Manufacturer Suzuki Production since 1989 Class Standard | Also called Bandit Predecessor Suzuki GS series Engine Inline four | |
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The Suzuki Bandit series of sport-standard motorcycles include the following models:
Contents
All models have DOHC inline four cylinder engines with 4 valves per cylinder. The GSF600 engine is based on the GSX-F 600 engine, re-tuned for more mid-range torque. The GSF1200 engine is a bored out version of the GSXR1100 engine, also re-tuned for more mid-range torque. The GXF650 and GXF1250 models use new fuel-injected, liquid-cooled engines, the GSF1250 having an auxiliary balance shaft to reduce vibrations.
'S' versions have a half-fairing, and starting from model year 2000, they also have dual headlights. 'N' versions are unfaired naked bike with a single headlight. The availability of the 'S' and 'N' versions varies with country and model year.
The Bandit series earned a reputation as "hooligan bikes". With more recent revisions, however, the bike has taken on a more streamlined and modern feel, taking it more towards sports tourer territory. The GSF1200 remains popular with stunt riders, and is used by a wheelie school in the UK.
GSF250 and GSF400
Launched in 1989, the GSF250 and GSF400 are naked street motorcycles, with liquid-cooled, inline four cylinder engines derived from the GSX-R250 and GSX-R400 motorcycles, mounted as a stressed member in a steel trellis frame with single rear shock absorber. Apart from the engines and transmission, the "baby Bandits" share many of their parts. Limited editions have a retro-styled top fairing. 'N' designated models have clip-on handlebars. "GSF" and "Bandit" nomenclature are both used across the series' chronology and market geography.
The first generation GSF250 (GJ74A) produces 45 bhp (34 kW), while the GSF400 (GK75A) produces 59 bhp (44 kW). The GSF400 manages the extra power with a 525 chain and double disk front brakes (single disk in North America), compared to a 520 chain and single front disk on the GSF250.
From 1991, the GSF400V received variable inlet timing via solenoid-controlled rocker arm engaging with supplementary cams. Although these models are commonly referred to as "GSF400V-V", the '-V' actually denotes the 1997 Suzuki model year motorcycles. VVT models are usually recognised by a red engine cover and some instances of a light grey engine cover. The GSF250V arrived later, in 1995.
In 1992, engine adjustments improved low-mid range torque trading off peak power reduced to 53 bhp (40 kW) for the GSF400 and 40 bhp (30 kW) for the GSF250.
In 1995, the second generation GSF250V (GJ77A) and GSF400(V) (GK7AA) introduced significant updates, including new styling, fuel tank, swingarm, air filter assembly, exhaust, seat, controls, console, etc.
GSF250 models
GSF400 models
GSF600
1995
The naked GSF600 N Bandit was released in February. It was based on the styling of the pre-existing GSF400 Bandit, with a retuned engine from the GSX600. The 600 Bandits came with a 15 tooth front sprocket and 48 tooth rear sprocket connected by a 530V 110 link chain.
1996
The faired Bandit S model was introduced, where the bikini half-fairing had its debut.
1997
Minor changes: A clutch switch (requiring the clutch to be pulled in when starting the motorcycle, for safety reasons) and carburettor heaters.
1998
The N model had passenger grab rails added. However, the S model had no changes.
1999
Debut of a new rear shock absorber, providing rebound as well as preload adjustment.
2000
The first major changes were made this year.
2001
No significant changes.
2002
Fuel gauge now as standard.
2003
No significant changes.
GSF650
2005
The all new Suzuki Bandit 650 and half faired Bandit 650S launch took place at Tarragona, Spain.
2006
No significant changes.
2007
Suzuki designed a new, water-cooled engine specifically for the 2007 Bandit 650, unlike earlier models where they used re-worked engines from other models. Most of the chassis and bodywork remained unchanged from the 2005 model, though.
The 2007 Bandit 650 was reviewed by Bike magazine as being "de-criminalised" compared to its early brethren, but a good bike for beginners.
No longer available in the US.
2008
No longer available in Canada. Replaced by new Bandit-derived fully faired GSX650F in North America.
2009
In November 2008, Suzuki announced the following changes for the 2009 GSF650N and GSX650S.
Suzuki also announced the following changes.
GSX650F
The GSX650F, produced from 2008, is essentially a variation on the Bandit 650, with much the same specification and components. Although built on a Bandit chassis, the additional lower fairing gives it a sportier look similar to that of the Suzuki GSX-R Series. The engine has also had a small amount of remapping to encourage revs, and the suspension is tweaked. It also has a different, one-piece seat.
GSF750
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 with a higher red-line on the rev counter of 12,000rpm (vs 10,000 for the 1200), including a fuel gauge which was absent from the 600 models of the time. The running gear and suspension were also the same as the 600. The engine, although visually identical to the 600, had a capacity of 748 cc, The carburettors were similar to the 600 apart from jetting, whereas the exhaust was identical to the 1200. The 750 came with a 6 speed gearbox like the 600 - as opposed to the 5 speed on the 1200. Power was a claimed 85 bhp (63 kW). All machines were restricted to 180 km/h (110 mph) to comply with Japanese regulations, but are easily de-restricted to a true maximum speed of 220 km/h (140 mph).
Unlike bandits sold overseas, the 750 never featured the Bandit logo on the rear fairings - instead it was labelled "GSF 750" with a smaller script reading "DOHC 16Valve".
GSF1200
1996
The 1200 Bandit was generally released in January 1996, but a few were registered in 1995. It is powered by a re-tuned and higher capacity version of the GSX-R1100 engine. Other differences from the 600 cc models include fuel gauge, higher specification suspension, hydraulically operated clutch, larger diameter front brake discs, and 5-speed gearbox as opposed to the 6-speed gearbox of the 600 Bandit.
Many Suzuki motorcycles have the engine size cast into side of the cylinder block; 1200 Bandits (1,157 cc) do not have this but, apparently, some early production 1995 models do have 1,156 cc cast into the block. The 1200 Bandits have 15 tooth front sprockets and 45 tooth rear sprockets connected by 530V, 110 link rear chains.
1997
No changes. A version of the S Bandit with anti-lock braking was introduced for certain world markets. The 1997 ABS (anti-lock braking system) 1200 Bandit used a 114 link chain as opposed to the standard 110 link chain.
1998-2000
No significant changes.
2001
The 1200 Bandits received a similar revamp to the one the 600 Bandits received the previous year:
2004
2004 models added a 2-way catalytic converter (for some markets) to the exhaust system, and minor modifications to the exhaust metalwork.
2005
2005 models (K5 and SK5) were the last of the 2nd Generation 1200 Bandits.
2006
2006 (K6 and SK6) models received a revamp with a new shape tank, side panels, a height adjustable seat and a longer hexagonal-section swinging arm. The faired "S" versions also have a new shape fairing and mirrors along with a totally redesigned headlight system with over and under beams rather than the previous side by side system. These new models were offered with ABS brakes as an option. ABS brakes were fitted as standard on the UK specification SA model. Some markets also received height-adjustable handlebars. There were minor revisions to the transmission internal ratios as well. The 2006 Bandit 1200s were not sold in the USA but continued to be sold elsewhere around the world. The SK6 version is in generation 3 of the Bandit 1200S line and thus is the sole generation 3 model of the 1200 Bandit. This was the last of the SACS-engined Bandits with a motor design and technology that first saw the light of day in 1985 in the GSX-R 750.
GSF1250
2007
The GSF1250 range is launched. It has a new petrol injection, water-cooled engine which is compliant with Euro 3 emission regulations. The new engine generates similar power and torque to the earlier 1,200cc engine but the torque of 108 N·m (80 lbf·ft) is available at the lower engine speed of 3,750 RPM. An auxiliary balance shaft reduces engine vibrations. The GSF1250 also has a new six-speed constant mesh gearbox with the input shaft mounted below the crankshaft to reduce the length of the engine. This allows a longer swing arm for improved handling. .
The GSF1250SA version has ABS and Autumn 2007 saw the introduction of the limited edition Street Fighter, featuring a single seat with matching rear cowling, Renthal handlebars, and Yoshimura silencer.
2008
The 2007 GSF1250 and GSX125SA are unchanged.
The 1250GT Grand Touring version is introduced with a three-box hard luggage system, fairing lowers and sat-nav.
2009
2009 models carry over the same engines. The cylinders are once again plated with Suzuki’s "Composite Electrochemical Material", and also carried over is the Secondary Balancer Shaft further smoothens the rides.
In May 2009, it was announced that there will be a limited edition Bandit 1250SA 'Z'. It has a pearl mirage white paint scheme, with revised graphics and metallic silver wheels. Only 100 examples came to the UK.
2010
In September 2009 it was announced that 2010 will see the release of the GSX1250FA in Europe. It has the same engine and chassis as before, but a full fairing will make it similar in style to the smaller GSX650F.
The standard 1250A and 1250SA models for 2010 will feature a black engine.
2011
GSX1250FA remains unchanged from 2010 but comes to the US as a 2011 model.
2015
Suzuki reintroduced the GSF1250SA Bandit with a new half-fairing designed to wrap around the radiator shrouds, and added a front vent below the headlight to smooth out airflow behind the fairing.
GSX1250F
In some markets, including both the UK and USA, Suzuki has dropped the 'Bandit' name for the GSX1250 models. Produced from 2010 and last appearing as a 2012 model, it is essentially a fully faired version of the Bandit 1250 with top and side cases, windshield and more in its accessories list. Together with its partially faired model sibling it got a CARB certification and should return to the US market as a 2016 model.