Suzuki Bandit 1250S

All Rounder – Fantastic all rounder sports tourer fun reliable and built to last Show details

Good bike for size and age – I bought this second hand because it was cheap. It has plenty of grunt, but it is a bit buzzy and will use a lot of fuel even without really getting up it. There is a bit of vibration back through the handlebars, to the extent I sometimes get numb fingers. The S model does not have a temperature gauge for some reason, just a temp light. It… Read more

could really do with a gauge.

The Bandit's suffer from surging around 3,500rpm. Doesn't seem to matter what gear it is in. I have seen various ideas for fixes on forums, including removing secondary butterflies, chips etc. Haven't bothered with any.

If you can get a cheap and good model, they are good value.

Suzuki Bandit 1250 s – Purchased a low mileage 2009 in 2018 - such a comfortable 2 up all rounder. Plenty of low down grunt for hauling pillion and gear. Mine has a cut down exhaust bar risers renthal bars gear indicator and cruise control. Im very happy with this purchase and can highly recommend to others wanting a bike which is a jack of all but master of none. Happy wife(pillion) happy life Beetle  Show details

Very hard to find a better all rounder – I have had my Bandit 1250 for just over a year now and still absolutely love it. It is a bike that it's pretty good in every aspect but not really excellent at anything in particular. ...except that it pulls like a train in any gear. Every time I ride it I smile. I fitted a Sargent seat, straighter bars, an MRA touring screen and HID… Read more

headlight.

The headlight upgrade is a must.

The front forks do flex a bit when hittng bumps mid corner so I will be installing a fork brace soon with the correct race tech springs for my weight and lighter fork oil.

The bike is just fun to ride simple as that. It accelerates really quick from low revs which makes it really fun pulling out of bends, but it's very happy chugging along in 6th gear aswell . I very rarely rev it over about 5000 rpm as it has so much torque that there's no need to. Most race style bike's over 600cc would probably beat it in a speed race but it keeps up with most things on the road for 0-100k acceleration. It only makes around 110hp but it's all low down grunt so I don't have to revs the rings off it to have fun.

Great All-Around Bike! – Living in AZ, I do 98% of my getting around on my two Motorcycles. My Long Distance bike is the BMW K1600GTL. In every way for long distance touring 4-500 miles a day, it doesn't even break a sweat. Among 'Long Distance Touring Bikes' it just doesn't get any better. I had the Suzuki GS650F Bandit and was completely happy with it. I never wanted… Read more

for power and it's light enough to get around in traffic or easily hold its own and more on the interstate. I guess the Dealer I go to must have had to 'Move Units'. The Bandit 1250s was already discounted from its just under price of $10,000 to $8400. I wasn't thinking of getting a bike to replace the 650. Well, the Salesperson came down to my $8000 offer and 'boom', it was mine!

I've been riding for 52 years and I can't tell you how many bikes from a 160 Honda to my beloved Kawsaki 'three-cycliner' two cycle and on. The power actually intimated me for the first two weeks. 'Raw Power Unleashed' is how I looked at it. Definitely not the bike for a Beginning Riider or even one with limited experience. It would likely kill them or end up seriously hurt. There are 300 cc bikes that are fun with adequate power to get some experience before they think about moving into the 'liter plus' class.

Since then I've become very used to the bike and have tuned it for myself. The 'throttle cable' has much to much 'play' in it but adjusting it is a snap and now the bikes answers any twist of the throttle with authority. The seat is 'much better' than the 650's and if I didn't have my BMW, this would easily become a 'Touring Bike' if you get some of the Luggage so many manufacturers offer.

The new engine is it's greatest strength and the bike loves cruising between 85-90 MPH. Thank goodness I live in AZ where everyone travels at that speed. For me, Centerstands ate a 'Big Deal' ad the Bandit comes standard with one. Another thing that I like is the Hydraulic Slave Clutch. Who wants to continue to adjust so many cables. The ONLY thing that I miss and was on my 650 is a 'Gear Position Indicator'. It really helps. How much could it have cost Suzuki to have one?

Point it straight ahead and it is simply 'Raw Power Unleashed'. I can choose the Dynamic/Sport setting on my BMW and with 178 hp & 142 lbs of Torque it can easily stay with the Bandit. However the BMW does it with aplomb. The Bandit lets you know that you're on a UJM but one that gives up nothing in the 'Power Department' and the acceleration is 'simply thrilling'! Again, as a Motorcycle Safety Instructor, 'Make Sure that you're up to handling it'. That pretty much goes with and liter to plus liter' machine. Gas mileage compares favorably to my 650 since so much of the torque comes on early. There's no need to visit the 'Upper Rev Range' to get up to highway speeds in seconds.

My only 'incident' was a 'rear flat tire'. KUDOS to Geico. Their Emergency Service (on a Sunday yet) got my a proper truck to tow the bike in less than 45 minutes! My dealer couldn't seem to get the OEM tire and put on a Dunlop Q3. I've immediately noticed a great difference in handling. It is much quicker and confident in turns. I love the Michelin Pilot Road 4 tires which are on my BMW and 650. When these tires need replacement, I might also consider matched replacement of the Q-3's.

In conclusion, the Bandit is my 'run and fun' errand/appointment machine. It saves tons of time and gas where I'd be stuck in traffic in my 'Very Loveable' MINI COOPER JCW Edition'. It's also surprised me as having the capability of being a 'touring vehicle' with it's comfort and power.

If you are looking for a 'do all' bike with a reasonable price, look no further than the Bandit 1250S.

Reliable fun long distance tourer – 6 years ownership. Did the Holeshot stage one upgrade and givi hard bags. 34,000 miles later I still love it. Prefer my Ducati for hooligan around town stuff and a KTM for the dirt. the 1250 gives a good feeling going long distance and not worrying about mechanical issues. I ride forest service gravel roads all the time-works great  Show details

K9 owner – i bought this new after not having ridden for some years and it's a good bike however the stock suspension is hopeless - i had mine done by shock treatment and the difference is chalk and cheese and thoroughly [if expensively] recommended - you wont believe the difference it makes to the cornering and stability and ride

So Good I Just Can't Part With It! – I have owned my 08 Bandit 1250S since 2013 and with a few mods it is the PERFECT all rounder. I ride daily, my wife loves riding pillion with me and on the weekends we ride with others to places less travelled. With the addition of hard luggage it has served as an awesome Tourer! I have ridden many other bikes and so far none have inspired me… Read more

like the Bandit. Is it a perfect bike? Not stock it isn't, you do need to upgrade brakes, seat, suspension, add heated grips, open up the top end with aftermarket computer and airbox mod - but after that it will impress you more than you could ever imagine and even with these mods it has by far been the best bang for buck!

Do yourself a favour - even if you don't buy one, take one for a run, you will love the Torque, torque and more torque.

Best all round bike – What can I say? The best all rounder you'll ever own!!!! Enough power to lose your licence, very comfy for two up riding, just the best bang for your buck. Ultra reliable and fun. You would be hard pressed to find a better, reliable cheaper bike. It will lift the front wheel, make you a hoon and be just as happy plodding along in traffic.

Bandit = Torque – I had a SV650 which I did 90,000k on and it served me well. I bought the Bandit 1250SA 2013 because I wanted a bike with ABS and didn't want to pay a lot. The Bandit is very good value for money. It is not the most stylish bike but an excellent ride on the highway. I bought the Suzuki Top Box (which is a Givi) and find the top box very… Read more

convenient. I had a Ventura rack and bag before but there was no security and it wasn't waterproof.

The seat is still a bit uncomfortable after an hour. People recommend the Sargant seat - down the track I might upgrade the seat.

The torque is excellent. Last week I rode up the Toowoomba range in 6th gear (that is not many revs in the 60km/h zone) and it was fine.

70000kms and going strong – My 07 has been great and still is . Set them up right and you will be rewarded with reliable riding . No sports bike but I have kept up with most bikes when the pace has got quick . Yeah you will have to work harder but I like that . Lots power in the right place... Best all rounder I've owned...35 years . Racetek suspension, good pipe and lambswool... Go get one.. Front wheel comes up easy too !

I Love my Bandit – Suzuki Bandit 1250 , Great Bang for few bucks. No BMW but it has heaps of power, easy to ride especially on long trips. Change the exhaust for more power and note. Seat is uncomfortable on long rides but can be easily fixed. Good cross over between sport & tourer. Cheap to buy, good power and fuel economy , ABS Uncomfortable seat for long rides, little heavy than more moden design bikes

Suzuki Bandit 1250s ABS – What a brilliant motorcycle. I upgraded from my beloved Bandit 1200 to a new 1250 and couldn't be happier. A few small mods, Yoshi Pipe, Sargant Seat and PCV. Smooth powerful engine with good economy and power to burn when needed. First trip to Phillip Island (4500kms round trip) and not so much as a flat tyre. Brilliant Great Suzuki Styling,… Read more

Smooth Sweet Reliable Performing Engine, Good Handling from the factory (No Mods) Uncomfortable seat - No so good Exhaust ( Both easy to fix )

Excellent tourer – I bought my 2010 abs model new. I use it mainly for weekend touring, but have started to use it to commute 200km everyday, it has now done 30,000Km. It is a pleasure to ride even in heavy traffic as it not too wide. Mine did a tour round Aus last year and completed 14000Km without a hitch. Fully loaded with bags, panniers, tank bag and me at 70Kg… Read more

the petrol consumption varied from just over 400Km on a tank full down to 270Km when we had a blast at average 170Km/hr for trip between petrol stations.Reserve flashes at about 1/3 of tank to go but I always use the trip meter so its not a problem. The seat was always OK but i used an airmax cushion on most legs. Plenty of grunt and seems to be capable of well over 210 if you have the nerve and unrestricted space. Only mods I have are slip on pipe and heated grips and now run Pirrelli Angels which I found can do up to 12000km on rear and are still good on wet roads. Could do with a gear change indicator and consumption indicator. Power, accelaration, price Needed more electronic gadgetry which has improved on 2011 model

2012 GSF 1250 SA - great road bike – This is one mighty road bike and is the best alrounder I've owned. So pleased to have it in my shed. It is amazingly easy to ride, docile and silky smooth. I traded my Wee Strom on it, and have no regrets. What an engine. Love the flat torque output, it's always there and pulls like a train from just above idle. Has a good seating position, a… Read more

compromise between upright and sports. Good handlebar and controls position. Comfortable seat. No room under the seat for anything bigger than a sandwich. Fantastic on the cruise and easy around town. So quiet. Nice finish. Some cost saving by Suzy is obvious like the daggy instruments, but this bike doesn't cost $20k. Economy not bad at 5L per 100k. I am very happy with the 1250, the great alrounder. Big smooth solid bike, deceptively easy to ride. Mighty torquey engine. Could have better instruments

most uncomfortable bike I have ever owned – I sold my old 1996 1200 bandit to buy the 2012 sa bandit with abs,boy what a step backwards,trottle grip that moves sideways and up and down with every bump, slow stering,hard springs,no dampening,and cant these people design a seat that works, lower seat height makes my knees cramp.and guess what 2012 mod does not come with a spanner for the rear… Read more

axle so you cant ajust the chain ,high toque setting needed they said,no plug spanner ,front axle spanner,high toque?or just tight arses,and yes mine surges as well, but I do think I will throw some money at it and try make it into the bike we would all be prepared to pay for if they made it, a seat and surspension mods. Take the spanners but give me a seat that works, it can't cost more to make than a bad one not a battlestar ,not a sports bike ,loved my old one none ajustable surspension,seat that doesn't work,fuel injection is not new,even cars have to meet pollution laws but manage to do it without surgeing,and fuel ecconomy that a family car would be proud of.

Bandit 1250S . . Cool Runnings – Bought new and loved ever since, find this bike a great ride to get out and about, extended touring, some more challenging rides also. The engine is smooth, powerful, delivers what is desired when wanted and with plenty in reserve. Maybe a little sensitive at throttle, manageable. Absolutely loved it. Power, handling, affordability, versatility.… Read more

Hard seat, ( softens with use ) inaccurate digital speedo, poor headlight projection, typical Suzy electrics.

Some perspective – The 1250s is not a good sport bike, it is not a good tourer and it is not good in traffic. I bought the 1250s based on reviews I read here and immediately regretted buying the bike, some even compared the bike as similar to a BMW, what nonsense. The claims of massive torque are grossly overrated, the bike is very top heavy and is a strain to keep… Read more

upright when standing still. There is no feedback from the engine so having enough revs so as not to stall is tricky, the motor is silky smooth and has no character, it is just like an electric motor. The motor has very little flywheel weight so it can spin up quick, this has reduced the torque but it has gobs of scary power that is not necessary for touring. The bike liked to surge on constant low throttle, so unless a lower gear was selected and the revs kept high was a strain on the right wrist to maintain a steady road speed, this was very fatiguing and took any enjoyment out of riding in a relaxed manner. My bike was stock standard. I spent many hours researching the throttle surge and by synching the throttle bodies very carefully I gained some low speed manageability, but not enough to enjoy riding the bike. The bike has been built to pass emissions laws at the expense of good tuning. The quality control is questionable as some bikes surge and others don't. There are forums here and overseas that discuss and try to rectify the surging, the problem is that extensive, not just a one off. The bike is cheap and the fueling issues reflect the price, you get what you pay for.

I have gone back to twin cylinder bikes for the real low rev torque and relaxed riding. Cheap... for a reason. Surging throttle. Very heavy. Quality control on fuel system is bad. Dealers unaware of how to fix fuelling problem. No character.

The best of both worlds - sporty and comfortable touring – I've had my Bandit 1250SA since new in 2010 and can say it pretty much ticks all the boxes now that its been optioned the way I want ... after market sargent seat, touring screen, mirror extenders, slip on exhaust, smurf bars, heated grips, top box, bar risers and gear indicator. It now is close to the specs for the top end sports tourers (minus… Read more

things like traction control and ESA) but it is less than half the price, including all the "bits". Its a great comfortable bike to ride with tons of usable low end torque and good fuel economy. All in a package that is around 250kg which is +50kg less than the likes of Yamaha's FJR1300, BMW's K1300GT and Honda's ST1300. The Bandit has been around for a long time now so there are loads of accessories available at good prices. Can get a little hot riding in traffic, but so do most bikes. I typically ride out into the country side so this is not a big issue. Stock tires are pretty poor. Stock mirrors are too short so mirror extenders are a must have IMO.

I'm So Glad I Bought a Bandit 1250S! – The Suzuki Bandit 1250s opened my eyes. I had been riding a 2006 Honda Shadow 750 Spirit. It was a great first bike...for about 2 months. Not long after my permanent plate arrived, I started to realize the Spirit wasn't what I wanted after all. As a commuter and someone who loves long weekend rides, I needed: Highway Power: The Spirit… Read more

was running at very high revs to maintain 75 MPH and it didn't have much get up and go at that point. And sometimes "get up and go" is exactly what you need to be safe on the highway. The Bandit 1250s can do 75 in it's sleep, and even in 6th gear, it's just moments away from 90 or 100MPH, if necessary.

Not only does it feels safe, it also feels like the motor isn't being stressed.

Handling Competence:

I will never go back to a cruiser. A touring bike like a Goldwing, maybe -- but never a Cruiser. I can understand why people like them. Beautiful design and rumbling v-twins. They're cool. The Spirit is relatively nimble for a cruiser, since it's small and well engineered. Yet the Bandit is more agile with a passenger in tow and three full bags, versus the Spirit riding solo.

Storage Space:

My 2009 Bandit was purchased used, and the previous owner had professionally installed 3 Givi touring hardbags. The G36 set, I believe. I love them. They provide me with the ability to use my motorcycle for almost anything. My wife and I could easily take a week-long trip with this set of trunks.

Comfort:

I'm 6' tall and I appreciate the Bandit's upright riding position. My old Spirit was a recliner in comparison, and I know it's not bad for a cruiser. Everything they say about cruisers putting pressure on your tailbone is true. It's fatiguing, and unnatural to sit that way for long stretches of time.

The Bandit's riding position provides comfort and perfect control of the machine as well. I also appreciate the 1/2 fairing. It deflects just enough wind to make the ride more comfortable, but not so much that you forget you're on a motorcycle.

Conclusion:

I rode a few bikes at a recent Bike Week rally: Kawasaki Concourse 1400, Suzuki Vstrom 1000, Vulcan Vaquero 1700. The Concourse and the Vstrom were great bikes, and Vaquero helped me confirm that I will never own a cruiser again...I can't give up the riding position, handling, and acceleration. I was so happy to get back onto my own bike. The Bandit 1250 has the smile factor. It's so much fun.

I would recommend this bike to commuters and tourers alike. Engine, Handling, Comfort, Price and the **Smile Factor**. This motorcycle is what riding is all about (to me) -- quite possibly the best motorcycle ever built. Some bells and whistles like heated grips might be nice, but considering the price, the fun factor, and everything else this bike has going for it -- well, it's easy to forget the little cons.

Excellent – I love my 2010 GSF1250SA. It is a motorcycle that does it all without being limited to a certain riding genre. A ventura luggage kit makes it an amazing budget tourer. Strip it off and I can enjoy a blast in the hills using all that wonderful torque. Amazingly nimble commuter in heavy traffic. I got myself 3 bikes for half the price of a k1300r… Read more

and that is what I was originally going to buy. Absolute Bargain. Smooth and stable on the open road yet surprisingly nimble in heavy traffic for such a heavy bike. The strong torquey engine makes commuting simple with more than enough grunt for weekend fun. Blacked out engine in the 2010 model gives a distinct street fighter look. Very little. Gauges are a little spartan but provide all the basic information. Could have a temperature gauge or gear indicator. Riding position definitely set for comfort and can be a little unexciting. Large fuel reserve can be annoying.

Excellent – I do a bit of holiday touring, weekend riding and a daily commute to the centre of the city. I wanted an FJR1300A or ST1300A but their width and weight lose out to the 1250SA for daily city commuting. The 1250SA was the best compromise for touring and daily city commuting. I got a 1250SA for less than half the price of an FJR1300A or ST1300A. It… Read more ·  1

might not be quite as good those bikes in several respects but it's certainly way better than half as good. What a bargain. Serious grunt, lots of it, and right through the rev range that you can actully use on the road. Liquid cooled, fuel injected, ABS, well made, reliable, durable. Narrow and light enough for commuting and for agile handling. Enough power, fuel range, comfort, wind protection and stability for long distance touring (plus an overdrive 6th gear - 110ph @ Fuel gauge shows reserve warning when only 12 of 19 litres gone. Larger fuel tank would be good. Big ugly heavy muffler - replaced with Staintune - problem solved.

Good – Can't get enough kms done! It's a joy to ride - effortless overtaking without gear changes. Very easy to find yourself seriously exceeding the speed limit without realising it. Cheap purchase price leaves plenty left over for gadgets and bling. Have ordered a belly-pan from the UK. Black belly-pan, black muffler and black engine - fantastic. … Read more

Roll on summer, I'll never get off this bike! Fabulously grunty engine thanks to a flat torque curve from 3,500rpm. Sounds and looks awesome with a Yoshi R77 carbon can - dyno shows 6%-7% HP and torque increase (not that it needs it). Centre stand included. Price makes it hard to look past. Speedo error (fixed with Healtech Speedo Healer). No gear position indicator on "S" model (again fixed via Healtech plug & play unit). Radiator guard should be standard on all such bikes. 6th gear is a bit notchy - may smooth up with more kms. Weight noticeable at standstill but not at all when moving.

Excellent – I had a Suzuki GSX1400 for eight years and just could not get off it after testing many other models. Eventually I did and made an unwise choice (buying a cruiser) due to my fragile back after 50 odd years of riding. I made a decision to purchase a black Suzuki naked Bandit, it's not quite as comfortable as the GSX1400 due to it's poor seat but I… Read more ·  1

love it, the rough running etc of the 1400 has been corrected and the injection is excellent.

I did not buy the model with the fairing or half fairing as being tall the screens direct the wind in ones face too much. Nearly everyone changes the screen for some reason or other, either too short or too high never just right. I find it handles excellently, is economic and a pleasure to ride and is a bargain buy. I find the seat gets awful hard after an hour or two in the saddle, my poor old bot gets numb.

Great all rounder – I have owned a 1250S (half fairing) since 2008. It is very easy to ride and has a beautiful spread of power. Torque is amazing and offers huge flexibility from very low revs. Seat a litle hard to begin with but improved with time. Replaced rainwater tank muffler with Yoshi R77. Looks great sounds awesome without being intrusive. Despiet heavy… Read more

mass, very easy to ride through twisties. Effortless at highway speeds and above. Smoothness, Power, Torque, Economy, (22km/litre) Stability. Mono's with ease, Cheap price.

Excellent – I am taking my bike for it's first service this weekend and lloking forward to the ride from Wagga to Canberra Absolute BARGAIN Tourer/Sportsbike (Half what I paid for a BMW R1100RT in 2000) Smooth as silk power and lots of it. Excellent handing and comfort. Looking forward to doing some rallies on it. Chain Drive (have had 7 BMWs)