Thank you for putting into words of what I've felt about this bike. I have a 2007 red Bandit with the last 3 numbers of the vin 666 hence the name EL DIABLO, I bought it new. It is now getting close to the 100,000 mark which are mostly commuter miles, I've done nothing but service and ride. I get off the bike after a ride and say thank you Bandit and that's for real. I look at showroom eye candy and walk away and think why change the Bandit it does it all. Sergeant seat, mirror extenders and a Powerbronze touring screen makes for effortless travel short or long. What a sleeper, if you get to the fundamental reasons for riding it's all here in the Bandit.Thanks for the vid, I truly related. Doug in Central Coast CA. USA
As a hopefully, only semi retired, fuel inj 650 Bandit, Banditateer fekkin Banditaholic, ruined for any other bike, don't think even the thought of getting a Really Healthy 1200,1250 Bandit, would cure my ACHE ,for my late beloved 05 fuel inj Bandit, one careful cautious owner, who basically ran it in for 15,000 miles, Superb, Had not been on a bike, Kawasaki for 27 years, March 19, first ride in Ernest, going out , after midnight,just to try it out, Nice, a brand new Fiesta and Focus ST undertook me at speed, nearly a mile into ride,cared not a jot. Caught up with Focus ST at lights, neutral feet down, look up, amber the ST is off, always wait for green, not worth the Hassle. I'm not even trying to race, catch up even, but 1st,2nd,3rd,not going above, just under 3,500rpm, I'm about a car length behind, 4th gear, twitch throttle, response immediate, kid you not SHAZZAM, level with driver, a second or two later, slowly but surely, twisted throttle,. and it felt like an industrial catapult fired it away, chicane in nearly 100 yards, could not lean an iota, could only twitch bars,left, right upright,back wheel, might as well, been in a track, FORWARD,all at the back wheel, arms limp, very Special, called it a Perfect Storm, had many, but nowhere near enough. Lights 350 yards later, I'm at lights,.can see a 100 yards behind, nothing 1,²,3, headlights, Focus at lights, What you've got there is very, very special. Me, now about 2 miles into ride, eh, the big story is, it red lines at 12,000rpm, driver laughed we parted, hindsight should have said, red lines at 12,000, and when I left the ST, for parked????, never went over 6,500rpm, 4th gear??,89 actual mph, said 92, was 89 capable of just over 80 mph in 2nd gear, and that's plenty. 58,59 times more biking joy, than in 84, my nearly new GPZ 750 turbo, heard first production bike any size, to do the standing quarter mile in 10 seconds, mine, I got 161mph, See o over top end speeds, thanks to Bandit Time, it's the acceleration, that JOYOUS. THRILL, ever turn of the throttle, was Grin inducing, every single ride???a new Treat, Yours Professor Bandit fuel inj 650 B.T.E. out. A PhD in Bandit Torque Enjoyment only, nothing technical.
+Mike Kovo Thanks for the feedback. I'm just using a Bluetooth mic app on my mobile connected to my interphone urban intercom. Seems to work really well. Your absolutely right about striving for happiness on the bike.
Gr8 review Dave... I have owned my Bandit GSF1250 SA for just coming up 18 months now and I purchased it after watching your initial review just after you bought yours. So it's practically your fault I'm a thoroughly spoiled Bandit Rider Lol. Everything you said about this lovely machine was spot on and it ticked the boxes I was looking for. It is the most perfect all-rounder one could wish for and I'm deeply saddened that Suzuki have dropped this model from the 2017 line-up (Euro 4 Regs). I do hope they recognize the nostalgia that is felt amongst Bandit owners and revive the model one day in full compliance where need be.... i would buy another in a heartbeat. There are a few tiny little niggles that you discussed and yes the bike could be improved in minor ways but all that said, the positives far outweigh the negatives. Ride safe mate and I look forward to watching some of your ride-outs again this year.... regards Mark - Lincolnshire
Hi Mark, good to hear from you mate. totally agree with you re. the bandit no longer being in the line up. It's a shame that 'proper" bikes with real engines are now overlooked for more modern technical bikes. I'm so glad to hear you bought a bike on the back of my initial review, but even more delighted that you love it as much as I do!! Ride safe mate. talk to you soon. Oh just for info. I've changed my UA-cam channel name to 'the scouse bandit' - I'll let you work out why!!!! Cheers mate Ian
Yeah I guessed that mate... Good name for your channel too. You're gonna have to keep the Bandit forever now tho lol..... nowt wrong with that either : ) P:S I always thought your name was Dave.... sorry
Euro 4 regulation are suck....fuck with euro regulation...always make motocycle manufacturer so hard to produce new motocycle....that why usa not follow this fucking rule...fuck euro
hi mate , I've had my 1250sa for about 3 yrs now , i love it , real world power always on tap with that torque , instead of having to rev the nuts off it...i would buy another one without a second thought...its a jack of all trades as they say , does everything well..perfect machine for a ride up to the horseshoe pass. I've got the pr4s on mine and can't fault them..happy biking 👍
kenny flavell totally agree with you mate. It's just good at everything and really comfy. Just spent the last 2 hours polishing mine!!!! then it started raining again! Ride safe buddy. Thanks for the comment.
The Scouse Bandit just finished a home service on mine , air filter , oil and oil filter , plugs , coolant and other general maintenence , there was a point I was looking at other bikes but then realised they wasn't gonna give me any more than what my bandit gives me..and I never get tired of those effortless twist the grip overtakes along with that turbine/jet kind of sound you get , awesome..
+kenny flavell Putting me to shame mate. I need to service mine soon - It's due one. I also need to put some new rear brake pads in. I'll get round to it in a couple of weeks. For now I'll enjoy the 'turbine' engine thrust!!!
The Scouse Bandit the rear hugger on yours , can you tell me, are the fixings into original bolt holes on the exhaust side of the swingarm or is it a bracket kind of fixing that goes round the swingarm ,cheers
Modifications I did - Painted the brightwork with clear lacquer, added rear hugger, fender extender, scotoiler, selerie ( french seat) Givi luggage, Sat nav
I bought a Sargent seat for my Bandit and with the wool seat cover makes for a very comfy ride, does this mean I'm getting old! I also have a tall screen which helps on the open road. I have for the first time fitted PR4's and they are just fantastic and will always use them now. Your right they are heavy but I am 61 and still can handle the weight.
banditnev what does age have to do with it? As long as your comfortable!!! The more comfy you are the longer you can ride - surely that's a good thing!!! I have PR3's- really impressed with them. I've got a big tour coming up in June so will be putting them through their paces! Ride Safe buddy.
i just changed my sprockets and chain at about 70,000km ( i should have replaced them earlier! front drive sprocket get eaten more than the rear drive sprocket)...made a huge difference (mine is the older 5 geared air oil cooled 1200)
I sold the Bandit a year ago now. But I'd another if I could afford two bikes! The front end coming up depends on you!!! It can if you have a heavy right wrist! Height size you should be fine. I'm 6ft and found it a little low for me. I started getting cramp behind the knee. But at 5.7 you should be ok. Try one and see.
Each to their own, I hate it underpowered for a 1250, feels cheap and very basic. Torque compared to my bike is shite. Yeah it's smooth but very very quiet. Also it rusts a lot even when you shake a bag of salted crisps at it.
actually you are correct, i expect more power from the water cooled 1250!! im riding the older 1200 air cooled motor and i can understand why its only 100hp... but to see that on a water cooled engine is no longer an acceptable excuse! i currently thinking of removing the air filter box and see if there is any marked improvement hehe
Yeah have to agree on that mines a low mileage 10 plate and it's rotting like 'titanic' behind the radiator need to get that repainted fast or it'll be 'nearer my god to thee'.
You're using so much petrol because you're standing still and idling most of the time. I get 230 out of mine. 175 is sucking. Perhaps you should have used your brain instead of your ego, and got a moped.
Thank you for putting into words of what I've felt about this bike. I have a 2007 red Bandit with the last 3 numbers of the vin 666 hence the name EL DIABLO, I bought it new. It is now getting close to the 100,000 mark which are mostly commuter miles, I've done nothing but service and ride. I get off the bike after a ride and say thank you Bandit and that's for real. I look at showroom eye candy and walk away and think why change the Bandit it does it all. Sergeant seat, mirror extenders and a Powerbronze touring screen makes for effortless travel short or long. What a sleeper, if you get to the fundamental reasons for riding it's all here in the Bandit.Thanks for the vid, I truly related. Doug in Central Coast CA. USA
100,000 wow!! That's some mileage! Brilliant and what a testimony to the engine!
As a hopefully, only semi retired, fuel inj 650 Bandit, Banditateer fekkin Banditaholic, ruined for any other bike, don't think even the thought of getting a Really Healthy 1200,1250 Bandit, would cure my ACHE ,for my late beloved 05 fuel inj Bandit, one careful cautious owner, who basically ran it in for 15,000 miles, Superb, Had not been on a bike, Kawasaki for 27 years, March 19, first ride in Ernest, going out , after midnight,just to try it out, Nice, a brand new Fiesta and Focus ST undertook me at speed, nearly a mile into ride,cared not a jot. Caught up with Focus ST at lights, neutral feet down, look up, amber the ST is off, always wait for green, not worth the Hassle. I'm not even trying to race, catch up even, but 1st,2nd,3rd,not going above, just under 3,500rpm, I'm about a car length behind, 4th gear, twitch throttle, response immediate, kid you not SHAZZAM, level with driver, a second or two later, slowly but surely, twisted throttle,. and it felt like an industrial catapult fired it away, chicane in nearly 100 yards, could not lean an iota, could only twitch bars,left, right upright,back wheel, might as well, been in a track, FORWARD,all at the back wheel, arms limp, very Special, called it a Perfect Storm, had many, but nowhere near enough. Lights 350 yards later, I'm at lights,.can see a 100 yards behind, nothing 1,²,3, headlights, Focus at lights, What you've got there is very, very special. Me, now about 2 miles into ride, eh, the big story is, it red lines at 12,000rpm, driver laughed we parted, hindsight should have said, red lines at 12,000, and when I left the ST, for parked????, never went over 6,500rpm, 4th gear??,89 actual mph, said 92, was 89 capable of just over 80 mph in 2nd gear, and that's plenty. 58,59 times more biking joy, than in 84, my nearly new GPZ 750 turbo, heard first production bike any size, to do the standing quarter mile in 10 seconds, mine, I got 161mph, See o over top end speeds, thanks to Bandit Time, it's the acceleration, that JOYOUS. THRILL, ever turn of the throttle, was Grin inducing, every single ride???a new Treat, Yours Professor Bandit fuel inj 650 B.T.E. out. A PhD in Bandit Torque Enjoyment only, nothing technical.
I have the FA model, had it for 6 years. It has never let me down
Audio was crystal clear. Glad to hear you are so happy with your bike, that's what we all strive for.
+Mike Kovo Thanks for the feedback. I'm just using a Bluetooth mic app on my mobile connected to my interphone urban intercom. Seems to work really well. Your absolutely right about striving for happiness on the bike.
Gr8 review Dave... I have owned my Bandit GSF1250 SA for just coming up 18 months now and I purchased it after watching your initial review just after you bought yours. So it's practically your fault I'm a thoroughly spoiled Bandit Rider Lol. Everything you said about this lovely machine was spot on and it ticked the boxes I was looking for. It is the most perfect all-rounder one could wish for and I'm deeply saddened that Suzuki have dropped this model from the 2017 line-up (Euro 4 Regs). I do hope they recognize the nostalgia that is felt amongst Bandit owners and revive the model one day in full compliance where need be.... i would buy another in a heartbeat. There are a few tiny little niggles that you discussed and yes the bike could be improved in minor ways but all that said, the positives far outweigh the negatives. Ride safe mate and I look forward to watching some of your ride-outs again this year.... regards Mark - Lincolnshire
Hi Mark, good to hear from you mate. totally agree with you re. the bandit no longer being in the line up. It's a shame that 'proper" bikes with real engines are now overlooked for more modern technical bikes. I'm so glad to hear you bought a bike on the back of my initial review, but even more delighted that you love it as much as I do!! Ride safe mate. talk to you soon. Oh just for info. I've changed my UA-cam channel name to 'the scouse bandit' - I'll let you work out why!!!! Cheers mate Ian
Yeah I guessed that mate... Good name for your channel too. You're gonna have to keep the Bandit forever now tho lol..... nowt wrong with that either : ) P:S I always thought your name was Dave.... sorry
Euro 4 regulation are suck....fuck with euro regulation...always make motocycle manufacturer so hard to produce new motocycle....that why usa not follow this fucking rule...fuck euro
Agree with everything you say about this bike,great review.
hi mate , I've had my 1250sa for about 3 yrs now , i love it , real world power always on tap with that torque , instead of having to rev the nuts off it...i would buy another one without a second thought...its a jack of all trades as they say , does everything well..perfect machine for a ride up to the horseshoe pass.
I've got the pr4s on mine and can't fault them..happy biking 👍
kenny flavell totally agree with you mate. It's just good at everything and really comfy. Just spent the last 2 hours polishing mine!!!! then it started raining again! Ride safe buddy. Thanks for the comment.
The Scouse Bandit just finished a home service on mine , air filter , oil and oil filter , plugs , coolant and other general maintenence , there was a point I was looking at other bikes but then realised they wasn't gonna give me any more than what my bandit gives me..and I never get tired of those effortless twist the grip overtakes along with that turbine/jet kind of sound you get , awesome..
+kenny flavell Putting me to shame mate. I need to service mine soon - It's due one. I also need to put some new rear brake pads in. I'll get round to it in a couple of weeks. For now I'll enjoy the 'turbine' engine thrust!!!
The Scouse Bandit the rear hugger on yours , can you tell me, are the fixings into original bolt holes on the exhaust side of the swingarm or is it a bracket kind of fixing that goes round the swingarm ,cheers
It fixes into the bolt holes, theres no bracket.
Modifications I did - Painted the brightwork with clear lacquer, added rear hugger, fender extender, scotoiler, selerie ( french seat) Givi luggage, Sat nav
+Pete petrie love the Scotoiler. No more chain lube!!
I have two on three bikes, Versys 1000, ZR7 and a Suzuki 1250
I bought a Sargent seat for my Bandit and with the wool seat cover makes for a very comfy ride, does this mean I'm getting old! I also have a tall screen which helps on the open road. I have for the first time fitted PR4's and they are just fantastic and will always use them now. Your right they are heavy but I am 61 and still can handle the weight.
banditnev what does age have to do with it? As long as your comfortable!!! The more comfy you are the longer you can ride - surely that's a good thing!!! I have PR3's- really impressed with them. I've got a big tour coming up in June so will be putting them through their paces! Ride Safe buddy.
i just changed my sprockets and chain at about 70,000km ( i should have replaced them earlier! front drive sprocket get eaten more than the rear drive sprocket)...made a huge difference (mine is the older 5 geared air oil cooled 1200)
How does the bike feel, any oil leaks at 70k+ Kms, how about other components like brake pads and clutch/accel cables? Congrats on your Bandit.
I have one,great bike.Bullet proof.
Thinking of getting on of these 1250 bandits .. do they pull front up alot .. 🤔 I'm 5.7 height be OK many thanks
I sold the Bandit a year ago now. But I'd another if I could afford two bikes! The front end coming up depends on you!!! It can if you have a heavy right wrist! Height size you should be fine. I'm 6ft and found it a little low for me. I started getting cramp behind the knee. But at 5.7 you should be ok. Try one and see.
Thanks for replying mate much appreciated. Bandit 1250sa it is .
Each to their own, I hate it underpowered for a 1250, feels cheap and very basic. Torque compared to my bike is shite. Yeah it's smooth but very very quiet. Also it rusts a lot even when you shake a bag of salted crisps at it.
what bike are you riding amigo?
fidel catsro BMW K1300GT
actually you are correct, i expect more power from the water cooled 1250!! im riding the older 1200 air cooled motor and i can understand why its only 100hp... but to see that on a water cooled engine is no longer an acceptable excuse! i currently thinking of removing the air filter box and see if there is any marked improvement hehe
Yeah have to agree on that mines a low mileage 10 plate and it's rotting like 'titanic' behind the radiator need to get that repainted fast or it'll be 'nearer my god to thee'.
my 2006 (reg 2008) air cooled kitty turns 10 yrs old this may...no rust yet because its always parked under shade
You're using so much petrol because you're standing still and idling most of the time.
I get 230 out of mine. 175 is sucking.
Perhaps you should have used your brain instead of your ego, and got a moped.