1997 Suzuki GSF1200 Bandit review from United States of America

Some oil leaks have developed, but that's probably my own fault from taking it apart and tweaking it so many times.

The stock carburation was terrible; it was easily fixed with a dynojet kit.

I've had my Bandit for quite a while now, and at this point it only resembles its stock form on the outside.

THE STOCK BIKE was a great do it all mount. The stock carburation was terrible, and I would recommend a new pipe and a dynojet kit (stage 1) to anybody buying one of these. With these mods, the motor should be good for a solid 110 hp at the rear wheel and around 80 ft. lbs of torque. It will eat 600's at a stoplight, but don't let the race go better than 100mph, or that CBR will catch up pretty quick.

If you're not the type to mod things, I would stop here. The bike does everything well, and its cheap suspension will only be seen on a race track or with an extremely aggressive rider. For everyone else, save your money and leave the bike alone.

FOR THOSE WHO LIKE MODS: The bike has been bored out to 1216cc's, dome top pistons, GSXR cams, head has been ported and milled.015", ignition advanced about 6 degrees, stage 3 jet kit with pod filters, and I'm sure there's more.

The stage 3 kit works great, but will require some tinkering to get the carb jetted right. The bike has been to the track a couple of times, and the motor will outrun anything out there... the problem lies in the suspension and cornering clearance. Get yourself some aftermarket rearsets, or you'll be grinding pegs all day.

The bike has done everything for me; gone to the track, got groceries, handled my daily commute...it's reliable and fun. For the layman, it's a great bike in stock form. But for you gearheads, this bike can be cranking out 150 bhp for probably $1000 in engine mods. Where else can you get that performance so cheap?