Suzuki Bandit 1250S reviews

Well I've been looking at the Bandit for some time now and finally bought one. What a machine. I've had many bikes and I seem to circle back to the inline 4s. The riding comfort is not bad as far as the stock seat is concerned but the windshield needs to be replaced. I ordered the OEM touring screen which should improve things a little. I heard that the stock screen was terrible but I didn't think it was that bad as others have said. I think just a slightly taller screen would suit me well. I changed the oil when I got home. I like to change the oil right away (36 miles) not at 600 like the book says to. There is way too much fine metal in the oil that the filter misses in that short period of time. Read the "Motorman" site to see what I mean. I don't break in the motor like he suggests but I do see his point regarding the oil. Anyway I'm glad to get the bike and if you are thinking of getting one, don't hesitate. It's a fine machine. Show less

I have had dozens of bikes and am coming off of a BMW R1200GS. This Bandit is smoother and pulls harder in every gear at any speed than the Beemer. It is not as sophisticated or complicated as the Beemer and the quality of components aren't as fine. What I truly believe is that it is a better street vehicle for on-road riding of any kind then the Beemer. It is uncomplicated, easy to use and service and that's what makes it the bargain of the century, not to mention the wonderful torque curve and engine. Show less

I have read a lot on this bike before I got it, so I will write on what I know. The bike will rock. It has bottom to top anywhere in the rpm. range. Open it up but have it pointed in the right direction. It is on the heavy side but still handles very well and, yes, the tires go fast. There are faster, lighter, more powerful bikes out there, but you will ching ching $$ much more. For the money you will not touch it. I wish it had a little bit more style but it's still smooth, fast and confortable. The motor in this thing has to be the strong point of this bike - again smooth, powerful. It pulls like crazy - a fun bike! Show less

I have had a lot of bikes over the years and this one is near the top. The good: torque like a cruiser great smooth engine with 100 HP smooth tranny good mpg (40-50) can be a great tourer The bad: seat is at most a 100 miler windscreen lacks protection paint is thin and easily scratched Show less

NOW AT 14,500 MILES AND NO PROBLEMS. RUNS PERFECT BUT DID PICK UP NEW PLUGS AND AIR FILTER. ALSO GOT A NEW SET OF THESE NEW DUEL COMPOUND TIRES. MAYBE I CAN GET A FEW MORE MILES OUT OF THEM. Show less

This bike is a great all around bike for the practical rider. Bang for the buck - yes. It has a very comfortable riding position. Its transmission is smooth and power delivery is also very smooth. The bike with the stock pipe is very quiet, and that's the way it's gonna stay on my bike. The performance aspect of the bike is pretty impressive considered what the bike costs. Compare that to how much it would have cost me for a 2009 BMW K1300R. How do you spell, NO BRAINER?!? I would recommend this bike to anyone serious about riding. Nice bike. Show less

Got rid of my beginner Sportster for it. Great bike for sport touring. Fast enough stock, really pulls after 3k rpm and have gotten 51mpg highest, usually get 48mpg on the highway and 42-45 city. No need for downshifting out of 6th for highway passing. As with most bikes the stock seat is a weakness, would recommend moving arond after 100 miles or so but became worse only after 50 miles after doing an 1000 mile iron butt w/the stock seat. A lot better w/ the sargent cycle seat. The Suzuki top and side cases are great addition and pop right off in seconds. The color panels have to be orderd seperately from the cases, there are no non-painted panels that come with them and they are required to hold the reflecters on. You can probably get away without the side case panels if you want but not with the top case. Stock tires are expensive to replace if you want to keep them, wear fast, too much of a performance tire if you want it to be more of sport touring bike. Replaced both tires due to a bolt in the rear tire at 1500 miles, the rear tire alone was $300 so for under that I replaced both w/the dunlop sportmax roadsmarts which will last longer and I haven't noticed a difference in performance. W/1500 miles the stock stires had half tread left. Show less

I love this motorcycle. I believe it is the best buy for the money and more. There is plenty of power at all rpms, even though you are carrying somebody in the back. It has great fuel economy also; over 50 miles per gallon of fuel. Keep it up Suzuki! Show less

I just sold my Vulcan 1500 cruiser, and had done a lot of study on the Bandit 1250S, so I found a beautiful '08 dark blue one, and boy did I impress myself with this choice. This is by far the most nimble, powerful bike I have ever ridden. The 1250S lives up to its name and all the hype about this year's Bandit. The seat was a little hard at first and the new way to ride this bike compared to my cruiser took a few miles and road trips to figure out, but I feel that this is what motorcycle riding is all about. You just become one with the road, bike & your surroundings on any ride with the Bandit. Its smooth acceleration and instant power to the rear wheel is breathtaking. I'm sold. I would not consider riding anything but a Bandit 1250S again. Show less