2016 Suzuki GSX 1250 FA Bandit Review Superbike

[@markhorton7013]

Gr8 bikes... had ours for just over a year. She's the previous model to yours - the GSF1250 with full luggage. She's a 2010 model and riding like an absolute dream. Terrific engine with loads of power right where you need it most ie; road speeds. Comfort levels from the seat leave you fidgeting a bit after an hour or so in the saddle and the footpegs are in a slightly semi - sporty position. We took ours to the North Yorkshire moors for a 3 day trip in that part of the country and she coped admirably. We really enjoy owning such a good all rounder. Servicing yourself is a doddle too once you're out of the manufacturer's warranty... I've done my valve clearance check, regular maintenance routine oil filters plugs etc. Balancing the throttle bodies has really improved the crispness of the throttle response too. We've got just over 16000 miles now... enjoy yours my friend. If you need any support drop me a line..... Regards Mark

[@djbgatekeeper]

Hi Mark, thanks for the message and I will certainly knock at your door if I need any mechanical tips, sounds like you have that side of things covered. Im Struggling to get time on mine at the moment due to work commitments but next year will be better I hope. My missus has just bought some gear so two up touring next summer is the plan. Glad to hear you are happy with your bike and ride safe mate. Regards Dave.

[@markhorton7013]

No worries Dave... you're welcome. If you check out my google+ page and the posts you'll see some of the things i've been upto with the GSF since we've had her. Ride safe Mark

[@derekm8667]

Great choice on the GSX1250FA. I Had a 2011 in black and put 34,000 miles on it in three years without a single problem. Phenomenal bike and ultra reliable. The torque is amazing in the low RPMs and power wheelies in first gear are so easy it's insane... but a speedo healer is essential. Mine was reading 9% high from the factory. Enjoy that bike and ride safe.

[@djbgatekeeper]

Hi Derek, thanks for the comments and it's nice to know the bike is as good as I had hoped. I've been out today and the engine feels like it's loosening up nicely as the break in stages progress, I can't wait till I can unleash the beast! Have a good day and take it easy friend !

[@thestar111]

Sweet machine... It's size and power is to die for... I own 3 bikes, a GSXR1000 a VFR800-Vtec and a VFR400-restored and I still want a big Bandit 1250 :)

[@djbgatekeeper]

thestar111 Yes I'm so impressed with this bike, I was a bit cautious before buying as I didn't quite get the low price compared to the competition. Now I know they have discontinued the bike for 2017 due to EU emissions laws hence the deals currently available, it's an absolute steel and a great bike to ride. Roll on spring 👍 ride safe mate.

[@bencarter1666]

The engine sounds like a jet fighter when you open it up. Great bike

[@Torqueix]

True though, the Suzuki GSX 1250 FA is a wonderful lovely motorcycle of almost complete understatement. It is capable to pull your arms off your body but yet so silent in its way of coming around. It's always got significantly more power and grunt than shown on paper, it's just a beast when you let it out and its reliability is way above so-called bigger European names. A fantastic tool for every day commuting, going on track days and touring all across the continent. Unbeliveable what a great job Suzuki did for this price tag, complete no-brainer bargain.

[@philipgreen7383]

I have the same bike but a 2012 model. Bought it from new and really love it. Really recommend it.

[@djbgatekeeper]

PAG Biker UK Yes it's a great bike. Can't wait for some dry weather! have a good Christmas mate.

[@kwakkers68]

My recommendations: MRA Vario screen, and Michelin PilotRoad 3s, or 4s.

[@Thoomaasso]

The colour wonderful! Great bike! I have the 650cc version in black. Have fun with it. Ride safe !

[@truckingbiker7354]

Great bikes just surprised they aren't more popular

[@wondaboy12345]

Well wear m8, I have a 2010 GSXF1250 bike and I cant believe they have done absolutely nothing to the bike in nearly 10 years. They are a fabulous bike no frills but its brilliant.

[@djbgatekeeper]

wondaboy12345 That's what i like about this... its a proper motorbike without a load of gadgets and controlled by a computer... the rider controls this machine and it goes like a rocket... not for everyone but i love this bike and its been great so far... have a good day mate... catch you soon 😊

[@Ducati999cc]

Got gsf 1250 k9. Fantastic bike. Oem exhaust can works as crash slider. Only brake lever will broke in case of fall.

[@timholt2907]

I have the same bike but with a top fairing. Iv had 3 1200 Bandits which were all good bikes but the 1250 is a step up. I have a Beowulf 380mm can on mine and it sounds great. Don't think they will be a classic like the mk1 1200 but hey ho. Cracking bike, especially when run in. They dont half go.

[@bikerantics5001]

Excellent choice! I've clocked up 28000 trouble free miles on mine and enjoyed every minute! It's in for its first MoT on Saturday and it'll fly through! I use my side stand 99% of the time and found my centre stand has seized quite quickly, it moves but is really stiff, i do ride all year and in all weathers! Problem is the locating bolt pulls out towards the exhaust so not any easy job to fix, probably cut the bolt off and locate from chain side?! So maybe worth keeping a check on it?! The other thing was my Oxford heated grips, which as you say are superb, managed to rotate on the handlebars, i didn't notice it happening until, on one occasion, I couldn't pull the clutch all the way in and on another occasion I couldn't rotate the throttle fully, both caused by the 'hump' on the grips where the electrics connect?! Your right about replacing the stock end can, it reduces the weight of the bike by about 4 tons!! I had a Beowolf first, nice look and sound, and have just changed it again for an SP Engineering 'demon' stubby, check my vid for looks and sounds (they both sound better in real life!). The other 'upgrade i did was adding a pair of V-Strom hand guards, you need some off a v-strom with hydraulic clutch and brake (2015-onwards i think) if your considering it and at £55 they get rid of 90% of the wind chill! Anyway enjoy your beast and Safe Riding!

[@djbgatekeeper]

Thanks for the tips they are much appreciated.... ive watched a few of your uploads, especially like the castle combe one ! I think the bike is awesome and cant wait for spring to arrive to get some touring started... ride safe and have fun.

[@ageinggolferbiker3869]

Hi dave defo great choice of bike iv just bought one a couple of months ago it's a 2013 in white it's the biggest bike iv owned it only as 8000 on clock and I'm loving it to bits I really hope you enjoy yours as much as me Brian.

[@djbgatekeeper]

Hi Brian, yes I think only the owners of this bike know how much of a bargain it really is. It is a true motorbike in every sense of the word, powerful, good handling, durable and affordable. I bought this bike as my last motorcycle purchase, I'm 52 and will ride this bike till I fall to bits or the bike does... I think the bike will win lol. keep enjoying your bike mate and keep in touch. all the best Dave. 👍

[@BatterseaBill]

I've got a 1250 GT (2009) wouldn't part with her at all. I would recommend covering the shinny bits with Scotoiler fs365 brill stuff. Enjoy it. Oh and you can also get blocks too raise the mirrors.

[@djbgatekeeper]

Thanks for the tips, I was looking for the mirror extenders on eBay but they didn't have them for the 2016 model, I do want a set so I don't have to keep dipping my shoulders, Il keep having a nosey .... ride safe mate.

[@BelowZero]

Beautiful bike ... congrats

[@djbgatekeeper]

BelowZero Thank you! have a good day.

[@daveg1250]

I am considering buying one of these I see that they are stopping production of these, but there is one at my local bike dealership atm. It is a 2016 model with 1600 miles on the clock for £6,000 and the only reason I did not go for a test today was because of the weather. I currently have an MT09, but am looking for a more all rounder bike and this looks similar to the Yamaha Thundercat that I had about 6 years ago, in fact the wrap-around inner fairings round the tank look the exact same. Thanks for the review.

[@djbgatekeeper]

Hi Dave G, yes there's plenty of 1250 bargains floating about as this model is not 'down with the kids' so too speak. If you want a great all rounder with a stonking motor you'll love this bike, I can't fault it really apart from the bean can exhaust as mentioned in the review. All I would watch out for if you are parting with 6K for a nearly new bike is that it's not been a demo bike, basically demo's as you probably know get thrashed from the word go by many different riders most of who don't give a monkeys about running in the engine. You could end up with a large bill to sort the engine if you intend to keep the bike for a few years as I do with mine. Other than that I would 100% recommend this bike, I can't wait for the weather to improve so I can get out for a blast, done 600 miles now so only 400 away from fun time! If you haven't already, have a look on Autotrader website there's 51 x 1250's on there, I've just had a nosey..... good luck mate and I hope you get fixed up with a top motor what ever you buy ;-)

[@daveg1250]

it is not a Suzuki dealership, so I assume it is a trade in. Hopefully weather will improve by Friday, so I can have a go on it, if I am not blown away by it then no problem, as there is nothing wrong with my bike. I have put a top box on and it has spoiled the look of it a wee bit and I think I might as well get an all rounder rather than spend any more money on it , ie bigger screen etc. I have looked on autotrader and see a white 2016 with luggage for £6500, the black one in Shirlaws is the one nearest to me, no luggage but £6000. I will have to have a look and ask about a trade in price, I was offered £5000 for mine in November last year

[@peacefulrider]

Hi Been thinking about these bikes. I like the value for money and it looks like a great all rounder. Have you still got it ?

[@djbgatekeeper]

Hi there... No I traded the 1250 in for a Z1000SX, there was nothing wrong with the Suzuki though I just fancied a change. The guy who bought the bike from me went all over Europe on it and loved the bike. Good luck choosing 🤞

[@peacefulrider]

@@djbgatekeeper Thanks mate. Z1000sx is a good bike. Might be an option for me . I’m 57 this year. I find moving big bikes around is getting harder for me. Safe riding.

[@TwoWheelsGood-ym3st]

Do you miss your. GSX?

[@planartube2364]

I'm considering one of these myself. The U.S. version has a half fairing whereas yours is the three quarter fairing. Wonder why the difference? The gauges are different as well. Great bikes though...I had a Yamaha fj1200 back in the nineties and loved that big displacement inline four motor. Have fun on yours, mate.

[@djbgatekeeper]

planar tube Hi there... treat yourself to one you wont regret it. The bike you describe sounds like the bandit... mine is the 1250 FA.. Same engine it pulls like a beast. catch up with you again mate and have a good Christmas

[@planartube2364]

Oh yes, I see that now...Bandit vs. GSX1250FA. In the U.S., we only have the Bandit model, the GSX1250FA was last offered here in 2013, I believe. Model years 2014 and 2015 were absent either bike and now we have the 2016 Bandit. I looked at one last week and, being winter in Colorado, the dealer made me an offer of $8990 which is darn good. I currently ride a 2014 650 V-Strom which I like a lot. Coming from bigger bikes, however, I don't care for the Vstrom on freeways and interstates - a bit too lightweight and prone to being blown around in the wind. The Bandit would remedy that situation.

[@djbgatekeeper]

planar tube Yes I've been using the motorway / freeway a few times here and the bike is stable and feels really planted....it's just a great all round machine that will run forever... I'm a big bandit fan.

[@Lonewolf-kw8gg]

Great bike, I've put 27000km's on mine in 3 years can't fault it, now discontinued here in Belgium for 2017 as unable to meet Euro 4 emmision

[@djbgatekeeper]

Neil B Hi Neil, yes I think the UK is due to stop selling this model as well.... shame that but at least the resale value will be good should you want to sell... just waiting for spring now. . had enough of sitting on the bike in the garage lol.... ride safe mate 👍

[@34979Charlie]

You'll be glad once the oem can is removed and it sounds like a big boys motorcycle :) it weighs a ton also compared to a slip on ... regarding running it in , be careful not to make the disastrous mistake of babying it to much , the most important thing is to make sure it's well warmed up before you gun it , l changed the oil and filter on mine 3 times before the 1000km service was reached , first change at 130km and already then the oil was full of alu glitter , just be sure to replace with a running in or mineral oil, nice color choice by the way .

[@djbgatekeeper]

34979Charlie cheers for the tip mate I'll definitely drop the oil 😊 I also make sure I give it some pressure/ throttle to bed the rings in properly... it goes like a missile even at 60% 😨 what brand of oil do you prefer?

[@34979Charlie]

Pineapple Soup Yep your spot on with the throttle and bedding those rings properly then 😊👍 l used a special running in oil that has a high sulphur content , but a 10w-40 mineral oil can also be used , just stay away from synthetic though until the running in phase is finished , l only ever use Castrol oils.. but that just me :) having mine ECU flashed in the spring which will bring it up to 115 bhp and even out the power curve all the way through the rev range , coming from the factory they're considerably tuned down to meet strict emission standards , good luck with it :)

[@djbgatekeeper]

34979Charlie Thank you and best of luck to you too buddy... I like the sound of ECU flash...might look into that 😊

[@maximejalbert5919]

nice to read! bought the same bike. a bargain to me as well. (from Canada) I just put the yoshi rs3 slip on on it. if you guys want power, you need headers, air filter and reflash : boom 130+ hp

[@bessie2275]

Do u still have it, I bought mine in 2012, i took mine to portugal

[@djbgatekeeper]

Hi Pete, I sold the 1250 FA in 2018 and bought a Z1000SX which I still have and would never sell. Sometimes you sit on a bike and everything fits like a glove, the SX is that bike for me.. the 1250 FA is a great bike though and will run for ever! Ride safe mate 👍

[@williamduckworth305]

Is this a European model bc all the reviews seem to be in the uk...i am in America abd was just wondering... Cheers

[@djbgatekeeper]

@@williamduckworth305 I'm not sure if Suzuki supplied this bike to just Europe sorry.

[@meuk1183]

Nice Review. Thanks

[@djbgatekeeper]

Thanks Neil, have a great 2017 mate!

[@mountaintourer0713]

very nice machine!

[@robcig]

Great review mate, this machine is on my motorcycle bucket list. Any updates after three years?

[@djbgatekeeper]

Yes I sold the bike last year and bought a Z1000sx Kwaka.... There's was nothing wrong with the Suzuki I just wanted something a bit more up to date 😉 treat yourself the 1250 FA is a great bike and very reliable 👍

[@grapewater123]

How's this bike for power ?

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

How many miles/km is required for a service interval? Thanks for your answer? What was your previous bike? I plan to buy it but I am not sure if it would be OK. I had Cagiva Canyon 500 and some scooters. Otherwise I am not a hard driver.

[@djbgatekeeper]

Hi there, I think the service interval was about every 6000 miles, yes I sold the Suzuki to buy the z1000sx. The Suzuki is a great bike and will run forever, I just saw the Z1000 and fell in love.... I hope you have a wonderful time on your bike :-)

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

@@djbgatekeeper Thanks Dave.

[@djbgatekeeper]

@@digibyke5898 Hi there, yes still happy with the SX, it's a wonderful bike and a keeper for sure. 😊

[@ageinggolferbiker3869]

dave same for me buddy I'm 62 so it's the last one for me lol what part of the planet do you reside in ? Regards brian.

[@djbgatekeeper]

Im from Warrington, Cheshire in the UK how about you mate?

[@kwakkers68]

62? The last one!? Behave!!!!!! One of my best mates is nearly 80, and still rides nearly every day, goes to the ManxGP every year..... When you're 95, just get something lighter! ;-)

[@brianvath9186]

I gotta find out where you got that side engine fairing. The heat from this engine is almost unbearable!

[@davidheaney9249]

You arnt going fast enough...😁

[@brianvath9186]

@@davidheaney9249 I agree, that's why I traded it for a ZX14R, lol!🤣

[@ageinggolferbiker3869]

I'm a Yorkshire man living in Kent mate

[@djbgatekeeper]

Nice one. I love Yorkshire, went to Harrogate recently for a couple of days, really nice round that neck of the woods. I've driven through Kent but never been south of Birmingham that much. Saying that I did live in Plymouth for 3 years though so I do have a bit of southern blood. Have a good evening mate 👍

[@ageinggolferbiker3869]

Hi dave do you know what the FA stands for would love to know Brian.

[@djbgatekeeper]

Hi Brian, not a clue mate to be honest, I think the L6 part denotes the model number which changes each year but as for FA.... Might be to do with this model having a fairing... Maybe. take care mate 👍

[@allanquinton2002]

Hi ghost rider. The FA stands for F ~ Fairing and A ~ ABS.

[@djbgatekeeper]

Nice one Alan 👍

[@455Transam]

Stands for Fuckin Awesome!!!!

[@philkearney0577]

I have this bike in grey lovely machine but too too quiet! Needs a slip on can.

[@waqasmughal9046]

This is the ABS light that burns

[@waqasmughal9046]

The ABS is lying in the bike I have