2001 Suzuki reviews

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

I bought my RM250 a few years ago now and back then it was only a year old. I used to be an exclusive Honda fan and had ridden only them for over twenty years! But then while looking for my new Honda, I thought bugger it, I'm here and threw my leg over the Suzi. And I've never looked back! Originally from north Queensland, she always handled perfectly through the numerous cane fields and when persued by the local law enforcement, easily outran their TTR's and they're seasoned riders. She's been in the shop for almost a year now as I've been pumping in the dollars getting her all trim and tidy again and my god the time off her is killing me! I even went so far as to buy another one to run around on while I get my original baby back. They are definitely the most slim and comfortable bike I've ever riden. The seat height is spot on for me at 6'1 and 85kgs. The only thing that has ever happened, was having the piston detonate which is why she's being rebuilt as we speak. You can push her all the way, but like anything, eventually she'll break. But overall, definitely an all round bike which I'll keep and ride until she can't ride no more. Show less

I've owned the TL for 1 riding season and I can't see myself getting rid of it anytime soon. I previously owned an 89' CBR and this bike is in a different galaxy. Endless speed, clutchless wheelies, fun and CHARACTER!!! These bike are not a dime a dozen like your typical sportbikes that are around and the TL has that sound! Only negative is the handling on the bike can sometime be a little nervous but all in all it does what you want it too. The bike is bullet proof reliable too. If you can get your hands on a late model TL DO NOT pass it up and forget the negative reviews. Show less

This bike flies. With enough gas this thing will do a wheel stand. By far this is the best 125 around. This bike will get you holeshot everytime. Suzuki RM 125 all the way! Good job Suzuki, this bike is one of a kind! 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

No doubt that this is a great bike and like most Suzuki's, a great value. An awesome bike for cruising at 55-60 on a two lane highway or even a twisty type mountain road. I have a windshield but basically a stock bike. Problem, if there is a problem, is on the freeway. Is a 450 pound bike enough? I commute 35 miles one way from the mountains into downtown Denver each day. The fifteen miles of freeway are definitely the not so fun part of a fun trip. Plenty of throttle response, that's not the problem, want to go 80? just go. No, the problem is that at 65-70 on the freeway you feel like you're on a bicycle, being blown around and not feeling real solid on the ground. I don't think that's the Intruder's fault, just having a bike that's not heavy enough. So, do you move up to a Volusia? Probably not, same V-twin engine but another 100 pounds, not enough umph for the mountains. Go up to an Intruder 1400, now a Boulevard 90? Maybe, but now you're over 600 pounds and getting up there like one of those overpriced Harleys - and they aren't known as "hogs" for nothing. So, like the rest of life, you make tradeoffs, try to avoid the freeway and utilize the bike where its strengths lie, and that's in almost every other area. Any further thoughts on the right bike for both nimble cruising plus solid freeway feel? I'd like to hear them. Thanks, M Jones 5-3-2006. Show less

I bought her used expecting to have to put a lot of money in her. I couldn't have been more wrong. I've rode her like I stole her every time I've been out, all times of the year - cold to hot and low to high altitudes. Never has this bike let me down. I've got a 1996 RM 250 and 2001 RM250. I LOVE MY BIKES. I'm 37 years young these are my fountain of youth buy Suzuki. Show less

I bought my Intruder used with only 10,000 kms. And let me tell you ladies and gentlemen, I would buy another one of these again before I'd buy a Harley. Not that Harley's are bad, just overpriced. You can't buy a more dependable motorcycle for your money anywhere... A real LOOKER. Way to go SUZUKI. Show less

I have had my SV for about 2 years now. I bought it from my brother for a steal with 6000 miles on it. I ride it year round, except when it is raining or snowing. I have had the spark short on the front cylinder before, but after some research, found that the drain hole usually is plugged, which allows the spark plug well to drain (it is on the right side of the front cylinder). After clearing it out, the problem hasn't returned. I commute about 60-70 miles a day on my SV to and from school and all of the little errands I run throughout the day. I put some Nelson-Rigg saddlebags on it about a year ago, and they really help with cargo carrying. The only (minor) complaints I have are a lack of power above 95MPH (only used when passing multiple vehicles) and how my wrists carry most of the weight (they get sore after about an hour of riding), however, some convertibars should fix this. Lastly, since it is a CA bike, it runs extremely lean, resulting in some bucking at inopportune times. This will be fixed soon with a rejet. Overall, one of the best bikes out there, especially when you factor in the price. Show less

After moving 35 miles away from where I work, I thought about buying a motorcycle. The last bike I owned was a Suzuki RM370, a dirt bike which I sold 18 years ago, so it's been a long time. I was definitely nervous about riding on the street. I took the DMV safety course first and got my License. Good Idea. I did a lot of research on different bikes and ended undecided on two, Sv650s and the Yamaha fz6. I was ready to buy a new bike but found a 2001 SV650s for 3500 less. The bike is incredible! My commute is all highway, it just purrs at 70-80 mph only 6000rpm in 5th gear it is really easy to ride, I do find my hand gets buzzy after 35 minutes but the reliability and performance at this price is unmatched. I now commute with a smile on my face the whole way and don't want to stop. Bottom line is: if you're not sure which bike to get and the SV650s is one of your choices - just do it! Show less