Suzuki Bandit 1250S Review Road Test | Visordown Motorcycle Reviews

[@Jimmy_Watt]

My buddy just bought one today, upgrading from a Ninja 250, and he is happy as a clam. What a great bike. The motor will pull a stump from the ground, and it handles great. This is a wonderful motorcycle. Thanks for a good review from across the pond.

[@Smaug1]

You asked what we thought of your review. It is the best one on KZbin for this bike. Very articulate, and you hit on the things we can't see by just reading specs or the ad copy on Suzuki's website. It was written by a guy who obviously put some miles on it and gave it some thought. Very well done. 1) I'm not sure Suzuki are *discontinuing* it and bringing it back. Rather, I think what they do is make one big production run with minor tweaks every now and then. If it takes three years to sell them all, so be it. Probably this is part of the business strategy for making a smaller selling bike profitable. 2) That maneuver at 2:30 was impressive. 3) Very good point, about having to pull in the clutch to start it, even in neutral. The most disturbing thing about that is that if we defeat that interlock, it will probably ALSO defeat it for starting it while in gear, which could be really bad. (will make the bike jump forward, possibly hit something and fall over) 4) This is subjective, but I like the looks of it. It's not trying too hard to look sharp and edgy, and the resulting ergonomics seem to be great. 5) How is the wind protection on the legs, compared to other bikes, such as: sportbikes, sport-tourers (FJR), nakeds? Is it worth having a partially-faired bike? Will I need a taller windshield to be comfortable for 300 mile days on the expressway?

[@dragospetrescu5450]

GSX 1250 FA

[@kylehsings]

Yeah, this review is nearly 3 years old. But it's still so informative-and sensible-that I recently bought a brand new 2016 Bandit 1250s (red, like the one you rode, Steve) on the strength of the review and the description of the Bandit's characteristics and value. Because of rebates and promos, I got it for $6500 (USD) at a dealer in central Wisconsin (plus inane dealer fees, tax, tag, etc). It is exactly as the review describes. I couldn't be happier with it, especially at that just downright silly price.

[@TheTaoofEternalWar]

Still liking that Bandit?

[@itialianpasta]

Just picked up a 2007 with 20k miles the other week and i've found true love. Shes sporty, comfy, practical, and best of all, cheap! Even with hard bags filled with tools she rides like a dream. If you're on the fence just get it, you'll love it too.

[@legendswithlee6508]

How are you getting on with it? Looking at buying one in the next week or so :)

[@85waspnest]

Good review. I love my 1250. Versatile, comfy, pillion friendly, roomy, torquey and handles well with Michelin PR tyres and the suspension dialled in properly.

[@timholt2907]

Picked mine up 1st May 24. 2016 with only 5,500 miles. Loving it so far. Have now fitted a Beowulf can and some 20mm risers. Just nead the British weather to stop bloody raining. Im too old to ride a sports bike but this thing is a massive pile of fun.!!

[@dennism1919]

I have a 2011 GSX1250FA and I would not part with this bike for anything. I love it. I have put 62,000 miles on this machine and it still runs as well as it did when she was new. In the 5 years I have had it the only mods I have made are to the suspension. The front is now all Race Tech and the rear shock is a custom built Hole Shot Performance piece that is fantastic. The suspension re-work has completely transformed the bike into a real carver now! I did fit the bags and a MRA windshield to it to give it better touring capabilities. And that is it. No engine mods. No need! If I had any complaints with the bike it would be the brakes. The ABS is really nice but over-all braking power could be better, especially when you are pushing. But I can fix that and most likely will at some point soon. But I agree with Steve; This bike is a fantastic value.

[@Davidlouis3]

Got same bike bud great bike

[@dennism1919]

@@Davidlouis3 Yessir! I still have mine as well. 70,000 plus miles on now and still going as strong as ever! And when I ride this bike, I don't baby her! Astonishing, really. Ride on, David!

[@Davidlouis3]

@@dennism1919 nice one bud keep on biking 👍

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

I believe it is still today. To me it has that evergreen look that counts. Overall a great bike. Have the 650 as my second bike. Drop by bro, you may like my content. Cheers.

[@stevesmith6236]

Bought my (then new) 2016 leftover US model 2 years ago and still love it! Smooth counter balanced engine with great torque. Comfortable seating position and in that red metallic factory paint, stunning! I got 11.44@118.80 mph at my local drag strip and she'll top out at a true 145 mph. Not sportbike numbers, but plenty quick and fast to keep me smiling when I'm riding on any given Sunday. Cheap to purchase and cheap to insure. Only complaint is that the stock rear tire only lasted me 2500 miles. She's paid for and will remain in my collection for MANY years to come!

[@nandutzu]

Suzuki offers a lot of motorcycle for the money. Not only the Bandit, but in general. Very reliable, high quality, no-nonsense serious motorcycles. Excellent!

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

Exactly. I completely agree. I am on my 2nd Suzuki. Drop by bro, you may like my content. Cheers.

[@daileisu]

Steve is right on the Bandit! I own a 2009 and has put up 45,000 miles so far. Replace the springs in the front suspension with Race Tech and the rear shock with Ohlin, the bike is completely transformed. Now it can carve canyon with confidence, smooth on the freeway (US freeway). This bike does it all. It can tour on multiple day trips, carve mountain twisties, work commuting, etc. It is 100 lbs lighter than my other Yamaha FJR and 'fun' factor is the best, fast and quick with the sound of Yoshimura exhaust!

[@Abundance4LL]

Is it pretty comfortable? Thinking of trading my cbr600rr for it

[@robertparisi8016]

bought a 2016 , for 7499.00 out the door, abs, 6 spd, low to midrange power smooth as butter, comfortable, added soft luggage, Oxford heated grips, cheap sport tourer , don't forget a r1200 rs is a awesome bike, no luggage, expensive main and a price tag of 20k. buy almost 3 bandits and discard them when ur done lol trust me, it's a great all around bike, review is spot on.

[@Xerdoz]

I don't understand people complaining when you have to pull the clutch to start the engine. I always start any motorized vehicle with the clutch on (if they have one). But yea, Bandit is a nice bike for the money. Just get braided brake lines for slightly improved brake feel. And swap in the clear indicators from the older model.

[@Smaug1]

It's nice to be able to warm up the bike easily while putting riding gear on. The worst thing about this interlock is that people will defeat it, then inadvertently start it in 1st gear, launching the bike forward with no one on it. In short, it's unnecessary and badly-implemented.

[@pob1335]

Going to pick my 09 model up this week with 7k on the clock absolute bargin gonna put some miles on it can't wait great review.

[@peterbaker9673]

I took one for test ride a couple of months ago the bike has so much power it's unbelievable

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

Still relevant today. To me it looks a very nice machine. Cheers.

[@axsdnied1]

I've got 2011 naked Bandit and it's just amazing. Love it! Does everything I want it to do. Looks great in the bronze. I have the updated clocks/gauge and no we don't need to clutch it to start it in Australia.

[@kagolko]

went for 09 model and never looked back.. this does everything for me perfectly, super reliable, super fun and I smoke most kids with their modern toys if they don't have enough experiences yet and I can keep up with pretty much everything on the public road... great bike for the price and i don't see my self buying anything else for a while..

[@ifrit35]

Have you tried the gsx-s 1000?

[@kagolko]

@@ifrit35 Love the gsx - s, but I'm very happy withy Bandit... maybe once I have more experiences and some money on the side 💪👊

[@kagolko]

@@ifrit35 and to answer your question, no I haven't tried it yet but I saw tons of reviews and it looks like even better all-rounder..

[@ifrit35]

@@kagolko On paper it's like an 05 gsx-r without fairing so I expected quite a scary ride. However it took me 5 minutes on the thing and I felt at home. It's so easy! Slow maneuvers, windy roads, comfortable, reasonable gas mileage. It is easier than a bandit 1250. If I had to buy a motorcycle that can do it all, I would go for this one.

[@kagolko]

@@ifrit35 thanks for reply bro

[@Mike-Oxlong93]

Got the fully faired FA, lovely bike, huge amount of bike for the money. Brilliant all-rounder!

[@kevinh4910]

just picked up i mint 2011 gsx1250fa. only 16k miles, full 3 pc panniers, bar risers, big windscreen, for $4984 USD out the door(tax and title fees included)!!

[@Davidlouis3]

Got one fantastic bike

[@axsdnied1]

I've got 2011 naked Bandit and it's just amazing. Love it! Does everything I want it to do. Looks great in the bronze and no we don't need to clutch it to start it in Australia.

[@icecreamtruckog3667]

Pulling the clutch on start puts less stress on the starter motor and makes it last longer (the starter motor doesn't have to spin the gearbox as well as the engine).

[@drnapalm7605]

If you drive a manual car you’ll do that anyways, so anyone that actually knows how to ride really doesn’t have to think of that

[@johnofypres]

Nice review. Thank you. I've got a 2016. Just a lovely motorcycle. Slight grumbles. Standard screen is crap.Sorted with after market flip. The mirrors are just OK but after my previous V strom are disappointing. Still love the bike .There's always another gear and always more power than I'll ever need. After 48 years riding have found the bike that I'll keep.

[@Torqueix]

Pretty perfect verdict, couldn't possibly more agree. Awesome bike Suzuki manufactured. I especially like the GSX version of it.

[@acfiander]

I think looking out of date on a good motorcycle is perfectly fine, good even. And this bike is very good

[@ifrit35]

Yes, less chance to get stolen.

[@markstengel7680]

I enjoyed yoyr bandit review. Good mix bike in action and you speaking, you are unknown to me however you did a good job providing a entertainment way of you production. A1 Acme !!!

[@Islandstrength1955]

Excellent review. "Happily out of date". Great stuff.

[@axsdnied1]

I've got 2011 naked Bandit and it's just amazing. Love it! Does everything I want it to do. Looks great in the bronze. I have the updated clocks/gauge and no we don't need to clutch it to start it in Australia.

[@barryervin8536]

I always have to laugh when I read comments about a bike with 100 hp not having enough power. I guess some people weren't around when the fabled Vincent Black Shadow was thought to be incredibly fast with 55 hp. Has the human body really changed that much in 60 years?

[@cjless1991]

Yeah I agree. People seem to lack comprehension. Hardly anybody really knows what "power" and "torque" are these days. I tell you, having 100nm-torque available at 3400rpm is incredibly comfortable. Like driving a V8 down to the shops for a pie. And at 3400rpm you're only using about 35-40kw which is stuff all... "but but but how come this bike can out-accelerate ANY average sports bike"... they have no idea.

[@bessie2275]

Great review, I have owned an FA for 7 years

[@Badlander87X]

Picking up mine next week a D i have never even test rode it, but it's fresh clean and beautiful

[@robcig]

Steve, great review mate. Hard to beat the classic UJM i reckon.

[@Jandejongjong]

one if the best revieuws on youtube:)

[@jackbruce309]

I have a 2010 bandit.. and I can tell you with a couple of cheap mods it turns into an animal of a bike... I absolutely love my monster

[@Abundance4LL]

What kind of mods u got?

[@jackbruce309]

@@Abundance4LL black widow headers.. miv can.. smog block off.. secondary butterflies removed... o2 delete.. 120hp at the wheel

[@andrewbozhozr]

Cameras and on board footage sure came a long way since this video

[@stevenwatson3963]

I have a 2008 Bandit 1250 Streetfighter, and to be honest it will out accelerate most bikes 0-60, in the real world.The power delivery is linear, but the torque at low rpm is where its at.I love v-twins, and still own my TLR 1000, but the Bandit's party trick is it 0-60.

[@geoffhaylock6848]

Just bought a 2007 Bandit with only 13k miles. It is mint! It was sold as spares or repair and the only 2 things wrong were blocked fuel filter and bad GPS. Both fixed for a couple of quid. It sits in the garage next to my 20k miles mint TL1000R. It's my 2nd Bandit and 3rd Tiller. Both excellent bikes on normal roads.

[@ukaszskup9045]

I have one 2016 white. It's amazing! I love it!😊

[@advythoh]

Nice review. Getting one soon.

[@krachenford9594]

My Bandit has been very good now for 112.000km, best bike of the world, next year iomtt!!!!

[@Jandejongjong]

you need to pull the clutch in deeper to start it in gear. and just make sure the side stand is in.

[@echanos]

I've liked the look of the Bandit all along but the new front fairing/headlight unit is really quite ugly and awkward looking. I feel the same way about most of Suzuki's faired bikes of late.

[@AndieBlack13]

echanos Agreed, Suzuki and ALL other makes seems to have adopted the "insect look" of modern day styling... as such, many find this insect, "Alien", nightmarish look stupid, clownish...the Kawasaki H2 by far the worst expression of this "addiction".. Since when has airflow adopted a severely angled look? Give me a plain GS1150E big round headlight...this sci-fi creature look has many many potential buyers "turned off".

[@Smaug1]

I wish they'd focus less on styling, and more on making it easy-to-adjust. But I do understand; styling (or lack thereof) sells bikes, for some people.

[@kwakkers68]

Not a major criticism, but I do think it's a shame S didn't give it another 20 or so bhp - easy enough to do without impeding the mid-range, though I suspect more horses might have shown up more of the limitations of the stock suspension - still, is heavier fork oil, and stiffer springs going to be a great draw on manufacturing costs (and thus price) when you're working in these volumes. Might of narrowed the handling gap, with stuff like the CBF thou too - which is supposedly a bit more nimble.

[@MicMurphy1981]

Makes sense I agree needs more horse power but they had to probably balance the suspension and to keep the wieght down.

[@InsanityHere]

I need a Bandit owner to tell me something. Does it have the same problem that the new Goldwings, and the old V65 Magnas have? Realizing we're comparing Suzukis to Hondas, I want to know if you Bandit owners can ride with NO hands, at any speed WITHOUT any hint of wobble? When I say "any speed", let's say 25 to 55 mph.

[@sinisteriser]

I ride a 2010 bandit. Don't have any problem like that. It's an excellent bike. I thought it was going to be an interim bike as it was an opportunistic purchase, but I cant imagine ever getting rid of it. The best all rounder!

[@daileisu]

I don't ride Goldwings but Bandit is no woble with your hands free at low speeds like 20-40mph.

[@Smaug1]

Why would a wobble when riding no-handed be a problem? Why would anyone do that, in practice?

[@davidfacciponti8304]

It was the first thing I checked & i know why you asked the Fjr1300 has the same problem . Had to change out the steering bearings on my brand new 2021 & replaced with tapered bearings the wobble finely went away between 28 & 48 mph .. & yes some of us enjoy riding with no hands especially with the cruise control .... but the answer is on my second bike ( 2012 gsx1250fa ) the steering bearings are probably not tapered but the bike is solid & the slight wobble that people are clueless about is not there ... .

[@pantarhei7335]

Awesome review

[@Adhanks91]

My god I have a gs500f (first bike) and I just saw one of these on Craigslist for 3k.... I have only been riding a year, is this too much bike for me?

[@thewoodster8607]

The great thing is you could throw another 2K at the suspension and brakes and still have a great value and just great motorcycle. Why oh why did I buy a fkn GS?😁

[@turbo311]

This is a bike I would buy and appreciate for what it is, a UJM. Put on a 100k miles and don't worry about it. Though, there are bikes like the Versys 1000 and GSX-S1000 for not much more money.

[@Smaug1]

The GSX-S1000 has a shitty passenger seat, which will be impossible to fix. Wind protection doesn't look impressive for the upper body. Someone said it is a "comfortable sportbike", but I doubt it is anywhere near as versatile as a Bandit. I wish they'd bring back the 400. While everyone else is pushing twins and singles in this range, a 400 Bandit would trounce them.

[@boyVAANmestreech]

nice review

[@packfan1946]

What was the last year that Suzuki stopped making the Bandit?

[@paullacey2999]

Ive got a K8,great all rounder.

[@Wabbit1961]

Sounds like if you spent a bit of time to adjust the front preload you would have had the confidence you were looking for when pushing the bike a bit harder. Just my thought on that matter. Progressive or Race Tec fork springs and heavier fork oil always seem to do a good job for me. Can you disable the ABS by pulling the fuse? Some bikes won't let you because that disables the odometer, but I'm thinking this is a basic setup so maybe a basic fix like pulling the fuse is sufficient.

[@josepg.2479]

World needs more bikes like 650 and 1250cc Bandit. Let's go logical.

[@juha2031]

It's funny how these are told to cost about 7000, but here in Finland i bet it was over 15000€ back then.

[@SupremeUri]

Probably wont get a response for this question, but a buddy of mine is trying to sell an all black 2007 suzuki bandit 1250s to me for 2800$ and it only has 7,000 miles on it. Should pass or buy?

[@garyscott9364]

I hope you bought it. That was a sweet deal if it was in nice condition.

[@doublenickel1000]

@@garyscott9364 Prices have escalated a LOT for used bikes in the past year. $2800 was not a bad price 2 years ago, now it's a screaming bargain. And the bike's 2 years older! Crazy.

[@glennmcc64]

Still love mine, the torque leaves a stupid grin on my face every time

[@robertparisi8016]

the bandit is a excellent choice for the money, superb handling and power delivery, transmission and power delivery is super smooth, user friendly, don't care for chain drive, muffler is hideous, easy to find urself exceeding speed limit, not a good thing, looks a little dated, comes with 1250cc motor, 6 spd, abs, centerstand, liquid and air cooled, as I say, for the money can't beat it. Have money? can u say BMW r1200 rs with luggage or yamaha fjr 1300, or Honda st 1300

[@shiftyshamsk]

Got to better than a 2007 zed 1000. that's suspension is rock hard.

[@DonutLord32]

What is the height of the seat. I've spotted one with around 43000 km on the clock and thinking of getting a bigger bike

[@alixsus964]

I love my V-Twin engines. After my sv650s I went to an sv1000 think great! A bigger one! But no. I love torque and the thundering sound of the Vs but I think I'm going to have to bail on them seeing how everything around the 3k mark is straight 4s.... any suggestions would be great tho

[@scottlochans4180]

Clutch, start is a anti theft thing, a bit like my '05 GSF 650 BANDIT, one very careful, cautious owner who basically ran it in for 15,000 miles, when the key is put in, has gto be pushed up, so a screwdriver would not work. Nice 1250, myself say no to a Bandit S, unless it said 750, 1200, 1250 before it. My 650 is the Best bike ever.

[@JojoCrazyCat]

The guy doing the review turned into a werewolf after he was finished with the review. Then ran off into the forest.

[@mrjohnnyjohnster3940]

Agree entirely. My 2010 GSF1250S is fun but it just looks so bland. It's basically the Toyota of motorbikes.

[@RichardsModellingAdventures]

It's the only problem with Bandits. Not the sort of bike you admire when you open the garage door

[@thewoodster8607]

If it's a commuter bike the most important thing is that it always starts every morning.

[@charlesscottkelly]

Hows it compare to cbf 1000 anyone had both.

[@scottlochans4180]

Take care, can't it's a Bandit. So true.

[@Biffatheriffa]

I bought one of these new last April, still the last word in all-rounders (it's my opinion only everyone, and you know what they say opinions, they're like a*******s - everybody's got one !!). All I can say is its quick, handles, looks great, good road presence and the proverbial piece of p**s to look after. There I've said my bit!

[@scottlochans4180]

You'd think 1250,650,.1250 must be better,, but my 2005 Suzuki 650 Bandit, not even a Bandit S, 17, 000 mls, 3 to 4, 000 REVS in any gear it gets a bit hyper acceleration, and it red lines at 12,000 ,PULLS UPHILL LIKE IT'S FALLING OFF A CLIFF. SO MUCH ACCELERATION, 'JOY' IS THE BEST WAY TO DESCRIBE IT!!!! 1250 OR 650, 650 IS ALL YOU COULD ASK FOR.!! ENGINES MADE BY WIZARDS, SAYS IT ALL.!!!! A, AND I AIN'T EVEN LYING.

[@lukaspeeters6042]

Way To Be Responsible! race dust What do you think, guys? !!!

[@exothermal.sprocket]

With a full tuning suite, torque is astonishing. www.holeshot.com/images/suzuki/bandit/650-1250/products/efi-supertune-pro/dynocharts/1250_dynochart05.jpg

[@johngreensmith63]

What about with two people???

[@geoffhaylock6848]

I bought a new Bandit back in 2007. Me and my wife toured all over the UK and parts of France. It's a great bike for this kind of riding. Did 48K in 4 years before it was stolen. Just last week I bought another 2007 with only 13k miles.

[@souhailshamaissem7564]

Nice video and very informative but I wish if you could speak a bit slower because few times I had to rewind to get what you were saying and I am guilty of the same thing myself because I speak very fast even faster than you do hahaha

[@daveloz1]

I now have the gsx 1250 a lot better looking i think 👍

[@willsterofleicester]

Don't get insurance Carole nash underwriters Marker Study. I had my Gsf1250 stolen and burned in Leicester. I get £75 compensation for thier incompetence and £50 for them lying and a feck off pill 💊 for my 3G bike. Shocking no point in insurance very angry biker

[@ryanbruneau1197]

This bike is friggen $10k right now where I'm at in upstate New York. It's sad

[@rensgreuter8152]

Today I was sitting on a 1250 bandit and it feels lighter that a diversion 600

[@kagolko]

I got 2009 model, when I have the bags down - there's nothing that can smoke me on the road.. There's no better value bike than Bandit...

[@kagolko]

@@gixxer_jake u might smoke me on the racetrack, but on the road no.. I hang out with s1000r - no problem... yours can't he faster.. my Bandit is stock..

[@alan4391]

1250 are shit old 1200 much better and new engine is glutless and less horse power then the older engine

[@lukaspeeters6042]

How are you? You've Outdone Yourself. cobweb statuesque What's your opinion about this !!

[@stephenmiller7388]

Twice ive hit the starter on my older suzki whilst its been on the standan guesht sot forward and onto th deck bkauze it was in gear an starts wuth the clutch out and be honest guys who else has done that i,ts the same as putting ya boat into the water an forgotten to put the drain bungs in every boater has done that aswell if they are honest

[@stephenmiller7388]

I just want one in my shed

[@ronwhite8503]

A good attempt at English..... obviously not your first language. Or even second.

[@scottlochans4180]

So true, TAKE CARE,.... Can't it's a Bandit, engine WIZARDRY.

[@liamj2363]

SV650s maybe at 5k? On the way out though unfortunately.

[@mayhemmike1789]

quintessential U.J.M!

[@lukaspeeters6042]

Hi, what's up? It's cool. macho juvenile What do you think...

[@IgWannA2]

Best value? The MT-09 is 60kg lighter, more powerful, looks better and it's about a GRAND cheaper. The MT-07 is 75 kg lighter, still pretty powerful and £2,000 cheaper. How is the Bandit 1250 good value?

[@thresh86]

IgWannA2 MUCH less torque in much higher revs, much smaller tank, no fairing . Basically, different segments.

[@visordown]

The MT-09 is about a grand more expensive, not cheaper mate.

[@IgWannA2]

+Visordown Motorcycle News The guy in this vid says it's £7,299. The MT-09 is £6,949 on Yamaha's site and MCN says it's £6,799. How is it a grand more expensive?

[@clanmac66]

+IgWannA2 Easy, The MT09 that compares to this bike is the Tracer at £8149 +OTR costs.

[@visordown]

+IgWannA2 Sorry, I was thinking of the MT-09 Tracer. The MT-09 is cheaper than the Bandit 1250S, but as a naked bike it's not really comparable to the Suzuki in my view. Power and weight are not the only considerations in choosing a motorcycle.

[@peterthompson1018]

Bandit sucks for me, pile of shit. Basic is the keyword. Braking was shit not that you need it. Yeah it got up to speed fast enough. Wind protection was shite. it is was it is a basic basic bike. But I don't see what Suzuki gained by increasing to 1250.