Suzuki Bandit 1200S reviews

I would not judge this bike on the dyno chart, quarter-mile, or lap time even though the numbers are not that bad. The Bandit was not intended to be some Hayabusa-beater. In real world situations ridden on the street, this bike has instant-on-performance that can not be quantified by dyno charts or quarter-mile times. The Bandit looks good, is comfortable to ride, has plenty of power and speed, and lots of great features like ABS brakes. I put the carbon yoshimura exhaust which sound so nice, and I get about 42 to 50 mpg. The bike handles great on all types of roads, and the hills are a lot of fun. This bike can keep up with any sport bike out there. I couldn't ask for a better bike for the buck. Show less

I bought this new Bandit and like it very much. I couldn't ride it enough. It has great torque. Its smoothness is incredible and is silent above 50 mph. I feel it is an awesome bike and would recommend it to anyone. Its acceleration is great from any lower speed and has lots of top end. I found that this bike likes the downshift (sometimes two gears) for the quick pass without feeling over-revved. Needing to hit the brakes to enter the freeway is not uncommon! Its fuel injection is very smooth and has great fuel economy ranging from 38 mpg to 46. The few downsides to the Bandit are the hard seat and no storage. I had hoped the 1250 cc big block zuke would have more hair raising stories like its cousin but with each day, the after market industry will remedy that I'm sure. Show less

I have been riding street bikes for 36 years. The Bandit1250 is the 2nd Sport/Standard bike I have owned. The 1st being a Kawasaki Z1000. I can't beleive that the Bandit has only 97hp. This bike is very quick at any RPMs. I also own a Yamaha 1700 Road Star and purchased the Bandit for everyday commutes to work/play. It handles great in turns, does not feel the 496lb. Really fun the ride. The biggest problem I forsee is getting a ticket for speeding!!! Show less

My last bike was a VTX 1800c with a load of low end torque. Very nice bike, but way too heavy and agility is not even in it's vocabulary. I was looking for a quick ride that could take a corner without grinding the footpegs to a nub. I test rode the Bandit 1250 and FZ1. I eliminated the Z1000 because of general looks and very small windscreen. The FZ1 was sluggish on lower rpm's. Granted, it will take off at 6 and 7k rpms and higher, but I just don't want to ride like that most of the time. The changes they made to the FZ1 in '06 were NOT for the better. The Bandit had some awesome low end torque that seemed to stay very constant up through at least 7k rpm. Above that, you know, I really don't care. If I wanted to win races against other bikes or do wheelies down main street I would not buy any of the bikes I've listed anyway. The handling is awesome, torque is great, power is good. Downsides: My headlight was pointed way too low to begin with, but that was easily adjusted. The emergency lights button stuck on when I first tested it. That was fixed also before riding off the lot. And I'm a little frustrated by the lack of places to attach bungee cords without scratching the bodywork. Other than a few minor things, I really think this is the next 'Standard' bike to beat. Since the disappearance of the Nighthawk 750 and the changes made to the '05 FZ1, there hasn't been a clear winner in this class of motorcycle. No longer. Enter the Bandit 1250. More performance - more class - more features - low price. Show less

I love this bike. I've now had it about a month and a half and I'm getting used to the riding position and the seat, thus a higher rating for comfort. The bike performs beautifully, handles great, shifts smoothly and is a pleasure to ride. It accelerates quickly and effortlessly. I've only had it up to 126 mph; it gets there very quickly and is very smooth and stable. This bike is a keeper. Show less

My riding history - Have owned 8 different motorcycles in my 20 years of licensed riding. One of those 8 bikes was a 2003, Bandit 1200S. My best friend totalled that bike for me in Sept 06, I had approximately 13,000 miles on that Bandit. This review will be based on the '03 Bandit 1200S as compared to the '07 Bandit 1250S. As of the 3rd day of owning the new 1250S, the biggest difference I have noticed in the bikes is the weight distribution (the new bike is a little heavier to pick up off of the kickstand). I only have about 250 miles on the new bike so reliability is a topic that I cannot rate with an objective point of view as of yet (but, so far there are no problems of any kind). Performance, (New Bike) is equal to or better than the Old Bike. The fuel injection seems to be just noticably quicker than the carbed bike. The new bike has a six speed tranny, and 6th gear is just a touch taller than the older 5 speed. Old - 5 Speed - 5th gear, 4,000 RPM = 70 MPH New - 6 Speed - 6th gear, 4,000 RPM = 73-74 MPH Comfort - is about the same as the Old Bike. The seating position has not changed and feet position is still the same. Both bikes see more two up riding than solo. The wife says the New/Old Bandit passenger seat is adequately comfortable. Quality - Have not had the New Bike long enough to give a objective quality rating. Only miles and more miles will do that. But, seeing how this is an all new engine and chasis I did buy the extended warranty just to be on the safe side. On the Old bike I did not buy the extended warranty because the engine and chasis and the whole motorcyle had been in production for some time. So far, this is an awesome choice for some one who wants a commuter and a sport bike. I will do a Part 2 at about the 1,000 mile mark right after the initial servicing. Show less

My last road bike was a CB450 way back in 76..since then it's been all dirt, had only a few, XT600, TT600's, and a version of the venerable YZ490 we got in NZ called a WR500...onto a new KX500 in 97 and currently own a'04 KX500 mx'er and have locked away a still new CR500 from '01. Had my '04 Naked Bandit for a month now and I (we) love it. Taken some time to get used to the weight of the big Bandit (the KX weighs 100kg) and re-learning how to ride on the road but in the month I've owned the bike we've done 600 miles, and no complaints at all. I'm having to reprogram my brain to enter the corners at a sedate'ish speed then roll on the power and hang on. Even pulled the wheel off the ground coming up a mountain pass yeaterday in 2nd without trying. I love the looks of the naked Bandit (mine's an ex Canada K4 registered new in NZ in mid 05) but don't like the looks of the faired versions. The new 1250 faired machine ain't for me either. I'm not into the star-wars profile. Best thing is the bang for the buck. I was thinking of a Blackbird but, while I still haven't ridden one, am so glad I bought my Bandit instead. I'll be keeping it for a while yet... Show less

I enjoy riding this bike. Plenty of torque, always at your disposal. Valve adjustments recommended every 4K (drag). Vibration is a little excessive. Upgrade to 6 speed should make cruising more enjoyable (often looking for that extra gear). Did I say, I love riding this bike. Very easy to ride. Show less

Just purchased this new one, trading in my 98 1200 which I was very, very happy with. I had recently turned over 53,000 miles on it. I'm not overly fond of the fairing design on this new one, but I can live with it if the bike is as much fun as the 98 was. Certainly appears that it will be. Yep, that engine is real smooth and buzz free. My wife likes the back seat and lack of buzz in the footpegs. I haven't really twisted the throttle yet, as it's still in the break in stage, but it feels pretty responsive accelerating modestly. I like the feel of the bike, and the finish is real slick. I've been in contact with Dale Walker to see what he comes up with for the exhaust, as I fitted one of his to the 98, and was quite pleased with it. Currently I'm seeing 36, 37 mpg commuting to work. I saw a website where guys were claiming over 40 - and I think one guy said 50 (!) the 98 got up to 45 on the highway, even after fitting the aftermarket can and stage II jet kit, so this could be possible. I didn't mess with the rating numbers, but they aren't completely valid until after the break in period and I can really open it up and see what it does. It is plenty impressive so far. I just have to get used to that darth vadar fairing. Show less

I have been riding for 26 years on many sport bikes and can not believe the Bandit gets over looked. It is a very civilized motor bike for daily use. It is fast, smooth, steady and more bike than the average rider needs. My last ride was a V-Max. This Bandit is just as fast in a straight line but handles way better. My ride before the V-Max was a Honda VFR800. I think the Bandit is a close match with the VFR. I cannot believe the price. They are a match in handling but the Bandit has more useable power. Over all, I'm very impressed with the 1250s Bandit and think I will keep this one for a good while. Show less