wallow over dips in the pavement when adjusted to max on pre-load and I slide forward onto the tank. Lots of fun, and not a lot of money to get back into riding! Show less

My bike is a K2 built in 02. I will start by telling any potential buyer of a 01-02 Bandit 1200 to take it on a long test ride and when fully warmed up check for blue smoke from the exhaust. I myself bought this bike without a test ride as I have had a few Bandits and all were great bikes but some 01-02 models were plagued by a problem (oil burning) that stems from the manufacturing stage and if you buy one it will burn almost as much engine oil as petrol!!! It would appear (so I am told) that the oil holes in the pistons on some were drilled a fraction of an inch above the oil control rings thus allowing the oil into the combustion chambers where it was readily burnt with the fuel. Another theory I have heared is that the valve stem oil seals were at fault, which ever it was caused a lot of oil burning and if you end up with one of these it will cost a major amount of cash to remedy the problem. I was lucky, the dealer where I purchased the bike put it right for me at great cost to themselves. Right, please don't be put off by all that as the Bandit really is a great bike for the cash. I found the 600cc model runs out of steam quite easily and the new 650 model is not much better but at least it does have abs brakes. The 1200's are by far the better option, bags of grunt/torque with the standard set up, change the exhaust and fit k&n filters and it will give most sport bikes a run for their money. You only have to drop a spanner near the engine and the bhp will improve!!! It is, as most will know, an old school engine but what an engine it is. The roll on accelleration is outstanding and it wants to pull your arms out of their sockets at high revs. Be careful, it a wheelie monster as well!! I know a couple of mates who have accieved over 100,000 miles on theirs with no major probs. Bulletproof springs to mind!! Really though, they are a very tough engine which has been tried and tested and is very long lived. Standard windscreens leave a bit to be wanted, the wind buffeting above 80mph is awful, fit a taller aftermarket to this fine all round bike and the world will literally be you touring oyster. This machine is capable of doing everything well, be it solo or two up touring, commuting or taking it for a blast on the twisties you will not go far wrong with this all rounder. Try one and buy it, you WILL enjoy!! Show less

I'm 51, raised on bikes on the farm since I was 13. Had over 14 bikes, dirt, street and dual sport. This one will put miles of smiles on your face. It is thirsty and chews up tires and definetly not for rookies. It is not idiot proof. It will probably flip in first and it will slide out in a corner if you just nail it. So discretion will give you tons of fun. Wait til after 4000 rpm before you nail it. You'll probably want to change the sprockets to give a more appropriate power band. It is geared too short from the factory. Live it up, with discretion. Show less

The 2005 Bandit 1200 is a real powerhouse. Very solid bike at 500Lbs. All around best bang for the dollar out the door. Must be an experianced rider as this bike can go from 0-100 mph in the blink of an eye. Can do a wheelie with very little effort. This is my seventh bike and it is by far the best. Handles great and easy on the back. This bike will outrun 95% of the "crotch rockets" out there. The most overlooked bike ever. The best thing about this bike is how easy it is to modify. 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

I have had the bike about 1 and 1/2 years, Still no performance upgrades (completely stock). Still having trouble keeping my friends off the bike. This bike is so much fun. Have had absolutely no problems at all - hit the starter button and go and go really fast if you desire. Still the same battery, spark plugs, chain, sprockets with no sign of wear. It is a shame that Suzuki did not give this bike any advertisement. Still going strong and still in new condition (except for a few helmet scratches from hanging it on the handlebars). Still gets a 5 Star rating from me. Show less

I just took delivery of my 2006 Bandit 1200S a little over 1 week ago and I still can't wipe the grin off my face. What a great motorcycle. I traded in my 2004 750 Shadow Aero for this bike for a variety of reasons. Interestingly enough, it's the Bandit that's getting all the looks. So much fun for so little money. This motorcycle offers exceptional value...... ....more later...gotta go. Show less

As my first motorcycle of any type, I think it has been a great first pick so far. I just passed 12,000 miles, and finally need new tires....good stock sound, and rides smoother than any car I've ever owned... Show less

I purchased my second Suzuki Bandit 1200S just to get a new one, since they do not have a 2006. They are the best bike I have ridden in my 24 years of riding. They have more than enough power, great handling, and it just feels stable doing any type of riding, on a road of course. I am sad to see them cut from the Suzuki Lineup for 2006. Show less