2014 Suzuki GSX1250FA review / Fast sketchy road test!

Facebook / benniehitchcock
At around £6700, the GSX1250FA is sports touring bargin. Nearly half the price of a Yamaha XJR1300 and £3000 less than a Kawasaki Z1000 touring. However, this bargin price and basic design does compromise it in a few key areas compared to its rivals. Chiefly, the brakes, suspension and chassis.
Once you get into a groove with this bike, it is easy to cover a lot of ground in no time and can be hustled through the bends with a bit of gentle persuasion. But the transfer of mass in the corners makes it feel a little unrefined compared to the competition and doesn't have the handling to match its cracking engine.
But, at that price, you can almost forgive it for being a bit crude...almost!

[@armedmariner]

My 2011 is a road rocket. The engine is without question a torque monster. I had a Honda 600 F4i prior that handled tons better but it was 1/2 the weight and designed as a bike that would twist. That bike was fun to ride and always made me smile. This bike is no worse - just different. Stock tires suck. Upgrading them is a no-brainer. I used this bike as a commuter for 2 years on I-10 Houston Texas freeway. I could ride HOV lane. I always appreciated the handling on the highway. Zero (I mean zero) vibration. I often hit instantaneous speeds of 125 - 130 but wasn’t stupid enough to push my luck with cops. It could get there fast as you cAn think about it. What I loved most is you could be in any gear and accelerate off. This bike doesn’t care what gear you are in. It just shoots you through the hole you found in traffic. In my opinion I bought the right bike and I still own it. It is a testament to a bike when you like it so well that you aren’t bike shopping every couple years. I’ve had this for 9 years. She is always in the garage and always performs. Suzuki made a fabulous low cost screamer here. She’s big bad and heavy. Yes. Does she handle like a sport bike? No! Heavens no. But can you get all you can get out of her!? You bet. Fabulous bike Suzuki. Not a single complaint from me. I spent my money wisely.

[@edgarviera8120]

I'll give you that. Its a steel tube frame, traditional forks (not upside down), shows its weight as compared with other more modern bikes, and it is not a technological platform by any means (no traction control, electronic suspension adjustments, ride modes, electronic windshield, shaft drive, heated everytihing, etc). Just ABS and thank you. That's why they can offer it a discounted price as compared to the competition. In my personal opinion, this bike is more for users that lean more towards the sport/touring segment of the market but cannot afford the sticker price of it. Also, for folks who love sport/touring, but don't want to deal with the extra weight these other players carry. I sold 2 old BMWs I had and consolidated in this one. At the beginning, I missed certain characteristics of the bimmers. But after 5000 miles, I stopped missing them. Whatever shortcomings this bike might show, are seriously compensated by the engine and gearbox. And after 20,000 ridden miles, I'm not looking back. No buyers remorse here.

[@daviddavis6231]

Its strange that you are the only bike tester hat has ever had those problems that you describe, The way the bike is being flicked round country lanes at licence losing speeds looks impressive.

[@jameshaywood878]

Have the same bike, and I think it handles very well, after riding for 50 years. I also had a vfr 800, and I thought it handled a bit strange. I think what tires you have on makes a big difference.

[@robdefire4747]

The stock tyres are a known problem on these. Change those and it transforms the bike.

[@DavidLee-hs8sx]

got one, love it!

[@garycheavin8768]

I just changed the front tyre on mine, a Pirelli Angel GT that was on it was only about half worn but when I compared it to a new one with a proper profile a no brainer, swapped it out and it's transformed the handling and that along with an $800 suspension upgrade front and rear has made the world of difference.

[@djbgatekeeper]

I wonder if the bike has been in a bump, my 1250 FA feels like it is on rails, handle bars don't touch the tank either... you might want to slow down a bit before you meet a tractor or overtaking car coming at you .... the graveyard is full of bikers who ride like that..... keep safe.

[@ewganhoff]

Great to find a video of someone riding this bike properly❤ This is how I ride pretty much, although the video did make some of the riding look a little sketchy with hidden entrances and stuff. I will concede that it might just look that way on screen. Your visibility is likely much better in real life. Most of the reviews of this bike show more mature gentleman pottering around rather sedately. I've just done a deal on a 30k mile, 2010, for £2600. The guys done loads of stuff to it in the last year (dyno tune, wheels powder coated, fresh Road 6s, new chain and sprockets, brake pads, etc) From the pictures, which are many and detailed, the bike looks very well looked after. Haven't even seen it the flesh yet. I wonder, like many here, if there was something wrong with the suspension set up or tyres of this particular bike. I'll find out next week. My first ride in 4 years will be getting a train down to Newcastle and riding home 250 miles to Aberdeen the same day. Wish me luck.

[@johnmclaughlin4496]

I replaced the stock windscreen with a taller V-Stream and it made a tremendous difference. Also it has so much torque that you don't need to downshift below 40 mph. It has fierce acceleration in 6th gear starting about 40 to well above 100, just roll on the throttle and feel the rush. I replaced the tires with Metzeler Roadtec Z6s and they are much better than the stock tires.

[@Ryzen_56X]

For a heavy sport-tourer the only improvement you can do is to install a very good quality suspension set (Ohlins) front progressive springs and rear shock, and a set of good quality tyres, also replacing the exhaust for a titanium or carbon one will take off a lot of weight, it really makes a difference.

[@sassythesasquatch4425]

THIS!!!!!!! is a must guide. Suspension should be done only if you are pushing the bike hard daily or your current set up is on its way out. OEM are decent if you just do twisties for fun now and then riding

[@clanmac66]

I have the same handling feeling from my GSX650F and I'm seriously considering upgrading to the 1250. Why? It's a good reliable bike great engine/gearbox. looks great. Great buy new or better still pre reg. Very insurance friendly for some reason. It's miss named as a "Sports Tourer" should be "Good all rounder". Great honest review RSm8

[@stephenhammond9793]

I too have one of these and agree with what Bennie says about handling...very top heavy. You have to work hard to get it to lean but then it seems to want to fall into the bend. On roundabouts with smooth surfaces it leans almost horizontal...but on bends with undulations and bumps it's doesn't give much confidence! Done 4.5k on stock tyres and will definitely us an alternative when these have worn. But then all bikes have their limitations and if you ride to it there's no problems.However...on main roads it eats up the miles:) so effortless not having to change down to overtake.

[@MeMe-wr3fx]

I own a 2014 Suzuki GSX1250 FA. L4 and I do not recognise the handling faults here.

[@olboymotoaustralia4294]

Tyre pressures low

[@Davidlouis3]

Same mine handles great, well balanced even when going slow love it. Front tyre pressure sounds if it’s low, or different tyres altogether

[@richardcasey7521]

I would almost surely suspect low tire pressure especially in the front wheel. I bought a brand new Honda CB1100 and it handled poorly. I knew right away the tires were low. Front wheel had 12 pounds and the rear had 15 pounds. Correct pressure transformed it.

[@stewart3632]

I find the handling is very good, have got an fa without the fairing, it turns in really tight through traffic

[@fidelcatsro6948]

its true, the bandit is a great motor but its handling sucks probably due to cheap suspension and fork springs..it hates corners!! Its the SUSPENSION!!!!!Suzuki made a great engine but they compromised on its suspension!thanks for the review and a great ride on the UK roads

[@garycheavin8768]

I can't help but wonder if it's the tyres it's been supplied with ? be interesting to see if you did ever get to test another GSX 1250 FA to see if it had the same issues or maybe it's just factory set to handle a bit firmer with a pillion on the back... ii don't know, curious though.

[@briancloy842]

Just watched this video. This guys review really isn’t worth listening to. It’s clear from his riding that he has no idea what he’s doing. Years of riding, as I’m sure he’d cite he has, but obviously very poorly, doesn’t make you an expert that should be listened to. It’s sadly an example of all that’s wrong with social media. I could bang on all day about the technical aspects of the riding in this clip along with the riders comments, but the important thing is, if you’re looking at this video then you obviously have an interest in this bike and might even be considering buying one. If so, then rest assured, this is a great bike for the budget that it’s aimed at. We’d all love the best that money can buy but that’s not possible for everyone, and there’s nothing wrong with that. If this is in your financial scope, then you won’t find a better bike for the money. That said, don’t think that by buying one of these you’re making some huge sacrifice, because you’re not. It’s a truly excellent machine. The handling is perfectly sound, not the strange disjointed mess described in the video. Yes, it can certainly be improved with some upgrades, but it’s by no means a “must do”. Goodness knows why this dude was having handling issues. It could have been tyre condition, tyre pressures, specification of tyres fitted to the bike, lack of experience? So tired of these self acclaimed experts talking utter nonsense. All I can say is, if you fancy one of these bikes, you certainly won’t be disappointed, in fact, you’ll be glad you bought it.

[@tadstertrolley7770]

The way he was riding, I doubt he is still kicking. Sounds like the bike is bent, tyres, alignment......

[@jonathonsullivan3661]

I have one of these, get the suspension set up properly. Had issues with running wide on the throttle in bends and reluctance to turn in. Took me a while to sort it out, only after riding with full luggage and noticing how it felt much more stable realised i had everything cranked up too hard(to off set running wide). Softened it up back and front. Back end would wobble leaning hard so i turned the little screw in the rear shock ( cant remember what its called) until the wobble disappeared and now its not far off the cbr 600 i had previously.

[@daviddavis6231]

It looks like the brake lever on the bars is bent upwards, or the handle bars bent out of shape.

[@GAZZAPACK69]

I bought one last October. Rode it through the winter loved the low down power and good grunt but it wouldn't turn and would tram line everything on top of this it was wheel spinning out of bends very easily. Wasn't happy until I changed the tyres to Michelin P4s. Wow what a difference I now love the bike and think it's a great all rounder. Hardly a chicken strip in sight and that's not through trying either 😁

[@Rowdy_Bikes]

Good to know. Did you stay with the factory tire sizes?

[@Davidlouis3]

P4s are really good make a massive difference, road smart 3s I’ve got on mine brilliant

[@dariuszklak012]

I took today gsx 1250 fa for a ride and I had exactly this same wobble felling as you described

[@philkearney0577]

I own one and must admit loads of torque very fast bike but the front feels a little light and twitchy at high speed I wonder if it's the fairing design?

[@RobertBrumley60]

Well if your used to a sports bike, of course it's going to feel strange. It doesn't have inverted forks, and it doesn't offer sports suspension. This is why it is lower priced. If you want the feel of a sport bike you won't get it on the GSX1250SA. For 2016 they've changed the name back to the Bandit for $9,984 US and will be available late July or August 2015.

[@TheDailyDrifter]

Do you think if it had USD forks and progressive springs in the front, it would make it less wobbly, or do you think it's down to the overall weight of the bike? I've always had bandit 600s and found they can be quite twitchy in the corners, but with upgraded front springs, it seemed to make it better. I also accompanied that with a 30mm lift kit. Made it a lot nicer to ride.

[@dieholdendie]

you say there's nothing wrong with the bike but earlier you showed how this demo bikes bars hit the tank on left lock. They don't come like that, something is seriously wrong there. A set of Michelin PR3 or PR4's and stiffer Race Tech springs in the forks and maybe a forkbrace from Holeshot Performance makes a big difference to these bikes. Set the pre-load for your weight and you are good to go.

[@benniehitchcock]

Yeah, we reckon the bars, or switch gear weren't aligned properly. Upgrading the suspension would help, for sure. But its the inherent unbalance that comes from being very top heavy and having a soft chassis that I have the most issues with. Again, I have owned and ridden a few bandits. I guess I thought they might have improved the handling somewhat on the new model. Still feels much like the old models to me. I have since ridden another, and found less issues with the rear end, but it still felt top heavy and unbalanced on quick direction changes. More so than the cbf1000, fjr1300 and vfr800 I'd ridden recently. But like you say, a few tweaks and a bit of suspension setup could make a fair bit of difference.

[@niamhsdad1960]

I had one of these and it never felt right. Had new tyres and adjusted rear shock and it did improve but not brilliant. I got rid and bought a r1200gs. That handles like it’s on rails!

[@shamalanon-time4209]

Changing the can to save 4kilos wont justify the shad sh36 x 2 side panniers and sh48 top case i have. I have increased the front pre-load now between 1-1.5 mark from top. Big difference already. Much appreciate suggestions on front tire profile mentioned

[@olboymotoaustralia4294]

Could be low tyre pressure on either tyre causing your handling problem.

[@jackwednesday]

You ride fucking fast. No real criticism here, just fact. Really fast. I ride at probably half this speed!!

[@davidhall2141]

The rear shock on these is dubious, whack the per load up and it gets better. Nice review thanks.

[@benniehitchcock]

Thanks. You're right about the rear shock! I've since ridden another one and that had less issues with the handling. I think whoever rode this bike before me had adjusted the preload at the back but not the front, or visa versa

[@davidhall2141]

All bandits( which this is really) had penny pinching shocks.some got on with them, but harder riders usually upgraded quickly.

[@pruppen]

I have tried 2 different suzuki gsx1250fa's. They both had these handling issues.

[@vainparasite]

That doesn't sound like my bandit 1200k6 but I have hagon shock and spring's in mine and it's awesome. Before those it was a bit wallowy but that was about it. It didn't stop you giving it some on that ride though did it 👍👍👍

[@andybarton9464]

what do you want from a 6700

[@fidelcatsro6948]

Lets take a protest to Suzuki and demand they install Britten V1000 TYPE of suspension on this!

[@edgarviera8120]

Mine does not touch the tank with the bars. That is really weird. Do you know if this particular unit was wrecked? A dis aligned fork will throw off any rolling geometry set by manufacturer's specs.

[@benniehitchcock]

It's a good point, however the bike was a new demo bike and had no crash history. (that's not to say it hasn't been abused!) I think the bars might not have been lined up properly. I did get a chance to ride another for comparison and the rear end did feel a bit better, which makes me think that the preloads had been messed with on this demo bike. But it still felt top heavy and a bit cumbersome compared to other similar bikes I've ridden, but then it is nearly half the price and has one of the best engines. I'd definitely pick one over a cbf1000!

[@KenHumphrey1]

have no problems with my 1250fa loadsa torque incredible value but I never had that huge exhaust on which weighs a ton

[@benniehitchcock]

Gotta love that engine! It is truly one of the great biking bargains. I probably made a bit too much noise about the handling in this vid, but ultimately, it's a lot of bike for the money and great value.

[@stevienugnugent9986]

It's a heavy bike more like 260kg? Obviously it's a not sports bike handling but it should suit the average rider. I've owned mine 9 years. I think the Michelin pilot road 4 tyres and adjusting the suspension to a higher setting. The wind protection is a problem I've tried different screens you still a lot of horrendous wind roar. My bike is 12 years old no issues starts first time the original battery is still going strong I love this bike.

[@Jandejongjong]

The handlebar is a bit smaller / narrow. Im going to add a wider bar. It will make it more easy and relaxing 😎

[@Jandejongjong]

Got used to my steer. Not gonna change it

[@bigoz1977]

Hey mate, Thats quite a good and spot on review of this bike, I bought a 2010 model last yeah and as much as i love it (although it i crashed it a few weeks back on black ice :( lol ) the handling on my 1997 bandit 600s handled better than this one! In my opinion its down to the top heaviness of the bike and the outdated tubular frame. but like you said its a cheap bike. If suzuki put this engine in a more up to date better designed chassis i think you would be looking at over £9000 for it. Either i love my bike with all its faults, that engine is just awesome lol hope i will heal and get back on it before the summer is out. take it easy dude thanks again for the video ;-)

[@benniehitchcock]

Thanks mate, glad you liked it. I slipped on the ice a few years back and broke my hand. Took about 3 months before I could ride again. Hope you're back on the road for the summer.

[@bigoz1977]

yeah thats what ive done, well broken wrist but i am on the mend, thanks for the well wishes buddy :)

[@jameshaywood878]

Something is wrong, my handlebar doesn't come near the tank.

[@RobertBrumley60]

Seriously would one drive that fast touring on a long trip? Although the tires are new, they may not be good quality. Put a good set of Avon's and I bet it would handle a bit better. Or any good brand quality tires for that matter. I've heard the tires that come with them a pretty crappy.

[@onebott]

Hi Ben, good no nonsense review and ride, i'm about to buy this bike - almost - nearly - maybe - not sure............ I've been riding for 1 year, just sold my 600 fazer (good starter bike), it was a touch too small and the wind was getting on my nerves, tried a CBF and found it ok but a little boring, tried a BMW F700GS, absolutely loved it but still loads of wind and exhaust note was dull. I've had an hour on the 1250 and really liked it, but I do know what you mean about the slow cornering, I'm looking to spend around £6K, I like the upright riding position, hate wind buffeting, like a high torque motor and love a good exhaust note. What else would you recommend I have a go on before I commit on the 1250. Cheers Nick.

[@benniehitchcock]

I reckon you could get a good previous gen vfr800 for £6k. Not the torquiest motor, but that v4 sounds sublime with a good pipe. More torque than your fazer for sure, and although the position is sportier, it's still very comfy, almost as comfy as the gsx1250. Very classy bike the vfr, with a good duality also. It can tour, do daily commutes, handles well in the twisties and could even handle the odd track day. Very reliable, beautifully made and nice styling (I reckon so anyway!) As far as wind protection goes, the vfr's fairings do a great job of pushing the wind around you. I would consider a double bubble screen though as the standard screen is a little low. The first vetch models had some issues with snatchiness in the higher revs. This was improved on the newer models (from about 2009 I think?). It's a bit of a marmite bike the vfr. you either love them, or hate them. But if you want a sporty sports tourer with good ergos, high durability and dependability, a unique engine and a great noise, then you have to consider the vfr. You might be able to get a Kawasaki z1000sx for that money too. About 140hp, radial brakes, good fairings and ergos similar to the vfr. Much more performance all round. Never had a chance to ride one though, but all the reports seem to be good. I know what you mean about the cbf. It's as dull as dish water!

[@benniehitchcock]

Here's my take on the new VFR800 that came out last year. It's not too dissimilar from the outgoing model and will give you a good idea of what the bike sounds like and how it performs at least. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnfVaIJmnq5mes0

[@Wabbit1961]

The Givi touring screen is the best. Way better protection and quality than a ZG screen. Have it on my VFR. If I were you, instead of a VFR, look for a Kawasaki ZZR1200! ALL DAY COMFY! TONS OF POWER TO PLAY WITH. I mean, fuck the Bandit, really.

[@Wabbit1961]

Like I said, I have a Z1000sx, otherwise known as the Ninja 1000. Have the side cases, the factory heated grips, full Akropovic dual race exhaust system, Puig windscreen with MRA deflector, Pazzo levers, Sargent seat. Hated the fugly stock exhaust. The bike lost 30lbs. Stock bike though I couldn't really find fault. All day comfy, torque from he'll at 2krpm in any gear. VFR not even close to the Ninja. I still say look for a ZZR!! Better chance finding a good deal.

[@Davidlouis3]

My bandit 650s f is the same it pulls when going around a corner at low speed. Got new pilot road 4s for the bike, hope it makes a difference

[@jayflash2035]

Did it?

[@Davidlouis3]

@@jayflash2035 got the 1250 fa now after the bandit, no problem with mine seems really good, tyres make a massive difference 42psi on rear and 36psi on front Dunlop road smart 3 fantastic

[@jayflash2035]

@@Davidlouis3 I have the 1250, it started to handle the way the guy in this video describes after ~5k miles on BT023s. Was thinking about swapping them for Angel GTs. Never tried Dunlops.

[@Davidlouis3]

@@jayflash2035 yeh the Dunlop’s are good, also the pilot road 4s, I live in Scotland and ride in all sorts of terrible weather no problems 👍

[@steady2wheels]

I wonder if the tyre pressure were low

[@benniehitchcock]

Pressures and tyres were fine. They ran the bike through the workshop after I reported the issues and found no problems. Pretty sure the handle bars weren't aligned properly. Rode another bike and found less issues with the rear end, but it still had that top heavy unbalanced feel. I have owned and ridden a few bandits, so I know all bandits have always been a bit top heavy, but I guess I was expecting this to be a bit of a step forward handling wise compared to the older models. Apparently not.

[@peteeddy42]

Just tire pressure.... You need to change it for your weight and riding style

[@rogerbarlow7552]

u think the handling is dodgy on a 2014 bandit try a mark 1 bandit 1200, that really has a hinge in the middle

[@redleadervfr-v4906]

Roger Barlow I have a K1 and I have never had a problem. Bridgestone 023’s and boy it will go round corners. I don’t consider myself a brilliant (I am over 70 years old) but my mate do have to work hard to stay with my old K1. Good tyres and right tyre pressure is a big thing when it comes to getting a bike to handle

[@Wabbit1961]

Maybe it has shit for front steering bearings.

[@mort77uk]

This review is very misleading. The handling is certainly not as poor as you suggest. At least 80% of this video is given over to you damning the handling - "worst handling bike I've ridden in quite a while" etc etc. Given that you've subsequently ridden another GSX1250 and found that you test bike was probably not set up properly I think you should either take this video down or re-shoot it. Otherwise it gives a very unfair representation of this bike. I would hate to think that potential owners will be put off by your comments. After all, you recognised what a fantastic motor this bike has, and as an all rounder, offers great value.

[@benniehitchcock]

I knew I'd upset a few GSX owners! I think in some ways you're right, a lot of the vid is taken up by me being critical of the handling. Probably a bit excessive and I probably could have edited some of that out. However I still stand by what I said to a certain extent. Having owned a few bandits and having ridden a few other sports tourers from other manufacturers. I can still say that this was the worst handling of the bunch. Even the other one I tried with better suspension setup still had an inherent instability. I'm not a professional v logger, reviewer or anything like that, so probably won't get another chance to re shoot this, but even if I did, my opinions would still be roughly the same. The only thing I should have mentioned more was the fact that the suspension needs setting up. I appreciate the issues you may have with this vid, but I'm not here to sell bikes. I just try to give my honest assessment of them and I'm not going to sugar coat any issues for fear of butt hurting any fans. It seems I'm not alone in having these issues with the handling either. Pretty much everyone I've spoken to has mentioned the bike feels top heavy and unbalanced.

[@shamalanon-time4209]

Bennie Hitchcock You may have upset a few but for me, it helped those around me understand what i was experiencing despite. Riding motorcycles since age Of 11. I could not even take corners at 120kph after 1500kms and taking the top past 200kph on straits. Thanks for the video!!

[@redleadervfr-v4906]

mort77uk agree with you here mate

[@MeMe-wr3fx]

Some very quick riding here. Certainly illegal speeds at times. Although the rider is skillful, his speed is dictated by the distance he can see ahead and all it needs is some bad luck meeting a slow moving tractor around the corner. No matter how skillful the rider, a nasty collision will result. I'd go as far to say that this film is a lesson on how NOT to ride on country roads. Most of us don't ride at TT speeds and only do so on straight main roads.

[@benniehitchcock]

My camera is on the left side. I have a better view up the road than what you can see in these vids.

[@meneserte6123]

Handling and cornering is about riders skills. Some of them can get even knee down with this bike.

[@benniehitchcock]

Yeah, I've had my knee down on this bike. But it was a lot harder than when I did it on an R1! The pegs ground out quite easily, but It's pretty pointless getting your knee down on a bike like this imo. There's a reason why you don't see bikes like this at a racetrack. Too heavy, poor ground clearance, soft chassis and suspension and poor weight balance. No matter how good a rider you are, you will never make it handle like a lightweight sportsbike. Skill can only do so much.

[@meneserte6123]

benniehitchcock As owner of this bike I must agree. I got new one for a half price of R1. Can´t fight light sportbikes, but is much more comfortable with ABS. Nice review btw. :-)

[@nuramalinabeautyfull.disas6584]

sport biker riding touring bike...make bike sound sport...long time seek video like this....

[@geminiman7069]

It's old fashioned. Your not buying Harrods here, it's bargain bucket biking mate. Slow touring with the misses with a bit of guts to get past cars and haul the good lady along with the kitchen sink without her screaming at you to slow down.

[@monck55]

Like 5 Inazumas CC wise.

[@benniehitchcock]

Nearly as heavy too!

[@Pc8975]

benniehitchcock Feel in a cleft stick situation now. I have a 2013 Rocket Roadster which, after a spinal injury, has become just too heavy to move when sitting on and decided I needed a decent tourer which was lighter with some grunt and the GSF1250FA seemed to fit the bill. Fast, comfortable, decent luggage space but this review has put me right off. Despite being retired, I still get the pegs down on the Rocket and hoped to be able to ride spiritedly on the Suzi (when not loaded to tour, obviously) but I feel this is perhaps a bike to avoid. Anyone any ideas what I should look at? CBF1000? Would really appreciate any comments anyone can offer. Mine is worth £9.5 to £10.5 and that is what could spend. Some change would be nice, put in put for touring. Thanks

[@benniehitchcock]

Martin Read Tbh, I wouldn't let this review put you off too much. Take one out for a test ride and decide for yourself. I would certainly choose a gsx1250 over a cbf1000 just for the engine. A bit of suspension adjustment and maybe a new rear shock would improve the gsx a lot I think. That being said, you can still hustle this thing, it just takes a bit more effort than something like a VFR or Kawasaki z1000 (both of which cost considerably more!) The z1000 is probably the best choice if you want a sports tourer with sportier handling, better chassis and brakes and big power. I found the Yamaha fjr1300 the most comfy, has the most equipment, has a stonking motor and is surprisingly involving to ride. But it is also the heaviest and most expensive. You have some good options from all the big brands these days. The gsx is the least sophisticated, feels a bit old school and is the least equipped for sure, but It makes up for it by having one of the best engines and gearboxes and is about £4-5000 cheaper than its rivals. Personally, I would take a gsx and use the £4000 change to go on tour of Europe! If money was no object, I would seriously have to consider the Kawasaki z1000 touring, The Honda vfr800 would be a big contender also, but it's not that great at carrying stuff and you might find it a bit underpowered. If you're used to throwing a rocket around, then any of these bikes will feel like a r6 by comparison! Comfort is subjective, but I don't think anyone has issues with the comfort of the gsx. Some people have issues with the comfort on the z1000 and vfr's, so go and have a sit on them and take them out for test rides if you get the chance.

[@Oldbutnotout1]

benniehitchcock Not to be negative with what you are saying, as a owner of the gsf 1250 fa, i too had a few set up trials on this bike, played with the front and the back, tyres and have found a happy medium, it will and does go into corners very well. You are comparing this to other bikes, it appears to me every bike you have compared this too has all the aids of modern riding, maybe (not being negative here) the older style of bikes with basic set up is not for you. Me i started riding in the 70s and this is what we had and did very well, all we had then was control of the throttle. I do find there is a limit to the suspension, but this is not a sports bike, it was not made for the track and will not handle that way. In this review, after you had ridden this bike for a while and found it not right, may be a screw driver, which most of us carry would adjust to find more suitable, may be not modern bikers views, buy hop on just hope that who ever set it up knows you, and what you like, not really the real world there.

[@scottlochans4180]

Is it a Bandit engine????, I'm thinking no!!, GOT A 2005 GSF 650 BANDIT, NOT A BANDIT S, BETTER THAN A BANDIT S, ACCELERATION LIKE NOTHING I'VE EVER FELT BEFORE, AND IN '84,85, HAD A GPZ750TURBO, AND THE TURBO WOTRKED REALLY WELL. WOOSH!!!, BUT MY 650 BANDIT PULLS UP A STEEP HILL, LIKE IT'S FALLING OFF A CLIFF. WOW!! BRING BACK BANDITS, BANDITS ARE THE VERY BEST BIKES. AND I'M NOT EVEN LYING.

[@davidheaney9249]

Man up ...😃😃😃😃

[@Jandejongjong]

The things you say in your video, sounds like an empty tire.

[@jameshaywood878]

This review is very misleading, I find this bike handles quite well. Must be something wrong, or his riding skill is low.

[@ghassanalfarra8935]

Rake and trail have been altered on this bike for some reason, thus the "top-heavy" feeling, but in general there's something fishy about it as a whole, I've never seen a bike's handlebars touch the fuel tank on full lock!

[@dariuszklak012]

Suzuki fucked this bike up.