2008 Suzuki Bandit 1250S

I bought a 2002 Bandit 1200S new. I had it for 6 years and 25,050 miles. I agree with other riders and always said I needed 6 gears and EFI. Also, it needed water cooling for the engine. Well in 2008, I totaled it out and 6 months later, bought an '08. It rides like a dream. I have 9 grand on ... it now. I would buy another one if something happened to this one. I am one of those guys who said " I would never drive a Suzuki". I have always been a Yamaha man. But now I own the Suzuki and a Honda Shadow. Ride on Suzuki.

The Suzuki 2005 Bandit 1200 was aleready a great little bike but Suzuki wanted to make it better.

Two years later Suzuki unveiled the all new Suzuki GSF-1250 S Bandit.

They made the engine dissplacemnt bigger while making the overall engine size smaller, and more compact.

They ... gave the Bandit a sixth gear, fuel injection, and liquid cooling to keep all that power on a cool even temp.

Motoryclists magizine voted it the bike of the year in 2007.

Suzuki will give you ABS braking for only 500 dollars more.

The first thing you notice is the modern styling that is very apealing to the eye and senses.

Throw a leg over the tall seat and the light weight of the bike catches you by surprise.

Dry weight is a featherweight at 496 lbs.

It carves curves effortlessly.

The bike is a blast to ride.

Power is very strong from idle.

It is the best handling bike I have ever owned.

All you need to add to this bike is a set of Givi luggage to go Sport Touring

The Suzuki Bandit 1250S is, quite possibly, one of the best "do everything" motorcycles on the planet. The torque band is everywhere; downshifting from sixth anywhere past 40-45 mph is pointless, as the 1254cc fuel-injected motor simply shoots forward (without a hint of jerking or surge, I might ... add). The engine is amazing on this bike! There's almost no vibration. The fuel injection is smooth and stable, and the bike is ready to run as soon as you start it - any of you who remember having to mess with the choke on cold mornings will fall in love with this machine. While it's not as agile or fast on a track as a pure sportbike, or as comfortable and smooth on the interstate as a Gold Wing, it still does everything better than anyone would assume it to. I've taken mine on 300 mile road trips (averaging 47 mpg at a cruising speed of 80-90mph) and have not felt the need to stop and rest any more often than when I stop for gas. Additionally, it performs exceptionally well in-town, commuting back and forth to work (averaging 38 mpg) with ease. It also has more than enough power and agility to keep up with my co-workers' sportbikes, often leaving them behind on the highway thanks to its "always there" torque. The bike handles amazing for something of its size and weight: you'll forget it weighs about 550 lbs wet. For as capable of a motorcycle as it is, this bike is an absolute steal for its price. I went ahead and got the optional ABS brakes with mine, and after the first close call with an idiot talking on his cell phone, I'm convinced that it's $500 well spent. The ABS performs flawlessly, and leaves you with plenty of confidence in it. The center stand also makes it very easy to lube the chain.

As for complaints, I have very few. The handlebars, while quite upright for a Standard, do put a little strain on your shoulders after a long highway run; while it's worlds more comfortable than any sportbike on the road, it's not a Gold Wing of FJR either. If you plan on using the Bandit primarily for long rides, you might want to consider a set of handlebar risers (inexpensive and easy enough to install yourself if you're comfortable opening a toolbox). Also (though some might not consider this a complaint at all), the motor is unerringly quiet... when you first get on it, you might not think it's really a massive 1250cc beast. You don't hear much from the exhaust unless you wind her up past 6000rpm, at which point a smooth, deep purr emanates from behind you that sounds vaguely reminiscent of an old Porsche boxer-six. A K&N high-flow air filter helps accentuate the engine's soundtrack enough for those who prefer to shift by ear; if you're looking to get the attention of everyone else on the road, though, you'll likely need to swap the Bandit's enormous stock can for an aftermarket. If you ride with a belt on, it's not hard to get minor scratches on the bottom part of the tank, near the seat. Suzuki makes a tank bra that looks tasteful and can be picked up for less than $40.

In short, this motorcycle is an amazing piece of machinery at an unbeatable price. The gas mileage, for a big 1250, is impressive, and the motor will never leave you bored. While it won't keep up with a literbike on the track, you'll find its performance to be nearly perfect for "real world" riding.

What else can you buy for the price. Plenty of power, smooth as can be and 50 plus mpg. This bike should be at the top of anyones list who wants to really ride the bike. Commuting is excellent. Twisties are good but not the level of a full Sport bike. 300 mile andventues are where this bike ... really shines. More comfortable than a sport bike much more nimble than a crusier. Just plain the best all-around bike there is.