Suzuki GSX1250F v CBF1000GT v VFR1200 v FZ1 Fazer

After MCN's first ride of the new £6,999 Suzuki GSX1250F we realised that it's a great bike at a bargain price. But how does it compare to the more expensive all-rounder competition? To find out, we put it up against the Honda CBF1000GT, Honda VFR1200F and Yamaha FZ1 Fazer.
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[@MeMe-wr3fx]

Take no notice of those on this thread who use foul abusive words and spout nonsense. I've ridden all the bikes here and the GSX1250 FA stands up well as a all round long distance tourer. It produces it's torque exactly where it's needed and is smooth and comfy to boot.

[@julianhunt7993]

I've ridden bikes all my life and owned dozens of motorcycles, the Suzuki gsx1250fa has been my favourite all round bike, it does everything so well, i have toured 1000's of miles on this bike, which is ultra reliable and has so much low down torque and comfort it really is an amazing bike to own. 9 years later and the build quality on mine is outstanding, there is no rust anywhere and I ride all year round, my hondas have not worn as well as this bike, excellent mpg and it is a fast bike, I highly recommend it.

[@gurveersingh3358]

It's seems MCN puts the Suzuki Bandit far more superior than the rest. But then, who wouldn't. Brilliant engine, powerful torque, Bullet proof chassis, perfect pricing. - hydraulic clutch - ABS as standard

[@kriega2]

There's nothing crappy or *cheap* about the 1250f. If you're looking for a big(ish) capacity do-it-all bike or a sportier tourer, then the question is not "why buy this bike" it's "why buy anything else?".

[@exothermal.sprocket]

"Old technology, old steel frame, old cadillac suspension" says the guy with a Harley Davidson as his profile pic. Fuel injection is still used in 2017 bikes, but it's old technology from the Bandit. Steel frames are still being designed in 2017, but it's old technology from the Bandit. Damper-rod convention forks and shocks are still being employed in 2017, but it's old technology from the Bandit. Well at least the Bandit 1255cc motor that pounds out 80 ft-lb torque at 2,500 rpm doesn't use push rods, valve rocker assemblies, carburetors, and idle with 3 to 8psi oil pressure. You know, 116 year old HD technology in use today. For a cool 1500 bucks, the Bandit gains easy 30 hp and 15 ft-lbs. Modern technology.

[@bggaulin]

Thanks for the review, all opinions are worthwhile. I settled on a FZ1 as compared to my hyabusa, it has that bottomless throttle for highway passing, super easy throw around feel and good quality build. I've put racks and bags on it and I have my favorite sport touring bike that is wonderful for everyday ripping around the city.

[@daviddavis6231]

Cheap or not the GSX 1250 is a much better made and reliable bike by a long way.

[@midias12]

Don't care what he says I love my VFR1200 it is amazing

[@Tripl3blue]

some of us actually like to ride bikes ourselves though. The review is about best value not which bike has the most gimmicks.

[@reeceg6058]

I rode my 2010 model bandit 1250 to Phillip island and back to Sydney just last year. I have an aftermarket sergeant seat, touring screen and two brothers exhaust. The bandit did not put a foot wrong and was a pleasure to ride. Also kept up with a few of the Ducati riders through the twisties on the way down!

[@ianbutton8475]

His summary is spot on, it is an all rounder that does everything well, all of the others do some things exceptionally, neither the GSX or GSF are exceptional in any way but they were great value and they did nothing poorly.

[@BillinghamBiker]

Honda CBF1000 GT.....it will last longer =good news and 55MPG on the long run. Riders now buy a bike to last and the petrol prices going through the roof the CBF1000 GT has my vote, For the ones who need the little faster speed it is your choice. Reviews need to take into account that riders will buy a bike to last as many years as possible and gone are the days of changing your bike every 2 years like my mates socks.

[@reasoningphaedrus4376]

Nice comparison. I like the tournament style of comparing the bikes.

[@Motosadik]

Triumph Sprint ST missing from the test, and some BMW also. But I guess that the best value for money will still be on Suzuki side.

[@shiftyshamsk]

I've a low miles 2007 Z1000 with a taller screen, front sprocket for cruising, gel seat insert, grips and SHAD rear top case that attaches to the seat base. Been to France and Belgium touring in comfort. There is absolutely no need for a big heavy bike you can't filter on with panniers.

[@StavrosMoshidis]

Great review, but I'm still geting the CBF

[@jordanjoestar8839]

GSX1250F makes nearly 90tq at 3,500 RPM. The Harley 1200cc Twin made for torque only makes 69. Let that sink in.

[@n300zx931]

Got a VFR1200F. What a fantastic bike if you want a sports bike that can also do some touring. Very powerful, reliably, and beautiful sound from that amazing V4. The bike is much like a Diamond Ring. The v4 engine is a gem and the rest of the bike is pure gold.

[@vinniesatyros]

I am a real Bandit fan I have been since they were released but I'm not blinkered I read the comment the chap made about the fazer and after owning an R1 I have to say I would choose the Suzuki every time, lets be honest Yamaha do make some fast bikes that look lovely but the gearbox's are awful, Honda a few years ago definitely had the build quality but a friend of mine who has been riding blades since the MK1 said it isn't as good as it used to be. All in all if we were all the same it would be a boring world but all you anti GSF people out there just have a go on a nice tuned one 140+ bhp 94 ft lb torque at the back wheel (not the crank) and tell me you don't love it and if you do I'll tell you you should of opened it up and enjoyed yourself or you need a little more riding experience!

[@Le_Sourpuss]

I wish you'd speak just a tad slower so I could understand you better. The mikes are also not as good as they could be :) Other than that. Good video!

[@OddBallPerformance]

I didn't understand the "the top end power of the VFR is rarely useful" comment. I own a VFR, and it is not some peaky top end happy superbike engine. Power peak may be at 10,500, but it's torque band is HUGE, and the VFR will pull hard in almost any gear at any speed. Heck, it makes 90% of it's peak torque at 4000rpm.

[@glennmcc64]

Thats good, but the GSX does it from 3k, it puts a stupid grin on my face everytime I twist the throttle.

[@OddBallPerformance]

@@glennmcc64 I said it made 90% of peak at 4k. That means it also makes about 85% at 3k. It pulls from basically any RPM, in any gear, just like my post said...

[@Jandejongjong]

Why is nobody talking about the torq curve of the GSX 1250 It got 100nm at 3000rpm You don’t need to rev to push this baby! Always smooth with massive push at low revs. So you ride ultimate cruise. Gets an easy 1Liter to 18km

[@Sddhkl]

In Germany, all of them now in the same price, of course, i bought the vfr ... :D

[@vinniesatyros]

Bandit's you just can't beat em!

[@zirarvak7]

PLEASE RETIRE! your next job will be to compare a Maserati GT to a Golf GTi!!! C'mon....!! VFR to GSF...???

[@stevenpotts7499]

There all good bikes, not sure why some on here are bad mouthing the bandit? 99% of online owners reviews have nothing but praise for them.

[@razorx3113]

I would take a FZ1 Gen1 over Gen2. They handle the RPM's much better in the lower and mid range. Sure the Gen 2 does better at 11,000 rpm's but that gets old real quick. Plus you can get them cheap. Just my opinion, don't get flustered. I don't think these FI bike's are as good until your talking about the big long cruiser bikes.

[@ronmac1832]

I must be getting old because I sold my FZ1 and repurchased a Bandit but this time with a fairing and ABS. The FZ1 was thrilling, but not until that tach has passed 10k. By then I was at “go to jail” speeds.

[@richardparrington8636]

This is a poor video on all counts. Poor sound is a big fail, no one seems to be miked up with a lavalier, and the garbled nonsence is an insult to the folk who might be interested in these great bikes. I have owned a Fazer 1000 with old carb tech for 15 years. Although its fast, its not a great mile cruncher, because its too revvey and lacking in torque and suitable gearing for distance riding. Ive ridden it from Kent U.K to Alicante and back at the start of the Honeymoon period. It covered the ground effortlessly with me being the weakest link. The longer you sit in the saddle the more time you have to muse over the important aspects of comfort and performance.......Seats need to be comfortable, and engines need to be vibrating as little as possible. Fast overtaking essential, good lights and luggage carrying abilities,or a pillion passenger, Its odd how these requirements slow down a powerful bike ridden in the vast motorways of Europe. A 1000cc bike feels like a 600cc bike. Its quite bizzare!!!! So power is the key to ride effortlessly on a big continent. From all accounts that Ive heard, The GSX 1250 F would tick all the boxes for delivering a stress free long distance ride. The price is good, I would hope the build quality would stand the test of time too. Its probably a bit heavy for me at 65. Im heading for a 125 and short trips round the care homes. haha

[@steveelliott5643]

2002 Fazer,j1000,just get a custom seat,custom handlbars rear shock ,good windscreen and um yip,good to go m8

[@TheTaoofEternalWar]

Yea, but the Vstroms are affordable all rounders too, which can even do a bit of off roading.

[@SirBootsalot]

good quality vid guys, thanks.

[@willydanneels934]

i love me suske bandit 1255s

[@lamilumag]

everybody needs to find the best bike for oneself - there is no "best" bike for all

[@Crepes1626]

Very nice review, thanks so much !

[@sicknwrong]

great review, by far one of the best.

[@acteuro03]

I'd rather pay more money to get a bike I LOVE riding (VFR), than go the cheap option for a bike that I only like riding...

[@dene1196]

I would take the Bandit over the others. I have the FZ older version, does not have the low/midrange power that i need for street riding, Bandit seems like a better choice, i dont want to spend my time riding above 9k rpm.

[@MeMe-wr3fx]

Those of you who can't take the bother to string together more than one line of abuse need to go elsewhere. This is a helpful and informative video and we owe the poster a kind word. For the most part I think the abusive lazy one liners originate from young keyboard warriors who haven't passed their bike tests let alone ridden one of these bikes they profess to know about.

[@ruysk]

The GSX has the same quality as the Honda's. The engine is perhaps even better. Had several Honda's and no one of them was better than a Suzuki. This is pure imagination.

[@lamilumag]

great review!

[@googleuser2082]

MCN really doesn't do bike comparisons or bike tests very well at all. I see much better reviews from your average biker Joe with a GoPro

[@eoghanhennessy15]

im currently torn between the suzuki and the fz1. The fz1 looks amazing and i think ill prefer the sportyness. If money was no object which is better fz1 vs suzuki

[@Jandejongjong]

Suzuki, Hope you can buy a bike now.. 9 years later.

[@eoghanhennessy15]

@@Jandejongjong I currently ride an Aprilia RSV Mille

[@Olliemon]

@Buttmunch5000 This is a 1250 so don't expect as good fuel efficiency as say a 650, I think you are right in the fact that its poor for a touring bike, but this is a big beefy one for the people who can afford the fuel.

[@markdennis930]

Commentator talks too fast, could not understand 50%.

[@Tripl3blue]

Thanks for sharing - I cant imagine yours is that great either

[@danyeltobiska3074]

I' could not be more happy with the f71 it will prevail

[@Crepes1626]

@Buttmunch5000 How much fuel efficiency on GSX650F compare to 37mpg? Would the GSX650F perform as well for the purpose of sport touring?

[@SteveCardiff]

I wonder how the Blackbird would compare? Not exactly a pretty bike but far better looking than that fugly vfr. I was hoping Honda would come up with a much better machine to replace it.

[@UltrasabersVideos]

Yes, yes, yes, but which bike is the most bonkers???

[@bfmv580]

Good review

[@CAJR22]

@Buttmunch5000 Good point, but we dont want the fun taken out of bikes, just like what they have done to cars :/

[@UltrasabersVideos]

@DemonCovenant Australian import taxes are HUGE, that's why.

[@sirobb]

Why bother scraping the panniers in the corners? It's like watching your dad body popping.

[@dazzelya]

@DemonCovenant Import tax? Bikes in the US are also quite a bit cheaper than in the NL. It sucks :).

[@WyreForestBiker]

Fuel consumtion is a real issue with bikes , why is it SO poor ?. My wife has just bought a Citroen C2 diesel... 4 seats..75 bhp ... cruise at 90mph + all day ..67 mpg . These bikes less than 40 ????? When are bikers going to demand action on MPG. P.S I am a biker myself and sick of crap fuel consumtion.

[@rider1368]

FZ-1.

[@snipey14]

Lots of going around corners, very little showing each individual bike. I am disappoint.

[@gronno]

He needs to speak a bit faster, I could very nearly understand what he was saying.

[@runxxeroxx]

@siamakmkh It's about value ,what you got for you money,yes Suzuki maybe is oldest bike, if you buy Bandit,you still has solid all round'er ,end still has money to bay one more bike of 250cc for city, yes,Honda VFR for sure is much high'er quality of made,but CBF 1000 is very similar quality,but suzuki was smoother end little beat sharp'er in cornering,but for 2000 more for CBF is weist of money...end be a live me ,Suzuki is best bay for shore,for given money.

[@gyice]

Great test but if all it takes to win these supposed tests is low price why don't they just throw in a Hyosung it will win every time and have the same Quality Control as the Suzuki.

[@XPsychowaffleX]

not even close. hyosung's bikes are severely underpowered, do not offer any electronics, the brakes are weak, and just about the only thing they have going for them are the price tags. the bikes have horrible quality and simply do not last. i can find a first gen bandit 1200 with 45k miles and the thing will drive like it did 15 years ago. i've seen hyosung bikes less than 4 years old fall apart or have other mechanical issues. suzuki have excellent quality and parts. hyosung may be partnered with suzuki but the parts aren't interchangeable and aren't even made in the same country. the point of this test was that you get a bit of all the creature comforts of more expensive motorcycles in a more affordable package. it's not the best bike of the bunch, but it has good qualities of each that make it a long-lasting and fun bike to ride.

[@gyice]

And the deciding factor was low price, hence Hyosung, I once hit a bump on one actually a cattle grate on a road surface and the mirrors fell off but I suppose the bright part is that they are cheap to replace.

[@W1LDWESLEY]

gyice how fast where you going? Some cattle guards are like rail road track... you have to take them slowly. :experience:

[@busdriver4Christ1]

Suzuki Quality and durability on par with all Japanese bikes, in fact out of the 40 plus bikes i've owned in 38 years of riding My Suzuki bikes win...no failures, period.

[@JP-tx7du]

2nd bandit one 03 and 07 take either one over any of those bikes in video

[@CAJR22]

@Buttmunch5000 Haha yeah. Well i do agree that the mpg is pretty poor, alot of cars that beat that are generally boring (petrol anyway) Whats worse is that its estimated by the end of the year fuel is going to hit £2 a litre! :O (i believe)

[@BradleyHoward]

Why don't you compare some non Japanese bikes too? It's always the same 4 Japanese manufacturers!

[@iman80skid91]

You say the GSX and the fz1 similar on power how can that be the fz1 is 50 more horsepower than the susuki

[@Rainb0wSeven]

@thedavejayshow Who the hell buys a sportbike for fuel consumption???

[@gggiiixxxeeerrr]

FZ-1 and VFR

[@alejogs500]

Yeah, they are real drinkers, i own a '08 fz1 and cruising betwen 80 - 110 mph it makes about 55 mpg, but it has almost 150 bhp!!, so you can't compare your wife's C2 with a liter bike in fuel consumption, and of course you can't compare their fun factor.

[@shiftyshamsk]

I'm not overly convinced as I like excitement in my engines and chassis. Biking is about fun.

[@Tripl3blue]

z1000sx is better than all these bikes but unfortunately it didn't exist when this review was done

[@AbdulRa7eeM]

The GSX1250F is a nice looking bike.

[@atillaadn]

what does he say at 2 minutes and 25 seconds ? really subtitles required with that heavy accent

[@grooningen]

I want that ticket! Give me give me give me!!! 1250FA rules!!

[@pipnmaz]

But what were the bikes like once you weren't going round that one same bend you always film on?

[@tooljoker197]

i was under the impression it rained every single day over there, maybe two or three sunny days a year. just kidding, but really suzuki should have put the bandit 1200/1250 motor into a modern frame and suspension. this is a critical part as to why i went FZ1 over the other sport/touring and naked standards in the market.

[@sri1602]

Oh.....Apologies.

[@TheGreenle]

Why are you talking so fast?

[@boahgeil465]

bandit all the way

[@MISERSTYLE]

That was stupid. The Suzuki is not better than those bikes.

[@theblackcountrybandit1430]

anyone wanna get together and start our own review site , can't believe these guys are paid for this crap test , don't get me wrong , I own the bike tthat hey say won the test , but if it's about budget then it should be a test for the best big bikes under 7 grand then it deserves to win , yes the winner Is the gsxr cos of the value , but it wasnt about value , it was about which bike is best , now if they didn't know the price of the bikes would the gsxf still win ? , if All the bikes cost the same would the gsxf still win ? I think not..... I have a gsx1250 and yes it is a great bike for what it costs to , but comparable to a vfr1200 ? no , not in terms of technology , quality , power......please keep the reviews real , it was gsf1250 vs the other bikes , not which bike is best for 7k

[@andymotorcyle]

I assume they just phoned this report in.... no real detail. These reports are getting worse and less useful.

[@andyhawker1]

Seemed abit bias to me

[@raybaker7265]

Work on your naration, too fast , no passion. m c n reveiw, all film going round corners????? Get real! Mcn lost your way !!

[@MrHartlas]

Agreed! For a professional outfit the footage, sound quality and editing are always poor, many private "normal" users have better quality audio and video!

[@BucketWheat]

I wonder if I can get those hard bags to fit on my Yamaha FZ1 (Fazer) ?? THEN I'll have a FASTER and better handling bike with a little storage space...

[@Tarten46]

just purchased another first gen fz1. screw it.

[@Redline748]

Bandit better than CBF, VFR, FZ....Really?

[@monument4852]

BUT THE GSX1250F LOOKS SHIT "BUT NOT AS BAD AS THE HONDA VFR1200" THE BEST BET IS TO BUY A Z1000SX ??

[@richsuga]

It's not even 700 pounds!!! 😆 🤣 😂

[@user-pl9lp6jg3c]

ok

[@mariogomez3598]

Fz1 the best!!

[@Sddhkl]

but hes crazy. gsx won, cuz thats the cheapest? then why was the test? open a catalog, ahh cheapest, gsx won :D

[@mikebuckingham5486]

I'm wondering how much Suzuki paid MCN for this GSX1200F commercial? Total crap btw. VFR is easily the hands down winner of this comparison. More refined with better technology. Suzuki has been pulling in last for a while now when it comes down to Japanese motorcycles.

[@mikebuckingham5486]

Steven Potts if they aren't in the same league, then they probably shouldn't be in the same video. The title "Suzuki GSX1250F v CBF1000GT v VFR1200 v FZ1 Fazer pretty much says it's a competition between the four bikes.

[@mikebuckingham5486]

My point exactly! The bike isn't near the quality or performance of the VFR or even the FJR. This guy said it was the best of all the bikes. It's not even close. That's why I questioned the vid.

[@socmint83]

The GSX1250 FA is probably the best budget all-round sports tourer to be found anywhere on earth. Mechanically this bike has the legendary 1250 Bandit engine which is truly bullet proof and produces arm wrenching / tree stump pulling torque from 3,000 Rpm. I've ridden all these bikes and the clever man's buy is definitely the GSX1250. The VFR1200 is the best performing bike without a doubt but it's hugely more expensive than the GSX. The GSX produces more low down torque than the VFR although it will eventually run out of puff compared to the VFR. Bang for buck = GSX wins hands down.

[@MrSlurry]

@@mikebuckingham5486 if the Honda is so great, then why did nobody buy it? The 750 / 800 vfrs aren't bad (bit fat and slow, but sound great) and sold well, but the 1200 was a failure

[@Mattseak]

MCN: Sponsored by SUZUKI

[@KPKonliner]

@Jenniferhockridge lol

[@geminiman7069]

Sorry MCN. Terrible review. I used to tour 2 up 25 years ago on a Kawasaki GT550 4. Now looking to rekindle my touring days again together, but just by looking in dealers I'd buy the Suzuki as a cheap big tourer. I already own a sports bike so no need for sharp handling.

[@MrKamechan]

@gronno -- You're right--bloody irritating.

[@dubbbear]

The bonkers joke is growing old

[@kh6921]

holy hell 7000 lbs!? haha. i think you carried a zero, just guessing

[@BFD15i]

Pounds like GBP (great britain pounds).. It's the price, not the weight.. Think before you post. ;)

[@kh6921]

BFD15i BFD15i they're talking about bike performance and handling it would logically follow they talk about weight and not cost. He also mentions that one bike is a 'Massive' 3400 pounds more. The information is presented terribly.

[@jspope2008]

Yeah I would deffo listen to this guy. NOT!

[@nickprice3605]

Poor video as usual

[@DuranXL]

Ye definitely BONKERS!!!