2005 Suzuki Bandit 1200S

2005 Suzuki Bandit 1200S pictures, prices, information, and specifications.
MSRP
$7,399
Type
Standard
Insurance
Compare with the 2005 Suzuki SV 650S 2005 Suzuki SV 650S
Model Type
Standard
MSRP
$7,399
Dealers
Warranty
12
Insurance
Finance
Generic Type (Primary)
Standard
Manufacturer Country
Japan
Manufacturer Recommend Minimum Age
16
Parent Company
Suzuki
Display Name
Bandit 1200S
Year
2005
Make
Suzuki
Engine Type
Horizontal In-line
Cylinders
4
Engine Stroke
4-Stroke
Cooling
Air / Oil
Valves
16
Valves Per Cylinder
4
Valve Configuration
DOHC
Bore (mm/in)
79 / 3.11
Stroke (mm/in)
59 / 2.32
Displacement (cc/ci)
1157 / 70.6
Compression Ratio
9.5:1
Starter
Electric
Fuel Requirements
Regular
Fuel Type
Gas
Carburetion Brand
Mikuni
Fuel Injector
No
Carburetor
Yes
Number Of Carburetors
2
Carburetor Size (mm)
36
Carburetion Type
Carburetor
Transmission Type
Manual
Number Of Speeds
5
Primary Drive (Rear Wheel)
Chain
Reverse
No
Wheels Composition
Aluminum
Tube / Tubeless
Tubeless
Chromed
No
Front Tire Width
120
Front Tire Aspect Ratio
70
Front Tire Speed Rating
Z
Front Wheel Diameter
17
Rear Tire Width
180
Rear Tire Aspect Ratio
55
Rear Tire Speed Rating
Z
Rear Wheel Diameter
17
Front Tire (Full Spec)
120/70 ZR17
Rear Tire (Full Spec)
180/55 ZR17
Brake Brand Name
Tokico(R)
Front Brake Type
Dual Hydraulic Disc
Front Brake Diameter (in/mm)
12.2 / 310
Rear Brake Type
Hydraulic Disc
Front Suspension Type
Telescopic Fork
Front Suspension Size (in/mm)
1.7 / 43
Front Adjustable Fork Pre-Load
Yes
Front Adjustable Rebound Damping
No
Front Central Suspension Strut
No
Rear Suspension Type
Twin Sided Swing Arm
Rear Adjustable Shock / Spring Pre-Load
Yes
Rear Adjustable Rebound Damping
Yes
Number Rear Shock Absorbers
1
Rear Suspension Material
Aluminum
Steering Control
Handlebar
Length (ft)
6.79
Width (in/mm)
30.1 / 765
Height (in/mm)
48 / 1220
Wheelbase (in/mm)
56.3 / 1430
Ground Clearance (in/mm)
5.1 / 130
Length (ft/ft)
6
Length (ft/in)
9.5
Dry Weight (lbs/kg)
487 / 221
Fuel Capacity (gal/l)
5.3 / 20
Engine Displacement to Weight (cc)
2.38
Seat Type
One-Piece
Adjustable
No
Seat Material
Vinyl
Seat Location
Driver and Passenger
Folding
No
Seat Height (in/mm)
31.1 / 790
Number Of Seats
2
Backrest Logo Plate
No
Grab Rail or Strap
Standard
Frame
Steel
Body Material
Plastic
Hand Grips
Standard
Foot Peg Location
Driver and Passenger
Adjustable
No
Chain Guard
Yes
Fork Guards
No
Saddle Bag Guard
No
Hand Guards
No
Brush Guard
No
Heel Guards
No
Light Guard
No
Side Cover
Yes
Front Fender
Standard
Rear Fender
Standard
Top Crown
Standard
Stand Type
Center
Handlebars
Standard
Upper Fairing
Standard
License Plate
Standard
Digital Instrumentation
Standard
Tachometer
Standard
Trip Odometer
Standard
Speedometer
Standard
Fuel Level Warning Type
Gauge
Warranty (Months)
12
Battery Warranty (Months)
0
Windshield Mounts
Standard
Metallic
No
Folding
Yes
Windshield Lowers
No
Height Adjustable
No
Tinted
Yes
Height
Low
Underseat Storage
Standard
Halogen Headlight (s)
Standard
Headlight (s)
Standard
Light Type
Halogen
User Reviews
1 review
  • The do-it-all bike for grownups
    By  (I am an Owner) on Feb 18, 2009

    The Bandit 1200S is my third bike. I started off with a GS500 then graduated to a Katana 750 (which I LOVED) and then changed for a black bandit. I have ridden numerous other bikes including a GSXR-1100W (last model) and a 2008 'Busa (incredible engine!). I also test-drove the new bandit 1250.

    ...

    In my opinion, the '05 Bandit is one of the last real all-rounder bikes. It is also a very comfy machine and a joy to ride.

    Engine

    --------

    The 1157cc Air/Oil cooled carbureted inline-4 that powers the bandit is certainly nothing new. It is mainly a larger bore, heavier/tougher everything version of the even older GSXR1100 engine (mid-80s version). Although it produces about 25% less top horsepower than the old racer engine, the Bandit's power plant is meatier in the low and mid-range. The detuning also makes it bulletproof.

    It is a very pleasing engine. Ultra-smooth throttle response, torque aplenty over the whole (wide) powerband, and very strong in the second half of the meter. It lacks the afterburner-like punch you get at the very top from the GSX-Rs though.

    The simplicity of the engine means that it is quite easy to service yourself with a minimum of special tools. About the only thing I get done at the dealer is carb sync, since I lack the needed tools and know-how.

    It is generally recognized as one of the most trouble-free motorcycle powerplant ever made, with plenty of owners claiming very high mileage with no worries.

    Transmission

    ------------

    Very effective precise and smooth Suzuki transmission. No worries here.

    Could use a 6th gear to save on gas while cruising on the freeway but the current gearing of the 5-speed box seems just right, with a short first, strong second, short third and fourth and long tall fifth.

    On engaging second gear, the big bandit easily pulls as much as the Katana engaging the third. (assuming 4K shifts in the city).

    Chassis & Handling

    -------------------

    Although powerful, the Bandit is not a sportsbike. The heavy steel-tube double-cradle frame is nothing spectacular, but it gets the job done. Suspensions are way too soft on default settings but easily adjusted to do a reasonable job while preserving comfort.

    The braking system is quite heavy-duty, with 6-piston calipers at the front, but still feels a bit soft. Higher quality brake pads and some tweaking might be all it needs though (haven't tried yet).

    The bike steers very well and turns quicker than expected for a bike this size. The short wheelbase (56.3") certainly helps.

    Ergonomics

    --------------------

    This is where the Bandit really shines. I'm 5'11" and 200lbs, and I thought the Katana's riding position was perfect. Well, the bandit's even better. It is roomier in every direction, especially with regards to footpeg placement, while remaining compact enough for precise control. You sit somewhat more upright, which improves vision in traffic and reduces tensions in the shoulders on long rides. Wind protection from the half-fairing is excellent and the wide engine shields your legs somewhat. Lower fairing kits are available and I have seen a few that were quite nice, although I prefer the black naked bike with golden pipes look myself.

    This is definately a bike you can ride all day long (with breaks!) and enjoy on long haul trips.

    With a set of hard bags from Givi and a Garmin Zumo GPS, It can be turned into a very effective light-tourer. Serious wanderers might want to add a Corbin seat or a taller windscreen. I find both unnecessary but would probable spring for heated grips to add a few weeks to my riding season.

    Value

    --------------------

    Another strong point to be sure. A lot of bike for the money when new, and still a bargain when used.

    Cheap to run (regular gas, 45mpg), cheap to maintain (you can do almost everything at home), cheap to repair and cheap to insure. Tons of add-ons and enhancements available.

    Conclusion

    --------------------

    With every new motorcycle on the market seemingly catering to an ever more sharply defined sub-market, the Bandit 1200S stands as one of the last examples of the Standard bike. From stunt bike, to dragster to canyon carver to daily commuter, to backroad rider to long distance tourer, it can do almost everything, and do it reasonably well.

    With some adjustments and accessories you can easily tune it to YOUR riding activities.

    This is a bike that will not burn a hole in your pocket and will certainly put a smile on your face every time you ride.

    Now if only spring could come faster...

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