Suzuki BANDIT reviews

It is May, 2016. I just picked up a used Bandit 1200S. 7K miles for $2,900 at a Yamaha dealer. Completely gone through and stock but for a slip-on. I'm loving it. Real presence. Big, light and powerful. I'm just getting back to metrics from Harleys. Why spend more? Show less

I have had my 2003 since 2004. I bought it with 3,000 miles on it. It was my first "real" motorcycle and I couldn't be happier with it. It has been extremely reliable! Mine has 65,000 miles on it and the only problem I had was a gasket on the left side of the transmission that started leaking oil. I replaced it in about five minutes and it's been great since. It has had the tires replaced once a season due to the miles I put on it. I am replacing the chain and sprockets for the first time this winter. Admittedly, I am fanatical about maintenance so I'm sure that's why the C&S have never worn out. I have done a few upgrades to it just to get a little more power out of it. The brakes are still original too! So put quite simply, I have thought about replacing my Bandit 600 with something a little more modern but it has been so good to me that I can't justify getting rid of it. I highly recommended this bike! Show less

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

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 bought this Bandit with 4,100 miles on it. It had all the upgrades listed as bought. It's the first bike in 35 years for me and I'm loving it. It has tons of torque and power. I drive it to work and back. The only problem I had was a stripped oil drain. At least it has a timesert now instead of those horrible aluminum threads. It's a great bike. I get 37 mpg. around town. 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

After 20,000 miles, I decided to sell it to pay off a motorcycle I just had to buy earlier this year. It was a regrettable thing. This motorcycle has wrapped my head around what perfect handling and engineering can do for a riding experience. If I were not a die-hard cruiser compatriot, it would be my forever ride. The ABS delivers and the smooth torque and confidence of the seating position and hook up of the suspension got me thru emergency encounters with wild animals, ice, mud and thunderstorms. For less than $9k you can have your BMW and afford to take trips on it too, this is how. Love life and ride what you love, but know that sometimes choosing passion may mean leaving perfection behind, such as the case with this flawless flogger of hill and freeway. I never prematurely shredded my Road Pilot 2's I ran on front and back, but they do make harder rear tires if you have a heavy right hand that will give you lots of wear. Ride safe! Show less

After a 8-yr hiatus from riding, I bought an 08 1250 Bandit. Great bike so far, with lots of torque. Found the windshield to not provide enough protection. Wanted a little more jump out of it, and get rid of that fridge size exhaust. Had 3 bikes in the past, but this one seems to be the best bike for the money around. 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