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Suzuki GSF 1200N Bandit ABS

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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.