Suzuki Bandit 1250S

This week's road test features the Suzuki Bandit 1250S. Once again, we've brought Paul Kahnert to work with Dave Hatch to put this bike through it's paces.
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[@LAMB53087]

I have an '07 Bandit with 218,000 miles. Still runs like brand new. Amazing bike.

[@AzPauly]

Did you ever change out the windsscreen, and if so to what? thanks, Paul.

[@LAMB53087]

@@AzPauly Yes. I changed it about 5 years ago. Due to yellowing. It is due to be changed again. For the same reason. I bought the Suzuki OEM. It wasn't cheap. $170. I might buy an aftermarket dark smoke this time.

[@bradterry9207]

Wow!!! Absolutely awesome. I have a 2009 that I have owned for a little over 10 years and almost 40,000 miles. Do you still have the bike and if so how many miles on it now?

[@LAMB53087]

@@bradterry9207 My Bandit just hit 232,000 miles. It's been a champion. And still so much fun to ride. It's a torque monster. No downshifting required to accelerate. Just twist the power handle. LOL

[@bradterry9207]

@@LAMB53087 Ok, have you had any major problems since you had it other than normal wear and tear items also how many miles do you go b4 you change oil? I plan on keeping mine for the rest of my life, I also have a yamaha fjr 1300 and a gl1800 goldwing but enjoy my bandit the most due to it being a lot easier to handle because of less weight

[@85waspnest]

Owned a 2009 1250 for the last 3 years....best bike I ever had. Comfortable for rider & pillion, effortless peach of an engine, super reliable and does 55 - 60 miles per UK gallon when cruising. Definitely a keeper.

[@kagolko]

I bought 2009 model and I'd never buy anything else as long as it runs.. It has all the performance I'll EVER need, manages almost 50 Mpg, seems to be super reliable... I'll slap a bigger screen on (got it with aftermarket exhaust and heated grips..) and it'll be perfect all rounder.. I meet all these kids with their new, expensive, modern toys and yet they still can't shake me off, except when it's skilled supersport rider.. Absolutely love this baby.

[@SteveWKk]

Im looking at getting an 09, fully loaded with luggage....... Been thinking about a Bandit for years :)

[@kagolko]

@@SteveWKk great all-rounder. Just needs heated grips, taller screen and it's just perfect. averages around 5l/100 km..v💪👊

[@mattyg415]

Would it be similar riding position as a hondanc750s??? I'm wanting to upgrade and really fancy the suzuki

[@kevinperry368]

Absolutely loved my 07 Bandit 1250S! Have throne a leg over just about every kind of bike out there and the Bandito can't be topped for the combination of looks, value, and riding experience. Watching this video made me sad I had to sell mine. I can't ride anymore due to health reasons but I should have just parked it in the garage and had it to look at and start up occasionally.

[@mattyg415]

What is riding position like honestly?

[@kevinperry368]

@@mattyg415 it's a typical standard so you sit straight up with your feet directly underneath you. I have short arms so I had a very, very slight lean into the handle bars.

[@lewisfirth6502]

Just traded my Harley in for 09 1250 and it's the best bike ive ever rode, it's one of the LTD editions, pearl white,

[@AustinPetDetective]

This bike is a beast even at just under 100 HP !!!!!!!!!.

[@jtm6969]

So I’ve been on the lookout for “the right” Bandit for years ... and found a stock 1997 1200 with less than 6k miles. It’s a gem !! So practical, so fast, feels great. In Pennsylvania, these are rare because everyone wants either a sport bike or a Harley. I think this model was only offered in the US for 2016 and when I test rode one, I loved it. But I couldn’t find a good deal and waited for my ‘97. Yeah, it lacks the refinement of the newer injected motor and abs, but it was a steal. I love the light weight, the semi-upright riding position, the smoothness of the motor, top-gear roll-on power, surprisingly effective mini-fairing and even the amount of space under the seat. I ride with a small tail bag but I have a miniature 12v pump and flat kit stored under the seat. Standard bikes are very good - its a shame that more people don’t appreciate the layout. Still love this review and Paul’s enthusiasm for this bike.

[@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.

[@jeffmunro7638]

Drove my 2008 from Sturgis to Drumheller Alberta in one day. 1568 km. No issues. What a run. 14 hrs. Yes thats over our speed limit but not Montanas lol. Got a brand new 2014 last summer. Awesome machine. Still have a KLR 650 and a 21 CRF 450 RL for dirty work.

[@markavera3588]

I have a 2011 1250 fa. Makes my daily commute fun.

[@robertparisi8016]

Motor is smooth as glass, very fast, reliable, comfortable, pegs are a tad high and back for long legged riders, chain maintenance a pain, few wind noises comes from the fairing, wind protection is minimal, hard luggage is around 1000.00, handling and braking superb, center stand, 6 spd, abs, no rider modes, air and liquid cooled, great all around bike, affordable, owned a 2016, traded it for a more sport touring bike honda st1300, wish I could keep both, the 1250 inline 4 cylinder is really something you should experience!

[@FrankenPC]

I just got a 2016 S model and gutted all the garbage including passenger equipment. Put a Dale 2nd stage kit in it. OMG that thing pulls like a locomotive. You REALLY have to squeeze the tank and pray. a constant 92ft lb of torque at any RPM is wonderful. It's a very heavy bike. After all the mods, I pulled about 40 LB's off. Much better. Custom pipes alone saved 20LB's.

[@danhughes5422]

Had my 08 1250s since new been all across the us bike is amazing, its a jack of all, best bike ive owned!!! Like it even more then my b-king

[@jtm6969]

This is a great review -- it's hilarious how much Paul goes on and on about this bike. I test rode one a couple weeks ago and I loved it -- that motor is a gem !! Do accessories from the previous-gen fit this bike? I contacted Suzuki and Givi about availability of luggage and have not heard back from either. Great review !!

[@AprendizDeLoQueToca]

Nice bike! Great review.

[@nigelcb1300]

Had one exactly the same, great all-rounder

[@budredden818]

I just purchased this bike 09 with 14k miles total cherry ❤it

[@johnofypres]

Nice review thank you.. I pick my new one up next week.

[@scottalan6984]

I have a 1997 Suzuki Bandit 1200 with anti-lock brakes just turned twenty thousand miles all stock

[@apoptotichyalinecell]

Anti-lock brakes?

[@Davidlouis3]

Great review

[@javiertexido9471]

I have one! Total balance!!!

[@rotorhd2]

mines a 2008...best bike I ever owned

[@jeffmunro7638]

Agree

[@Mybwain]

I'm want one of these

[@MrBikeboy600]

I agree with everything this guy said about the bike except one thing, 120klms at 3750rpm. My 08 sits on 4000rpm at 120klms, maybe because I've changed the rear sprocket to correct the speedo as stock the speedo is 10% out, but changing the sprocket shouldn't change the rpm and speedo as the speedo is run off the gearbox.. When the bike says 110k's they are really only doing 100klm/hr, by reducing the rear sprocket by 3 teeth fixes this now my speedo and real road speed is spot on correct. Maybe he meant it's doing 110k's at 3750rpm cos that's what mine reads.

[@Vermarsson]

I have too 1250 bandit, 2008 model. Torque is Heavy.

[@charlesscottkelly]

I need one.

[@motorcityman401]

Needs a temp gauge, all bikes should have one.

[@jota1221]

Motor City Man ii

[@LAMB53087]

I agree. First thing I noticed when I first got it in '07. Made me very nervous here in Socal at first. But, she stays cool.

[@geoffgreenhalgh3553]

The seat is very uncomfortable after an hour or so!!!

[@saboabbas123]

replaced my stock seat with a Corbin custom seat! much better

[@hellogoodbye9345]

What year model did you review in this video, you never say?

[@apoptotichyalinecell]

That looks like a 2007 - 2008, as the newer models were given a black engine. It doesn’t really matter as they are all pretty much the same.

[@fidelcatsro6948]

anyone knows at what rpm does a bandit aircooled 2006 1200cc makes max hp?

[@sinancengiz7866]

98 hp at 7600 rpm,stock

[@DaveCraineAccidentalAquarist]

A very clean '07 for sale with 40,000 miles, $2900. ... good deal or no? How many miles is too many?

[@fattymcgee123]

not terrible, not good though. got my '08 for 3400 USD with 3,000 miles on it.

[@DaveCraineAccidentalAquarist]

fattymcgee123 thanks for the reply...much appreciated

[@fattymcgee123]

no worries. there are deals to be had. just saw a bandit 1250fa for same price and similar mileage as mine.

[@craigjoelbutchins2522]

@@fattymcgee123 over 70,000 miles, goes like new, servicing every 3000 miles.

[@chrisw4215]

@@craigjoelbutchins2522 what about valves intervals?

[@paulduncan3214]

105 hp at 3750rpm ! That would give ( at a flat torque curve ) 210 hp at 7500 rpm ............................. BOLLOCKS !

[@fattymcgee123]

yeah, that's wrong. the power curve is well documented, hits peak around 8. torque is right at 3,400-3750 though. not sure where they got the 105 at 3750 from.

[@kwak1k]

Peak torque is at 3750

[@alanharrison573]

@@fattymcgee123 He stated a dyno test.

[@mjr4559]

i read on hear the stock speedo is 10% out, is that plus or minus does anyone know ?

[@jtm6969]

The speedometer on my ‘97 is remarkably inaccurate. I rely on a speedo app on my phone.

[@LAMB53087]

Plus. My bike reads about 84 mph at 80 mph.

[@grabir01]

Oh noooo..... Go with the older 1200s

[@Ge8FitInfo]

What year did they start fuel injection on the bandit?

[@hanyhakam]

2007

[@Ge8FitInfo]

thanks!

[@hanyhakam]

You're welcome. Its an awesome bike, I just bought a 2008 one a month ago

[@EA-58]

2007

[@robertparisi8016]

own one, smooth, powerful, linear power, chain is a pain, looks dated, single muffler is hideous, great bike for money, next will be shaft. st, fjr, or r1200rs a lot more money would be tradeoff

[@awesomo9262]

hee is a little too over enthusiastic :D

[@TheMajorCatastrophe]

I have one and the motor is great. I am sore in the seat after 30 minutes on the highway (I should replace the seat). The transmission has a big clunk going into first. Overall it is an excellent bike. It is effortless cruising around because of all the torque. It is a great comfort to have ABS. I have fallen off motorbike and push bike quite a few times, mostly locking the front wheel in gravel or the wet.