Suzuki Bandit 1200S (GSF1200S) reviews

I have been riding for about 3 years and previously owned 2 dual-sports. I traded in my last bike, a DR-Z400, for this Bandit about a month ago, and I couldn't be happier. The only complaints I had with the bike stock was the seat, the wind protection, and the quietness (not necessarily a bad thing). My first add-on was a Givi windshield, which helped a little. And today I got my Corbin seat in. The Corbin seating position is an inch lower than stock, which made the windshield much more effective, and very comfortable and supportive. Do not let people discourage you from buying a seat based on price alone. With the stock seat, my butt was burning after 30 minutes of riding and I was constantly changing positions to try and get comfortable. I rode 100 miles today on the new seat and my butt was not sore at all! Best money I have spent on the bike so far, period. The bike is still quiet, but that will be my next upgrade, probably in the form of a Yoshimura TRS. This is a bike that I want to just ride all day, and has to be one of the best buys in motorcycling today. Eventually I will get some kind of luggage, as this is a bike I would have no trouble riding for a week straight. What more can I say? I love it! Show less

I bought my 07 July 2nd this year. I am completely satisfied with the engine, transmission and chassis performance. Overall the quality is excellent. I would ride this bike anywhere! Without a doubt it is the best BANG FOR THE BUCK motorcycle out there! This is my 26th bike since 1968 and it's right up there as one of the best overall bikes I've ever owned. It absolutely has the best overall powerband I've ever enjoyed! Show less

My wife and I went to our local dealership to look at a sportbike that I had wanted for some time. After deciding for budgetary reasons that I couldn't get it, we decided to head back home. On the way out, my wife noticed a used 2005 Suzuki Bandit 1200S for sale sitting off to the side and brought it to my attention. At first, I wasn't too interested since I've always liked the aggressive look and power of the bullet-bikes. Still, she insisted that I take a closer look. As soon as I sat on the bike I felt at home on this machine and the price was something that I couldn't ignore. I knew I had to explore this bike further. I've always loved the Suzuki GSXR oil-cooled powerplants so that was a big selling point as well. After mulling things over, we decided to buy. At first, I must admit that I was somewhat skeptical at purchasing this bike since it wasn't my first choice. After being on this bike a bit, my skepticism soon evaporated and it was replaced with sheer joy and excitement. Without question, it's the smoothest, most ergonomic and friendly bike I've owned with power that really surprised me. I drag race motorcycles for a hobby so big-time power isn't something that is new to me. For the record, I've also owned/ridden the following bikes over the last 27 years: 1983 Kawasaki KZ750 (first streetbike), 1981 Kawasaki KZ1000J, 1986 Kawasaki Ninja 1000R, 1985 Kawasaki Ninja 900, 1985 GPz 750 turbo, 2003 Suzuki GSXR-1000, 2004 Kawasaki Ninja ZX10R, 2007 Kawasaki Ninja ZX14, and now the 2005 Suzuki Bandit 1200S. After all these bikes, I love the Bandit the best. While it doesn't have the horsepower or the nimble handling of the other bikes I've ridden, it does everything well overall. It's a jack of all trades and a master of all. This bike is a do-it-all machine and will probably be my last for quite some time to come. It has earned my respect. Show less

I sold my first bike, a Suzuki V-Strom 650. Great bike for a beginner that is for sure, but a little rough for me, since I am in-seam challenged. The Bandit's ergonomics are perfect for me. I added the full fairings and hard saddlebags. This is a great sport tourer! The Bandit is a great do-it-all bike. Great torque, comfort and great handling! Five stars!! 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

Well this is my first bike and I love it. I learned to ride on my dad's Honda Valkyrie and I thought that thing was fast. Once I got used to how this bike handles (a lot more flickable obviously) I realized that this Bandit is all anyone could ever REALLY need on the street. I leave my dad in the dust in 5th gear roll-ons and everywhere else. It is as comfortable as any 23 year old needs, maybe someone with a weak back would like bar risers... they also have a higher windscreen that might be good sometimes, but I am more into a sporty look. For the price this is the best bike I could have gotten. Not to mention my girlfriend is glad that I didn't get a full sport bike when she rides with me! Show less

I had been reading about the new Bandit. It was all good but I was not seeing any at the dealer. They were being bought as soon as they came in. Until the other day There was a new red one sitting there holding its own among the other sport models. I sat on it and it felt good to me and I bought it. I have put 1000 miles on it and it is everything I thought it would be. It's very quick and good on the highway and is smooth as silk with instant arm stretching power on tap at any rpm. It will also stand up if you twist the throttle too quick which is okay with me. I've done it a couple times only as I sure don't want to be too hard on a brand new bike with payments for 5 years. The Bandit is very comfortable for my 6 ft frame although I wouldn't mind having a little higher bar. About an inch would be perfect I think. What they do best besides everything is commute. It will get you out of harm's way and can stop on a dime if needed. Suzuki has hard bags for it now which I will be having when I can afford them. Now I'm going out to the garage to stare at her some more. I love my Bandit. Show less

I have had many motorcycles over the past 20 years: CBR's, VFR's, FZ1, ZX9, ZRX, etc... I was looking for something that would be good at most types of riding from cruising to riding backroads and I didn't want to spend a ton of $ because I always get tired of them anyway. Well after owning the B1250s for a couple of months I can say it is a very nice bike. Very smooth and comfortable with enough power to keep you fully entertained. Will it run with a GSXR1000, no, but I didn't buy it to race, I bought it to ride. The torque is great and power builds very smoothly. The transmission is very smooth as well and should continue to get better when fully broken in. It is very comfortable and can be ridden for long periods of time without fatigue. I am adding a Puig Touring windscreen and a Throttlemeister and that should make it about perfect. This is a big step up from the older Bandit in literally every way. Not a lot more power but better everything else, ie. liquid cooling, fuel injection, 6 speed, stiffer chassis, upgraded suspension, better looks, etc.. As you can tell I really like it. You won't be disappointed if you are looking at this type of bike. Show less

I have had this bike a month and a half. The first weekend I put 1500 miles on it and have not looked back yet. I ride this bike every day. It is my commuter bike and my play bike it does it all! I am going to have to make it a little snappier just because. It doesn't need it but I want to. What I like about the bike the most is I never get fatigued on it. I can go out and put 3-4 hundred miles and when I get back I am ready to go again. NICE BIKE! Oh and the service and the People at the dealership have been impeccable. They are wonderful to deal with and treat you like you're their best friend. Thanks for the great dealings I have had with you folks... Show less

Great engine with excellent throttle response. Plenty of low, mid-range torque and superb low speed balance, make it great for around town. Very stable and comfortable at highway speed. On hand acceleration makes passing a snap. Overall, a highly recommended motorcycle and a fantastic model upgrade by Suzuki. Only complaints are that the seat becomes a little uncomfortable after a couple of hours and the windscreen is too low. The laminar touring lip corrected the problem by pushing air flow from chest level to just above the helmet. Show less