1996 Suzuki GSF1200S Bandit

Make Model	Suzuki GSF 1200S Bandit
Year	1996 - 97
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 BST36 carburetors
Ignition	Digital transistorized
Starting	Electric
Max Power	71.5 kW / 98 hp @ 9500 rpm
Max Torque	83.6 Nm / 8.5 kgf-m / 61.7 lb-ft @ 4500 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 310 mm Discs, 4 piston calipers
Rear Brakes	Single 240 mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Front Tyre	120/70 ZR17
Rear Tyre	180/55 ZR17
Dry Weight	214 kg / 472 lbs
Wet Weight	222 kg / 489 lbs
Fuel Capacity	20.0 litres / 5.0 US gal / 4.2 Imp gal
Consumption Average	6.3 L/100 km / 15.8 km/l / 37.2 US mpg / 44.6 Imp mpg
Braking 60 km/h - 0	13.5 m / 44.3 ft
Braking 100 km/h - 0	39.7 m / 130.2 ft
Standing ¼ Mile	11.1 sec / 192.5 km/h / 119.6 mph
Top Speed	233.3 km/h / 145 mph

First launched in 1996, the 1200S Bandit was the half-faired version of Suzuki's 1200cc naked retro machine. Aimed at replicating the sales success of the popular GSF600S Bandit, the big Bandit looked very similar to its smaller-capacity sibling.

Following the tried pathway of using parts from existing models to save development costs, the 1200 Bandit used a version of the long-running GSX-R1100 engine, in a simple steel-tube frame. Running gear and ancillaries were borrowed from other machines in Suzuki's lineup, and the 1200 Bandit was an instant success, helped by its competitive price and all-round usability.

The half-fairing offered the usual benefits of wind- and weather-protection, also raising the ultimate top speed.

Suzuki GSF 1200S Bandit