Can a 78,000 mile 14 year old Suzuki Bandit GSF1250S still impress?

I’ve been interested in trying to do reviews of other people’s bikes for a while.
Who wouldn’t? Getting to ride a different bike every now and again. That’s my personal Nirvana!
There's a million reviews and reviewers out there, so I’ve been researching the genre trying to find a way to nail down a format I can call my own.
I wasn’t quite ready to dig the cameras out, however this Suzuki GSF1250S unexpectedly fell in my lap last weekend, when my little KTM 390 Adventure was having a sleepover at Saltire Motorcycles in Edinburgh. Fingers crossed this works!
I’ve always wanted to ride a Suzuki Bandit, but they say, never meet your hero’s. Will I still be impressed with it in 2023???
Hope you enjoy the video, if you do, please give it a wee thumbs up, and if you are a new visitor, you can help the channel grow by pressing the subscribe button.
Action cameras: GoPro Hero black 7, and 8 with media mod.
360 camera: Insta 360 one X2
Audio : Zoom F2 recorder
Drone: DJI Mini 3 Pro/RC Controller
Phone: Samsung S23
Editing software : Filmora 10
Done lots of research for this one! Snippets of footage harvested from KZbin channels by Greg Lesny, Krasmoto, Lupus Classics, Iconic Motorbikes, Moto Sprox, Brock’s Performance, Suzuki Global, Vasily Tsoy, Men & Motors, Team Valley MOT, Motordreams, Lasses Motorblok, 1872WATP (one for the Weegies), and Demonheart. Content transformed with my own narration to tell the story of the development of this cult model. Thanks to everyone listed for sharing their experience of their wonderful motorbikes.

[@fredericktressler9289]

I have an '07 1250 that just broke 100,000 miles. I like it so much, that I just picked up an '11 GSX 1250 FA with 10,000 miles to go along with it. I agree, they are great bikes.

[@MRTPR]

My friend has one that has done 100,000 KM'S and just loves it . Greetings from souths Australia 😎

[@minkorrh]

I used to own a carbed Bandit 1200S and it impressed me every time I got on it. It occasionally scared the living shit out of me also. It's the true realization of 'hooligan' bike. The hardest part about riding it was keeping the front tire on the ground.

[@soggybawsmoto]

Thanks very much for watching and commenting Argle. The 1200's were kinda like the LC's of the time. Propper hooligan, like you say. Ride safe buddy!

[@mariovukas4842]

Mine has 65,000 miles and just love it. Best bike I’ve ever had.👌🏼

[@Blank_Immortal]

You are the first person I have ever seen that says they are light and easy to maneuver! Granted you ride adventure bikes! I miss mine already. I think I'll have to pick up another one but they are so hard to come by in the US unless they are in pieces...

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

A great machine that is still available on the market. New riders are skipping them, but in reality it is well worth buying one. I just got the 650. :) Cheers bro. Great video by the way.

[@jayflash2035]

I had this exact bike for a day while mine was in at saltire. I sold my own 1250 last year but missed it so bought another. They are a trusty steed of a bike.

[@soggybawsmoto]

That's recommendation indeed. I bet this one's seen more riders than most! It's handled it well though. Thanks for watching and commenting Jay.

[@glennmcc64]

I have the Bandit in drag (GSX1250), have had it for 6 years, puts a stupid smile on my face every time I twist the throttle.

[@Openguy23]

I’ve got a 2009 model and just love the bike .

[@Jones-xx2gc]

There were shed loads of these around once upon a time. Where have they all gone. Wish I'd had one. Great review.

[@soggybawsmoto]

Thank you Jones zz2gc. They were hugely popular, but alot have been crashed, smashed ot broken up for spares now. Great to have gotten riding one 👍

[@rotorhd2]

I bought a 2008 new and still love it no plans to replace it. Best Pavement bike I've ever owned!

[@RestlessMule]

Very well done. I really enjoyed how you detailed the bike’s lineage before getting into your riding impressions.

[@soggybawsmoto]

Thanks Mule, the format seems to be being well received. Looking forward to doing some more 👍

[@pob1335]

I have same bike same year but only 8.5k miles 😊 love it and its in mint condition great review 👍

[@kakimendi]

Nice video 👌

[@BoxShifterGaming]

good review, love my gsf!

[@888jackflash]

I've owned three 1st-Gen 1200's, (carbureted/oil-cooled), and still own one, ride it daily. I put 175,000 miles on my last one, (yes, I rebuilt it).. These machines are maybe the best UJM ever built- they do everything WELL, but you need to mod them carefully: exhaust, PROPER jetting, upgrade the suspension (stock is horrible).. get your ergos correct. Then, Superman jumps out of the phone-booth. I've had mine across the US (12,000 miles in 90 days one time) repeatedly, and I've had it on the Track, where it performs surprisingly well. I've lived/breathed/eaten these bikes for 15 years. know 'em inside and out.

[@soggybawsmoto]

A real do anything machine!

[@kencarrcarr3751]

I enjoy your no bullshit reviews keep up the good work cheers.

[@soggybawsmoto]

Thanks Ken, good to know I'm on the right track. Much appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@RodgerBarlow-xh1vp]

I have a 07 1250 bandit if you take the exhaust pipe off you wake up the beast that it is and will breath fire mine has 75000 miles and has not been passed by any bike in my town undefeated bike love it

[@soggybawsmoto]

Sounds like loads of fun 👍

[@MrUrmanwitdaplan]

Nice Video man!

[@sofko123]

My BANDIT is 1997 model and i have done 250.000 klm including round Australia.. Still can give a run for your money 💰 🤑 💸 to ANY modern bike!!!.. PIRELLI DIABLO and anytime any place... AMAZING 👏 MOTORCYCLES 🏍

[@soggybawsmoto]

That is hardcore mileage!

[@Toms-trips]

Great review Stevie, this is exactly the type of video I’d want to see before buying a particular bike!

[@soggybawsmoto]

Thanks Tom, that's dead helpful feedback. cheers mate.

[@redleadervfr-v4906]

I have a K1 1200S which I really enjoy riding (23k) and I also have a Purl White K9 1250S (16K) brilliant bike. The 1250 has more low down Torque than the 1200 but both bikes are just so reliable and easy to maintain. I’ve ridden the fully loaded with luggage and it makes no difference they are just fantastic machines that just do everything. Thanks for your enjoyable video 👍

[@BMCMOTOUK]

Great review Steve, a few of my mates have Bandits and they are great machines 👍

[@soggybawsmoto]

Thanks Sean, yeh, I was really impressed 👍

[@mehujussi]

I have too 1250. I Love It

[@rolandkeith5322]

Suzuki Bandit what a cool bike they are. Cool video man full of info on the bike. New sub here man So howdy from down under.

[@soggybawsmoto]

Thanks for the sub Keith, much appreciated. Have a great day today as we all head to bed 👍

[@hachewie]

I hear these things are bullet proof. I have contemplated the 1250 on many occasions. Great video.

[@soggybawsmoto]

Cheers Chewie, aye it feels solid mate. 👍

[@axelfiraxa]

@hachewie i did change fuel pumps twice in 5 years but i did put shit fuel in it to get myself into that situation. Other than that yeah, even valve inspection was more for show. Alignment still fine. I bought my 1250 in 2017 with 41000km and it has been doing great all these years.

[@fast_n_curious_motoadventures]

Great review mate, not many riders on the fastest of bikes would keep up with you on that road even on the ol' Bandit

[@soggybawsmoto]

Thanks John, Aye, we've got to know every twist, turn and jump on that road 😂

[@GermanJobbies]

Unmissable Stevie! I'll certainly be watching any of your vids, reviews or not 😉😉

[@soggybawsmoto]

Thanks Duncan 👍 Much appreciated.

[@Motoramblings]

Looks like a fun bike to ride, and some great roads to ride on!!

[@soggybawsmoto]

Thanks Patrick, I'm blessed to live right on the twisties!

[@Motoramblings]

@@soggybawsmoto I know the feeling!!

[@budredden818]

I have a 09 1250 bandit just turned 17k love it

[@haggiswhisperer]

Nice review mate and great road to take it down too. I love that road too.

[@soggybawsmoto]

Thanks Graham, it's become a standing joke with my pals, that if we are remotely going in that direction, we go out our way to ride it again. I've been gathering footage on this road since 2019 when I bought the Africa Twin, even have snowy footage. Eventually I will complete a "ride through the seasons" film on it, but until recently havnt had a plan on how to string it all together. Should get it nailed next year 😂

[@haggiswhisperer]

@@soggybawsmoto do you get a bit of air along the loch side lol. I know you do

[@soggybawsmoto]

@haggiswhisperer ALWAYS! It's compulsory. Skip to the end of my CRF1000 Fork seal vid for an example 😂

[@timholt2907]

Iv just today bought one to replace the 1200 I sold last year. 2015 with only 5,500 miles, looks like new. Cant wait to pick it up next week.

[@soggybawsmoto]

Best of luck with it Tim, Ride safe out there 👍

[@JUANORQUIO]

W❤W! That’s Incredibly Cool! Cheers!🥂❤️✨

[@soggybawsmoto]

Thank you Juan 👍

[@allancarstairs4559]

Great video Stevie! Nice meeting you in the Fruin with the bandit. Brings it all back. Your sticker brought me here. I'm now subscribed and looking forward to seeing more. If your over on the Haul road again over the next couple of months, and you want a cuppa, I'm on the peninsula, welcome to pop in anytime. Al.

[@soggybawsmoto]

It was great to meet you and hear of your upcoming adventure! Glad you found your way here and managed to see what I was up to at the side of the road. Once that wee shower passed, I had a great day out. Safe travels pal 👍

[@josepg.2479]

I haven`t this model but 650 cc. for almost 12 years and a lot of kms., but I have to say that never, I repeat, never it failed, not even a battery discharge after months of no use. What a great motorcycle, sometimes I regret myself for sold it.

[@soggybawsmoto]

Thanks for watching and commenting Josep. Sometimes these bikes slip through out fingers, and we meet them again a few years later. Good luck that it does and safe riding! Stevie.

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

I bought one for my father, a week ago. :) Will see how it will perform. Drop by bro, you may like my content. Cheers. :)

[@greywolf9292]

It's a bike that could so easily have been my first big bike after passing my test, the reason it wasn't is because they were ten for a penny, as common as muck. I opted instead for its twin the GSX600F but it turned out to be a bike I just couldn't get on with. The rear shock seemed set too stiff and the full fairing acted like a sail in side winds. As a result it bounced round corners whilst getting blown sideways between gaps in the trees. There was no tool kit under the seat so I returned to the dealer to get it set up properly. Whilst there I tried the Triumph Thunderbird Sport, it rode like it was on rails and with no fairing let wind pass through rather than get pushed sideways. The GSX600F never left the garage, instead I rode home on the Triumph. Hence my recent purchase of an identical bike, so fond were my memories of it from the past.

[@soggybawsmoto]

Sounds like an expensive day out Mike, but looks like you found something that you connected better with. 👍

[@greywolf9292]

@@soggybawsmoto It was more than a day, I bought the Suzuki before passing my test ( naughty, naughty 😂). I think it was the feeling of counter steer which irked me the most. I like to lean a bike and have it follow me but with the drop bars it felt like the bike wanted to go the opposite way round corners. It also would tip before I leant, felt like it was controlling me rather than the other way round. Add the rear end skipping to that equation and the side winds on country lanes. The Triumph on the other hand had wider flatter bars making changes of direction a breeze. A pal of mine was a motorcycle instructor riding a Yamaha 900 Diversion. I gave him a go of the Triumph, he came back grinning from ear to ear saying it was the most fun he'd ever had on two wheels.

[@KevinMcMillan]

Awesome video as always i loved my gsf650 s done me well and was a really forgiven bike very well balanced and the price wasn't too bad for what you got so not a bad 1st big bike.

[@soggybawsmoto]

Thanks Kevin, aye, you put the miles in on that bike. Is that the bike that Andrew is riding, or did he pick up another one?

[@KevinMcMillan]

@@soggybawsmoto Haha yeah 😆 was a good bike. I sold it to Andrew then he sold it and got another bike. BTW the k1200s is there you want it for a review I'm not going to sorn it until the salt hits the roads hopefully a good few weeks before that starts. I need to get the old cx500 sorted and back on the road I miss using that bike for a Sunday blast haha nothing is easy aboit it though 🤣🤣

[@soggybawsmoto]

@KevinMcMillan Wow cheers mate, that would be an interesting vid. What a striking bike. Will catch up soon.

[@wilmawife]

When I lived in Clydebank before moving to Canada I rode that road many times, don't know about the wet leaves at the side of the road though, great review of a great bike, do more of them if you get the chance.

[@soggybawsmoto]

Thanks for watching and commenting David. Glad it brought back memories for you. Autumn is well and truly here now. Whilst editing I realised my ginger beard camouflages with the leaves perfectly 😂 Are you still riding out in Canada?

[@wilmawife]

Still riding, 1999 Suzuki SV650S, getting long in the tooth, but so am I (67).

[@richardshort4587]

@@wilmawifeWhich part of Canada 🍁? I’m from Sunderland, been in Alberta since 1995 homing in on 70 years old. Currently riding or not as it’s winter 🥶 🙄 but I have BMW K1200LT. But she’s getting to heavy for me now at around 860lbs plus or minus. Thinking of downsizing to a lighter bike that makes for a more enjoyable ride.

[@EasyRider1977]

Great Movie and Great bike:)My first bike was a 1987 GSX 1100 EF , a train of a Bike, and great on the Road, my Second bika was a 1992 GSXR1100 Juiced up to 167HK , but I sold it after 6 month due some stupid Riding ,and almost ended up in a flower bed Downtown Hareid small town in Norway:)After that I have mostly had Harleys, exept the Honda CBR1100XX :)

[@soggybawsmoto]

1100EF was a beast of a first bike! Cheers Oskar.

[@EasyRider1977]

@@soggybawsmoto ☺️😂Yes it was, But my brother got a sore Bike riding it, and i as a Younger brother had cash and was eager to Get my first Bike☺️I could ride to Hell and back on anything as long as it became mine😂☺️

[@flatcapcaferacer]

Suzuki builds a lot of very underrated bikes since the 1970s. I always get distracted and buy other brands.... maybe one a day a Suzuki will find it to my shop.

[@soggybawsmoto]

I had a brief involvement with a Suzuki GT550 two stroke triple, but that's the only one that's passed through my hands. They have a huge fan base though. Glad to see that you are riding again 👍

[@flatcapcaferacer]

@@soggybawsmoto Trying to ride, but it is getting easier

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

Somehow we skip some models or brands when we are buying and it is just for no reason. :) But it is what it is. :) Cheers.

[@althescottishbiker]

Great video, don’t know how I haven’t seen your channel before. I had a mk2 600 bandit. Unfortunately it kept breaking down and dealer couldn’t figure out what was wrong with it. I punted it for a SV650. That was about 2002 I think. Ride safe!

[@soggybawsmoto]

Thanks for the sub, and commenting Al. Sounds like you had a lucky escape! The SV's a great bike too. Fantastic engine 👍

[@Jestersson]

High mileage bikes can be had for a bargain. My mates blackbird had 120k on it and was sweet as a nut. Regular servicing means bike engines are bulletproof.

[@soggybawsmoto]

Absolutely Jesters. I recently picked up a very rare tidy original Yamaha GTS1000 for a fraction of its value because it had 75000 miles. It runs like clockwork. These inline four engines are very under stressed. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍

[@throttle_up]

I'd love to see more like this. I think the extra context over and above the facts and figures helps impart an understanding of why fans of a particular model love them so much. And to see a high mileage bike running so well makes me feel that if I ever fall on harder times, I'll always be able to afford to ride a motorcycle.

[@soggybawsmoto]

Glad you enjoyed it. Great comment, that's actually helped me understand a format I've seen in other niches that I can purposefully apply to these. Hopefully more of these coming.

[@sonofagalwayman6553]

great review have a 2010 gsx1250fa 53k they go well

[@soggybawsmoto]

Thankyou, i was very impressed with it.

[@markbrown6188]

A) Thank you for a great real life review! B) I have a MK1 1200s Bandit. Awesome. The 1250 clearly follows in the same vein. C) You have one of the most beautiful countries on earth. Although a "sassenach" I have spent many weeks in Scotland on my Bandit. A perfect match for your Big Country! Wide open roads, breathtaking scenery and a torquey brute of a bike. What's not to like?

[@soggybawsmoto]

Cheers Mark, glad you enjoyed it. Aye, it's a great bike for blasting about Scotland 👍

[@dezmondwhitney1208]

A Good review. A useful Bike then? Thank You.

[@soggybawsmoto]

Thanks for watching and commenting Dezmond, yep, it made a great impression on me. 👍

[@tojj29]

All bandits were bullet proof. I had the naked 1200 in gunmetal get. Brilliant bike, seemed to like being on one wheel a lot. I stick a Beowulf end can on it and it sounded the dogs doo-da's. Nice vid Stevie👍

[@soggybawsmoto]

Cheers Nige, the 1200's were the ones to have. Suzuki broke the mould with that one 👍

[@tojj29]

@@soggybawsmoto I had to get rid of that standard can though, it was like a big stainless steel kitchen pedal bin bolted on there

[@Irnbrutality]

Hey Stevie, met during one of the Glasgow bike meets, loving the content. If you're looking for interesting bikes to ride, I have something that may pique your interest. Just let me know how to contact you if you want to chat about it. Loving the edits you're doing, keep up the nice work!

[@soggybawsmoto]

That's awfy kind Gerard. Super curious mate, love all sorts of bikes. There is a link on my KZbin home page/about section to my Soggy Baws Moto facebook and messenger page. I'll be able to give you phone number to chat there.

[@REN-zh2wd]

I feel like the Suzuki band is the best kept secret they are a cult classic but only to those who actually care most people today wouldn't give it a second look which works well for the people that actually like them I have an 08 1250 paid 6500$ with 13500ks on it and now has 22500ks on it. is it as good as the newer bikes absolutely not but it's the best damn bike you could buy for the price

[@soggybawsmoto]

Thanks for watching and commenting REN. It's a brand that attracts a loyal following, I suspect by those that started out on a small suzuki, moving up the range. I'm glad to finally have had the opportunity to ride this one. Ride safe pal! Stevie.

[@grabir01]

If you will get a Mk1 or II carb version, you can open up the intake and exhaust. Up jet to match and unleash another 30-40hp very easy. The FI models not so easy to do.

[@soggybawsmoto]

Now that sounds like fun! Thanks for commenting 👍

[@marksaunderson3042]

I have a 1998 GSF600, under 25k, and it’s awesome. I would sell my sister before I sell the bike. I can ride the bike, I can not ride my sister. . . 😱

[@soggybawsmoto]

Defo sounds like one to keep hold off! Ride safe buddy

[@NooBiker]

Nice review. Can feel your enthusiasm come through. I'm not sure whether this bike would be ULEZ compliant, unfortunately

[@soggybawsmoto]

Thanks Noob, I was nervous about publishing this one. Thank goodness our local emissions areas do not restrict bikes. That's so short sighted from an environmental perspective. 👍

[@NooBiker]

@@soggybawsmoto no need for nervousness, it was very well made.

[@mughug9616]

Still prefer the older air/oil cooled GSF1200 as it took me back to my earlier air/oil cooled GSX750. Something about those motors. :)

[@I_hunt_lolis]

Didn't know Ivan the space biker was from Scotland

[@soggybawsmoto]

Had to Google that one, what a cool character. Thanks for watching and commenting Jagdpanzer 👍

[@andrewewan624]

Hi Stevie...had the 1200S... super torquey .... vibes through the bars tho' ...but great bike

[@soggybawsmoto]

Good morning Andrew, the original hooligan bike 😉 Did you use it for teaching?

[@andrewewan624]

I added a lot of miles.. trouble trouble-free other than replacing coils ( picked up nearly new set eBay £25 ). NOT a training bike, was my personal bike at the time@@soggybawsmoto

[@cmcg848]

Bought a 2009 Suzuki bandit 1250 naked this week, won’t run past 6k revs and won’t go faster then 160kmh. Must be restricted, any idea how to take it out?

[@LooxJJ]

This bike will probably give you another good 100,000 miles.

[@andybrown1124]

Is that the view point at Helensburgh overlooking fast lane ?

[@soggybawsmoto]

Hi Andy, yes. Thought it would be a quiet place to do a piece to camera. It was like Buchanan Street that day 😂

[@andybrown1124]

@soggybawsmoto I'm just down in Balloch with a bandit 1200 I do that road every Sunday Arrochar to garloch head cove and Rosneath then Helensburgh for a coffee and home. Actually great to see my local run on KZbin you ever want a shot of b12 2005 that's had a bit of work done gimme a msg my good man

[@ronroush4606]

Mine is a 97

[@mirre83ify]

bandit 1250=gsxr 1100 W engine base

[@robby1816]

Here's footage from some rando's Bandit 1250 twisty run: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3OppYx6ptyjhc0

[@mooncat.787]

Don't think the Yanks will understand a bloody word your saying but a great report nonetheless...... Manchester Moonie.

[@soggybawsmoto]

Cheers Moonie! I watch a few tubers from the Deep South of America. Some of they dudes need subtitles too so its swings and roundabouts 🤣

[@mooncat.787]

@@soggybawsmoto Hahaha that's very true Soggs lad..... Just subbed up to the channel...... Seem like an amiable Jock there Sir...... Great people.

[@pawelwis7215]

Interesting review, but due to your accent I may have understood half of it haha

[@soggybawsmoto]

Our Scottish accent is very heavy, and we talk very fast. In my early films I tried to tone it down, but it sounded wooden, and lost all passion. I've come to realise that I'm attracted to the global Youtubing community that I watch, because of their quirks and unusual delivery, so I decided hang it, I'm just going to try to be natural and passionate. Maybe I should consider subtitles 😂 Thanks for watching and commenting anyway, Stevie.

[@pawelwis7215]

If it weren't for the fact that I work with Scots and Irish people, I probably wouldn't understand anything. English is not my native language@@soggybawsmoto

[@user-gc1mw3jz9h]

Great bikes , just a bit bland

[@the-muscle77]

What language u speak mate? it sounds like aussie/scottish and whatsoever 😂😂

[@soggybawsmoto]

I'm Scottish, but I speak English with a strong Scots accent. Perhaps I need to consider sub titles 🤣

[@maxmitrochine8758]

​​@@soggybawsmoto yeah for the deaf. You re articulation while speaking is cristal clear. So yeah, subs for the deaf