SUZUKI GSF1250S BANDIT (2015 - 2016) Review

Loads of torque at any rev's

Neutral light doesn't come on when it should. I had an 07 1250s from new for 7 years and 56,000 miles it had the same problem which started at 10,000 miles. It also went through 3 starter motors at £450 each

Oil and filter. DIY jobs

Fenda extenda, straight through headers (no cat') oval end can, crash bungs are all good. Get a tail tidy and hugger if you only do dry miles ,if it's wet you get a soaking and the whole of the rear end.

Really comfy seat. 4 hrs without a break is not uncommon.

Fast and responsive.

Normal Oil and filter. Normal running costs.

Centre stand.

The ride felt harsh and heavy when I first got the bike. Although the available suspension adjustments are basic setting the bike up for properly for me transformed the ride. It now handles well solo or two up although the weight will always limit exploring the extremes of sporty riding. But that's OK because it isn't that sort of bike and is absolutely fine 95% of the time. It feels very much 'old skool' to ride (think late 70's GS1000 and you are not far off) and I love it for that.

The bike is defined by the engine. It takes centre stage in every way. Silky smooth, loads of torque available everywhere and a slightly lazy power delivery. Flexible enough that you can use all the gears in the box or just a couple and it will still pull hard.

The build quality is really impressive, particularly at this price level. The quality & finish on things like the allen bolts and fittings is at least as good as those adorning my R1200RT. The plastic on the fairing is a little flimsy and I managed to damage a locating tab when fitting an after-market screen. This was easily repaired with epoxy compound and being on the inside of the fairing the repair is not visible. The paint on both the body work and the frame has a good finish.

Basic mechanics and no bodywork to remove means servicing costs are reasonable - even at main dealer prices. The overall value if difficult to beat - particularly considering how much bike you are getting for your money in the first place.

There is enough info from the dash although, on this style of bike, I would like to see an analogue speedo as the digital one seems a little out of place. It is pleasing to have a bike with a centre stand. (Manufacturers take note, a centre stand is necessity - not a luxury) ABS offer peace of mind but has never actually kicked in on my bike.

I would describe the ride quality as firm, has excellent brakes and is really suited to carrying a pillion (unlike most bikes today where the pillion is at best a cosmetic after thought )

The engine in this bike is its best feature 1250cc of super smooth power with mountains of torque.

As the bike is still new virtually I can only really comment on the build quality which seems excellent.

The only thing I can comment on here is fuel economy. My bike hasn't as yet done many miles (about 1400) but I get on average high 40s almost 50 if ridden under 70 mph but if you travel a very high speeds it can drop into the high 30s.

Lacks a gear position indicator, but has a feature that most of the latest bikes seem to omit and thats a main stand. (I know it adds weight but like the ommission of a spare wheel on many cars today it has become a daft trend.