1 year ownership review of my Suzuki GSX 1250 FA motorbike

Review of my suzuki GSX1250 FA after just over a year of ownership. Great bike and highly recommended. Feel free to leave any questions I will be happy to answer them.

[@Trottsatclevedon]

Put a Nitron shock on mine, realise then how poor the OE one is. Hagon front springs as well, handling transformed to another level. It’s only top heavy when your pushing it around parking up and got to be aware cambers. On the move brilliant. The 1250 engine in this bike, and Bandit 1250 same, is best in my biking life 40 plus years😀

[@bikesoul2021]

That sounds exactly what I am after, I will have to research that more this year as I do think that's the only main weak point of the bike. Glad to hear your still loving the GSX though, it really is a great bike!

[@ExMAB4]

Excellent review of my bike. I concur with literallly everything you state here. I'm a 58 year old retired bike cop (SEG). I rate this bike highly compared to other premium price sports tourers. The only thing I did disagree with is that this beast is not suitable for new riders. Do your apprenticeship like I did - 50, 250, 400, 500, 600, 850 and 1255. As you see I started riding in 1980 and rode a CB250N wet dream on L plates. This bike is a true muscle bike. Subsribed !

[@bikesoul2021]

Thank you for your comment, sounds like you have a great biking history! I've only been riding for 3 years, got my eye on some older models like the srad and zx7r, as would love just to see how the late 90's, early naughties bikes rode back then! You're right that for the price it's extremely tough to fault, just does everything without fuss, pretty sure this bike will be with me for a long time to come! Here is to finally getting out of lockdown and getting to do some more biking journeys. Take care.

[@peterpage625]

I'm 64 next month I have got a blue one of these I had a black 1250s as well, I have had a fjr1300A Yamaha what was to top heavy for me. The 1250FA is light compared to the fjr. I started my apprenticeship on an ambassador with a 197cc villiers engine in it at the age of 12 in my mates back garden.

[@bikesoul2021]

Good morning apologies to comment again. I will be completely honest I wasn't sure what the SEG group was when I saw your comment, but for the past few weeks I've been researching it more and more and it looks like an amazing role within the police force, so much so that I am wanting to actually apply to be in that division! I would absolutely love to hear any insight into this role if possible? I'm currently also pushing to become a blood biker, I wanted to do it a couple of years ago but you need at least 2 years of riding experience so now I have 3 I really want to do something worthwhile. All the best be great to hear more!

[@RHAD-sy3oi]

@@peterpage625 hey peter, same here - 66 and riding a blue Bandit! Almost bought an FJR because i loved the look of the dual exhaust and an overall beautiful machine. However got the lighter Bandit, put all of Dale's Holeshot mods on it and now there is nothing like it.

[@colinrose8664]

You ride like a novice.

[@inked-96]

Im in the process of selling my 2019 R1200GSA. Im looking at getting one of these as a cheap commuter. They're great bikes.

[@bikesoul2021]

Absolutely doesn't get much better for the money

[@axelfiraxa]

I have the naked version of this bike. I added about 1500€ mods: Hokeshot Stage 2 Nitron Shock (r1) Bitubo fork cartridges Full Givi luggage v35 and v47 I liked it before the mods but i absolutely love it now. I even prefer it to the Gs1250 which i rented for a weekend. Once the suspension got sorted, enjoying all the torque was all that there was left. With the holeshot mods you also get the power to go with the torque 120 hp at the wheel!

[@RHAD-sy3oi]

Thanks for this info @axel - i have wondered the same thing as how this would compare to a BMW R1250RS... the one bike i would consider as a possible replacement. The boxer sounds like a boat motor compared to the gutsy Bandit sound with headers. I still plan to take a BMW rental like you and compare the Bandit to the BMW hype.

[@axelfiraxa]

​@@RHAD-sy3oi i did buy a bike after the Bandit and considering i had the mountains within 5km away from home i got the 2022 KTM1290 SAS. The motor is much more lively than the BMW GS, it is as powerful as a Multistrada on roll ons, cheaper than all of the competition even with the Tech pack and my dealer threw in 1000EUR of accesories (heated seats and grips). That said, i still take out the bandit more often somehow because the size of it makes more sense and the turbine smooth 4cylinder is just lovely compared to anything else.

[@RHAD-sy3oi]

I also had the feeling of being a bobble-head on a tall and powerful bike. Added a lowered Corban seat and rear suspension lowering bar (both from Dale Walker) and made an amazing difference... before felt like my CG balanced on the bikes CG... now it feels like one CG rolling in and out of corners.

[@danielsale3805]

Even 50,000 miles is nothing for one of these. I've heard of 100,000,150,000 even 200,000 if properly maintained.

[@SyamInazuma]

Great mate! Hello from Malaysia.... I'm also owned almost a year this GSX1250FA... Really nice bike... I also sharing riding footage in my KZbin channel... Happy to share with you mate ✌️

[@bikesoul2021]

Hello and welcome thank you. I will check out your channel. How are you finding the GSX1250 hope you are enjoying it?

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

I always looked at this bike. I looks very traditional in a way. Overall a great machine. The torque is amazing on this one. Just got the Bandit 650 as my second bike and I am happy with it, but still looking at this one. Great review bro. Thanks for sharing. Drop by to check my content. You may like it. Cheers.

[@Torqueix]

Really nice review. Love the colour of your bike, looks gorgeous. You go into detail and become really personal, lots of insides on the bike itself and plenty of tips. A hidden diamond of a motorcycle so it seems.

[@bikesoul2021]

Thank you appreciate your comment. It's a wonderful bike for the money, definately can't go wrong with one really.

[@Torqueix]

@@bikesoul2021 - Moin Gude, guess I won't never regret my decision to buy one of these chilled torque monsters last Friday. Can't wait to pick it up from the dealership. I'll post some impressions of it, too, every once in a while. Keep enjoying your rides.

[@ilostintheuk]

GSX 1250 FA loving mine currently even with the few problems i have encountered got the same exhaust as you too things a real stump puller lol

[@brothermanv]

Nice. What are some of the issues you've encountered?

[@ilostintheuk]

@@brothermanv ohh had a few vacuum leaks then carbon buildup on plugs and gummed up fuel strainer, rough idle slight loss of power then throttle body sync was all out of whack on throttle body 1 and 234 where all fine few gremlins lol all at 10k miles unfortunately but I do ride hard on and off just figuring out what is what currently and ride it daily

[@brothermanv]

@@ilostintheuk I appreciate the insight. I'm looking at one now that's at 9k. So, I'm kinda nervous now. Lol

[@ilostintheuk]

@@brothermanv lol don't be the bike is very underrated and for the penny you will not get more bike for your money and everyone eles I have heard from they haven't had any issues that I have so I wouldent be worried. Like any bike there will always be issues but always be less with proper maintenance it is a really good bike man worth every penny

[@brothermanv]

@@ilostintheuk I definitely see where you're coming from. I'm planning on test riding one this Friday. It's a shame Suzuki didn't continue making this bike. Like you said, I really haven't been able to find another comparable bike for the price. The closest bike I've found is a Ninja 1000. But those are 2-4k higher in price

[@mikebarratt2876]

Good review - concur. Couple of very minor gripes I have - I find it a little bit lumpy when stop/start riding around town and the clutch a bit heavy. Also (and maybe I'm just an odd shape) but all I could see in the mirrors were my forearms. Adding a 1 inch extender at the base literally made all the difference. Love the low rev torque.

[@ewganhoff]

You lost me at "you don't always have to filter to the front of the traffic". That is simply, objectively, untrue.

[@RHAD-sy3oi]

My gearbox was terrible... whole bike shook puting it in first gear. Put in Mobil 1 Racing 4T oil and after one ride everything was sorted out. 1st is still a solid engagement but does not make the whole bike jerk like the engine seized up. On the road, sometimes just putting my foot under the gear shift ready to change gears and the bike smoothly up shifts before i have time for the clutch. Tried other fancy high advertised oils and they don't work for the Bandit. Its also what Dale Walker recommends if you ask him.

[@BIKELIFEAP]

Can you specify which auto parts store has that oil, I know Walmart doesn’t have any in 10W-40 did you use the same 10w40 or went with new viscosity thickness?

[@RHAD-sy3oi]

@@BIKELIFEAP the Walmarts in my area carry it... sometimes only a few on the very top shelf but its there. Was in an O`Reilly one time dropping off some oil for recycle and they had some on sale. Afaik the Mobil Racing 4T motor cycle oil only comes in 10W-40 (There is a heavier wt that you do not need - it is for V-twins with the rear cylinder that receives less cooling). The oil change interval in the manual is 3500 miles. However I change before that, probably around 2500 to 3000. This oil has three jobs - engine, transmision, and clutch. Towards the end of the oil life you notice the shifts are now longer as quite as smooth. The bike is trying to tell you when the oil needs changing, so be listening.

[@andrewdugdale7043]

Would you say these would make good work commuting bikes? I like the fact they have torque, big, comfortable and reliable.

[@bikesoul2021]

100% it would make an excellent commuter bike. Very comfortable and super easy to ride. They also filter very well with the wide bars allowing tight slow speed control. Best thing is when you also want to take it on full day out it will be perfect for that as well.

[@blackdotkiller1]

Hi mate could you tell me what the make of camera was you talked about that's on the foot peg only I get my first 1250 in two weeks time and I like the idea thanks 👍

[@CHESI]

Привет из России

[@Jandejongjong]

I bought same bike in same colors last month!

[@bubbleslahey8459]

One hour in the saddle and your tailbone will begging you to stop

[@Trottsatclevedon]

Indeed. True. In the UK Tony Archer transformed my seat 4 years ago now butt heaven. 😀. Always used him but other seat remodellers in UK..OR more expensive Sargent. At least you can sell that if you move bike on in future.

[@brothermanv]

Brilliant review, mate. I'm seriously looking at trading on my Versys 650 to get this. Your video is super helpful Ride safe 🙏🏾

[@bikesoul2021]

That's great to hear mate I'm glad you have found it useful. I did consider a versys 650 before this, but I'm glad I went for the 1250. It's just absolutely effortless and when you get confident with it you can really have some fun on the road with it

[@markdennis930]

Obviously.

[@ridebydesign_global]

Hi, thanks for sharing. I am looking to buy a 2011plate 1250Fa, however, I have few doubts about the bike and hence would like to know your experience. The bike feels a bit jerky while giving and leaving the throttle. I am not sure if this is common. Also, I notice some oil and also smells a bit like burning oil, do you what it could be. And in case there is an oil leak, do you know how much it will cost to repair? Thanks in advance and wish you many happy smile every mile:)

[@bikesoul2021]

Hi there thank you for your comment. This bike should be extremely smooth throughout the gears and rev range, other than a tiny bit of surging at low speeds it should be silly smooth, could be the throttle bodies need balancing. In terms of leaks it's difficult to say, but the general census is that these bikes are fairly bullet proof engine wise. Do you mind me asking how much they are asking for it?

[@RHAD-sy3oi]

Hi ride by- I had the same experience with the throttle response. What I've heard is the bike is tuned to pass government emission and noise laws, not what is best for the bike. Also know that the throttle body has 2 butterfly valves - you control one and the computer controls the other the result is a jerky lean surging throttle response. The fix I found is Dale Walker`s Hole Shot Stage 2 for the Bandit. Open the air box, remove the 2nd butterflys (that are fighting against you), replace the factory pipes with headers (when you take of the factory pipes u will see that they are only 1inch or less in diameter in side), get rid of the cat and replace that huge exhaust can with a Yoshi or Holeshot exhaust, and add on Dale's piggyback ECU tlhrottle tune box. What you get is 130 grunt hp that rolls on smooth from idle to the top.

[@Danziman78]

G'day mate. Did it need a retune after you put the exhaust on it . I just purchased one and the standard pipe looks like it should be launching ground to air missiles and I'm after a cheap alternative

[@bikesoul2021]

Hi mate, no I didn't bother with a retune, don't think it really needs it with just a slip on. Sounds so much better with an aftermarket exhaust, and yeah I agree the original exhaust is stupidly big! What do you think of the bike?

[@Danziman78]

@@bikesoul2021 awesome. It does everything I want a bike to do. I commute most days to work then out with the mates through the valley on a weekend, and then put the wife on the back and go away for a weekend touring the local wine country. It's perfect for what I want .

[@motorrider6979]

Super moto ,też mam takie - pozdrawiam

[@bane8593]

had mine about a month now same colour as this one stunning bike plenty off power

[@bikesoul2021]

Glad your enjoying it, they're awesome bikes

[@MrGilly]

I'm coming from a bandit. I think this is the bandit continued

[@willsterofleicester]

Don't get insurance Carole nash underwriters Marker Study. I had my 3G gsf1250 stolen and burned in Leicester. I got £75 for incompetence and £50 for lying followed by a f off pill 💊 as settlement. Shocking very angry biker

[@dominicevans2541]

dont they also have zero tolerance to aftermarket parts too?

[@bikeman1254]

Are the headlight's still shit?

[@RHAD-sy3oi]

Limited by poor bulb technology. Replaced mine with HID kit and found that the Bandit actually has a very good reflecter design and beam spread.

[@Jandejongjong]

So you take off, put him in 6th and your off to go!

[@RideFaster]

what freaking year is it?

[@edwindiaz9093]

Para mi la mejor moto del mercado , es mi sueño

[@jc5944]

Good review. Recognise the roads as I am a Warrington lad. Your GSX looks in great condition. I have a 2011 one and I am not impressed with the quality - things like the paint is peeling of the wheels, prone to pitting on the forks, oil leaks etc. I had a MK1 bandit and that was far better build wise. Looks like I may have bought a bit of a duffer and thats why I am looking to get rid. Hope you enjoy yours. Cheers for the video.

[@bikesoul2021]

Hi mate, always good to see a fellow Warringtoner lol. Yeah to be fair it is definately a bike you need to keep on top of when it comes to cleaning, as the paint in some areas is really thin especially the wheels. My paint on the rims was coming off so I ended up giving them a quick spray to smarten them back up. Reliability wise it's been faultless though. I do obsess with cleaning with it!

[@davidheaney9249]

I got my bandit 1250A from a guy in warrington last year in really good nick wheel paint isnt great but clean touch up and it will be ok best yo get the wheels powder coated or similar also frame at drain points rusts so keep eye on this ..

[@jasonbeer6179]

That's it going to buy 1250 bandit

[@bikesoul2021]

Haha, you won't be disappointed, fantastic all round bike. Don't think I would ever sell mine unless I really had too!

[@jasonbeer6179]

Looking as we speak lol .. I was in two minds .bmw f800 or 1250 bandit. Minds made up thanks mate

[@bikesoul2021]

@@jasonbeer6179 I honestly don't think there's many bikes for the sort of money the 1250s go for that are as good. The engine is lovely and just super smooth, comfortable, reliable, and plenty of poke and fun to be had

[@jasonbeer6179]

@@bikesoul2021 brilliant thanks for advice good review 👍

[@RussellSchaare]

17:36 😂

[@tubbybitch542]

i bought my gsx1250fa 10 plate last year and straight away my oem rear shock spilled its guts after a short journey with luggage to Scarborough, i bought a brand new Hagon shock and its improved the handling but because of the stupid pandemic i missed out on all the traveling i would normally have done. another weak point i have found is the softness of the paint on the side fairings as the day i brought it home i caught it against a wooden gate post and it peeled a small chunk off but i have disguised this with some carbon tape. i love these bikes as i have owned a mk1 mk2 and a mk4 bandit i love the riding position and the versatility of them and because of the millions of aftermarket parts i can make it my own. having not owned it that long thought do you know if these models have the same issue as the mk4 bikes where the gear position switch can corrode and fail causing the bike to have starting issues ?

[@bikesoul2021]

Completely agree, there are obvious areas where if the bike isnt cared for then it will start to look shabby, i regularly clean it and ACF50 it to help keep it looking nice, just cannot fault the bike really for the money, would be tough to find a replacement

[@rothmenmoto7962]

can you tell me where is gear position switch can corrode and fail...because i need to take care more on that area...can you show me the picture of it

[@tubbybitch542]

@@rothmenmoto7962 its hidden behind the panel that covers the front sprocket and bolts into the engine casing in this video i know its a different bike but its in the same place kzbin.info/www/bejne/g524lHWch897sNU

[@rothmenmoto7962]

@@tubbybitch542 ok thank you sir..

[@blackbird69xxx]

Nice review .. I see you on the way to Leigh where I live... Ive just bought a 2010 model...... ride safe....

[@bikesoul2021]

Great bikes mate!!