Suzuki Bandit series

GSF1200S A 1998 Suzuki Bandit 1200s, privately owned.

The Suzuki Bandit is a series of standard (sometimes called "sport-standard") street motorcycles produced by Suzuki.

Suzuki GSF Series

Manufacturer	Suzuki
Also called	Bandit
Production	1995 - present
Predecessor	Suzuki GS series
Class	Standard

The following different models of the bike have been manufactured:

• GSF250 with 250cc
• GSF400 with 400cc
• GSF600N/GSF600S with 599cc (manufactured 1995-2004)
• GSF650N/GSF650S with 656cc (manufactured 2005-on)
• GSF750 with 748cc (manufactured 1996-1999)
• GSF1200/GSF1200S with 1157cc engine (manufactured 1996-on).
• GSF1250/GSF1250 ABS with a 1248cc engine (manufactured 2007-on).

All engines are DOHC inline four with 16 valves. 600, 650, 750 and 1200 models employ SACS (Suzuki Advanced Cooling System) cooling that is combined air-cooled and oil-cooled; these engines are derived from older GSX-R models, either sleeved-down from the 750 (apart from the 750 itself, obviously) or bored-out from the 1100. The 250 and 400cc models are water-cooled.

For model year 2007, Suzuki abandoned the venerable early GSX-R derived engine in favor of new fuel-injected, liquid-cooled engines. Both 650 and 1250 models now meet euro-3 emission standards.

The 'S' models come with a factory half-fairing, and starting from model year 2000, dual headlights. The base model 'N' is an unfaired "naked" bike with a single headlight.

The Bandit series has traditionally had a reputation as a hooligan bike, due to its budget price, muscle bike looks, and sheer torque (This mostly applies to the 1200 models). With more recent revisions, however, the bike has taken on a more streamlined and modern feel, taking it more towards sports tourer territory [1]. Despite this, the 1200 remains popular with stunt riders, and is a bike of choice for various wheelie schools [2].

Bandit 600

1995

The naked GSF600 N Bandit was released in February, available in red and green. It was based on the styling of the pre-existing GSF400 Bandit, with a retuned engine from the GSX600.

1996

The faired Bandit S model was introduced, where the bikini half-fairing had its debut. Available colours were red, forest green and teal green.

1997

Minor changes: A clutch switch (requiring the clutch to be pulled in when starting the motorcycle, for safety reasons) and carburettor heaters. Colours were red, green and black.

1998

The N model had passenger grab rails added. However, the S model had no changes. Both were available in blue, black and orange.

1999

Debut of a near rear shock absorber, providing rebound as well as preload adjustment. Colours were blue, back and red.

2000

The first major changes were made this year.

• New rear bodywork.
• Fully electronic instrumentation.
• New carburettors with throttle position sensor.
• Additional fuel filter.
• Nissin brake calipers.
• 20 litre fuel tank (up from 19).
• Improvements to frame and steering geometry.
• Seat height lowered.
• S model: New modern styled fairing, with twin headlights.

Colours were blue, black and red.

New rear bodywork, as well as fully electronic instrumentation was introduced. The S Bandit fairing changed to a more modern styling, with twin headlights.

2001

No significant changes.

Bandit 650

2005

Major changes made this year.

• adjustable handlebars (10mm) and seat height (20mm)
• Engine rebored to 656cc (smoother power delivery)
• redesigned half fairing with new "stacked" dual headlights
• narrower frame
• LCD digital display backlit by LED replaces speedometer
• LCD display has odometer, dual trip meter, fuel gauge and clock

2007

Current generation Bandit 650S

A completely new, water-cooled motor was designed specifically for the 2007 Bandit 650, unlike earlier models which used engines re-worked from other models.

• Meets Euro3 emission standards
• 656 cc displacement, inline-4 all-aluminum liquid-cooled engine
• Electronic Fuel Injection with dual throttle valve system (similar to Suzuki's GSX-R and V-Strom)
• ABS available on faired "S" model
• Seat and handlebars adjustable for height
• Suzuki PAIR (Pulsed AIR) exhaust air injection system
• Modified Chassis and Swingarm
• Claimed 85hp at 10,500RPM (up 7)
• 12,500RPM redline
• 19 liters fuel tank (Same tank as previous model, but roughly 1L is taken by fuel pump)

The 2007 Bandit 650 was reviewed by Bike Magazine as being "de-criminalized" compared to its early brethren, but a good bike for beginners.

Bandit 750

The Bandit 750 was a Japan only model that used parts from both the 600 and 1200 models; the front frame cradle was identical to the 600, the rear subframe was identical to the 1200 with bolt on pillion footpeg handers, the clocks were 1200 items and the running gear and suspension were the same as the 600. The engine, although visually identical to the 600, had a capacity of 748cc, whereas fuel and exhaust systems were 600 items. Power was a claimed 85bhp and strangely no grab rails were fitted as the rear panels lacked holes for fitting them, although the frame had fitted inserts for mounting bolts.

The bike remained unchanged during its production life and was available in black, silver and maroon.

Bandit 1200

1996

The first 1200 Bandit models were released in January 1996, featuring a retuned and enlarged version of the engine featured in the GSX-R1100. Other differences from the 600 cc models included a fuel gauge, higher specification suspension and larger diameter front brake discs. Also the 1200 Bandit featured a hydraulic clutch. Colours were maroon, green and black.

1997

No changes were made, and the colours available were maroon, black and blue. A version of the S Bandit with anti-lock braking was introduced for certain world markets. The 1997 ABS (anti-skid braking) 1200 Bandit used a 114 link chain as opposed to the standard 110 link chain. Tsubaki Sigma 11,000 psi tensile strength chains are available precut at this length.

1998

No changes. Colours were maroon, black, green and silver.

1999

No changes. Colours were maroon, black, green and additionally brown on the S model.

2000

No changes. Colours were maroon, blue, black and green/gold.

2001

The 1200 Bandits received a similar revamp to the one the 600 Bandits received the previous year:

• New rear bodywork.
• Fully electronic instrumentation.
• New carburettors.
• Suzuki PAIR (Pulsed Air Injection), feeding clean air into the exhaust outlet to help eliminate unburnt fuel from emissions.
• Additional fuel filter.
• Tokico brake calipers (six pistons at the front).
• 20 litre fuel tank (up from 19).
• Improvements to frame and steering geometry.
• Seat height lowered.
• S model: New modern styled fairing, with twin headlights.

Colours were blue, black, red and silver.

2004

2004 models added a 2-way catalytic converter to the exhaust system, and minor modifications to the exhaust metalwork.

2006

2006 (K6) models received a revamp with a new shape tank, side panels, a height adjustable seat and a longer swinging arm. The faired "S" versions also have a new shape fairing and mirrors, and are available with ABS brakes as standard.

Bandit 1250

2007

Much like the 650 model, the Bandit 1250 has a water-cooled motor specially designed for the Bandit. The previous 1157 cc air/oil-cooled motor did not meet Euro 3 emissions regulations.