2009 Suzuki GSF 650S Bandit

Make Model	Suzuki GSF 650S Bandit
Year	2009 - 10
Engine	Air/oil cooled, four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Capacity	656cc / 40.0 cu in
Bore x Stroke	65.5 x 48.7 mm
Compression Ratio	11.5:1
Cooling System	Air/oil cooled
Induction	Fuel injection
Ignition	Electronic
Starting	Electric
Max Power	62.5 kW / 85 hp @ 10500 rpm
Max Torque	64 Nm / 6.5 kgf-m / 47.2 lb-ft @ 8900 rpm
Transmission	6 Speed
Final Drive	Chain
Frame	Double cradle
Front Suspension	41mm Telescopic fork, preload fully adjustable
Rear Suspension	Link type, oil damped, mono-shock, spring pre-load 7-way adjustable, rebound damping 4-way adjustable
Front Brakes	2 x 290 mm Discs, 2 piston calipers
Rear Brakes	Single 240 mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Front Tyre	120/70 ZR17
Rear Tyre	160/60 ZR17
Dimensions	Length: 2110 mm / 83.1 in Width: 770 mm / 30.3 in Height: 1090 mm / 42.9 in
Wheelbase	1440 mm / 56.7 in
Ground Clearance	130 mm / 5.1 in
Seat Height	770 - 790 mm / 30.3 - 31.1 in
Dry Weight	215 kg / 474 lbs
Fuel Capacity	20 Litres / 5.3 US gal / 4.4 Imp gal
Consumption Average	4.8 L/100 km / 20.9 km/l / 49.2 US mpg / 59.0 Imp mpg
Standing ¼ Mile	12.5 sec
Top Speed	198.7 km/h / 123.5 mph

The riders will remember that the longer the course back in 1989 Suzuki launched the Bandit 400, which became the rage in Italy where Arrita in '90 because of its pleasant design and good performance of which he was custodian. For over 20 years, therefore, has sold 431,000 Bandit, in its various versions, of which 385,000 in Europe.

In 1995, then the Bandit grew up coming to 600 cc engine capacity increased to 650 cc, then in 2005. Since version 2007, the bike was then adjusted to European standards in terms of reduced emissions and in 2009 introduced a new model has been the subject of a face-lift that has modernized forms.

The engine and chassis are unchanged for 2009, but cosmetic updates include sleeker upper bodywork incorporating storage compartments (not lockable, unfortunately) on the faired S version. The unfaired Bandit gets an updated headlight, while both now have a black engine finish, new clocks, silencer, tail section and other, smaller detail changes. As before, the Bandit S has ABS as standard while the Bandit does without – there are no options, so if you want ABS you’ll also get a fairing.

The engine is as good as it ever was, rustling quietly and smoothly at idle without the roughness of the old air/oil-cooled unit, and it’s generous with its torque, pulling strongly at lower revs to provide effortless overtaking without recourse to the gearbox, yet it also willingly spins well past the 10,500rpm power peak. The outright performance is plenty for most situations and riders, too – it’ll only feel wanting if you’ve just stepped off a GSX-R.

If you did that, you’d notice the Bandit’s additional weight – 474lb (215kg) is substantially more than a supersport 600 – but this provides an air of stability with its slower but pleasingly solid steering, and the ride quality is very good. The unfaired GSF650 feels more agile but flightier and with a more fidgety ride, quite a difference considering that the fairing is the only change. Both versions offer good balance and a very natural feel that will encourage novices in particular.

The suspension is of excellent quality for this class. In cornering, the bike maintains its controlled feel and holds a tight line. The brakes are well matched to the chassis, providing strong but unintimidating stopping, if not quite as much feel as I’d like.

Both bikes have a height-adjustable seat, although this can take up to half an hour with a spanner to alter. Most people will only want to adjust it once but it still seems unnecessarily complicated.

The changes aren’t extensive but they work very well to keep the Bandit fresh. The new dash, for example, no longer looks like a budget bike’s. You also get span-adjustable levers as well as 15,000-mile major service intervals. Just note that it’s still quite a big bike and perhaps not ideal for shorter riders. The finish of Bandits has been prone to corroding more than most Japanese machines, although Suzuki has been making useful improvements in this area recently.

Then there’s the price. It’s not the bargain basement steal Bandits have sometimes been in the model’s long history, but you’re getting a lot of extremely capable all-rounder – and now better-looking – motorcycle for your money.