Suzuki GSF 1200N Bandit ABS

Make Model	Suzuki GSF 1200N Bandit ABS
Year	2001-02
Engine	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Capacity	1157 cc / 30.6 cu in
Bore x Stroke	79 x 59 mm
Compression Ratio	9.5:1
Cooling System	Air/oil cooled
Induction	4 x Mikuni BSR36 carburetors
Ignition	Digital transistorized
Starting	Electric
Max Power	71.5 kW / 98 hp @ 8500 rpm
Max Torque	91.7 Nm 9.4 kgf-m / 67.6 lb-ft@ 6500 rpm
Transmission	5 Speed
Final Drive	Chain
Front Suspension	43 mm Telescopic, oil damped, preload adjustable
Rear Suspension	Mono-shock, link-type, 4-way adjustable rebound damping, 7-way adjustable preload
Front Brakes	2 x 310mm Discs, 6 piston calipers, ABS
Rear Brakes	Single 240mm disc, 2 piston caliper, ABS
Front Tyre	120/70 ZR17
Rear Tyre	180/55 ZR17
Dry-Weight	220 kg / 485 lbs
Fuel Capacity	20.0 litres / 5.3 US gal / 4.4 Imp gal
Overview	Motorcycle.com

The GSF1200N Bandit is the unfaired version of Suzuki's budget roadster. Introduced in 1996, its blend of low price, strong engine and retro good looks soon made it popular as an all-rounder. The lack of a fairing put some riders off, since it restricts the long-distance usefulness of the bike, although the naked styling probably attracted almost as many buyers.

The heart of the 1200 Bandit is an air/oil-cooled inline-four engine, based on the 1127cc design used on the GSX-R1100 and GSX1100s of the late 1980s and early 1990s. A 1mm overbore increased the capacity to 1157cc, and other changes reshaped the power curve to improve low-down urge. The Bandit's mid-range is indeed very strong, ideal for a naked street machine such as this. One positive side-effect of using such an old engine is assured reliability - Bandit 1200 engines seldom go wrong.

The Bandit's chassis is completely unremarkable, although effective. Basic, preload adjustable forks and a preload and rebound-damping adjustable rear monoshock are perfectly suitable for a road bike: ultimate sporting performance is probably restricted by the mediocre ground clearance. The steering is stable and predictaD while the four-piston brakes offer acceptable power and feel.

For the 2000 model year, Suzuki gave the 1200 Bandit a thorough revamp. The changes were most obvious on the faired bike, which got an all-new top fairing, the naked Bandit received the same new frame, with a straight steel-tube frame running below the fuel tank. This gave a lower seat height and a more stylish tank.

The brakes were also heavily revised, with six-piston Tokico calipers replacing t old bike's four-piston parts. Other changes included revised, firmer suspension settings, and useful features such as a new grabrail, and a larger fuel tank.

The 1200 Bandit's cheap price, tough construction and strong engine made it a popular choice for stunt riders in the mid-1990s, and a common sight at stunt shows.