Suzuki GSF 1250 Bandit

Suzuki introduces the 2009 1250S and 1250S ABS models with little, but notable upgrades even though at a first glance nothing seems to be new on the bikes. A full fairing wouldn’t suit it well so designers haven’t got much work to do this year, at least in what concerns the Bandits.

Introduction
At its base, the 2009 Bandit, be it ABS-equipped or not is the same impressive sport-touring motorcycle kept competitive by the liquid-cooled 1255cc DOHC engine that is fuel injected, providing great power and torque. The 79.0mm bore and 64.0mm stroke result into a 10.5:1 compression ratio and, by featuring 36mm throttle bodies, the Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve fuel injection ads up to performance and increases your chances to get a speeding ticket.

Still, the reliability of the Suzuki Bandit had to continue being something worth to brag about so the cylinders are now plated with Suzuki’s Composite Electrochemical Material. Another 2009 addition, the secondary balancer shaft, smoothens out the rides making the engine well balanced source of excitement. The Bandit engine makes an unbeatable team with the six speed gearbox, concluding in 39 mpg for city riding (we reckon things get a lot better on the highway).

Also, for the same roads, the 2009 Suzuki Bandit is quite a choice as it is comfortable and fast as well as very stable. With a curb weight of 551 lbs underneath you, there are few chances to be bothered by other traffic participant’s air tunnel. With 20mm height adjustable seat and LCD digital speedometer, fuel gauge and clock, make sure you don’t confuse it with a tourer before actually buying it.

History
1995 Suzuki GSF 1200 Bandit
The motorcycle market had first seen the GSF 1200 Bandit in 1995 as a naked motorcycle weighing a decent 458 lbs. Created for long, relaxing rides, the first Bandit featured an air and oil-cooled 1,156cc four-cylinder DOHC, 16-valves engine producing 98 hp at 8,500 rpm and 96.1 Nm at 4,000 rpm.

Only a year later, torque was decreased to 90.7 Nm at 4,500 rpm, but, most importantly, the Bandit received a half-fairing with screen, turning suddenly into a sport-tourer and carrying on two separate ways.

1997 model year saw the introduction of the GSF1200SA Bandit which featured front and rear ABS. But that was like a preamble of the modern Bandit ABS and didn’t continue being produced.

For the next three years, the engine was retuned for even less torque (83.6 Nm at 4,500 rpm) in expectancy of the entirely new 2001 Suzuki GSF 1200 Bandit and GSF 1200 S Bandit. Power was still the same, but the engine finally got more torque (91.7 Nm at 6,500 rpm). Apart from the revised engine, the frame, front fork and brake (now six calipers instead of four) were also new as well as the fairing and headlight of the half-faired model.

The next revision was prepared for the 2004 model year. This was aimed at the exhaust system which now had a stainless steel silencer and catalyer on models that were produced with the destination California.

Having worked more on the engine than the body, for the 2006 model year, Suzuki prepared a redesigned Bandit 1200. This is when the height adjustable seat saw its way on the bike while the fuel tank and side panels have been reshaped. Also, the “S” model now had a new fairing and mirrors as well as a brand new headlight. This is when the ABS started being available on the “S” model.

Because the engine of the 2006 model didn’t meet Euro 3 regulations, it was upgraded to 1,255cc, got fuel-injected and water-cooled. Suzuki combined the need to meet the standards with the need for more torque so that is why displacement increased, resulting the 108 Nm at 3,700 rpm Bandit 1250 S and 1250 S ABS. This was the last major upgrade that the big Bandit suffered.

Features

Engine
Secondary balancer shaft for smooth engine operation

Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material (SCEM) plating on cylinders is durable and efficient

Liquid-cooled, fuel injected, DOHC engine featuring a bore and stroke of 79.0mm x 64.0mm for a full 1255cc’s of torque producing performance

Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve fuel injection system featuring 36mm throttle bodies for optimum performance and smooth accelerations

Compact engine design with a central cam chain, staggered transmission shafts, tighter spacing between the pairs of cylinders and a secondary balancer shaft for reduced vibration

A catalyzer equipped high-volume muffler combined with an effective engine management system, Suzuki PAIR system, and oxygen sensor for reduced emissions meeting tough Euro 3 standards

Suzuki Idle Speed Control (ISC) system for improved cold starting, consistent idle control and reduced emissions

A slick shifting six speed transmission improves acceleration while reducing top gear rpm at highway speeds

Hydraulic clutch with coil springs for improved lever feel and control

Liquid cooled oil cooler for reduced oil temperatures

Cylinder head featuring 31mm exhaust valves and 27mm intake valves set at a narrow 16 degree valve angle

Chassis
Analog tachometer, LCD digital speedometer, LCD fuel gauge and clock, and LED indicator lamps

Anti-Lock Braking (ABS) monitors wheel speed and matches braking power to available traction (only on the ABS model)

Tube frame chassis featuring larger diameter down tubes for optimum torsional rigidity designed for excellent balance of sporty handling and comfortable highway cruising

Innovative seat height adjustment system can be adjusted up or down by 20mm with a simple spacer seat mounting system

43mm front forks combined with a single rear shock with preload adjustability for riding with or without passengers

310mm dual front disc brakes with four piston calipers along with a 240mm rear disc and single piston caliper. Anti-Lock Braking (ABS) is also available and monitors wheel speed and matches braking power to available traction

Cast three spoke aluminum wheels carrying radial tires and an easy-to-use centerstand

The Bandit 1250S features a sleek half fairing, with built in line-beam headlights, an effective windscreen and fairing mounted mirrors

Wide, comfortable seat with low seat height

Large capacity fuel tank for long operating range

Easy-to-operate centerstand with high leverage ratio to reduce effort

Easy-to-operate centerstand with high leverage ratio to reduce effort