Suzuki GSF 1250 SA - Things i've added!

[@nerradnevar]

Just brought a red GSF 1250SA and after not riding for 25 yrs - love it

[@socmint83]

The 1255 Suzuki engine really is a peach - it's bulletproof reliable, creamy smooth and produces tree stump pulling torque from low down. I hit 30 MPH and stay in 6th gear. The engine is over-engineered and capable of so much more power which results in a understressed power plant happy to cruise at 100 all day long.

[@greenwooddigger]

+Me Me England UK absolutely- can't add anything to that!

[@fattymcgee123]

got the bandit as my first bike, and it's fantastic. full arrow exhaust, tune, airbox removed and it moves plenty quicker now. stiffened up the suspension in the front, replaced the rear suspension, taller windscreen (double bubble) and some new tires. love the bandit.

[@greenwooddigger]

+fattymcgee123 sounds like you've done quite a bit to It. You've got to love that engine!

[@fattymcgee123]

A bit, but there is always someone who has done more. Not that it's a competition... seems pointless after a while. But all around, wouldn't want a different bike.

[@socmint83]

Lovely Bandit. Very sensible upgrades. Same upgrades as my 2014 GSX1250 FA (Bandit with fairing). Why don't the manufacturers fit proper mudguards? A fender extender is the first thing I fit to protect engine bay and radiator. Next is hugger to protect shock. Then get rid of OEM seat which is rubbish. Job done.

[@greenwooddigger]

+Me Me England UK Good question regarding manufacturers fitting proper mud guards!!!

[@robertparisi8016]

Fantastic bike, owned one but there are a few negatives , first. Pegs are a little high and back for 32 inseam or longer especially if your sport touring, unknown noise comes from the front fairing , they all make that noise, chain maintenance sucks, hard luggage is costly and you need it if your touring, bike is super smooth, plenty of power, injection is spot on, handling is superb, nice and quiet, fast as hell, 6 spd, abs, no rider modes, a plain simple bike, for cheap money, dont produce it any longer but parts still available, full fairing is also available to purchase, I think for sport touring a st 1300 or fjr or concours would be better, but it would come at a higher price, more comfort, shaft drive, hard luggage, electronic wind screen, you wouldn't have to purchase another thousand dollars for the Suzuki with luggage, hted grips, higher windshield ect, wish I could have both, nice bike though, set up correctly!

[@markhorton7013]

Hi... loved the extras you put on your GSF which set me off searching the internet. I Have finally got round to installing my Fenda Extenda and rear Hugger now.Well pleased with the results... I put up some info on my google+ account along with various pics to help anyone if they're interested. (It's available publicly) Our GSF Bandit has ABS and that in itself posed a little improvising around the ABS cover in the Swing Arm area.... Other than that it all went really well.I've upgraded the feeble stock horn to a pair of slightly larger 110dB car horns mounted inside the upper Fairing Void which have made a difference. I will be posting info about the wiring diagram and the horns in time to come. (I only paid just under £11 quid on ebay for them - plus the added cost of wiring, relay, inline fuse and crimps) Well worth the time, money and effort. Won't be long now and the days will be longer, brighter and drier..... ready for us all to enjoy. Can't wait lolRegardsMark

[@grayman999]

Done the same with Spike and totally agree with you the GSF & GSX 1250 are all you need I was going to spend more but I really can't see the point I would rather own a second smaller cc machine and enjoy both two bikes for £6095 👍treat yourself to a Sargent Saddle you will be amazed the Givi bags have a liner for £41 the pair RSMF

[@greenwooddigger]

+Spike the Bike Hi Graham. Thanks for the comment. I'm beginning to think about a sargent seat, particularly after watching your videos on it. Although at the moment funds won't allow. Maybe Father Christmas might bring one!!! I'll take a look at the liner bags. Ride safe.

[@AndyPutt1]

Great setup. Fantastic bike. Great review

[@bobsyeruncle4841]

nice bike i'm seriously considering one, 62 i better get a move on :)

[@greenwooddigger]

+Robbie Speirs Hi Robbie. You won't be disappointed. It's a great bike and as it's an 'old school' engine quite easy to work on. You're never to old mate!!

[@socmint83]

I can recommend the LOMO dry bags. They are diving bags and without the word Motorcycle they are much much cheaper than other dry bags sold as motorcycle luggage. The base 40 litre LOMO dry bag is less than £20.

[@vinnieribeiro]

Nice things added. I added gear indicator Gipro. My gsf1250 is 2013 but we don't havê the ABS options

[@socmint83]

My new seat is a French made TOP SELLERIE (Top saddlery in English). It wasn't cheap at £400 but is a great enhancement on that God awful OEM plank of wood. My arse could stand only 60 miles with OEM seat, this new one extends that to 100 miles or so. Bought seat on Amazon and it took 4 weeks to arrive from France.

[@greenwooddigger]

+Me Me England UK sounds like a great upgrade. A new seat is something I might think about in the future. At the moment the wife has said no!!!!!!!

[@jackwednesday]

Great review. In intend to get exactly this bike with luggage later in the year. Thanks for the review.

[@greenwooddigger]

you won't be disappointed, it's a great bike!!

[@Johnny_Seven]

Great video. I have the same bike, same colour too. I have just fitted a radiator cover but never thought about that fender extender. I will definitely invest in one of those because the down pipes and engine do catch a lot of crap from the road. I might consider some of the other modifications you have done too. Well done mate. Oh and your right, it is a cracking bike, I love mine.

[@johnberry5339]

Hi John. I am looking at one of these on Tuesday, I know all about the the great engine! but what is it like to ride on the twisty parts? Thanks John :)

[@Johnny_Seven]

@@johnberry5339 Hi there. Well I have found it ok on twisty roads. It is a heavy bike so you notice that at very low speeds, like maybe negotiating a mini roundabout. All in all I love mine. Hope you feel the same when you get yours.

[@ryteulopki8069]

Why people hide number plates? We can see yours cars plate... and even so, what does it change? Are people afraid that someone will get an insurance quote on their plate?

[@grahamchiz6076]

Hi, I have a 1250 SA 2010. would like to get some panniers for it. What is the model number for the frames that you have? And the model number for the panniers themselves. I lived in Wales until my mid 20s used to ride a Tiger 110.and Gold Star around the Nant Ffrancon pass (Ogwen Cottage) and Llanberis Pass. Worked near Beddgelert. That was 1961 -1964. Still riding. But I now live in Bundaberg Queensland. Been in Ausi for nearly 50 years. I like all your videos you have done a great job with them. When I last pulled into the Pen-Y Pass Hotel there was no car park and the pub was run by two rather elderly ladies who brought your beer in a jug!! Graham. Bundaberg

[@greenwooddigger]

Great to hear from you. Glad you like the videos. I will do my best to keep uploading when time allows. Some amazing roads around Wales and I love exploring them on my days off- Although I'm pretty sure there are some amazing roads in Australia!!!! The pannier racks are Givi PLX539 and the panniers themselves are Givi V35. I really rate them, brilliant kit.

[@grahamchiz6076]

Thanks for the prompt reply when I'm ready to get the panniers, at least I'll know what I'm buying actually works. I will try to get some video of this area Bundaberg and post it on KZbin. There are quite a few of us all over 70 still riding. Graham Bundaberg Ausi.

[@bessie2275]

I added a topselerie seat, front extender, rear hugger, sotoiler, Givi luggage, heated grips, LED lights Tony topbox back rest for my wife on the topbox

[@greenwooddigger]

+Pete petrie my wife won't ride pillion any kore. Not since the kids came along. Maybe in a few years when the kids are grown up!

[@markhorton7013]

Hi... I enjoy following your videos.... loved your Scotland and Yorkshire trips. Me and the Wife bought one of these lovely machines this September - It's a Black 2010 GT SALO model with full fairing and really enjoy going out on it whenever we can. More than ample power when you need it and a pleasure to ride every time we take it out.Would love to know where you got the front fender and rear hugger from if you could put that info up please. (Any installation tips for the front fender would help too). We have the full luggage set and do find it extremely useful in either combination (Top box on its own or indeed the full luggage or no luggage at all)We don't have the equipment yet to record our trips but maybe that will come in the future.Please keep the videos coming... Kind regardsMark & Carol - Holbeach Lincs.

[@greenwooddigger]

Hi Mark, thanks for the comments. Glad you like the videos and glad to hear you've got a GSF bandit!! You can't beat getting out on the bike, the Scotland tour was amazing, fantastic roads! I'm looking forward to making the most of the various luggage options now I've got the full Givi system. To answer your questions, For the front fender try m.ebay.co.uk/itm/Suzuki-GSF1250-Bandit-STICK-FIT-Extenda-Fenda-Fender-Extender-SF-050001-/191374335964. - just stick it on!! The rear hugger is a skidmarx, it's a quality bit of kit. Very well made. Cheers, thanks again.

[@greenwooddigger]

Yes there standard. No risers added. It's quite a sit up position in stock form.

[@kd6854]

Loved all your reviews and they were the major decider in my friend and I both buying 2016 1250SA's. We love our bikes and concur with your reviews. However the bikes never generated mass appeal here in the US and as a result accessories are very hard to come by. I noticed you had frame sliders fitted on the front of your bike. Could you please tell me the brand of sliders and explain how you fitted them. Thanks.

[@greenwooddigger]

+k d Hi there. I can't find the ones I have any more. However these are pretty much identical and the fitting looks the same. rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F401425450565 Hope that helps.

[@jman1957]

I like the cases! 👍🏼

[@kd6854]

Kind regards to you and your beloved bandit. Thanks for you reply. Everton supporter by any chance?

[@greenwooddigger]

+k d No problem, thanks for the comment.. Liverpool season ticket holderb-Love the mighty reds. And I love my bandit which is something we have in common. Enjoy your bike and ride safe. hope you manage to find some crash bobbins.

[@andrewspooner8146]

are those the standard bars? They look quite high.

[@MrBrimsy]

Got a couple of these bandits they are awesome do you still have that bike and enjoying it

[@socmint83]

Do you use 446 MHz radios? I am thinking on same lines.... A 446 radio gives 3 miles range whereas a Bluetooth system struggles at quarter of a mile. I'd be interested to learn how you set the power lead up.

[@greenwooddigger]

+Me Me England UK We just use £80 cobra battery handheld two way radios with a helmet comms and push to talk button from maplin (£20) simple but works really well. We get about a mile range

[@peternorton3044]

Do you still ride the Bandit....

[@bessie2275]

What do you drive now

[@adukke]

Hello mate, cool add-ons you've put there... Ive got a question, I am being offered a bike just like yours, even same color from 2007 with only 6.000 kms on it at a very good price. The thing is that Ive never handled a bike that big, just some 125cc occasionally and a looooong time ago... Therefore, I am a little concerned on jumping into such a bike with no too much prepping in smaller engines... what do you think? would it be ok to get it and start little by little and build up my confidence, or is it too much a gamble to jump in there without having proper experience riding bikes. Im 43, therefore I know I will be more cautious that a 20s something where you tend to be thrill seeker...

[@greenwooddigger]

+Angel Duque that's a tough one. Thanks for asking my opinion. I have to be honest and say I think it's a big step up. It's a big bike in every way not just power. The weight is something that needs some getting used to. Just being around a bike like this is not really for a first timer. I know that's not what you probably wanted to hear. Sorry mate.

[@adukke]

The Scouse Bandit don't worry mate I rather listen to the truth even is not what I want to hear... I guess I might buy it anyway, since I have spare budget to get a smaller bike to start with, maybe a 600cc ... The thing is that this bike model is hard to find here and I don't wanna a lose the opportunity

[@niamhsdad1960]

Can you tell me what tyres are on it? Mine has Avon storm2 on and I need a new front soon but don't like theses so I'm trying to find out what other bandit owners use. Mine is the same but black with a taller touring screen.

[@greenwooddigger]

Hi Colin, I'm currently using michelin pilot road 2. they've been really good. superb grip in wet and dry and lasted about 9k. I'm getting ready to change mine and I'm probably going for michelin pilot road 3's.

[@thatlookslikeanasteroid1926]

what tyres are you running

[@pauloneill5300]

hi ive got the 2016 model gsf 1250s abs but cant find a fenda extenda to fit, what model did you get to fit if you can remember? did your fenda extenda just fit at the side of front fender

[@greenwooddigger]

paul oneill Hi, thanks for the message. there's a link to the fender extender in the thread below. it's an eBay purchase but it's been on for 2 years and still looks as good as new. hope this helps.

[@pauloneill5300]

many thanks

[@FuzzyOne2007]

Nice bike, I'm considering one my first (real) bike, what's the MPG like?

[@greenwooddigger]

+FuzzyOne[UK] It's about 45 miles to the gallon. I average 150 miles to the tank. That's a mixture of city/motorway riding. I have had over 170 miles to the tank, but that was motorway cruising. It's a great bike, loads of usable power. You wouldn't be disappointed. Ride safe mate.

[@scottlochans4180]

LLLL LOVE BANDITS, WALKAROUND VIDEO??? BOO!! BANDIT'S ACCELERATION IS WHAT BANDITS ARE ALL ABOUT.!!! STRAP YOUR CAMERA ROUND YOUR NECK, AND LET PEOPLE BE IN AWE OF THE MIGHTY BANDIT'S ACCELERATION!!!!! MY 1984 GPZ750TURBO WAS REALLY GOOD AND VERY FAST, BUT RESPONSE AND ACCELERATION WISE?? COMPARED TO MY '05 GSF 650 BANDIT, NOT EVEN A BANDIT S, BETTER THAN A BANDIT S.!!!!TURBO ACCELERATION, SEEMS MORE LIKE A 400 SUPERDREAM???!!! AND I AIN'T EVEN LYING. TAKE THE 1250 OUT FOR RIDE!!! AND SHOW PEOPLE, HOW SPECIAL BANDITS REALLY ARE.

[@socmint83]

I see your mates with Graham too

[@greenwooddigger]

+Me Me England UK I enjoy his videos on spike! And his open and honest style. Will wait and see if I can make friends with his new bike!!

[@socmint83]

My new seat is a French made TOP SELLERIE (Top saddlery in English). It wasn't cheap at £400 but is a great enhancement on that God awful OEM plank of wood. My arse could stand only 60 miles with OEM seat, this new one extends that to 100 miles or so. Bought seat on Amazon and it took 4 weeks to arrive from France.